The Bar Room at The Beekman Reviews

4.0

2,876 of 13,358 Restaurants in New York City


Reviews

Wonderful for early drinks

By Grace |

Cozy and even with such beautiful surroundings people seem to be more respectful and not take selfies or obvious photos for instagram/tik tok.

The food and decor do not make up for the TERRIBLE service

By photoprad |

I was staying at the hotel for business and had a short amount of time for a quick, late lunch between meetings. Entering from the hotel entrance, I found myself waiting to be seated only to be sent to the "front" of the restaurant to a different hostess. She seated me at a pedestal table in front of a low banquette sofa (very uncomfortable for eating) and directly in front of me was a server station. My server was slow, inattentive and borderline rude when I indicated that I was not ordering from the bar. And she and another server engaged in conversations right in front of me while I was waiting for 10 minutes to order. I noticed an older couple down the same banquet also getting increasingly frustrated at not being able to order. In fairness, the plates I ordered....the crispy Brussels sprouts and the chicken liver pate were superb. But I was, frankly, offended by the poor service and was eager to leave as quickly as possible. My meal was "included" as part an AMEX Fine Hotels perk. But had I been paying out of pocket, I would have asked not to be charged. I'm angry just thinking about the experience.

disappointing

By Karolina K |

AVOID. We came here for a jazz brunch for our anniversary a couple of months ago whilst on holiday in New York. We booked a table for 1pm but had to wait - standing in our coats by the door - for 20mins as our table wasn’t ready. We ordered a bottle of Prosecco to celebrate and after 45mins of waiting we still didn’t get the drink (we asked the waiters 3 times for it). The food was overpriced and bland. The steak tartare smelled of fish and the main course came cold and looked like it was ready for about 30mins before it was served to us. The jazz was supposed to be from 1pm to 3pm but they only played one 45mins set instead. After all that it was impossible to get a check so we had to stand up and pay by the bar. Absolutely awful experience, It really ruined our day and put a dent in the wallet. It’s such a shame as the interiors are stunning. I can’t believe we still got charged for our meal after all this. we barely touched the good and had to get McDonalds after to satisfy our hunger, which had better food and service anyways 🤦🏻‍♀️ TERRIBLE

Amazing place for a drink

By CMH_SAM2 |

Great bar for drinks and snacks. Amazing atmosphere and great drinks and food. Can be crowded so make sure to reserve a table in advance with the them before you arrive.

Michelle- our amazing server

By Sam Finklea |

First off, this place is charming. We will definitely come back. Breakfast was spectacular. The atmosphere is off the hook cool. Second, Michelle is the bomb. Personable lady who was attentive, full of stories, and so accomplished with her passions, and her pursuits. This was a neat day! Loved it.

Great breakfast!

By Anna D |

We had a fabulous breakfast here! Our server, Michelle, was wonderful and we will return because of her. The hotel is beautiful and so festive during Christmas!

Poor Service

By Lalit Mehta |

The bar was over crowded and less staff so you literally have to jump over others and wait for your turn - which could take upto 20 min and despite then no huge choice of cocktails

beautiful, expensive, tense staff, eh service

By suekush |

beautiful space, fairly expensive, but great drinks. tense staff, not great service, especially compared to the Beekman Hotel, where it's located. They are under diff management.

New York treasure

By NellyBligh |

dramatic architecture -- comfortable at the same time. perfect bar for sipping cocktails and drinking in a bit of old nyc chic.

Beautiful ambiance, horrible food and service.

By Kerry H |

I frankly cannot think of a worse breakfast I have eaten - in my LIFE. Took forever to be served, food arrived cold and of poor quality - I had the Farmers Breakfast - toast dry and cold, Brussel sprouts like cardboard, bacon bits like pieces of cement. I had a wonderful time only because I was with my three former NYC roommates when we were fresh out of college so it didn't matter how bad it was - we were happy to be together. It's so unclear as to which meals are prepared by whom at which restaurant at the Beekman. It certainly wasn't Tom Collichio who prepared this breakfast. The quick shop down the street would have been better - ANYTHING would have been better. I had been once prior for a drink and some nuts and that was fine and lovely.

