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The best Midtown cocktail bars

If you're going to spend $20 on a cocktail, you might as well make it an event. From immersive bars inspired by New York City's history to whimsical venues that transport you out of the city, Midtown has some of the best places to grab a drink in the Big Apple. Whether you're splurging on a night out with friends or want to host an extravagant cocktail party, here are some of our favorite Midtown cocktail bars to host your next special occasion.


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Travel back in time at this Midtown cocktail bar: Dear Irving on Hudson1
Travel back in time at this Midtown cocktail bar: Dear Irving on Hudson image 2

1. Travel back in time at this Midtown cocktail bar: Dear Irving on Hudson

Midtown, NYC

Whether you're drawn to the Roaring 20s or the quirks of the Mid-Century, you can find both at Dear Irving on Hudson. High above the streets of Midtown on the 40th floor, you'll be transported back to the Jazz Age, with bead-draped interiors as shimmering as the skyline outside. Up on the 41st floor, enjoy cozy seating nooks and funky geometric furniture that evokes classic 60s Bond films - as referenced by the posters of 007 and the display of Fleming novels.


However, choosing a floor is as difficult as choosing one of Dear Irving's creative cocktails. With seasonal flavors and non-alcoholic options crafted by bartender Meaghan Dorman, you might just be inspired to take up a career as a burgeoning mixologist. Luckily, Dear Irving hosts cocktail classes where you can try your hand at making some of their signature drinks.


Dear Irving on Hudson can be split into four event spaces, each accommodating up to 75 guests, and 300 altogether for a total buyout. They also offer wedding packages that include everything from the cake to an ordained minister.



tanner smiths midtown cocktail bar nyc.
A Prohibition-era cocktail bar: Tanner Smith's image 2

2. A Prohibition-era cocktail bar: Tanner Smith's

Midtown, NYC

Around the corner from Carnegie Hall, you can step back in time to 1910s New York at Tanner Smith's. Named after the infamous Upper West Side gangster, this Midtown cocktail bar takes inspiration from Smith's own establishments, the Winona Club and the Marginal Club. These acted as meeting places for Smith's gang and speakeasies once Prohibition was in full effect.


Nowadays, the only traces of this unsavory history lie in the names of Tanner Smith's cocktails and the rustic decor. This bar is less a spot for criminal activity and more a place to grab a drink with friends or partake in the especially gangster Tipsy Tea Brunch. However, they have kept the spirit of the original speakeasy intact with Polly's, a glamorous cocktail bar that doubles as their event space located below the main dining hall.


The entire venue includes five separate event spaces that can be configured to suit your party. They also offer a full buyout for 250+ guests and can include open bar and appetizer packages.



valerie midtown cocktail bar nyc
valerie midtown cocktail bar nyc

3. Come on over to this glamourous Midtown cocktail bar: Valerie

Midtown, NYC

With a towering display of bottles behind the bar and a resident jazz band that plays modern classics like Amy Winehouse songs, Valerie is the perfect place for a glitzy gathering. The ornate decor, grand staircase, and posters of silent film stars give the space a sense of Roaring 20s grandeur.


The menu includes a wide variety of unique gin and tonics as well as creative takes on classic cocktails, like the S'mores Old Fashioned. They also serve elevated comfort food on their brunch, lunch, and dinner menus.


For events, you can rent out sections of the space, such as the Blushing Bar which looks out over the dining hall and has its own private bar. This mezzanine can accommodate up to 75 guests, but the venue offers a full buyout for bigger parties.



the parlour room midtown cocktail bar nyc
the parlour room midtown cocktail bar nyc

4. A cocktail bar with cozy library vibes: The Parlour Room

Midtown, NYC

The Parlour Room would be the perfect venue for an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery party or the ideal meeting spot for a book club. With its cozy seating arrangements and book-covered walls, this bar feels like the study of a manor house crossed with Central Perk from Friends.


In keeping with the bookish theme, their cocktail menu takes inspiration from famous authors with drinks like "The Gatsby Royale" and "Catcher in the Rye." The Parlour Room also has an impressive collection of over 450 whiskeys and offers tasting flights to let your party sample them based on region.


The Parlour Room can host up to 200 guests for a full buyout. The mezzanine and study are available for more intimate gatherings of 15 to 40 people.



oscar wilde midtown cocktail bar nyc
oscar wilde midtown cocktail bar nyc

5. A wildly eccentric Midtown bar: Oscar Wilde

Midtown, NYC

Oscar Wilde once said "Everything in moderation, including moderation" and this bar has certainly taken that sentiment to heart. Oscar Wilde, the bar, is a maximalist's dream — every inch is covered with knick-knacks, paintings, and even fireplaces that originally warmed the halls of Irish castles.


