The bar is in the hotel, which may lead some astray, but it is definitely worth it! Jose is absolutely amazing! He made me a lemon meringue pie martini (not listed on the menu) and it was delicious! He took lots of time to make me this drink and made special handcrafted cocktails for the rest of my group as well. Definitely worth a visit!
Nestled in the heart of the city, The MAD Bar and Lounge offers a sleek, modern escape from the usual nightlife scene. With its dim lighting, plush seating, and chic decor, it strikes the perfect balance between luxury and comfort. Upon entry, you’re greeted by a warm ambiance that feels exclusive yet inviting.Atmosphere:The vibe is upscale without being pretentious. Soft jazz plays in the background, allowing for easy conversation, while the dim lighting and velvet accents give the space an intimate, almost romantic feel. Whether you’re out for a casual night or celebrating a special occasion, the lounge adapts perfectly to the mood.Drinks:The cocktail menu is a standout feature, offering both classics and innovative creations. The bartenders are skilled mixologists, crafting each drink with precision and flair. I highly recommend trying their signature cocktail, the “Velvet Martini”—a smooth blend of gin, elderflower, and a hint of lavender. The wine list is extensive, catering to both casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts.Service:Service here is exceptional. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and happy to recommend drinks based on your preferences. They manage to be both personable and professional, adding to the overall experience.Crowd:The crowd tends to skew slightly older, with a mix of professionals, couples on date nights, and groups of friends. It’s the perfect place to unwind after work or impress someone on a first date.Price:While not the cheapest place in town, the prices are fair for the quality of both the drinks and the experience. Cocktails range from $12–$18, with wine and spirits on the higher end of the spectrum. Given the setting and service, it feels worth it.Overall:If you’re looking for a stylish, sophisticated night out, The Velvet Room is a fantastic choice. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere, along with its expertly crafted drinks, make it a top contender for one of the best bar and lounges in the city. Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or just unwinding with friends, it’s a spot I’ll be returning to time and again.Rating: 4.95/ 5.00
Wow! We will be coming back. How often do you find a bar with a bartender who makes up his own cocktails? We loved Phils ITAY, and will be making another stop to try The End on our next trip.
Ive been several times now, and these are the best cocktails Ive had in the city. Phil really knows what hes doing and always makes a fantastic drink. I cant wait to come back and try some more of his creations! The ambience is also lovely and its a great place to hang out.
Came here specifically for the famed drinks and they were phenomenal.The lounge was fairly empty but the ambiance was perfect. Our cocktail service left something to be desired but the bartender of the evening (Phil) was friendly and terrific cocktail creator.Would love to return soon.
We had a wonderful experience. The staff was attentive and caring. The reception team was friendly and responsive to our needs. Frederick is simply a fantastic person who knows how to take care of every single guest. Bar and Breakfast excellent, managed impeccably.
Jose made us the most amazing peanut butter espresso martini. Peanut butter aside, the espresso martini is still great in itself. The space is very cool, love the wooden floor pattern and decor of the furniture in the lobby of the hotel. I will be back! Their cocktail menu is sufficiently extensive.
There wasnt much online about this bar, but I was looking for something near Grand Central.They really are just a bar in the lobby of the Hotel NH Collection, and the website says they are going for a Mad Men/60s theme, but not sure they really got it right.I started with the Salted Peanut $20 cocktail which is screwball peanut whiskey and makers mark bourbon. It was really sweet and very small. Skip. Then opted for a martini which was much better.Staff was very nice. It was loud and hard to hear my friend over the background music coming from the overhead speakers. Also very brightly lit. They offer food you can order from Serafina which is also located in the hotel.If you need a bar and cant find anything else this will do.
I was looking to get a drink around the area, and I stumbled upon MAD Bar and Lounge, and it was one of the best decisions to go here! The drinks are impeccable, and most importantly, the staff was so nice!! Special shoutout to head bartender Phil for being such a sweetheart and making me amazing drinks while enjoying a great conversation. :) Definitely coming back here!!!
