Top 10 Old-School Hotel Bars in NYC worth visiting for a drink
These historic hotel bars deliver timeless atmosphere, expert service, and classic cocktails. They are grouped by neighborhood so you can locate them easily. Enjoy!
Upper East Side
Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel
This 1940s jewel features whimsical Ludwig Bemelmans murals, live piano most nights, and an unhurried elegance that feels like stepping into a 1940s movie.
Signature drink: the Old Fashioned, stirred table-side with perfect precision.
Two E Bar & Lounge at The Pierre
Housed in a 1930s landmark, the intimate space offers gilded ceilings and a quiet, clubby vibe ideal after a busy food crawl. Signature drink: the Pierre Old Fashioned, finished with a hint of orange zest and house bitters.
Midtown East
King Cole Bar at The St. Regis
Opened in 1932, the bar is famous for Maxfield Parrish’s iconic mural and for inventing the Bloody Mary (originally called the Red Snapper).
Signature drink: the Red Snapper, made with the house spice blend.
Peacock Alley at The Waldorf Astoria (reopening in phases)
The legendary lobby bar where power brokers and presidents once mingled remains a study in Art Deco glamour.
Signature drink: the Waldorf Cocktail, a bright blend of rye, vermouth, and absinthe.
Midtown West
The Blue Bar at The Algonquin Hotel
Home of the famous Algonquin Round Table literary group since the 1920s, the wood-paneled room still feels like a private club for writers.
Signature drink: the Matilda, a vodka-based tribute to resident cat lore.
The Oak Bar at The Plaza Hotel
With its dark wood, leather banquettes, and views of Central Park South, this 1907 bar is pure Gilded Age romance.
Signature drink: the Plaza Cocktail, a crisp mix of gin, maraschino, and orange bitters.
The Rose Club at The Plaza Hotel
Located just off the lobby, this quieter cousin to the Oak Bar offers afternoon tea service that transitions beautifully into evening cocktails.
Signature drink: the Rose Club Fizz, light and floral with gin and rose water.
Rum House at Hotel Edison
A Theater District hideaway since the 1930s, it features live jazz nightly and a relaxed yet refined mood.
Signature drink: the Dark ‘n Stormy, elevated with house ginger syrup and aged rum.
Flatiron / NoMad
The Bar Room at The Beekman
Though the hotel itself is newer, the soaring 19th-century Gothic space and classic cocktails create an old-world European tavern feel.
Signature drink: the Improved Whiskey Cocktail, finished with absinthe rinse and lemon oils.
The Lobby Bar at The NoMad Hotel
Set in a 1900s bank building, the space blends historic details with a cozy, book-lined atmosphere perfect for an evening wind-down.
Signature drink: the NoMad Cocktail, a gin-based drink with sherry and apple brandy.
The Rose Club at The Plaza
Located just off the lobby, this quieter cousin to the Oak Bar offers afternoon tea service that transitions beautifully into evening cocktails.
Signature drink: the Rose Club Fizz, light and floral with gin and rose water.
For over 27 years…
Foods of NY Tours has been leading food and cultural walking tours through New York’s most delicious and historic neighborhoods. We handle the planning and flow, while our guides bring each area to life so your group can simply relax and enjoy themselves.
Skip the planning, book a tour with us!
Heart & Soul of Greenwich Village Food and Culture Tour: $89 per person
Chelsea Market & The Highline Food and Culture Tour: $89 per person
Flavors of Chinatown Food and Culture Tour: $89 per person
Nolita’s Past and Present Food and Culture Tour : $89 per person
Original Greenwich Village Food and Culture Tour : $89 per person
Please contact us if you have any questions.
917-408-9539 (Mon-Sun 9:30am -2pm)