The Best Cocktail Bars in Hotels in New York City
New York City is well-known for its impressive nightlife and cocktail bars, from hippy hole-in-the-walls to elegant lounges. But, cocktail bars housed within some of the finest hotel properties in the city are something else entirely. From classic New York institutions to new and exciting bustling spots, here’s our list of the best cocktail bars within hotels in New York City.
The King Cole Bar & Salon at the St. Regis
The King Cole Bar & Salon at the St. Regis have been one of New York City’s favorite cocktail bars since its opening nearly a century ago in 1934. Heavily laden with pre-Prohibition history and decor, this exquisite bar is luxurious and classic.
The highlights of the bar include the Maxfield Parrish painting over the bar’s mantelpiece, the signature King Cole Old Fashioned and the house Bloody Mary, garnished with a lobster claw and a celery stalk.
The NoMad Bar at the NoMad Hotel
The NoMad Bar at the NoMad Hotel features pre-Prohibition classic cocktails and modern drinks designed by renowned mixologist Leo Robitschek. Dark wood walls and rich leather accents remind guests of the original NoMad’s famous Beaux Arts exterior.
The bar’s signature cocktails include the NoMad Manhattan and The Cameo, which is Dillon’s house-infused vodka, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, orgeat syrup, Licor43, and fresh lemon. The NoMad Bar serves up classic bar snacks ad modern day bar-style food.
The Rainbow Room Bar at 30 Rock
The Rainbow Room Bar at 30 Rock is located on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center building and serves classic drinks with a modern twist. This swanky and luxurious bar is reminiscent of the Prohibition era, with its cozy leather banquettes and cigars.
The classics on the menu range from a Manhattan to a Negroni, served with creative ingredients and garnishes. Be sure to try a Gotham Night, made with rye whiskey, cherry amaretto, lemon, and mint. And for food, the bar features a delicious raw bar and a curated charcuterie selection.
The Skylark at the Hilton Hotel
The Skylark at the Hilton Hotel is one of the most popular cocktail bars and lounges in all of New York City. Located on the 33rd floor of a Midtown Manhattan skyscraper, the lounge offers soaring views of the city landscape across the Hudson River and New Jersey coastline.
Cocktails on the menu include innovative cocktails such as the Farmer’s Mule, made with vodka, strawberry-infused gin and ginger beer, and the Boulevardier Flip with Bourbon, Cynar and Averna. Unwind with a classic martini or a one-of-a-kind specialty cocktail.
The Pool Lounge at the The William Hotel
The Pool Lounge at The William Hotel is the perfect spot to enjoy a poolside cocktail at a property located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The outdoor pool area is surrounded by lush, exotic greenery and lush daybeds, creating a tranquil and luxurious escape from the city hustle and bustle.
Indulge in one of the signature cocktails, such as the Prohibition-era Humphrey Collins or The New Yorker, made with gin, lime, and elderflower liqueur. There’s a selection of beer, wine, and bubbles on the menu too, should you wish to enjoy a bev in the sun.
The Bars at the Baccarat Hotels and Resorts
When it comes to five–star luxury and opulence, the Baccarat Hotels and Resorts don’t disappoint. The hotel and its various bars are amongst the most swanky and exclusive spots in all of New York City.
The Grand Salon is a grand ballroom that doubles as a bar, featuring hand–crafted cocktails and some of the city’s best mixology. Meanwhile the Bar at KB serves classic and contemporary cocktails in a cozy and chic atmosphere.
The Top of the Tower Bar at the Beekman Hotel
The Top of the Tower Bar at the Beekman Hotel is located on the 26th floor of a 1929 Beaux Arts skyscraper. There’s no better venue to relish incredible views of the city skyline from the heart of Lower Manhattan.
The specialty drinks on the menu include the Shangri–La, made with gin, yellow chartreuse, vermouth and lime, and the New High, created with whiskey and sour carrot and cardamom syrup. The bar menu also offers an assortment of light bites, and there’s weekly jazz every Monday evening.
The Plaza Hotel Bar
The Plaza Hotel Bar is a classic, as it’s been a popular hangout since its opening in 1907. Located in the iconic Plaza Hotel, the bar overlooks 5th avenue and Central Park.
Classics on the menu range from Tom Collins and the gin and tonic to classic martinis and the Old-Fashioned made with Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon. The bar also offers craft beers and small bites.
There’s no shortage of incredible cocktail bars in New York City. From the no-frills hippy hole-in-the-walls to swanky and plush spots in some of the city’s finest hotels, there’s something for everyone. The above list is just a few of our favorites. Cheers!