Ask for Michele!

By Randi S |

Amazing experience, gorgeous setting, and delicious food! The best part was Michele, who went out of her way to to make sure we had everything we needed. She even made arrangements for our friend from London to get transportation to the airport!

Great Atmosphere

By Jana H |

The Atmosphere sets the tone and the rest follows sit. The staff, the cocktail options, the food. Feels happening without the overcrowded feeling.

Crowded, beautiful and very New York

By David B |

Amazing room with a full bar menu and low tables for dining. A see-and-be-seen spot and not to be missed, even if not staying at the Beekman Hotel, where it's located.

A brilliant restaurant--the hotel that houses them needs work.

By TR26 |

We enjoy celebrity chef restaurants, and a trip to the Big Apple with a free day inspired us to add another Tom Colicchio location. The name of the place is a bit confusing--the main restaurant is Temple Court, but they only serve dinner. We wanted lunch, and that's served at the associated Bar Room at the Beekman. But the menus and the receipts still say Temple Court. I don't see the rationale for different names. That said, we were seated for our reservation and, in the cold est day of winter so far, found the place uncomfortably chilly. It's located IN the Beekman Hotel, in a three-story Baroque revival room that's gorgeous but that suffers from inadequate HVAC. In particular, the arctic blast when both doors were open was oppressive. I've like to inspire the Beekman to install those overhead heat blowers that supermarkets have at their entrances.It also struck me that the decor was a little quirky as they'd hung several antique black-and-white photos that had been sparkles up with old applications of glitter. The music IN the background ranged from classic mainstream jazz to more modern stuff. I wonder if it's intentional, to reflect Chef Colicchio's style of putting contemporary twists on the classics? OK, those were the negatives. Everything else was super. We started NY sharing a crispy goat cheese appetizer. The mild goat cheese (chevre, I think), breaded and deep fried, lent little flavor but served as a base for more unctuous toppings--anchovy, Nicoise olives, caramelized onion, red pepper, wilted greens. The level of excellence I've always found at the four Colicchio restaurants I've enjoyed previously. NY entree was smoked duck. It was shredded and served in a bun--and the smoky flavor was profound. But even better, the plate had a salad or grilled greens (Romaine and maybe escarole?) dressed with a simple vinaigrette, and it was such perfection in its simplicity. My wife enjoyed her roast chicken salad and well. Colicchio's bartenders are always great at a craft cocktail. I got the Emily Roebling, a Rye cocktail similar to a Manhattan, and it was peppery and intense. I followed with their John J. Fitz Gerald, a bourbon cocktail that intrigued me since the foam no top was half white, and half brown, and I finally figured out to sip from the border to get both. So I went back to Emily for my third. NY wife went more traditional with a Cosmopolitan and then a great Sauvignon Blanc. Service was, as expected, professional. If they can resolve the HVAC issues, they'll approach perfection.

Amazing!

By Brian D |

What a great place to grab drinks. The drinks are pricey but it is worth it for the ambiance and the staff.

Charming bar hotel

By Chiara R |

If you want to enjoy a drink in a timeless dimension this is the spot you would love! The location and music are warm and lovely. Absolutely recommend.

Elegant bar, amazing location

By MBizzi |

This is my favorite hotel bar in NYC...and I really love hotel bars so tested many of them. Beautifully renovated hotel, splendid decoration and elegant atmosphere...feels like a movie set. Professional service at the bar, nothing outstanding on that side but wide selection of drinks as one would expect on that level. It’s all about the amazingness of this historic place and the atmosphere that has been so perfectly orchestrated. Highly recommend this bar above many other hotel bars, chic and relaxing retreat in that rather touristy area.

Historical Venue for Drinks & A meal

By ROBERT I |

We met visiting friends for cocktails and dinner. The venue set the tone for a relaxed conversation with the very low and comfortable upholstered arm chairs. We had very attentive service. The menu is diverse although not very long. The food selections we made were good. We will return.

