NYC is home to many things…including cool hotels to spend a night at, rooftop bars to take in a view, and so much more. But what about the best of the both worlds?
What many New Yorkers don’t realize is the beauty and underratedness of grabbing a drink at a hotel bar across the city! You don’t even have to be a guest!
Usually with stunning ambiance and innovative cocktail menus, these spots create a chic environment that is hard to replicate! Next time you want to feel luxurious…or just impress a friend or date, take them to one of these swanky hotel bars.
1. Bar Blondeau at the Wythe Hotel
Starting in Brooklyn, we advise elevating to the Wythe Hotel’s sixth floor to check out this French-style bar from chef partners Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber. The rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, all while you sip on their international selection of natural wines, signature cocktails, and frozen drinks. Plus if you’re hungry, you can try their seafood-forward food menu. Learn more and see menu here.
Where: 80 Wythe Ave, 6th Floor, Brooklyn
2. The Raines Law Room at The William Hotel
This speakeasy-style hotel bar offers dark and cozy vibes that are inspired by post-Prohibition NYC. After you’re done admiring their luxurious decor, plush velvet seating, and dim lighting, you can dig into the signature cocktails (which they take very serious). Their high-quality spirits, house-made syrups, fresh ingredients, and top-tier mixologists will offer you an experience you won’t forget. There’s also another location in Chelsea as well. Learn more and see menu here.
Where: 24 E 39th St (btwn Park & Madison)
3. The Mark Bar at The Mark Hotel
Step into the chic and lively Mark Bar, which was designed by Jacques Grange with specially made furnishings by Guy de Rougemont and Vladimir Kagan. It’s located on the Upper East Side and has one of the more stylish lounges in all of NYC. Plop a seat on one of their old fashioned stools, or gather a group after work and drink on their cow-print couches. It’s truly such a vibe. Learn more and see full menu here.
Where: Madison Avenue at 77th St
4. Recreation Bar at Moxy NYC Downtown
Recreation Bar is one of the most unique hotel bars NYC has to offer. Inspired by the rec room at your neighbor’s house, the retro space has throwback arcade games like Ms. Pacman, Donkey Kong, Jenga, Skee-Ball and even a half court-sized basketball court you can rent out for private events. The bar features 8 seasonal draft cocktails that pair perfectly with their snack menu highlights like hot honey toast or pork belly sliders. More details here.
Where: 26 Ann St, New York
5. The Champagne Bar at The Plaza Hotel
If you want to feel like royalty, you have to check out The Champagne Bar at the Plaza…it’s our best kept secret. The elegant spot overlooks Fifth Avenue and The Pulitzer Fountain, making it one of the most stunning around. During the day you can enjoy light gourmet fare and specialty coffees…but we suggest going at night to make the most of their top-tier champagne, caviar, and wines. Learn more and see menu here.
Where: 768 5th Ave
6. The Rum House at Hotel Edison
The Rum House is widely-known as a great hotel bar, and it’s due to their culture and ambiance that they combine with their expertly-created cocktails. On any given night you can shop in and see live piano and jazz music, all set against the back drop of the bar’s rich wooden paneling and dim lighting. Learn more and see menu here.
Where: 228 W 47th St
7. The Bar at Baccarat Hotel
The Baccarat’s 60-foot bar is home to tons of elegant wines and craft cocktails that are waiting to be tried! The luscious red interior, complete with crystal chandeliers makes it look like you’re stepping into Versailles, and the clientele feels just the same. If you go, make it an event…and wear your nicest attire while you sip on libations poured into stunning pieces of Baccarat crystal. Learn more and see menu here.
Where: 28 W 53rd St
8. The Bar Room at The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel
This sophisticated bar is “the living room of downtown Manhattan” according to their website, and it truly does feel like home. The stunning Victorian-style atrium and elegant decor it boasts creates an intimate ambiance complete with awesome cocktails. Their seasonal cocktail menu is always changing, but it always incorporates the finest of liquors and ingredients. Learn more here.
