I am meeting my daughter for a drink before we meet my brother for dinner on 57th St. Where would be a good place for us to have a drink near Columbus Circle or a bit further East on 59th or 57th St? Looking for something a bit more casual, not so noisy. I enjoy Zanzibar on 9th near 46th...anything like that?

How aboaut the Russian Tea Room
(view photos on their site)
at 150 West 57th?

Without a doubt, go to the Stone Rose in The Time Warner Center overlooking Columbus Circle.

http://nymag.com/listings/bar/stone_rose/

Like Gekko, I was also thinking about meeting in TWC.... Landmarc restaurant has a fairly large bar area and you can go casual.

http://www.landmarc-restaurant.com/twc/

If at Columbus Circle, why not the bar/lounge at the Mandarin Oriental. Spectacular views and atmosphere.