I was expecting a true craft cocktail experience based on the reviews, but my Paloma wasnt even a decent Paloma, and the service was subpar.We sat at the bar and were greeted by one of the bartenders immediately. However, we waited about five minutes before the other bartender took our order. He then proceeded to start to make the Paloma, which clearly described an elevated style with Casamigos tequila or a named mezcal, with well tequila. I mentioned it was supposed to be Casamigos, and he acted irritated to be called out. He then cracked open a small bottle of grapefruit juice and finished the drink. It was honestly one of the worst Palomas I have had. My dining companion had a Lavender 75, which he said was good.We then ordered a club sandwich. We waited 30 minutes for the sandwich, and the fries were cold.If I pay $20 for a cocktail, it should be good. I know it is NYC, but we live in SoCal, so $20 drinks are the norm for us. The popcorn they set out is homemade and tasty but doesnt make up for lackadaisical service and, at best, average cocktails.This place is WAY overrated. FYI, Madame Mikette a few blocks away is much better as they use fresh squeezed juice, etc.
This is a quiet, elegant hotel bar and lounge located on the first floor of the NH Collection hotel (go to the left when you enter from 38th Street). Comfy couches and booth seating available. They have a sizeable cocktail menu, lots of creative and delicious options. Highly recommend the Last Ride if you like Mezcal! Prices reflect the setting, expect about $18 to $22 per cocktail. Beer and wine by the glass also available, many options from Italy, Spain, and France. Small bites menu available, such as bruschetta, calamari, some meat platters if I recall. Free live jazz! Im not sure of the schedule but a jazz band was playing there at around 7PM when I went on a Thursday. Friendly and attentative staff, and clean bathrooms downstairs.
The drinks were great! Jose really took care of us. We got the Minhor’s Son and the lemon drop!
We had a great time here. The first guy Phil made good cocktails for us and brought complimentary chocolate. Thank you! Also I would like to say thank you to bartender Jose!!! He was just great and his cocktails “PiscoSour” made us very happy!!! We definitely back))) Jose you are the best!
A perfect experience! The Peanut Butter Espresso Martini is the best drink ever and should be on the menu - thank you so much, Jose!!!
Band was Owful, UNPROFESSIONAL, DISGASTING!I paid $10 and ordered only one Cinatras song!They totaly ignored me!Continued playing STUPID CALIFORNIA!THAT BAR SHOULD BE MORE SELECTIVE TO INVITE MUSITIONS TO PLAY!THE luactuary HOTEL and such CHEAP music!Not even a music!Total headache!
Upscale bar and lounge inside a stunninggg hotel! The whole team is welcoming and there is a great assortment of delicious craft cocktails!! Jose is so sweet and innovative- definitely check it out!
BEST COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE IN NYCWhat a night, Phil and José are the two best host I’ve ever met !You just have to sit and enjoy being in their skilled hands.They master the Classic wish a little touch of their own soul :Ask José for a Peanut Butter Expresso MartiniAsk Phil for a Transfusion by nightYou will leave this place starry-eyed
Although this bar is in a hotel, the service was amazing! The bartenders were ready to make anything we were thinking, super friendly, and even customized a drink to have it sweeter. Super friendly environment and staff were energized and friendly!
Went to the hotel bar with a friend. Was shocked when we got the bill and my Tito’s and soda cost more per drink than my friend’s Old Fashions. $18 for Old Fashion is fine in NYC. $20 for a Tito’s and Soda because it’s a “Custom Cocktail” is ridiculous. I don’t care about the few extra bucks, I also just found it condensing that the manager tried to justify it and tell me I’m unfamiliar with pricing in the city (I’ve lived here all my life and not shy to a $20 drink). I honestly probably would not have flinched if the old fashion was $22 and the Tito’s stayed $20. They just need to revisit pricing and not be condescending when someone tries to point out an obvious oversight.
Jose and Gracie were a dream team tonight! Such a pleasure getting to enjoy their cocktails and company. Can’t wait to come back again soon!
Came here on a whim based on the reviews and it didn’t disappoint! Jose’s Peanut Butter espresso martini was excellent! It’s not on the menu but definitely should be and you should try it if you ever come across MAD bar!
