Interesting Bars
  1. Home
  2. New York City
  3. King Cole Bar

King Cole Bar

Two East 55th Street (at Fifth Avenue), Midtown Manhattan, New York, NY 10022, USA
+1 212 753 4500
39
$$$$
sophisticated
historical
experience

Nestled off the lobby of The St. Regis New York in Midtown Manhattan, King Cole Bar is one of the most storied and elegant hotel bars in the world. Dominated by the iconic Maxfield Parrish mural of “Old King Cole,” installed in 1932, the bar exudes early 20th‑century grandeur and refined charm. Legend has it that Fernand Petiot perfected (and popularized) the Bloody Mary here—initially dubbed the “Red Snapper” to suit the St. Regis’ refined clientele. Since then, the bar has welcomed A‑list luminaries like Salvador Dalí, Marilyn Monroe, John Lennon, and countless others, and has been featured in major films and TV series. Following an eight‑month renovation completed in 2024, the bar now offers a refreshed menu and interiors that balance updated plush aesthetics—think midnight-blue carpeting and purple velvet seating—with its classical legacy. Signature cocktails remain front and center, including the Old King Cole Martini (gin, vermouth, amaro, burnt orange peel), alongside modern riffs like strawberry‑lemongrass vodka sodas. The ambiance is refined yet inviting—moody lighting, intimate seating, and attentive service make it ideal for quiet conversation and sipping history in a glass. Light fare such as crab cakes, oysters, sliders, club sandwiches, and desserts complement the drinks menu. Time appears suspended here—an opulent yet cozy refuge that honors tradition while embracing contemporary flair. No wonder it was named the #1 hotel bar in the U.S. by Food & Wine’s 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards.

King Cole Bar - Image 1
View on Google Maps

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

More Bars in New York City

Sip & Guzzle - Image 1
$$$$
mixology
speakeasy

Sip & Guzzle

Discover dual‑level elegance at Sip & Guzzle: start upstairs for vibrant 1860s‑style saloon vibes, then descend into a tranquil Japanese‑inspired speakeasy—astounding cocktails and izakaya fare await.

Read more
The Chapel - Image 1
$$$$
speakeasy
cocktails
live-music

The Chapel

The Chapel Bar is a moody speakeasy-style lounge inside a restored 19th-century chapel adjacent to Fotografiska, with jewel tones, velvet booths, creative cocktails & live events. A dramatic spot for late-night elegance.

Read more
Martiny’s - Image 1
$$$$
artistic
sophisticated
historical

Martiny’s

A refined Japanese‑style cocktail lounge nestled in an 1800s carriage house in Gramercy—Martiny’s blends Tokyo hospitality and artistry with theatrical drinks, Kimura glassware, warm oshibori towels, and luxurious omakase‑style service.

Read more
The Campbell - Image 1
$$$$
historical
live-music
cocktails

The Campbell

A gilded‑age masterpiece hidden in plain sight—step into The Campbell, where soaring Florentine ceilings, plush mohair seats, a historic safe‑fireplace, and live piano jazz blend into timeless elegance.

Read more
Apotheke - Image 1
$$$$
mixology
speakeasy
cosy

Apotheke

Hidden behind a historic door in Chinatown, Apotheke is a theatrical apothecary‑themed speakeasy where white‑coat bartenders craft medicinal-style cocktails using house-made tinctures for an immersive, chemistry-inspired experience.

Read more
Shinji’s - Image 1
$$$$
concept
cocktails
whiskey

Shinji’s

Shinji’s is an immersive, intimate 18‑seat cocktail bar in Flatiron offering theatrical, nostalgia‑inspired drinks with technical flair, rare Japanese whisky, and tableside hand‑rolls in an opulent, moody setting.

Read more
Sake Bar Decibel - Image 1
$$$$
cosy
aesthetic

Sake Bar Decibel

Dive into Decibel: NYC’s underground sake pioneer—punk riffs, neon signs, and 100+ sakes served beneath East 9th Street in a dim, intimate den where music, sake, and counterculture collide.

Read more
Clemente Bar - Image 1
$$$$
artistic
cocktails

Clemente Bar

An art-filled, plant-forward cocktail haven perched above Eleven Madison Park—Clemente Bar blends evocative murals by Francesco Clemente with precision-crafted drinks and refined bar bites in an intimate, stylish lounge.

Read more
Employees Only - Image 1
$$$$
Speakeasy
Cocktails

Employees Only

Employees Only NYC is a legendary speakeasy hidden behind a psychic’s storefront in the West Village. Known for expertly crafted cocktails, late-night vibes, and top-notch hospitality, it’s a must-visit for cocktail lovers.

Read more

Interesting Bars

© 2025 Interesting Bars. All rights reserved.

Instagram

·

Built by Phil

Company

About

Blog

Product

Cities

Countries

Categories

Bars Near You

Legal

Terms

Privacy

Copyright & Image Policy