THE ART OF LIVIN 2015 TOP 10 TEN SALOONS AND LOUNGES IN NYC

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It’s been two years since I have updated my list and I thought it was time to do it again. Many of you that know me know I am a creature of habit and I don’t like change. That being said The Roof at Aretsky’s Patroon is still the champ at No. 1. Some of the staff is gone but the new staff picked up where the old left off and now that it is Autumn and not so hot The Roof will be even better. I am pleased to let you know that I have three new additions to my Top Ten and sorry all of them are above 34th Street. Coming in at No. 6 is Randolph’s. Randolph’s is a great blend of Old New York and Old Hollywood. At No. 8 is Monkey Bar. Monkey bar looks and feels like a scene out of Mad Men. At No. 9 the bar at Club Macanudo. The Club as I like to call it has a great staff and you can SMOKE! One honorable mention I would like to add is the roof top at the new Knickerbocker Hotel this is a great place and I am sure it will crack the top 10 for 2016. We also had some movers up and down so check out the complete list below:

  1. The Roof At Patroon’s – (160 East 46th Street) – Still Reigning Champ!! A small roof top bar at the top of Aretsky’s Patroon is a great midtown hide-a-way, with Great staff and Great Bar food (the best Pig’s in a Blanket & Onion Rings Anywhere).  Even though the Staff has changed they are still the best of anywhere period.  They know how to pour a drink and of course you are able to light up your Cigar after 2pm. It is a real credit to the owner and great gentleman and more importantly my friend Ken Aretsky
  2. Blue Bar – (59 West 44th Street) – Very Old School New York, located in the Algonquin Hotel (a NYC Landmark).  When you enter you step back in time to the New York City that I love and miss.  I have dubbed Christian the bartender as “THE BEST BARTENDER in NYC”.  His signature drink is his Old Fashion.  He remembers everyone’s drink and name.  A must go
  3. Bemelmans Bar – (35 East 76th Street) – Tucked inside the Carlyle Hotels is an old fashioned dark, low ceilings, great staff and great drinks.  Oh and by the way live Jazz nightly.
  4. King Cole Bar – (2 East 55th Street) – This New York City landmark.  Their signature cocktail is the “Bloody Mary” which is believed to have morphed from the “Red Snapper” which was served at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris.
  5. Campbell Apartment – (89 East 42nd Street Grand Central Station) – Another Old School Bar that has the charm of Prohibition era.  Make reservations it get very crowed
  6. Randolph’s – (65 West 54th Street) Randolph’s is nestled inside the Warwick Hotel this is a great old school lounge named after William Randolph Hearst who built the hotel for his mistress Marion Davies. The have real bartenders who know how to pour a cocktail.
  7. Carnegie Club – (156 West 56th Street) – One of the last Cigar Bars in New York.  Great drinks and atmosphere.  Cigar prices are a little steep, you can bring your own, but you will have to pay a cutting fee.  Saturday nights are the best.  Almost every Saturday night you can see two shows of Sinatra Saturday’s with Steve Maglio & the Stan Rubin Orchestra
  8. Monkey Bar – (60 East 54th Street) is another old school bar with great bartenders. It is a saloon that makes you feel like you just stepped onto the set of Mad Men. Great spot for food also.
  9. Cub Macanudo – (26 East 63Rd Street) The semi-private club has a huge circular bar reminiscent of the Original Toots Shor’s place on 51st. The staff is incredible they service is terrific and the bar tenders are getting better.
  10. The Bar at Patroon’s – (160 East 46th Street) – A small cool little bar on the ground floor of Aretsky’s Patroon.  Same Great staff as the Roof, but small quiet, great place for a business cocktail.