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    Blue Bar

    3.4 (195 reviews)
    Closed • 3:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Blue Bar Photos

    Business Info

    BLUE BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Classy
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Blue Bar

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    aesthetics
    Jason M.

    My colleagues and I stopped at Blue Bar to grab a quick drink after finishing dinner. We were actually heading elsewhere but the blue hue that exuded from the front doors attracted us so we decided to go in and check it out. Even though it has its own separate entrance, Blue Bar is actually the hotel bar for the Algonquin Hotel; it's located right next door and you can access the lobby from the bar. We walked in around 8:30pm and we were lucky enough to find plenty of open tables so we situated ourself in the back. As suggested by the name, the main aesthetics are blue, and they really take it seriously. You're literally completely engulfed in the color blue - it's in the lights, on the chairs, the decor, and on the bar. I'll admit it's a tad overpowering, but I actually thought it was pretty cool. Anyway, dranks. The menu had a number wines but my eyes went to the creative selection of cocktails they showcased. At $20 a drink these are on the higher side for Manhattan, but it kind of makes sense since this is a hotel bar. Even though it's February, the Christmas cocktail looked appealing so I went with that. I'll be real I don't remember the kind of liquor in it, but it was garnished with cranberry and had hints of cinnamon in it. Overall I thought the drink was fine - it didn't blow me away but also wasn't bad; I guess I expected a bit more. Lots of reviews here complain of the service, but I actually thought that was a highlight of my experience. We were greeted promptly and even though we were seven people they had no hesitation seating us. Servers were quick and on top of our orders, so I really have nothing but praise to give. While I didn't feel my drink matched the price they charged, I would be willing to return to see if my opinion changes. In the meantime, the great service but underwhelming cocktail lands them at a 3 from me.

    Marqus R.

    I believe others have best described the Blue Bar as being a wannbe dive bar at Manhattan prices. That may seem odd as it is the bar of the Algonquin Hotel and the bartenders seem to be top professionals at least at making drinks though seemingly missing the pleasing personality of the job. But the drinks, though pricey, are solid far better than the average and perfectly mixed. I'd venture to say that their best drinks are those of the classics as opposed to those of the more exotic involving caipirinha concoctions or Matilda variations. As for the décor of the place, blue is its name and LED blue, blue, blue it is. The crowd is most of the well-heeled 30's to 40's something, rather decently dressed and generally fun loving as a group.

    James P.

    Fun place to catch a baseball game and some great great drinks. The bartenders are quick, attentive, and witty. Old fashioned is excellent. Nice atmosphere. Excellent service.

    Sahndra F.

    This is the bar for the Algonquin Hotel. Closes at 12;30 pm. Let's delve into the menu. Shall we? Under The Table Cocktails include "The Hamlet " etc. All $18. White wines are 15 -17,most expensive bottle at 84. Priciest red wine bottle's 425 (Ao Yun China) they have food too. The chef's "soup du jour" is $10. The rest go from ( Yes, they have veggie burgers at 22. Under their Bomb burgers, you can eat a NYC classic, a slider , and even a crab cake. I didn't try the food since I already ate at my hotel. Buuuut. I see duck here . And the room is BLUE As a James the James Cameron movie

    Alex I.

    Came here on Sunday afternoon. Plenty of open tables so we were about to get seats immediately. The cocktail menu is the same as the lobby of the Algonquin. It's not a huge selection but I had the Dorothy Parker and really loved it. The drink was great and the atmosphere was unique and classy. Here's where the two stars come in... the service was HORRIBLE. Our server was absolutely so rude, standoffish, and bothered by the fact there were people in his section. He never checked on us, we constantly had to wave him down. We also interacted with two bus boys who were equally miserable. Shocked at the awful service considering the Algonquin staff in the lobby and restaurant are so exceptional. Have a drink in the lobby and enjoy the same great drink but with professional and friendly service.

    Liz S.