Ok time

By Jannette T |

My daughter was staying at this hotel for business and I joined her at the bar for a drink with some friends. Once the server brought our drinks over, she never came back to ask if we needed anything else or if our drinks were ok. We had to ask for the check when we were done. The drinks were good but definitely over priced. Overall, just spending time and catching up with friends is what made it worth it.

Unsanitary

By Jon L |

Been here a few times. Food is mediocre. Recently discovered their kitchen has a sanitary score of “C”, which is NYC’s lowest rating. This means they have 28 or more sanitary violations and are at risk of closure.

Love it but be prepared to spend a lot and be rushed out.

By Susan B |

Not our first time here, we've had brunch, lunch and dinner here, all are very good and the drinks are fabulous (Emily Roebling, Paper Plane and Jessica Pressler are our favs) but the biggest issue here is the time limit. We understand there is a 90 minute limit for 2 people, however the service is not quick, it is a more relaxed pace, waiting a while for drinks and appetizer to arrive, second round of drinks took about 15 minutes. We were basically kicked out of our table with the check at 8:30 with alcohol still in our glasses, and told another reservation is coming, not given an opportunity to order dessert or coffee. We did end up ordering dessert but were forced to carry it upstairs ourselves to our room, which wasn't a great way to end a special occasion meal (which they knew it was). On a side note, the couple sitting next to us who ordered nothing but a few drinks were also kicked out around the same time- ok, except they only purchased drinks. If you are a party of more than 2 you will be allowed 2 hours. We spent over $250 for one meal to be asked to vacate, and then to add insult to injury after eating melting sorbet in our room, from the atrium upstairs we watched our table sit empty until close to 9:00. Not sure if we will be back to spend $250+ and be asked to leave due to the restaurant's own slower service. You will need to do better.

Michelle is an icon!

By Lauren M |

This spot is gorgeous, feels like old New York, went here for breakfast with the family. Our waitress Michelle went above and beyond, made us feel so taken care of! ❤️ Highly recommend this spot for anyone in the area.

2 stars down from our July review due to poor, sub-quality, slow, and inattentive service

By RGSOUNDF |

Our Saturday late brunch, right after checking in The Beekman hotel, surprised with nice live music and interesting menu choices. The interior is - hats down - amazing, the subdued lighting and the magical ambiance, the inner court with its wrought-iron railings is nothing short of spectacular. For us us, being of an average height, the otherwise comfortable chairs, ideal for savoring drinks, proved too low for eating. The food was uneven in quality and execution. The Pastry chef Abby Swain creates superbe desserts. We only tried the uber-delicious Gâteau Basque but the baked Alaska looked fantastic too. The cheese plate was top quality, featuring cheeses of your choice, both domestic and European (Spain, Holland, UK). Our main courses weren't that great. The Skate Meunière ($29) wasn't bad but the Chopped Steak (Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Blue Cheese, Watercress), another name for a burger, was not even average. Still, the food was completely worth a 4-star rating if not for the service, extremely slow, inattentive, with our waitress aimlessly wandering in the dining area, requiring several attempts to summon her. Hopefully, the management will improve the service, so we would be able to enjoy the great ambiance of the establishment.

Go for the ambiance

By FGU |

We found this place by accident but were so happy we did. After a long day of great sightseeing we were pleased to stumble upon such an interesting looking place to have a drink. Absolutely gorgeous! My wife described it as a hipster haven. Really gorgeous decor. But service was rather aloof. Drinks were a little overpriced and I believe my gun martini was not quite as cold as it could be. Glad i went because of how it looked, but likely won’t return.

A must for creative drinks!

By DennisG50 |

A very cool space in the very cool Beekman Hotel under the 9 story atrium (look up!) with a good sized bar and lots of table service. There is a very creative drink menu and excellent service!