Find Jose and order a PEANUT BUTTER ESPRESSO MARTINI!!!!!! Wow delicious. It’s not on the menu but it absolutely should be. Jose is very passionate about mixology and his creations. Great personable service.
MAD about this little spot! No food available to order but potato chips are served alongside the most fire libations!! 🔥
Jose made me a phenomenal drink and was the epitome of class. The mezcal cocktail was very balanced and refreshing - exactly what was needed after walking around the city. Highly recommend.
Nice ambience, Jose and Phil are meticulous on every drink making each one as delicious as the previous. Jose’s Tequila Martini was a first I’ve ever tried and absolutely a must try as was the passion fruit martini!
Wow. What a surprise experience!!! Came in to meet my friend and was greeted by a big smile and friendly disposition. Anthony, our bartender, asked me what liquor I favor. I tell him Tequila and he whips me up the most delicious cocktail!!! He also whipped me up a fantastic espresso martini that was divine. He CLEARLY has years in the game. He made our time there such a pleasant experience!!! So attentive but never over bearing. He always knew when we wanted our next drink ;) also, the decor is lovely.
Phillip is a fantastic bartender that is a finishing touch on a lovely experience. The Latin jazz band is my favorite but the other performances add magic. Place is great for a relaxing night with great ambiance.
Had such a great time here with my little sister!I wanted something off menu, and Phil knocked it out of the park! We had some fun banter while waiting for our first drinks, and he ended up tailoring recommendations specific to our tastes for our second.If youre looking for a mixologist who is knowledgeable about the craft without being condescending or snobby (or just a damn good cocktail), Phils your guy 100% of the time.
Went for a work meet-up, and the food was amazing. The service, the ambiance, and the staff were amazing.
Jose the bartender rocks! He’s got that perfect blend of skill, charm, and badassery that makes every drink an experience to remember. Cheers to Jose!!! Peanut butter espresso martini is his creation! @screwball sponsor himGracie IS SPECTACULAR!!!! We love her energy and vibes.
Came in for Thursday jazz night and it was awesome! Not crowded and was definitely a nice vibe. Hotel lobby is beautiful as well, hope this places remains a hidden gem. Espresso martini was really good!
A very nice and sober spot. It was an amazing pause we had here for a drink and dessert.
Amazing peanut butter espresso martini of José. Needs to be standard on the menu! Very nice service and atmosphere.
Beautiful bar with great handcrafted cocktails. Really nice place to relax and have a drink in NYC!
Jose was amazing the drinks were top tier
Phil is an excellent mixologist. Great recommendations and superior knowledge of craft cocktails. Highly recommend him!
Wonderful and serene place with excellent service and unique drinks. Ambiance felt very high-end.
Fruit flies? Really? Great place, but 5 fruits flies in my wine glass…
Phil (Anthony) is by far the most amazing bartender we ever met! Our drinks were perfect!!!!!!!! You are the MAN!!!!!!
The lounge is wonderful, the service is excellent, i tried here one of the best Negronis ever , bartender Philipe is wonderful and I will come again just because of his excellent service and great knowledge about drinks!
Jose and the staff at Mad Bar and Lounge were welcoming and accommodating to us during my birthday weekend at the hotel. He gave us recommendations for things to do around the area and made sure we had everything we needed. If you have the opportunity, well, be sure to make the opportunity to come down to Mad Bar and Lounge and have a drink from Jose; he may surprise you with a special drink.
The popcorn was the highlight
Great drinks, quick service, best cocktails in the area. Philip was the best!
Absolutely outstanding drinks and service! Jose at the bar is a genius. He crafted this beautiful spicy, smokey marg-esque cocktail for me based on my flavor palate, 10/10! Will be coming back and try his peanut butter espresso martini asap.
After a recent renovation the lounge and spacious cocktail bar has the most sumptuous and luxurious decor with comfortable seating and a theme that mixes mid century modern style with contemporary flourishes. They also have an excellent music series with great live jazz shows in the evenings! Also, the bartenders are truly top-notch and make some of the best cocktails I’ve had.
We came in for a night cap and Jose made the Best Immunity drink 🍹 Highly recommend!
