New York City has something for everyone. Whether you are the type to seek out the best slice of pizza in Hell’s Kitchen, or the hottest nightclubs or even tour with a bike Central Park style, the city’s five boroughs is sure to satisfy.
For some, a trip to New York City offers a once in a lifetime chance to splurge and put on the ritz. For others, the luxurious side of the city is what draws them there. Regardless, there’s nothing like unwinding after a day in the Big Apple with a nightcap at one of the many fine drinking establishments.
The Campbell Apartment
The Campbell Apartment is one of the more accessible elite bars in New York City. Located just off the iconic Grand Central Station, the Campbell Apartment is an ornate tribute to the 1920s when it originally opened. Patrons are expected to wear appropriate attire (don’t expect to walk in off the street in jeans and a t-shirt).
Featured in hit television shows like Gossip Girl, the Campbell Apartment has an extensive cocktail and wine list, though prices reflect the surroundings. If you plan on stopping by before catching the subway, plan to spend at least $12 per drink.
The King Cole Bar
The King Cole Bar is located in the St. Regis Hotel. It’s famous not only for its connection to fame– Marilyn Monroe, Salvador Dali, and John Lennon are just a few famous patrons– but for being the original home of the Bloody Mary. Apparently, at its conception in the 1930s, the Bloody Mary was called the Red Snapper.
The King Cole Bar is the epitome of elite, with drinks starting at $24. Depending on your dedication to the experience, and your budget, you may choose to pair your cocktail with one ounce of Osetra Caviar for $325. The King Cole Bar is located in Midtown Manhattan, in proximity to the Rockefeller Center, Trump Tower, and the Museum of Modern Art.
Top of the Standard
The Top of the Standard is, as the name suggests, on top of the stunning Standard hotel. Located over the High Line–a re-purposed elevated train line that now features a park-like walking trail– this hotel can be found in the Meatpacking District. Each room offers ceiling to floor windows with views of the Hudson River.
With the stunning views offered in the rooms, it’s no surprise that the Top of the Standard is equally exquisite. The dress code is smart casual, and drinks start at around $12 each.
Bemelmans Bar
Bemelmans Bar is located in the Carlyle Hotel on East 76th Street between Madison and Park Avenue. Referred to as a high-end piano bar, Bemelmans is the epitome of art-deco with large-scale murals, 24-carat gold leaf-covered ceilings, brown leather, and black granite.
Frequented by celebrities and politicians, expect to pay $20 per drink at Bemelmans. Dress smart and prepare for high-class patrons and smooth jazz.
Dear Irving
Dear Irving is inspired by the movie Midnight in Paris and features rooms inspired by The Great Gatsby, Marie Antoinette, JFK, and Abraham Lincoln. It is ornate, whimsical, and unforgettable. The different rooms make it possible to host private parties at the exclusive spot and bartenders keep things interesting with hand-carved ice cubes.
The extensive list of cocktails starts at around $15 each, with simple yet elegant food options at an affordable rate. Prepare to feel like you’re traveling through time in this one-of-a-kind bar and restaurant.
With thousands of bars in New York City, not including restaurant/bar combinations, there are options for every level of elite visitors of the Big Apple. Whether you’re looking for high-end enjoyment during the entirety of your trip or just trying to have a drink at an iconic location so you can say you were there, be sure to check out the fabulous establishments on this list!
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Carol Colborn
December 17, 2017 at 2:28 pmGreat selection! Nothing on 5th Avenue??? Do you also have a selection of luxurious restaurants?
Carmen Edelson
December 19, 2017 at 4:10 pmCarol, you’ve given me an idea for another post! Thanks 🙂
Tam Warner Minton
December 17, 2017 at 6:49 pmWell….guess what?? I love them all! And their history!
Carmen Edelson
December 19, 2017 at 4:11 pmI do too! Thanks for reading, Tami 🙂
Jenn and Ed Coleman
December 17, 2017 at 9:21 pmIt’s always a toss-up to wear comfortable clothes for city touring or dressing up for a night on the town. We were just in Singapore and went to The Sands. We had the great idea of enjoying a roof top drink and watching the Gardens by the Bay below, kind of like Top of The Standard. We were a little too slumpy so we had to pass on the nightcap. We’ll have to remember our big kid clothes so we can enjoy nights out on the town. Great list of destinations in New York.
Carmen Edelson
December 19, 2017 at 4:12 pmYes, that can be challenging when you’re running around all day! Hope you’re able to pay a visit to the Big Apple soon 🙂
Paul
December 20, 2017 at 4:49 pmNew York has some amazing places to eat and drink, maybe in the future we will be able to afford some of these! ha ha
Carmen Edelson
December 20, 2017 at 4:52 pmI hope you get to visit and treat yourself sometime in the near future 🙂
Edith
December 21, 2017 at 2:06 pmDear Irving look so fancy! and the picture of the drinks looks so refreshing! Next time I’m in New York, I’ll have to visit one of these luxurious bars!
Carmen Edelson
December 27, 2017 at 9:05 pmThat’s great, Edith! I hope you get to visit at least one of these on your next trip.
Samantha
December 22, 2017 at 3:10 amGreat list! Some of these bars have so many cool stories behind them. I would love to visit Dear Irving one day!
Carmen Edelson
December 27, 2017 at 9:05 pmGreat choice, Samantha! Dear Irving is definitely my favorite 🙂
Food and Footprints
December 27, 2017 at 10:50 amInteresting! Haven’t been to any of these yet, but great to know about. Have heard of the Campbell Apartment before – cool that it is tucked into Grand Central!
Carmen Edelson
December 27, 2017 at 9:12 pmNow you have a reason to plan an NYC trip 😉
muhafazakar villa
March 5, 2018 at 1:33 pmI really believe that saying about Newyork. And it is great list, thanks for sharing with us. Campbell Apartment is the best one for me.
Carmen Edelson
March 7, 2018 at 2:00 pmGreat choice, I love Campbell Apartment!
Best Nightclubs in New York
April 6, 2019 at 5:55 amHi,
Thanks for sharing this informative and useful post.
Carmen Edelson
April 9, 2019 at 1:37 pmHappy to share, thanks for reading 🙂
ERIC G. KELLY
April 29, 2021 at 6:23 amImpressive!! Thank you so much for sharing this post…
Carmen Edelson
April 30, 2021 at 1:46 pmAlways happy to share!