Excellent cuisine but very noisy

By Thierry C |

Excellent cuisine offered in this annex of the gourmet restaurant The Modern (2 Michelin stars). Small menu with dishes prepared by the team of Chef Thomas Allan who was not present that evening. The space is quite nice with a very large marble and zinc bar which offers multiple cocktails and alcohol. Super friendly service at the bar. It is possible to eat at the bar or at tables adjacent to the bar. The place is very noisy. I tasted three very good dishes there, I particularly liked the cooking of octopus with cauliflower and crunchy almonds. Relatively high bill when taxes and tip are added, which is at least 20% of the total bill.

Perfect date spot- stunning room, tasty drinks, poor service

By Ms ECW |

This is truly a room with a view. The high ceilings, decorative walls and bookshelves are quite Harry-potter esque, but in an elegant way. The banquettes are comfortable, the drinks were well made. We came for evening drinks and there was a good atmosphere and it was a fun space for friends but would be ideal for a romantic date night too. Service is slow and the maitre'd team were inexplicably unwelcoming, but being slow gives you more time to take it all in. The drinks were expensive but that was expected.

Service needs improvement

By GeraintLT |

The service is surprisingly poor.. I had a flat Diet Coke (replaced with another flat one when I mentioned the issue) and very greasy shishito peppers that were so greasy I couldn’t eat more than one of them but nobody thought to ask if they were any good or thought to take them off the check. I had chicken wings in a tiny bowl, in a sauce that was actually pretty good, but had to fetch my own side plate to put the bones somewhere (no one thought to bring one and there was no one around for ages to ask). It’s definitely over priced, but this is NY so it’s hard to penalise it too much for that, but when prices are high and there’s an expectation of 20% or more as a tip, it just adds up to even more of an irritation when the service is so poor. It definitely doesn’t match the level of service of any five star hotel you’d find in most places.

Terrible food

By Hudson |

Food was terrible. Ordered the Shapiro peppers and the were drenched in oil. Ordered the brisket half was fat and the other half was rubbery and burnt. The polenta was actually cold. Not room temperate but cold. And I never care about food temperature.

Horrible. Rude. Unwelcoming.

By Whiteglovetestlady |

Stayed at this hotel over a dozen times. Went to bar for a drink with family members after a long day. Unfortunately for the server most drink were non alcoholic. Server rolled his eyes and said he needed to speak to the manager. For what? Took his time coming back. Spoke to host who shrugged his shoulders. We left. Guess my the $25 drink I spent on my drink that afternoon was not enough. Never again.

Lovely place for a drink

By Melissa C |

I was able to stop here while staying in the Beekman Hotel. I did not have a full meal, only a salad and some nibbles, but what I did have was great. Wonderful place for a drink.

Great food, relaxing ambiance, a perfect lunch

By RGSOUNDF |

Even though we have been to the Temple Room before and our experiences varied from one time to another, the last brunch, on an August Saturday, was a great experience. Beautiful cool jazz and salon music (piano, voice and a flute), relaxing atmosphere and great food. We would like to particularly mention two great desserts, BAKED ALASKA and very unusual WATERMELON SORBET (jalapeno pepper, smoked salt). The steamed mussels, steak tartare, and the tuna salad were all very good too. The service should be improved, for our waitress completely misrepresented the tuna salad assuring us the tuna was seared (it wasn't, just a regular canned tuna, by any account not seared) but we wouldn't hold that against the restaurant. The fantastic view to the Beekman Hotel's atrium and quirky decor paying tribute to Edgar Allan Poe add a very special charm to the entire experience.

Great historic grandiose atmosphere!

By Morris |

We were guest in the Beekman hotel which is attached to the Bar Room at Temple Court. It is a 9 story atrium open to the hotel floors above. They have expertly restored the room to what you would imagine it would have been in its orginal state; comfortable sitting areas scattered about. The drink menu is fairly extensive in every category. Worth stopping by for a drink if you are in the neighborhood.

Need bar space

By Ash & Jon |

Beautiful setting. While everything we ate and drink was excellent, there is a lack of bar seating for the size of the space and every night we went, the bar was way backed up. Even as guests of the hotel, we had a hard time just getting a drink.

