New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [126]
Four Seasons.
Maybe it’s true that, as some wag once said, “History is made at night.” But New York City (and American) history are made at lunchtime, too, here in Philip Johnson’s landmark temple of modern design. Come nightfall, watch for politicos and media moguls at The Bar. | 99 E. 52nd St., between Park and Lexington Aves., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/754–9494 | www.fourseasonsrestaurant.com | Subway: E, M to Lexington Ave./53rd St.; 6 to 51st St.
Galway Hooker.
The name actually refers to a kind of Irish fishing boat (but then, you knew that already, right?). It’s sought out as one of Midtown’s most authentic, and best, Irish pubs. Even on a block with a high number of fine drinking establishments, the Hooker stands out thanks to its gorgeous circular bar, intriguing orange lighting, spirited after-work crowd, and bartenders, some of whom might just actually hail from the Emerald Isle. Snag one of their business cards, too—on the back are words of wisdom from the best Irish writers. | 7 E. 36th St., between 5th and Madison Aves., Midtown East | 10016 | 212/725–2353 | www.galwayhookernyc.com | Subway: 6 to 34th St.
King Cole Bar.
A justly beloved Maxfield Parrish mural of “Old King Cole” himself, as well as his psychedelic court, adds to the already considerable elegance at this romantic and essential Midtown meeting place. Try a Bloody Mary—this is where the drink was introduced to Americans. | St. Regis Hotel,2 E. 55th St., between 5th and Madison Aves., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/753–4500 | www.starwoodhotels.com | Subway: E, M to 5th Ave./53rd St.
Lever House.
This spot on the garden level of one of the city’s most stylish office buildings (built in 1952) draws a younger, faster, louder crowd than its closest competition, the Four Seasons. People flock here to see and be seen in a futuristic, honeycomb setting where everybody looks like they’re somebody, even when it’s just a facade. | 390 Park Ave., at 53rd St., entrance on 53rd St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/888–2700 | www.leverhouse.com | Subway: E, M to Lexington Ave./53rd St.; 6 to 51st St.
P. J. Clarke’s.
Mirrors and polished wood and other old-time flair adorn New York’s most famous Irish bar, a redbrick brawler of a joint. Steeped in Hollywood lore—Steve McQueen was once a regular, and scenes from the 1945 movie Lost Weekend were shot here—Clarke’s draws in the after-work crowd that appreciates drinking beer and eating exceptionally juicy burgers around a sense of history. | 915 3rd Ave., at E. 55th St., Midtown East | 10022 | 212/317–1616 | www.pjclarkes.com | Subway: 4, 5, 6, N, R to 59th St.–Lexington Ave.
Top of the Tower.
There are lounges at higher altitudes, but this one on the 26th floor wins wide acclaim for its atmosphere of subdued elegance and East Side location, within spitting distance of the United Nations. (But no spitting on the diplomats, please—it’s not diplomatic.) There’s live piano music Wednesday–Sunday nights. | Beekman Tower Hotel,3 Mitchell Pl., near 1st Ave. at E. 49th St., Midtown East | 10017 | 212/980–4796 | www.thebeekmanhotel.com | Subway: 6 to 51st St./Lexington Ave.; E, M to Lexington Ave./53rd St.
The Volstead.
Named for the Volstead Act, which instituted Prohibition back in the ’20s, this new subterranean bastion of cool is simply indispensable. In a gorgeous though tasteful setting that features just the right mix of mirrors, chandeliers, polished wood, and velvet wallpaper, a friendly staff and an ace barkeep