For new years eve my husband and I will again be walking the streets of NYC and go bar hopping. This year we want to go to the most expensive hotel bars and have food at the bar (so we're not hobbling down the street). We would like to stay in the midtown area (we like to tourist-watch) - CPS and/or CPW.

any suggestions on those hotels that serve food at the bar would be appreciated.

thanks for any help!

Although it doesn't exactly fit your criteria, PS 450 has the best "bar food" in Manhattan. It's on Park Avenue South.

Midtown-tourist bar hopping on New Year's Eve??

Almost every hotel bar is going to serve food in the bar area, so take your pick.

Bar food at a hotel bar will be expensive and not nec. good, but I understand your concept.

On Central Park South is the Ritz Carlton Central Park, the Westin Essex House, the Park Lane.

Along CPW, the only hotel I can think of the new Mandarin Oriental in the Time Warner building and they do serve appetizers in their lobby lounge.

The Hudson hotel has a good bar but it's very far west, not near the park.

If you're trying to stay near the park for the fireworks, the Mark on the upper east side serves food in their bar.

Just another idea, west 44th b/w 5th & 6th is "hotel row" with the Algonquin, the Iroquois, City Club, the Royalton, the Sofitel and the Mansfield. They all have good bars that serve food. It may be a bit close to Times Square but I don't think it would be a problem.

It's not midtown, but there's 5757 bar & restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel on 57th St. We were told celebrities often frequent the bar since they often stay at the hotel. I saw Richard Gere getting off the elevator a couple winters ago--he was in town promoting a movie and was on David Letterman the next day.

The Broadway Bar has excellent snack bowl peanut things as does The Rainbow Grill, The Oak Bar (I'm heartbroken they are closed) as does most of Manhattan's upscale watering holes.

The ESPN Zone has fantastic munchies.

gekko...ps 450 does have good food, i can confirm that one! sashie...are you looking for good food? or good greasy bar food? (my personal favorite ;-) )

thanks everyone for your helpful replies...

otto...I love both! We're thinking of stopping in the Time Warner building (thanks for the idea mclaurie) and trying the bars there, starting with the Madarian hotel and then the Masa Bar and Stone Rose.

I heard rain on Saturday and this may solve the problem.

thanks!

Another vote for the food at PS450. You wouldn't think much of it from the street -- another dark bar. But it has a nice back area for seating. Be sure to try the sliders!