New York’s Top 10 Drinking Establishments
Stylish sommelier and Champagne advocate Kyle Ridington offers his tips on the most tasteful New York spots wherein to wet your whistle, whatever mood takes you.
TOP HISTORIC NEW YORK BAR: The Campbell
The Campbell, formerly known as The Campbell Apartment, is a lounge located in Grand Central Station that used to be the office of John W. Campbell, a wealthy financier and member of the board of directors of New York Central Railroads. Campbell was a man of discernment with a taste for the finer things. In the 1920s, he built the 3,500 square foot space with 25 foot ceilings, installing a Persian carpet custom-made to cover the entire floor of the office (the rug alone cost $300,000 — several million in today’s money), a fireplace, an organ and a piano to entertain friends during after-hours gatherings. Recently renovated, the place retains the same spirit of the early 20th century with some original pieces of furniture still in situ. A very grand setting and ideal for a pre-dinner or pre-theatre cocktail.
GREATEST PLACE TO DRINK IN THE VIEW: One Hotel
A new addition to the beautiful cobblestone paved and aspiring upper-class neighbourhood of Dumbo, Brooklyn. One Hotel is adjacent to the FiDi across the East River, exploiting views that run up the coast of the East Side and down to Governor’s Island and the Statue of Liberty. It’s a clean view with no obstructions, where you’ll watch helicopters from the Hamptons dropping passengers off, witness the never-ending traffic of water taxis and barge boats, and be dazzled by the sun reflecting off the highrise skyline. The view is beautiful and clear — and signature New York.
DIVE BAR NIRVANA: Mr. Fong’s
The bar was named Mr. Fong’s after the top real estate mogul in Chinatown, who found the space for the current owners. Located deep in Chinatown, where you can smell the rotting fish, listen to rats shuffling through the trash and see half-smoked cigarettes still burning on the street, is this oasis of dive bars. Décor-wise, think black-and-white floor tiles, leather circular booths and palms planted throughout. There’s a jukebox, DJ booth, cheap cocktails and cheaper beer. It’s open until 4am daily and the crowd can range from art to fashion to blue collar.
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