New York Bars
 

We would like to visit some New York Bars for pre dinner cocktails but don't really know where to go. I have heard that the 66th floor of the Trump Building is worth a visit, any other ideas gratefully received. We will be staying at the Affinia Dumont which is on the East side. We will be travelling at the end of June

What are you hoping to find at these bars? NYC is packed with choices, and if we knew what you were hoping the experience to be, we could advise better.

A view?
Sophisticated decor?
A friendly pub feel?
A classic NY venue?

Any budget considerations? Cocktails in NY can get pricey depending on the venue.

The 66th floor of the Trump Building? I don't think so.

Near the Affinia Dumont, another Affinia hotel, the Shelburne Murray Hill has a casual open rooftop bar with a close up view of both the Chrysler building and the Empire State. The Campbell Apartments in Grand Central Terminal is another (indoor) classic stop for drinks. The Water Club is not too far from your hotel and has an open deck for drinks & appetizers called the Crows Nest. http://www.thewaterclub.com/main.html

Other classic spots for drinks and views (they're pricey) are

>the Rainbow Grill
>the lobby lounge of the Mandarin Oriental hotel (35th floor of the Time Warner building)
>the Pentop Bar in the Peninsula hotel

Here's a list of other open/rooftop bars from NY Mag.
http://nymag.com/nightlife/barbuzz/12030/

Pegu Club if you're ever downtown--on West Broadway (but google the address as I'm not sure). The best (but pricey) cocktails. Packed on weekends, not so bad on weekdays.

Is the Affinia near the UN near 44th and 1st? If so, here are some good bars for pre dinner drinks:

230 Fifth - best rooftop views in the whole city (26th and 5th?)
The Carlyle - Bemelman's Bar is an experience (76th & mad)
Underbar at the W Hotel - trendy banker types, it's a "scene" (39th & Lex)
Dos Caminos - great margaritas! (51st & 3rd)