Very few cities can throw a party like The Big Apple. We recently discovered some inspired libations and tasty bites in some of the hottest lounges where you can host your next birthday, office party, or simply celebrate your success in this wonderful but crazy metropolis.
Dress to impress, and we’ll take you above and beyond the velvet ropes.
Photo credit: Fred Watford
MONARCH: Perched on the 18th floor near Herald Square is this spacious lounge with breathtaking city views of downtown, Macy’s and midtown. The Empire State Building will majestically watch over your group like a towering and protective doorman.
Ric Addison has upped his game at Monarch this fall with a new menu and an indoor/outdoor venue, regardless of the chill in the air (space heaters). The cocktails are flowing, the staff is attentive and the eats are filling and delicious.
Photo credit: PK Greenfield
You will be anything but a teetotaler with their Empire Tea Thyme: English breakfast infused vodka, honey syrup, lemon juice, and thyme. This cocktail is brilliantly balanced, refreshing and aromatic — perfect for the season. Their fall menu includes Marinated Lamb Rack, grilled to perfection and served with mint pesto and a smoky eggplant yogurt dipping sauce; this dish is succulent and savory. Also notable is their Pizza Monarch: Norwegian smoked salmon, capers and mascarpone cheese. Delicious!
With a DJ spinning your favorite songs, inspired cuisine and cocktails, your party will be as magnificent and memorable as the spectacular views. Invite 200 of your closest Facebook friends: That’s Monarch’s capacity.
Monarch
71 W. 35th St.
New York
(212) 630-9957
http://www.monarch.com
Photo credit: Patrick Neree
Suite Sensation
If your high altitude party gives you vertigo, swing over to 36th Street and 5th Avenue.
SUITE 36 just launched the grand opening of this multi-level, cavernous restaurant, lounge and nightclub. The room booms with an impressive state-of-the-art sound system and over 42 video screens. This venue is perfect for your gang to meet up after work or to watch major sports events. The private mezzanine accommodates groups of 10-75. The entire space can serve a party of 300 guests.
Photo credit: Patrick Neree
Chef Kirk McKinney has created an expansive menu to please every taste. Several food items worth mentioning include:
Crab “Beignets” — Sweet crab meat in mascarpone cheese with chives & Cajun seasonings. Dipped in an amber beer batter and flash fried then served with lemon and caper aioli.
Lobster Salad — Sweet cold water lobster tail, avocado, citrus, shaved fennel, tender baby greens, radish, heirloom carrots, grape tomatoes with a mustard & tarragon vinaigrette.
They offer a wide selection of draught beer and several signature drinks. My favorite is “The New Yorker” — Absolut acai berry shaken with wild strawberries and 2 drops of Tahitian vanilla extract and topped off with Pulps’ fresh cold press watermelon.
This diamond has skylight views in the private Empire Suite. You will be treated to a selection of fruit, cheese and wine by their sommelier.
Suite 36
16 W 36th St.
New York
(212) 695-0036
http://suite36nyc.com/
The neon lights burn bright on…well, you know!
Make New Year’s Eve in Times Square seem like a yawner and gather up your friends at AVA in the mid-town Dream Hotel. The lights, the sights, the sounds and the setting will make your event a super success with brilliant views of Broadway, scrumptious food and a cocktail list that stretches as far as the Great White Way.
Enjoy your celebration with their signature drink, Autumn Tumble: Stoli vodka with cinnamon syrup, Saint Germain, rosemary and lemon.
The menu includes pizzas, sliders, and skewers delivered to your table by Sarafina Restaurant located on the street level.
AVA Lounge
210 W. 55th St.
New York
(212) 956-7020
http://www.addisongroupnyc.com/venues/avalounge/
These are just a few of our picks for the season. Fall will only last a few weeks but we hope that these diamonds last forever.
