King Cole Bar and Lounge Maxfield
Parrish’s famous mural of Old King Cole, rich mahogany paneling, and
sumptuous seating set the stage for New York’s most famous hotel bar,
which has only been admitting women since 1950. Lush, luxurious, and
very expensive, the soft piano music sets a mood that makes it easy to
clinch a deal or spark a romance.
King Cole Bar
Bar 44 at the Royalton Located
in the heart of Manhattan’s Midtown, the Royalton launched a legion of
boutique-style imitations when it first opened in 1988. A $17.5 million
renovation to the lobby, bar and restaurant in 2007 bid adieu to the
post-modern Philippe Starck interior. Bar 44 is now cozy, with elements
of brass, steel, wood, velvet, suede, and fur, while Brasserie 44 is a
light, airy space with teak banquettes and cream-colored leather. Monkey Bar A
sophisticated spot with a whimsical theme – monkey murals and light
fixtures, even a Purple Monkey cocktail. Monkey Bar is a long-time
favorite, which serves Chinese food with a modern twist. The bar
attracts a well-heeled, well-dressed crowd.
Monkey Bar
Flute Proudly
stocking over 150 types of champagne, several of which are available by
the glass, this former speakeasy successfully blends high-end opulence
and a sumptuous menu with a romantic atmosphere and friendly service.
Flute
Campbell Apartment This
is a gem hidden in Grand Central Terminal. Housed in the richly
paneled, luxurious former offices of 1920s railroad tycoon John W.
Campbell, this bar features leaded glass, a beautifully painted beamed
ceiling, and a carved wood balcony, all inspired by a Florentine
palazzo. Single-malt scotches or vintage wines are appropriate choices
to complement this elegant setting. The dress code is business-casual. Pen-Top Bar and Terrace There
is a stylish new look after a 2008 renovation but the views of city
lights needed no improvement at this 23rd-floor oasis. The outdoor
terrace is an unbeatable spot on a balmy summer night. Devotees say it
is well worth the steep tab. Plunge Enjoy
superb views of the New York skyline and the Hudson River from this
rooftop bar at the trendy Gansevoort Hotel, in the Meatpacking District.
Although a little on the expensive side, this is a great spot to hang
out in the summer months. Boathouse Bar Watch
the sun set and the lights come on across the skyline at this outdoor
bar beside the lake in Central Park, a location worthy of a movie set.
The setting is particularly romantic on warm nights when rowboats and
gondolas glide by.
Park View at the Boathouse
Hudson Bar With
a backlit glass floor, elaborate, hand-painted ceiling and unusual
Louis XV meets Star Wars decor, the bar at the Hudson Hotel draws a
stylish crowd. Punters love the vibe here despite the high price of
drinks, and those looking for a quieter spot can always head for the
hotel’s Library Bar. Ñ Head
for this out-of-the-way block in SoHo to discover an absolute gem: a
raffish bar with polka dot walls, reasonably priced drinks, and Spanish
tapas to be enjoyed with a choice of sherries, fruity sangria, or
Spanish wines. Live flamenco music in the evenings adds to the
atmosphere. This place is small and extremely popular so get there early
to ensure a seat.
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