NIce night cap

By MAMP |

My husband and I were staying at the Beekman Hotel, where the bar is located. It was out last night we had been all over town and wanted one more cocktail. It was really busy, but we got a table right away. It is dim lit and the seating is very unique with small tables and real chairs with cushions. Our drinks came right away and we ordered the steak tartar as a snack. It was so pretty on the plate when we got it, but I dove right in. It melted in your mouth. It was so good and the portion was a perfect size. A nice way to end the evening. When sitting there- you have to look up. The view up is amazing.

Go for drinks and nothing else

By Chase |

The food and the service is poor but the drinks and the ambiance is quite good. I ordered the wagyu burger and it was downright terrible. Horrible flavor and the bun was so dry that I couldn’t eat it.

Rich, amazing interior, great decor, perfect ambiance, delicious food

By RGSOUNDF |

We liked our lunch at The Bar Room so much more and better than our breakfast at The Temple Court. One of the most enchanting NYC interiors, and even though it goes for the entire Beekman Hotel, at The Bar Room it is more profoundly felt. First and foremost, the fantastic atrium, underneath which there are very spacious and comfortable plush lounge chairs are located, with the tables generously distanced, allowing for a better intimacy. The dim light, in combination with the daylight falling from the 10th floor level via atrium, the bookcases filled with old books, the artwork on the walls, not only featuring the portraits of those cultural figures who had a connection to the location or used to frequent it (as Allan Edgar Poe) but adding a sparkle in its modern design and quirky rendition. Even though sitting right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the downtown Manhattan, The Club Room provides a calming retreat, a step into another epoch. The food was very good. Our lunch included Steak Tartare with Quail Egg, Capers, Mustard, Anchovies and Gaufrette Potatoes, simply excellent, and Big Eye Tuna Crudo with Honeycrisp Apples, Wasabi Arugula and Sesame Seeds, equally delicious. The prices are good, the service is adequate. 5 stars. Will definitely come again, next time at The Beekman.

Great view, nothing else

By Detta C |

Only had 2 of the wines on menu in stock. Food very mediocre, cold and not great value for money. Views are amazing but I think they rely on that. Floor staff just stood at a station near us just staring.... couldn't look more bored if they tried. Don't even bother mentioning an occasion when you book online, they will not bother to acknowledge it.

Gorgeous bar!

By KRT |

Who wouldn’t want to have drinks in this place? From the moment you are seated at the stylish bar or perhaps in a big comfy chair and tilt your head up, you KNOW you are somewhere special.

Fabulous architecture, uninspired food

By hrobinson1114 |

Four stars mainly for ambiance. This restaurant is located in the atrium of the Beekman, a Thompson hotel (reviewed separately). A visit to this restaurant/bar is worthwhile simply for the decor, moody lighting, and the one of a kind atrium. The food and the service are mediocre. The first visit (I was a guest at the hotel, so stopped by a couple of times), I had the hangar steak medium. It was probably closer to the side of rare, but I can deal with that. But it was almost cold, had no sear or crust, and was low on flavor. The second time, I had the wagyu burger, also medium. Cooked correctly, but the same—lacking flair and flavor. The drinks are pretty good. I had a couple of mezcal drinks, just the right amount of fruit and smoke. I had the jungle bird. I can’t complain about any of them, though the experience didn’t leave me with unforgettable memories either. The staff was nice enough, though reserved. I wasn’t checked on enough for my taste. I don’t need special catering, but would have liked it if they had stopped in more often (would have probably sold me another cocktail or two that way too). Anyway, worth a stop for the architecture and Instagram photos. Don’t go just for the food. Oh, and FYI: a lot of the seats are chairs and sofas that sink down low, do this might not be for everyone.

my hotel when in NY

By jeff |

we stayed here before a cruise on the queen mary 2 and after. love this hotel and always stay here when visiting NY. the temple bar and lounge is perfect for breakfast...love michelle and her vibe, always smiling and a great person to chat with...like a friend, thank you!!