    "Let's get out of these wet clothes, and into a dry Martini" - Robert Benchley (copied from my cocktail napkin at Blue Bar) Even though Blue Bar opened in the 90's, it feels like it has been there forever. Connected to the historically famous Algonquin Hotel, this dark-wood bar with its blue booths feels like a literary haven. You almost expect to turn around and see Dorothy Parker and her cronies deep in an alcohol-enhanced debate at the table behind you. Drinks are strong and named after the famous writers who inspired them (I indulged in the "Parker", natch. Strong, but not nearly as much bite as its namesake). They are not cheap ($15 for all cocktails), so sip slowly. The servers look about as old as the place feels. It really feels like you've stepped back in time, as they wait on you in their blue uniforms and their slick-backed hair. Blue Bar is a funky and quirky little place, and I really enjoyed my recent visit there. It is the polar opposite of the bar at the Royalton across the street - so much of a non-scene that I have always overlooked it in the many years that I have stayed on 44th Street. Well, that will not be the case from now on. Blue Bar, you and I will be old friends before long.

    So pretty!

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    8 years ago

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    2 years ago

    a holes starved us and brought out one single tray for roughly 200 people. rude as all hell.

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    Ask the Community - Blue Bar

    If you're 19, can you still buy a drink at the bar?

    Nah

    Would they allow someone who's under 21 to come hangout with company so long as they don't drink? Planning to go here for my 21st as a bar hopping stop! We'll be here in a large group.

    Yes

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    Review Highlights - Blue Bar

    “The Algonquin Hotel (attached) has a fascinating history, which I would love to explore in greater detail.”

    Mentioned in 16 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Paradise Lost - Beautiful interior

    Paradise Lost

    4.4(174 reviews)
    2.0 mi•East Village

    Thank goodness we FOUND paradise LOST. You ring the doorbell, and are buzzed in to be put on the…read morelist. For my group of 2, it was approximately a 25 minute wait on a Saturday at 7. We jumped over to the bar right beside and drank some girly drinks before getting the notification our table was ready. As with nearly every establishment in NYC, it is very close quarters in paradise lost. We stood at a table while waiting for seats at the bar to become available. Which, we didn't mind. I could see how this might be a little harder to get a seat for a bigger group if you aren't there before 6. It seemed that once a group got a big table, they camped out. The drinks were strong and creative. Friendly bartenders, good music, and yummy options for bar snacks. Also, the bathroom is a nice touch. Given the hell theming for the bar, the bathroom is a 180 and while using the Lou, you can listen to the bible being recited. Theres also a spooky surprise if you press the button in the bathroom. Speaking of the bathroom, it is at the bottom of some decently narrow stairs. So, try and stay sober enough for stairs or you may fall. Go to this bar. You will have fun.

    The vibe is cute, and the ambiance is cute, but everything is overpriced, although most tiki bars…read moreare. I don't know if I've ever had such a bad pina colada in my life at a tiki bar. I mean, I've had bad pina coladas at dive bars, but I expected more from this place. I would say it was very strong, though, so you know what? That's a good thing to be very strong for that price I'm paying. The spam musubi was also a rip-off. You see two here, but each one costs its own $10, so save your money. Eat somewhere else. Eat a pizza across the street.

    Photos
    Paradise Lost - Amazing atmosphere!

    Amazing atmosphere!

    Paradise Lost - Beware the shark!

    Beware the shark!

    Paradise Lost - Damned Dumplings ($10) and Kappa Krab Roll ($15)

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    Damned Dumplings ($10) and Kappa Krab Roll ($15)

    Osamil Upstairs - Ambiance / vibe

    Osamil Upstairs

    4.3(146 reviews)
    0.7 mi•Koreatown, Midtown West

    When you enter Osamil, the hostess will take you to a door near the bar that has a coded entry…read more It'll look like youre going up some random stairs until the lights slowly get dimmer and you reach the top with a red door. As soon as you open the door youre greeted with your party's name and brought to your seats. We opted to sit at the bar but there are tables to the left of the bar and a large sitting room to the left. The staff is very attentive and you will interact with them more than the bartender. We started off by ordering the Welcome Drink which is a bit if an aperitif and "gets your palette" so to speak. It was light, fruity, and a nice way to start the night. My first drink was the Adulting and they present it with a spritz if irange blossom. It is definitely a sipping drink due to the 14yr Balvenie. My second drink, Omija, was a lighter drink comparatively. The clarified yogurt gave it a bit of sweetness most Yakult drinkers are familiar with. My partner had both the 5th Ave and Iced Latte. Fair warning on the latte as the oat milk topping has a bit of a jelly consistency. It wasnt unpleasant but was a bit if a surprise when we went for an initial sip. Overall the Upstairs gives a very pampered and sophisticated feel that coordinates with the dining downstairs.

