United States
Fabulous all-American bar in one of the best NY hotels where the bloody mary was invented. You have to go in the cosy bar with comfortable leather armchairs, fabulously attentive staff, lovely nibbles and, of course, the best bloody mary in town.
Two East 55th Street, at Fifth Avenue, New York
www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/index.html
Recently opened in Hells Kitchen. This really is a sexy place - with no attitude and a good vibe. It's billed as a 'stylish, sophisticated gay bar'. Early evening is happy hour, half-price martinis. America seems to like 'shaken' martinis - everyone knows they should be stirred but, what the hell, when in the USA, do as the Americans do.
They're lethal. The music gets going a little later, and an upstairs level opens up, doubling the capacity. It's dark, loud and full of gorgeous boys and girls - many still in their work suits, others out for the evening. I was out on the town on my own, and I really liked it there - the people were friendly and were happy to chat. I left, several hours later, staggering, but smiling.
VLADA LOUNGE
331 West 51st Street
212-974-8030
www.vladabar.com/index.html
Enjoy feeling part of the New York scene, especially early evening on a weekday, overlooking the beautifully elegant concourse of Grand Central Station and watching the world go by. Ideal for people watchers!
Grand Central Station - on the balcony. Not sure of the name - Metrazour??
A revolving rooftop cocktail lounge/restaurant with absolutely stunning views over Manhattan. The full revolution takes about an hour and is particularly magical at night whilst enjoying a cocktail in style - not cheap, but well worth it - and the sensation of sitting inside a panoramic postcard of Manhattan. Particularly enjoyable if you are nosy is peering into the rooms of a high rise residence as you pass by...
At the top of the Marriott Marquis Hotel, Times Square, Midtown Manhattan. Access via the lift in the main lobby
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