Any suggestions for a great bar with lots of atmosphere for drinks after dinner. Not going to the theater but want to stay in the area.

What time are you talking about? Bars in the theater district are very quiet from 8 p.m. (when shows start) until around 11, when they end.

I agree that the bars do clear out for a while once the shows start, but I'm not sure if that is a plus or minus for you. Having a drink at the bar at Sardi's has lots of atmosphere (the drawings of all the celebrities) and nice bartenders (not to mention the great horseradish cheese spread they put out on the bar) and it really does get quiet once the curtains go up.
The top of the Marriott Marquis is great for the view as you revolve -- and although there is normally a long wait to go up after the theatre, I assume it is relatively easy to go up during the theatre.
The cool and hip hotels all have nice little bars, often lobby bars.
Maybe someone will tell us what's happening these days at The Rainbow Room -- is it possible to go up just for drinks?

Looking for something that is lively and possibly with a piano or other music or entertainment. Have been to Sardi's, Rainbow Room and the View, all good suggestions Patrick but hoping for something new. Your idea of a hip lobby bar at some of the newer hotels is a good one, does anyone have a specific suggestion? Probably around 8:30 or 9 PM.

George, your chances of finding something to fill the bill at that hour is going to be tough, very tough. Places in the theater district (or elsewhere for that matter) aren't too lively at that hour. I can't think of a single place to recommend at that hour.

George-
Delta Grill on 48th St. and 9th Ave. It's a Southern/Cajun-style restaurant. It has a very festive atmosphere. It's not really fancy, though the food is as good (probably better) than any you would eat in a fancier, more expensive place. I always bring out-of-towners here and they love it. Also sent my parents here with their friends for a pre-theater dinner - they thought it was fantastic too. It's starting to get a little popular...dinner reservations might be a good idea. Though it's in the theater district, it doesn not really attract the theater crowd. It's more of a local hangout. You could show up for drinks and ask how long the wait is for a table (prob. not more thatn 30 mins, but may depend on the night and time). And/or you could order food at the bar.

Hip lobby bar-if it's still there - The Whiskey at the Paramount hotel.

Hi George,

There is a new Whiskey in the brand new W hotel on 48th Street. The Whiskey Bar is downstairs, it is one of the few new "hip" places in the Times Square area. It has a velvet rope policy, etc. but no problem to get in if you're staying at the hotel. Also, if you come early enough, the rope policy is usually no problem.

Joe Allen on W. 46th, a little west of 8th Avenue, has a very nice bar area with a better than average beer selection and a nice wine list.

Believe it or not, Joe Franklin's Memory Lane on 8th Ave. at the corner of 45th (give or take a block) is nothing to sneeze at either. (For those who don't know, Joe Franklin was a local talk show host in NY in the 60s.) Beer is 2-for-1 all the time (Bass Ale, too), they have a decent wine list, and mussels that can't be beat. Even better, it's almost never crowded and not noisy. Seems this place hasn't made it to the "a" list of trendy places yet. Joe even comes in and wanders around every night.

44th street between 5th and 6th has a lot of boutique hotels with nice bars. My favorite is the Royalton Hotel bar.

The W in times square is great, as is the restaurant upstairs, Blue Fin. There is a bar on the first, second, and ninth floors, as well as the basement level whiskey bar. I also like the Royalton and the lounge area at Jack Rose (47th & 8th). Another really fun place is Churrascaria Plataforma (49th between 8th & 9th). It is a huge all you can eat brazilian bbq place that is always jumping because it doesn't attract just the theater crowd.

Oops. I forgot Hearland Chophouse on W. 43rd. They have a nice size bar, TV's and a beer tasting menu.

That was Heartland. My Hearing was off.

Ah - I misread - drinks AFTER dinner.

If you like Irish pubs as I do, O'Flaherty's on W 46th between 8th and 9th is good. It's a very large (though surprisingly cozy) place with a pool table, and sometimes live music. They also open up their backyard when it's warm out.