Advertising
You are not logged in

New York Magazine

Skip to content, or skip to search.

Skip to content, or skip to search.

Home > Nightlife & Music > King Cole Bar Lounge

King Cole Bar Lounge

Critic's Pick Critics' Pick

St. Regis Hotel
2 E. 55th St., New York, NY 10022
between Fifth and Madison Aves.  See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
212-753-4500 Send to Phone

  • Reader Rating:

    9.0 out of 10

      |  

    3 Reviews | Write a Review

  • Scene: Business Crowd, Bar Food, Classic NY, Hotel Bar, Restaurant & Bar, Romantic, Swank
Photo by Robert K. Chin

Official Website

stregis.com

Hours

Mon-Thu, 11:30am-1am; Fri-Sat, 11:30am-2am; Sun, noon-midnight

Nearby Subway Stops

B, D, E at Seventh Ave.

Payment Methods

American Express, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Profile

After you've run the gauntlet of the St. Regis lobby, take refuge in the dark, lavish, woody warmth of The Bar With That Famous Mural (Maxfield Parrish actually painted "Old King Cole" for another hotel bar, but we won't quibble). Mixological lore also has it that the so-called "Red Snapper" came over from Harry's New York Bar in Paris and eventually morphed into the Bloody Mary, King Cole's signature cocktail. Beyond these claims to fame, this is the place for making good impressions and stimulating conversation, and even if you're capable of neither, be heartened that the chestnut lighting will flatter you, the beer nuts are the best you'll ever have, and your top-shelf liquor cocktail will be stiff. The scene can be subdued and tinkling or downright hectic. If you're lucky enough to secure a table at the banquette, settle in and sip slowly as the Old Guard and the Well-Maintained parade by.

Dress Code

No shorts or sneakers after 5pm. No hats at any time.

9.0 "Highly Recommended"
Average Reader Rating
on a Scale of 10
Write Your Own Review
100% Would you go back?
66% Would you take a date?
0% Would you go on business?

Where the Bloody Mary Was Invented

MC10036 from 10036 | Posted on 12/4/06

Overall Rating: 8 (Recommended)

I can't afford to go here often, but I enjoy it on a Friday after a particularly long/exhausting week, or when I need to have a serious discussion w a good girlfriend. Stiff drinks, tasty bar snacks, atmosphere that feels lively yet somehow hushed at the same time.

Nice dark room

mrs_effingwell from | Posted on 3/9/05

Overall Rating: 9 (Highly Recommended)

I wish it wasn't so small. Peak hours you can't get near the place. Cocktails always perfect, and the food's pretty good. Seems to be a good supply of old guys with what appeared to be youngish working gals, spicing up the room.

Read All 3 Reviews >>

Advertising

Latest News Near

Advertising
Advertising