A friend and I wandered here for post-dinner cocktails, and boy were we happy we did. We tried five cocktails between the two of us and none disappointed. The signature cocktails are worth the gamble; the peanut butter espresso martini and lavender 75 were unforgettable! The service was above and beyond. The bartender ensured we had all we needed and more. Thanks for a great pitstop!
Amazing Bar ! the bartender maid cocktail named Itay which is the greatest drink I ever had. Go Phill!
Always a great time at mad bar. The entire team is amazing. Music is great.
Go here and have Phil make you a drink. We ordered off a secret menu and my boyfriend had “the best drink he’s ever had”. Thanks, Phil! We’ll be back!
Stopped by for a drink and ordered an espresso martini. The vibe was really chill and the drink was great!
Phil was one of the bartenders, I believe. He was awesome!
Nice atmosphere. Drinks were very good. There is no food on the menu
Perfect Negroni
Jose and Phillip were wonderful! We loved the atmosphere!
Cocktails were a huge miss
The drinks are top notch as is the staff. Absolutely fantastic spot.
We came in for some cocktails and left with a memorable experience. Jose the bartender takes pride in his craft. ASK FOR HIS SIGNATURE PEANUT BUTTER ESPRESSO MARTINI. Follow up with one of his cosmos to really get the night going.
Pretty. Reasonably priced for a bar in a hotel in NYCAnd ... No food despite the web site saying there was. Why? we lost the password to change our web site. No kidding
We had such a great time here with my friends! Delicious food and excellent customer service! Special thank you to Nataly, she was amazing and so helpful
Super cool cocktail bar with a true Mad Men vibe. Highly recommended👌
I live in the area so go quite often. Its quickly become my favorite bar in the City.All the reviews say it but just to re-iterate Phil is the best bartender Ive ever come across. Makes great drinks, has great banter, and is genuinely just a very decent dude.I consider him a friend at this stage and having been to the bar well over a dozen times in the last few months, having brought friends, clients, dates etc. He is always on his A game and everyone I bring there absolutely loves the place.Easily the best place to grab a nice drink in an area where a lot of the bars get too crowded or are a bit divey.Perfect place to grab a couple drinks before a dinner or after work. Interesting people always coming in and out, also the live music Thursday-Sunday is delightful.
Just a hotel bar. Nothing special. Nice and quiet though.
Phil was the most amazing bar tender I have had the pleasure of meeting in a long time!He made amazing drinks and personally wrote out his own secret menu.I will definitely return. I 💕 Phil
I stayed for 2 weeks in that hotel and Phil, the bartender, made me feel right at home for the entire time. Phil, if you are reading this, THANK YOU. He is a cocktail master with decades of experience who has the ability to figure out a persons taste and invent great new cocktails to match that taste on the spot. Thats on top of making all the classics, and make them well. If you are a sweet-tooth dont forget to try the Itay which you would not be able to find anywhere else. The place itself is freshly renovated and very stylish, including a bar, a sitting area and even couches by the fire place. I would definitely come back there.
Great piano chill music and they served a little tapa with the drink, spanish style!
This is a really cool place to hang, especially on Thursday nights, and sometimes on Friday nights when Hector Martingnon is performing!!
Pleasant and comfortable.Aperol Spritz was thoroughly delicious.
Jose and Jenny, bartenders, were awesome! So efficient, professional and friendly. Ask for the peanut butter espresso martini!!
Where do I begin… our experience at MAD Bar and Lounge was beyond our expectations!! Bartender and mixologist Jose made us the most wonderful drinks on top of that the service was beyond excellent! But it takes a team to help make the experience more amazing. We are sure to return and share with our family and friends because of this team! Muchas Gracias Jose, Nataly, Rodrigo, and Evelia!! nos vemos pronto :)
I love the place. Phill is an incredible person and an amazing bartender. I really love the horse breakfast.
Phil the bartender was very knowledgeable and came up with some truly unique and delicious drinks for my girlfriend and I. Place has a very elegant feel with out being pretentiousness.
Phil is the best. Got to see the secret drink menu made out night special. Thank you 🙏
Amazing !
Best!
Love this place. Incredible care and love to Jenny
Very welcoming and very good service!!! Super generous with the accompanying snacks!!