Magical place

By LisaK |

We had to see this magnificent architecture up close so what better than to have cocktails after hours and take it all in. We had only shared appetizers but loved everything about the ambiance of this place.

Beautiful room

By Francois L. |

we enjoyed the setting as much to start the day over a delicious breakfast than for cocktails at night. Architecturally stunning.

Casual Elegance

By pookala |

A dream of a bar and lounge area, perfect for couples wanting an intimate tete a tete or friends gathering for a drink. There are velvet sofas, forgiving lighting, marble topped tables and just the right mixture of textures to provide a subtle yet luxurious experience. Our group of five met here for a nightcap and be forewarned, there is no cheap cocktail in a NYC lounge; so the $18 libations here at The Bar Room are fairly priced given the location and the service. I loved my Graham Greene, a terrific concoction of tequila, dry vermouth, grapefruit and celery bitters. High marks also for the Rob Roy, Cosmopolitan and an espresso martini. Food is available & they do take reservations. HIghly recommend if you are in the area.

Loved it-

By coreylaw2018 |

Cocktails and light fare- we truly loved everything about the ambiance of this place. We have already been back a few times when in NYC- a great find!

Okay and poor...

By Michael2810 |

There is no doubt the ambience of this place is pleasant. However, as a guest of the hotel I felt excluded from being here. The easiest way to access the bar was through the hotel, however I was directed to the front of the bar to be seated. I knew what I wanted so I gave the lass my order. She replied, “I’ll send a server over.” Despite the fact I was in full view of the welcome desk, it was 10 minutes before someone came over to serve me, and that was only because she noticed me sitting there without a drink. She was lovely and apologised for my wait, but you know, she shouldn’t of had to do it. What is really disturbing is this happened to me two days in a row, though the first day I walked out and went elsewhere. I have written in excess of 1000 reviews on TA and this is one of the few poor ones I’ve done. If you have to come here, I hope your experience is better than mine. If you don’t have to come to The Bar Room, choose somewhere else.

Lovely host: Michelle

By balbir |

Had an excellent breakfast every day last week at the Beekman. Served by the lovely Michelle who was a fantastic host. Will be back soon.

A Quintessential New York Dining experience

By brianpatterson273 |

A quintessential New York dining experience. We booked the bar room for a sit- down evening meal. The ambience and service were superb. The food was great too. Highly recommended

Michelle - fabulous breakfast server!

By Lorraine |

We had an awesome breakfast at the Beekman barroom. Our server Michelle made everyone at the table feel welcome and special. She also helped us celebrate a birthday with a candle in a muffin and singing happy birthday! Thank you Michelle!

Good quality

By Joachim G |

Good quality food and very tasty. Not just a burger or a salat. You can have the restaurant food in the bar lounge as well, which is a plus. In generel, no "no can do" in this hotel.

Surprisingly good

By JAS |

Atmosphere is elegant, intimate and not stuffy, cocktails are inventive and delicious, food is cooked impeccably. Don't miss the blistered Shishitos, the arugula and asparagus salad, or the cavatelli (they'll make it vegetarian for you if you prefer.)

The ambiance alone is worth a visit

By TCairl |

This beautiful bar is located adjacent to/inside of the newly restored Beekman hotel near New York City's City Hall on the lower east side. Easily accessible by train, the bar has excellent seating options (see the host/hostess if you'd like a seated table) and the ambiance is perfect. Sound level is just right for either a table of friends or an intimate conversation. The drinks are expertly done.

Beautiful Atmosphere, Extensive Drink Menu, Great Food

By Peggy S |

We were guests at the Beekman Hotel and loved starting and ending our evenings here. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive and the drinks were creative and delicious. The crudite plate sounds basic but try it and you'll order it again!

Restaurant Manager Michelle is Awesome!

By Robin F |

Spent 4 days at the Beekman. Cool place to stay. Had Breakfast every morning in The Bar Room and Michelle is amazing! Smart, fun, beautiful and welcomed us like we were coming into her home!!! Always looked forward to seeing her at breakfast 💕