Here are three bars in Manhattan that offer an atmospheric getaway from the bustle of the streets, all the while enjoying some of the most excellent cocktails the city has to offer.
I know quiet and Manhattan does not exactly go hand in hand, which is why these three bars are outstanding. Hidden away in the most unlikely avenues and side streets, you might not even notice some of these venues walking by, as that is their purpose! From old speakeasies to hidden balcony views of the Empire State Building, here are three beautiful bars you can visit to see a quaint side of the mega-city.
Raines Law Room
48 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
The Raines Law Room is affiliated with four different venues, however, it is the Chelsea and Williams Hotel bars that are the most “famous.” The name parodies the legislation which declared only hotels could serve alcohol. As such, the original Raines Law Room stands as an homage to the speakeasy era, crafting excellent Prohibition era-style cocktails. In fact, the bar remains hidden today as it did then. To enter it, you must ring a doorbell at the (semi) secret entrance and wait to be brought in. The latter is, even more aptly, located in the William Hotel. Though less secretive, it still boasts an impressive menu, an intimate atmosphere, and most importantly, a quiet getaway to visit with your friends. Both venues include an outdoor garden and curtained “stalls” to enjoy your drinks in privacy. If you visit, you absolutely must try their Garden Paloma!
Park Avenue Tavern
99 Park Ave, New York, NY 10016
This one is an outlier, as it is more of a restaurant than a bar. Located right in front of Grand Central Terminal, the Park Avenue Tavern is an Irish-style sports bar with incredible attention to mixology. Its most popular drink, and understandably so, is the “Pot of Gold” Fashioned, an Irish take on the whiskey classic. It also features an incredibly central location, indoor and outdoor seating, and dozens of TVs to watch numerous sports. While this venue is no quieter than the streets outside, avoiding peak times allows you to enjoy an ambient restaurant with friendly staff (ask for Oscar if you visit!)
Spyglass
47 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Located within the Archer Hotel, the Spyglass is another one of those spots you would miss if you were not looking for it. Walking in, you are ushered to the elevators that take you to a fantastic scene – the balcony bar has an awing view of downtown, being able to see the Empire State Building as if you were already there (and not paying 50 bucks to see it.)
What’s more is that you cannot hear the city from up there, owing to the hidden location and the small crowd, mainly consisting of hotel guests. Suppose you want to visit a bar that is not only quiet and brand new, as it only opened on May 10th, 2021 but all-inclusive. In that case, you’ll find that its cocktails – such as the Archer’s Pride – are one of the many small extensions of Manhattan’s more friendly side.
It is easy to find yourself lost in a concrete jungle of reverberating noise. As a non-city boy myself, I was delighted to discover that places such as those mentioned above do exist in the heart of Manhattan. These venues are especially perfect for folks who find it difficult to travel outside of the city to get away from the noise, as you can find a modicum of peace and quiet in the city’s streets (if you are willing to look closely.)
Tom travels to New York on a bi-weekly basis to visit his significant other and explore the famous Jazz & Bar scene.