    A beautiful tastefully done Speak Easy on the upper level of a bar in Koreatown. You can get their…read morethrough an elevator or better still take the century old staircase! They have an amazing selection of mixed drinks and other types of alcohol. We got a cheese martini, a mezcal drink and a non alcoholic citrusy drink that tasted awesome! The drinks are priced at a premium (~$25 each) but the favors are worth it! Give it a try!

    Photos
    Osamil Upstairs - Chill ambience

    Chill ambience

    Osamil Upstairs - Beautiful interiors

    Beautiful interiors

    Osamil Upstairs - Inside coach seat area

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    Inside coach seat area

    Refinery Rooftop

    Refinery Rooftop

    3.8(1.4k reviews)
    0.3 mi•Midtown West
    •$$$

    Very surprised by our brunch at the rooftop. It was a rainy day but still had a really nice…read moreambiance. I do suggest making a reservation, this is on the top of a nice hotel. Our waitress was really nice and the service was so quick! First and foremost if I had to describe our brunch in one word it would be FLAVOR! Everything I ate had such a bold flavor to it. I'll start with the side of bacon, this had such a beautiful smoky flavor like it had been smoked all morning and was the perfect level of crisp and melt in your mouth. Next is the chicken and waffles. Normally this is just some chicken fingers on a waffle but not here! This was an actual piece of chicken that was seasoned and cooked with an amazing breading, juicy and delicious! The waffle had the perfect cook with crisp but not cutting your gums up in your mouth and with the butter and syrup it soaked up for a nice bite. Where I think the star was lost for us is on the avocado toast, while it was delicious with the jammy egg, there was too much avocado for the bread and the lime/citrus flavor took away from the natural flavor of the avocado spread. Guava juice with redbull was great and they gave us ice on the side for our drinks which isn't typical at a lot of NY restaurants.

    Great ambiance. You are on a rooftop in manhattan!…read more It feels like this place is always packed, strongly recommend a reservation before any visit. Otherwise there is limited standing room at the bar. Can't wait to go back.

    Photos
    Refinery Rooftop
    Refinery Rooftop
    Refinery Rooftop

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    Bar Bonobo - Hot & Dirty

    Bar Bonobo

    4.2(94 reviews)
    1.3 mi•Chelsea

    the aesthetic of a bar that's impossible to get into.. but actually attainable…read more - I love the orange dim lighting, circular bar in the back, and large booths. it is definitely a very loud establishment so if hoping to discuss anything serious, maybe not the spot - the drinks are all presented so well. a $18-20 cocktail seems inescapable these days so at least here they add a display that makes it worth it. the dirty martini comes in a mini pitcher over ice so you pour your own constantly crisp drink - the espresso martini has a full on smore on top. I saw them toasting each marshmallow with a blow torch, can only really respect the dedication. the drink was pretty solid, more chocolatey coconuty than deep espresso. - the cornstar martini is basically a pornstar martini and does not lean too hard into the corn for flavor (I think it's a good thing) but comes on a plate of truffle popcorn. very fun! - service was perfectly attentive, no complaints there

    For starters this is very appealing bar, pretty decor and ample seating and what appeared to be a…read moredecent happy hour menu. My friend and I decided to stop in for happy hour as it seemed to be a good option. We were greeted by the bartender who was very kind and took our order right away. We ordered the Cornstar martini , which was extremely tiny. However, the drink was crafted very well and tasted great. In addition we ordered oysters, chicken nuggets, and wagyu sliders, which we were shortly told they were out of oysters. The martini was indeed tiny as 'tiny' was noted on the menu however you are better off ordering a regular sized drink for that price. Our food order took a significant amount of time to come and when it arrived it was all burnt. My friend and I took a few bites and it was not edible at all. Overall this is a great place for drinks but I would opt out of it for happy hour.

    Photos
    Bar Bonobo - Back Bar area

    Back Bar area

    Bar Bonobo - Very cool Friday night vibes on a Wednesday at 5pm

    Very cool Friday night vibes on a Wednesday at 5pm

    Bar Bonobo - Bar area

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    Bar area

    Blue Bar - whiskeybars - Updated October 2026

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