Where: 123 Nassau St
9. Grand Bar & Salon at The Soho Grand
They weren’t exaggerating when they named this spot the “Grand” Bar & Salon…it’s stunning. From the gold-polished marble top oak bar to the chandeliers inspired by New York Public Library, it’s the perfect blend of chic and modern. If you go here, we suggest trying one of their 50 rare American Whiskeys or carefully crafted cocktails by mixologists Natasha David and Jeremy Oertel. Learn more and see full menu here.
Where: 310 W Broadway
10. Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle
Bask in the murals of Ludwig Bemelmans at this hotel bar, an artist behind many classic children’s books. Between its old-world charm and live jazz performances, you never know who you might see stop in here. From everyday visitors to movie stars to even influencers. It’s a great night out for drinks and entertainment. Learn more and see full menu here.
Where: 35 E 76th St
11. Lounge on Pearl at The Wall Street Hotel
Super casual yet chic, Lounge on Pearl is an all-day hotspot where you can enjoy a light bite, after-work cocktail, or take in the rich palette of jewel tones and lush textiles that surrounds the space. We suggest going to their “Martini & Oyster Mondays” which offers some of the best deals on their signature drinks and oysters! Learn more and see full menu here.
Where: 88 Wall St
12. King Cole Bar at the St. Regis New York
This historic and upscale bar has been one of NYC’s most notable hotel bars for decades, and it’s responsible for creating the Bloody Mary cocktail. Its luxurious interior has been explored by the likes of Salvador Dalí and Marilyn Monroe over the years, so you know it’s the real deal. If you’re hungry, order their signature Red Snapper and thank us later. Learn more and see menu here.
Where: 2 E 55th St
13. The Lobby Bar at the Ace Hotel New York
This bar is hip and relaxed, and is a nice getaway if you need a step back from the bustling streets of Manhattan. It’s a great spot to people watch, considering many artists, musicians, creatives, and locals come here to hang, drink, and be inspired. The industrial-chic decor and bohemian vibe make it a great place to mingle, drink signature cocktails, and relax. Learn more and see full menu here.
Where: 20 W 29th St
14. The Bowery Lobby at The Bowery Hotel
Imagine cozying into the most comfy den you can imagine, it’s exactly the lobby of the Bowery Hotel. Take a moment to check out all of the racks of antlers on the walls and art…then plop a seat in a velvet couch while you sip on a signature whiskey drink. Everything from the wood-lined walls to the Persian rugs screams lavish. There’s also a cute outdoor patio too if you want to get some sun. Learn more and see full menu here.
Where: 335 Bowery
15. The Crosby Bar at The Crosby Street Hotel
Stretching from Crosby Street at the front to Lafayette Street at the back, this spacious SoHo bar is extremely inviting and perfect for some drinks with friends. The high ceilings and warehouse-style windows offer great views of the NYC streets, and their leafy green decor (both inside and out) are superb. Learn more and see full menu here.
Where: 79 Crosby St
16. The Bar Downstairs at Andaz Fifth Avenue
Beneath the fabulous Andaz Fifth Avenue awaits a speakeasy-style bar & restaurant that’s perfect for hotel guests and the public. We recommend you stop by to order their New York Happy Meal which consists of a classic martini and truffle fries—what’s better than that?! They also offer breakfast, a new snack menu, and of course dinner and drinks. Learn more here.
Where: 485 5th Ave, New York
17. Salon de Ning at The Peninsula
Consisting of two outdoor terraces and an intimate interior bar, The Peninsula’s Salon de Ning is best known for their sweeping skyline views and world-class cocktails. The bar’s theme blends 1930s Shanghai with the vibrancy of New York City, which is reflected in their diverse cocktail and food menu. Sip Asian-fused drinks under Chinese lanterns, or snuggle up on a plush couch next to the fireplace indoors. It’s great for every occasion. Learn more and see menu here.
Where: 700 5th Ave, Floor 23
18. Penthouse on Park at Royalton Park Ave
Enjoy city views with a cocktail in hand on the wrap-around terrace at Penthouse on Park. Afterwards, you can head inside for more seasonal cocktails and light bites in their luxurious lounge space with floor-to-ceiling windows. Learn more here.
Where: 420 Park Ave S