The Celtic influence continues on the drink menu with cocktails inspired by Irish musicians, such as the "From Eden" based on the song by Hozier. Oscar Wilde also serves a dinner menu of small plates and signature entrees as well as a weekend afternoon tea and a late-night Friday menu.


The venue offers a full buyout for up to 225 people. The intriguingly named Temptation Room can accommodate private dining for 30-65 people. You can also reserve just the whiskey bar or main bar for smaller parties.



Gin cocktails galore: Ivory Peacock1
Gin cocktails galore: Ivory Peacock image 2

6. Gin cocktails galore: Ivory Peacock

NoMad, Midtown Manhattan

It’s not every day that you go into a cocktail bar that has its own “Gin Bible,” but because the Ivory Peacock has the second-largest gin collection in the world, it makes sense. This Midtown cocktail bar is renowned for its inventive twists on classic drinks and its meticulously curated menu.


The home of the gin collection is the Emerald Bar, where guests can taste this impressive collection in a room with velvet seating, a marble bar, and antique chandeliers. If you are looking for a room with a speakeasy-style lounge, look no further than the Ploume, where you can enjoy a live DJ and high-energy atmosphere.



Find the perfect cocktail bar near Midtown.

Shake things up at a cocktail bar in Midtown, where the mixologists are magicians and the drinks are your potion of choice. Rent a space to book an event that's a blend of sophistication and a splash of the city’s spirited essence. Hiring a cocktail bar in Midtown means your event will stir up excitement and shake off the conventional.

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Your Guide to Hiring Cocktail Bars in Midtown South Central

Why Midtown South Central is the Perfect Spot for a Cocktail Bar Event

Midtown South Central is a dynamic and stylish neighborhood known for its high-end bars, elegant lounges, and innovative cocktail menus. Whether you’re hosting a private gathering, a corporate networking event, or a birthday celebration, cocktail bars in this area provide a mix of sophistication and creativity.

With its proximity to major business hubs and transportation connections, Midtown South Central is a prime location for anyone looking to rent a cocktail bar for an exclusive event.

The Best Cocktail Bars in Midtown South Central

From hidden speakeasies to elegant rooftop lounges, here are the best cocktail bars in Midtown South Central.

High-End Cocktail Lounges

For those looking for a refined, upscale cocktail experience, Midtown South Central has some of the most sophisticated bars in the city.

The Rag Trader offers a multi-level cocktail experience with a vintage-inspired ambiance and expertly crafted drinks.

Valerie is a modern cocktail bar with art-deco decor, known for its creative drinks and inviting atmosphere.

Lambs Club provides an old-school luxury cocktail experience, making it perfect for private gatherings and upscale networking events.

Hidden Speakeasies

Midtown South Central is home to several exclusive speakeasies, where guests can enjoy a curated cocktail experience in a discreet setting.

Patent Pending is a science-themed speakeasy hidden behind a coffee shop, offering some of the most inventive cocktails in the city.

Lantern’s Keep provides a true speakeasy vibe, with a focus on pre-Prohibition-style cocktails and an intimate atmosphere.

The Office NYC, located inside The Aviary, provides an elevated cocktail tasting experience with personalized drinks and an elegant setting.

Contemporary and Lively Cocktail Bars

For a more energetic and social setting, Midtown South Central also offers vibrant cocktail bars with high-energy atmospheres.

Refinery Rooftop is a chic rooftop cocktail bar with handcrafted drinks and stunning views of the Empire State Building.

The Polynesian brings a tropical tiki-inspired cocktail menu to Midtown, offering an exotic and colorful bar experience.

Porchlight is a Southern-inspired cocktail bar, providing a warm and welcoming space with expertly mixed drinks.

What to Consider When Booking a Cocktail Bar in Midtown South Central

Choosing the right cocktail bar for your event involves more than just finding a stylish space. Here are the key factors to consider.

Event Size and Layout

Determine if you need a private room, a semi-private area, or a full venue buyout to accommodate your guests comfortably.

Cocktail Menu and Drink Pairings

Some cocktail bars offer curated tasting menus or signature drink pairings. If you’re looking for a specialized menu, confirm customization options in advance.

Budget and Booking Policies

Many cocktail bars have minimum spend requirements for private events. Confirm pricing details, including deposit requirements.

For more details, check out HeadBox’s venue listings.

Final Thoughts

Midtown South Central is home to some of the finest cocktail bars in New York, offering a perfect setting for private events, celebrations, and networking gatherings.

Looking for the perfect cocktail bar? Use our Venue Matching Service.

Ready to book? Let HeadBox help you secure the ideal cocktail venue today.

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