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Written by Madeline Burbridge - July 18 2024


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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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.



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tanner smiths midtown cocktail bar nyc.

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.



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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.



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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.



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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.



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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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The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Cocktail Bar in Midtown

So, you’ve decided to host an event in Midtown. You’re brave, ambitious, and possibly a little bit mad. But fear not! This ultimate guide will help you navigate the concrete jungle to find and hire a private cocktail bar that will make your event the talk of the town. Whether it's for a corporate shindig, a birthday bash, or a “just because” celebration, Midtown's got the perfect spot for you. So, buckle up and get ready to dive into the wild world of Midtown bar hire!

Why Midtown?

Midtown Manhattan is the epicenter of everything fabulous in New York City. Home to Times Square, Broadway, and more Starbucks than you can count, it’s the place where tourists and locals alike come to experience the quintessential NYC vibe. And Midtown is nothing without its stereotypical crowd: you’ve got your Wall Street tycoons sipping $20 martinis, Broadway divas belting out show tunes at karaoke bars, and fashionistas strutting their stuff as if every sidewalk is a runway.

But let’s be real – you’re not here for the tourist traps. You’re here to find a cocktail bar where you and your guests can enjoy some fabulous draanks without elbowing through hordes of selfie-stick-wielding tourists.

Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Hiring a Private Cocktail Bar in Midtown

Step 1: Define Your Event's Vibe

Are you going for a sleek, sophisticated party, a gin tasting event or a very-specific-theme-like-Shrek-2-where-the-drinks-are-green-and-swampy-and-match-your-outfit. Well, luckily for you, Midtown has a bar for every vibe. Here’s a quick rundown of what you might be looking for:

  1. Swanky Cocktail Lounge: Think mood lighting, velvet couches, and mixologists who are more like performing magicians.

  2. Casual Pub: A cozy spot with craft beers, hearty snacks, and maybe a dartboard or two.

  3. Themed Bar: Karaoke, arcade games, or perhaps a speakeasy vibe– the more unique, the better!

Step 2: Set Your Budget

Midtown is notorious for its sky-high prices, but there are gems to be found at every price point. Be realistic about your budget and consider factors like:

  1. Bar rental fee: Some places charge just for the space, others have a minimum spend requirement.

  2. Drinks and food: Decide if you’ll have an open bar, drink tickets, or a cash bar.

  3. Extras: Decorations, signature cocktails, a band, a DJ and don't forget tips for the staff.

Step 3: Scout the Perfect Location

Midtown spans a pretty big area, so consider which part best suits your needs:

  1. Start your venue search online through HeadBox. Just fill in our brief building with all your necessities and any requests and HeadBox will match you with venues that fulfil your cocktail bar needs. Think if Airbnb and Tinder had a baby. And we won't match you with those with bad reviews – no one wants to discover their dream venue has a rat problem after signing the contract.

  2. Don't be afraid to shut the laptop screen and take a stroll around. Sometime the best hidden gems are found by stumbling across them.

  3. Social media can also be a good way to get a personal insight into a venue. Try TikTok-ing 'best midtown cocktail bar' and watch an influencer sip on their signature drink.

Step 4: Narrow it down

Now it’s time to decide. Can you see yourself and your guests in any of these places? Match with them on HeadBox, slide into those DMs or, if you’re old-fashioned, give them a call. When contacting the bars, be sure to ask:

  1. Availability: Is the date you want open?

  2. Capacity: Can they accommodate your group size?

  3. Private Hire Details: What’s included in the private hire? Are there any restrictions or additional fees?

  4. Catering Options: Do they offer food, or can you bring in your own?

Step 5: Visit the Cocktail Bars

Pictures can be deceiving, so it’s worth taking the time to visit your top choices in person. Pay attention to:

  1. Ambiance: Does it match your event’s vibe?

  2. Space: Is there enough room for mingling and activities?

  3. Service: Is the staff friendly and attentive?

Step 7: Seal the Deal

Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to book. Make sure you:

  1. Get everything in writing: Contracts are your friend.

  2. Confirm all details: Double-check the date, time, and what’s included.

  3. Plan the logistics: Think about transportation, decorations, and any other details to make your event a success.

Step 8: Party Time!

Congratulations! You’ve navigated the Midtown maze and secured the perfect cocktail bar for your event. Now all that’s left is to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Sip those cocktails, dance like nobody’s watching, and bask in the glow of a well-planned party.

Conclusion

Finding and hiring a cocktail bar in Midtown might seem like a daunting task, but with this guide, you’re well-equipped to tackle the challenge. Remember, Midtown is all about glitz, glamour, and a good time. So embrace the chaos, enjoy the journey, and most importantly, have fun!

Frequently asked questions

For peace of mind and an easy booking process let us know exactly what you’re looking for via our brief builder. This way we can approach the best cocktail bars in Midtown with the exact needs of your event.

The cost of hiring a cocktail bar in Midtown can vary widely depending on several factors, including the location, size, and type of bar, as well as the day and time of your event. Generally, you can expect:

  1. Rental Fees: Some bars charge a flat rental fee, while others may require a minimum spend on food and drinks.

  2. Food and Beverage Costs: This can range from basic bar snacks to full catering services, as well as the type of drink service (open bar, cash bar, or drink tickets).

  3. Additional Charges: These may include gratuity, taxes, security deposits, and any extra services like DJ or AV equipment rental.

Cocktail bars in Midtown can host a variety of private events, including birthday parties, corporate gatherings, holiday celebrations, engagement parties, and more. Some bars also offer customizable packages to cater to specific themes or requirements.

Many cocktail bars in Midtown have a minimum spend requirement or a booking fee for private events. This can vary based on the day of the week, time of day, and the size of your party. It's best to inquire directly with the bar to understand their specific policies and costs.

Yes, most cocktail bars offer the option to customize the menu and drink selections for your private event. You can work with the bar's event coordinator or mixologist to create a tailored menu that suits your preferences and the theme of your event.

Private hire packages at cocktail bars in Midtown often include a dedicated space for your event, a selection of cocktails and beverages, and catering options. Additional services may include a DJ or live music, event staff, decor, and AV equipment. It's important to discuss your needs with the bar to ensure all desired amenities are included.

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