Outside of New York, having summer guests means tidying the guest room and taking friends to the beach. In NYC, having visitors usually means having to schlep to tourist traps like the dreaded Times Square. Until recently, nightlife in the madness of midtown was seriously lacking. Whether you work in the area or are doing your duty as tour guide, here are some bars in Times Square that will help you take the edge off. By Selena Ricks-Good.

Lantern’s Keep at the Iroquois Hotel

49 W. 44th St.
New York, NY
(212)453-4287
lanternskeepny.com
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Offering a seductive Parisian vibe, the drink menu at this hotel salon was created by Meaghan Dorman of Raines Law Room. Settle into a blue velvet sofa and sip cocktails inspired by Europe in the 1920s and ’30s, when Prohibition drove American bartenders overseas. Try the Wildest Redhead (scotch, allspice dram, Cherry Heering, lemon juice and honey) or the Poet’s Dream (gin, orange bitters, dry vermouth, Benedictine). Small plates include fried chicken liver crostini and seared sea scallops.

The Rum House at The Edison Hotel

228 W. 47th St.
New York, NY
(646) 490-6923
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This hotel bar was recently revamped by the gentlemen who own Ward III in Tribeca. The wood-paneled drinking den has been polished for a new crowd of imbibers, offering a menu of classics as well as rum cocktails. Adding to the relaxing ambience is a nightly piano player clad in vintage dress. Knock back an Old Fashioned while you forget about the touristy melee around the corner.

Forty Four at the Royalton Hotel

44 W. 44th St.
New York, NY
(212) 944-8844
royaltonhotel.com
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One of last year’s most ambitious bar openings in the city, Forty Four flaunts a drink menu created by not one mixologist, but six of the best bartenders from around the country, who call themselves “The Cocktail Collective.” Situated past the Royalton’s sleek, modern lobby, the u-shaped bar offers a menu of classics and originals. Reach for the Reconciliation (rye whiskey, Amaro Lucano and housemade orgeat served over a block of ice in a Sambuca-rinsed glass).

The Lambs Club at the Chatwal Hotel

132 W. 44th St.
New York, NY
(212) 997-5262
thelambsclub.com
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Upstairs from the restaurant featuring cuisine by Geoffrey Zakarian, a mezzanine art deco bar awaits.  Although the prices match the swanky decor, the drinks here, designed by Milk & Honey owner Sasha Petraske, use fine ingredients such as bottled tonic. Unwind with a Raspberry Fix (white rum, lime sugar, raspberries and crushed ice), at least until the bill comes.

The Drink NYC Nightlife Archives:

The 4 Best Bars Near Times Square

The 3 Best Iced Tea Cocktails In NYC

The Best New Bars In New York

Tribeca’s Best Bars

The Best NYC Bars For A First Date (Part II)