NYC's 5 Best Bars To Entertain Out-Of-Town Guests
Birreria at Eataly
200 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY
(212) 229-2560
eatalyny.com/eat/birreria
The rooftop beer garden and microbrewery atop this buzzing 50,000-square-foot Italian food mall is open year-round. Try cask ales made on premise paired with Italian cheeses and cured meats as well as Austrian- and German-inspired fare such as house-made sausage and beer-braised pork shoulder. Highly rated and founded by celebrity chefs such as Mario Batali, this place has been packed since opening earlier this year, so be sure to make a reservation well in advance.
Campbell Apartment
15 Vanderbilt Ave.
New York, NY
(212) 953-0409
hospitalityholdings.com
See Also: 5 'Haunted' NYC Spots
Grand Central is a tourist attraction on its own, so while you're there, whisk your guests to this classic cocktail bar on the southwest mezzanine. The elegant space converted from the 1920s office of tycoon John W. Campbell still evokes the vibe of Old New York with 25-foot-high painted ceilings, an enormous fireplace and dark wood details. Considered one of the most impressive bars in the city, make sure everyone in your party follows the dress code: no sneakers or jeans allowed.
Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel
35 E. 76th St.
New York, NY
(212) 744-1600
thecarlyle.com/dining/bemelmans_bar
Take a break from strolling Central Park to grab a drink at this iconic hotel bar featuring murals by Ludwig Bemelmans of the Madeline children's books fame. Sink into plush leather banquettes and sip seasonal cocktails such as the Walk in the Park (Absolut Citron, Green Chartreuse, lime juice, mint, simple syrup and Champagne) or the Spiced Cranberry Margarita (Herradura Silver Tequila, Cointreau, cranberry juice and lime juice with a spicy salted rim). Expect civilized service and a soundtrack featuring jazz and showtunes.
The Lambs Club
132 W. 44th St.
New York, NY
(212) 997-5262
thelambsclub.com
When your guests have had their fill of Times Square sightseeing and holiday window gawking (and you want to regain your sanity), head to this posh Art Deco restaurant and bar in the Chatwal Hotel. Whether you opt for a meal by chef Geoffrey Zakarian or not, don't miss the Mad Men style cocktail bar on the second level. Highlights of the drinks program by Sasha Petraske include the Blue Moon (gin, lemon juice and violette liqueur) and the Singapore Sling (gin, Benedictine, Cherry Heering, lemon juice, pineapple juice and soda), both $16 each.
Ella Lounge
9 Avenue A
New York, NY
(212) 777-2230
ellalounge.com
So where do you go when your guests want to see what this "East Village" is all about, but they don't exactly want to breathe in that dive bar smell? This swanky Old Hollywood style cocktail bar and jazz lounge is bound to impress, and your guests will feel trendy just walking through the door. Seasonal cocktails include the Casablanca (Cognac, pumpkin, Cointreau, cinnamon and lemon juice) and the Chandelier (Herradura Reposado Tequila, absinthe, grapefruit juice, mint, lime juice, agave nectar and Peychaud's Bitters). If you're lucky, catch live jazz acts in the downstairs piano room.
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Selena Ricks-Good writes about drinks and produces events as The Dizzy Fizz.
