New York City's Top Hotel Bars

In the city that never sleeps (and the city that never is without a drink), it is near impossible to pick the best watering holes, especially among hotel bars. Fortunately, we've combed the streets and have rounded up what we think is an A List of where to imbibe in New York City's hotel scene.

 

Made by Galleria.

The Bar at Clement, The Peninsula

New as of October 1, Clement brings a new dining concept to The Peninsula New York. The Bar at Clement, a separate section of the restaurant, is a classy and sophisticated precursor to dinner. We hear that signature cocktails include the Ink and Dagger (think Tanqueray, muddled blackberries, cardamom leaves and Q Soda), and Sassafras Cobbler (think Dickel Rye, sassafras leaves and pickled blueberries). 

Trouble's Trust, The New York Palace

As part of a massive $140 million renovation that debuted in September, The New York Palace is showing off a swanky new bar. Trouble's Trust goes for that "downtown bar" on an uptown block, with a floor-to-ceiling wine display and a long bar that resembles liquid metal.

Henry, A Liquor Bar, Hudson

Henry, A Liquor Bar is a cocktail bar and lounge featuring an inventive and experimental mixology program at Hudson. Mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana is mixing up elixirs like Polleno, made with fresh sour apple, sweet apple, fino sherry and fennel pollen, and the Living Cocktail, made with miso caramel, homemade carrot vinegar and reposed tequila. 

Upstairs at The Kimberly, The Kimberly Hotel

Thirty stories above Manhattan is a penthouse bar that has VIPs drinking in style. The 3,000-square-foot bar at the Kimberly Hotel has three separate indoor/outdoor atmospheres, a retractable glass ceiling and walls, and views of the Chrysler Building. Cocktails, small plates and weekend brunch is what this bar is all about.

Plunge Bar + Lounge, The Gansevoort Hotel Meatpacking District

The recently refreshed Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge is the original in the Meatpacking District, offering 360-degree views of the Hudson River and Manhattan, indoor and outdoor terrace and a fully landscaped garden with cabana seating.

The Top of the Standard, The Standard

Every rooftop bar in NYC is after the "best view" award, but we are pretty sure that the blue ribbon goes to The Top of the Standard at The Standard High Line. In the afternoon guests are welcome for tea and drinks, while in the evening, live jazz and dim lighting turn this lounge into a sexy, chic hotspot. 

The Lobby Bar, Ace Hotel

The Lobby Bar at the Ace Hotel is an all-purpose space for guests and the public. Designed to invite people to meet, socialize, work or drink (or all of the above), the communal area is industrial in design and gives off that new-age New York hipster feel.

Bemelmens Bar at The Carlyle

Lovers of the Madeline children's books will feel right at home at the bar with the eponymous name for the author. The bar at The Carlyle lives up to its Art Deco legacy, and guests fall in love with the large-scale murals on the walls, which are the only surviving Bemelemns' commission open to the public.

Rose Bar, Gramercy Park Hotel

This exclusive bar at the Gramercy Park Hotel is home to some of Manhattan's most well-heeled elite. It hosts Fashion Week after parties, in addition to celebrity book launches and world-class DJs are known to spin there on more than one occasion. Inside guests will find custom furniture from director Julian Schnabel, along with a Maarten Bass billiards table. 

The Library Bar, The NoMad

While the library theme is popular for bars nowadays, patrons at The Library Bar at the NoMad will find that in addition to a chic watering hole, the space is actually a two-level library. Guests can lounge by day and enjoy light fare and finger foods. By night, the space transforms into a cocktail destination. A literary collection includes volumes on topics like The History of New York, Music and Cocktails and Spirits.