Great NYC Hotel Bars to Check Out This Summer

by Sonie Guseh on Aug 2, 2016 in Roundups

Hotel bars in New York City are a summertime staple. Often touting rooftop seating with sky-high views of the city, classy cocktails and elegant vibes, a variety of hotel bars are perfect additions to your summertime drink list. This roundup includes a mix of some of the city’s most classic hotel bars, along with others great for after work happy hours or weekend nightlife. Take a look at this list for ideas for your next get-together over a cold brew, wine, or a summery cocktail.

The Standard Biergarten
The Standard Biergarten, part of the Standard Hotel near the High Line, is an institution in the Meatpacking District. Outdoor, picnic-style seating is great for summery weekend days and evening happy hours. The bar features typical German fare with a wide array of beers on tap. If it’s too hot, check out the indoor seating area with cozy bar stools and the fresh cocktails. A fun aspect of the Standard Biergarten is that the bar also features special tables where you can pour your own beer from built-in taps right at your table. (848 Washington St.; 215-645-4100)

Monarch Rooftop Lounge
The Monarch Hotel’s Rooftop Lounge is well-positioned for commuters coming in and out of Penn Station. This is evident during the work week, as the after-work crowd makes its way over from midtown-area offices in a sea of blazers, blue and white collared button-down shirts, and A-line sheath dresses. Because it’s one of the few rooftop bars within walking distance from Penn Station, it’s great for regional commuters looking for an after-work pick-me-up during the work week. Check out their summery cocktails like the Peach Palmer (featuring Deep Eddy Iced Tea, peach and lemon vodka, peaches, soda water, and mint). (71 W 35th St.; 212-630-9993)

King Cole Bar
Definitely the most formal hotel bar on this list, the King Cole Bar in the St. Regis Hotel is considered by many to be a traditional Upper East side-area institution, especially given its proximity in the east 50s. The award-winning bar touts its well-known Bloody Marys, as well as its signature Fifty-fifth and Fifth drink, complete with Belvedere, fresh lime, sherry, and preserves. (2 E 55th St.; 212-339-6857)

W Hotel Downtown
Right near the financial district and the World Trade Center, the W Hotel Downtown is another option for the after-work crowd, this time for those in the southernmost part of the island. Every day, the hotel bar offers Sip Daily happy hour specials – beer and wine for under six bucks – a special treat, given that that price point which is pretty unheard of for many hotel bars in the city. Each day features a different specialty cocktail for $11. (8 Albany St.; 646-826-8600)

Bookmarks Lounge at the Library Hotel
Bookmarks Lounge, which pays homage to book lovers, features creative cocktails inspired by literature. Located on the 14th floor of the boutique midtown hotel, just blocks away from the iconic headquarters of its namesake institution, the bar and lounge area is a bit more serene than your typical rooftop bar. The vibe is relaxing and cozy, with comfy, reading room-style arm chairs and library-inspired bookcases. (299 Madison Ave.; 212-980-9476)

Top photo via the Monarch
Old King Cole photo via Flickr user Adam Jones, Ph.D. - Global Photo Archive

SHARE THIS

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions: