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Luxury Travel NYC

The New York Journal · Dining

Cocktail Bars in New York for a Civilized Evening

For a drink before dinner or somewhere to land after the theater, these rooms keep a civilized pace.

By Luxury Travel NYC Editorial··4 min read

Warm theater district lights at dusk seen softly through a car window

In brief

  • Hotel bars usually stay open later than restaurant kitchens.
  • Go early or late for a better chance of a table at the busiest bars.
  • Smart-casual dress is advised at the hotel bars.

Kitchens close early in New York, but good bars do not. These three rooms are where we would go for a quiet cocktail before dinner or after a show.

Bemelmans Bar — Upper East Side

Inside The Carlyle, the whimsical murals by Ludwig Bemelmans and live piano make this one of the most charming bars in the city.

Good to know: Busy in the evenings; go early or late for a better chance of a table.

King Cole Bar — Fifth Avenue & 55th Street

The St. Regis bar, centered on the Maxfield Parrish mural, is the classic spot for a quiet cocktail in Midtown and the home of the Red Snapper.

Good to know: Smart-casual dress is advised. It works well as a pre-dinner stop before an evening on Fifth Avenue.

Dante — MacDougal Street, Greenwich Village

A beloved Village café-bar with an Italian aperitivo spirit, known for its Negronis and relaxed, convivial feel.

Good to know: Casual and walk-in friendly, a good counterpoint to a formal dinner elsewhere.

FAQ

Questions, Answered

Do I need a reservation at Bemelmans Bar?

It is busy in the evenings, so go early or late for a better chance of a table; check current policies with the hotel.

What should I wear to a New York hotel bar?

Smart-casual is advised, particularly at the King Cole Bar.

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