If you want a taste of the old New York, traverse the length of the St. Regis hotel lobby, and settle yourself down in the King Cole Bar & Lounge. It’s understated lighting, quiet, stately ambiance, and lavishly styled wood and leather decor are still very ‘in’ with the rich and elite of this famous city. The much talked about feature of this famous bar, which you will probably be staring at while you sip your drink, is the famous ‘Old King Cole’ mural by Maxfield Parrish. Positioned in the center of all the action, you can’t help but feel transported into its old-world aura.
But this mural is not the only center of legends associated with this bar. The King Cole Bar in the St. Regis is also the place where Fernand Petiot perfected the drink that has gone on to become the most famous cocktail in the world today – The Bloody Mary. Of course, Harry’s New York Bar in Paris would argue that that was the place where it was first created, but this is where it was perfected in 1934. It was called the Red Snapper then, and it still goes by that same name here at King Cole. Of course, there are critics who have panned the preparation here 76 years down the road, arguing that the place where it all began is definitely not the place still to come to for The Bloody Mary. But then, when having critics ever been unanimous? The fact that there still are enough takers for this drink, even amongst the connoisseurs, coupled with the history and legend associated with it, makes ‘The Red Snapper’ a must try out here.
If you are wondering about the prices out here, it is safe to say that this place is about as expensive as Liquor gets in NY. In other words, if the cost is a factor, there are definitely other places to go to. However, if you think you can afford the exclusive privilege of sipping your drink in the midst of history and luxury at the same time, you couldn’t have found a better place.
If you find yourself feeling peckish while you sip, you have the choice of snacking on almonds, green wasabi peas, and macadamia nuts. Bored with your company? See if you can get one of the bartenders to fill you in on the history associated with this famous bar. It certainly won’t be an unusual request at this place that prides itself on its warm, friendly, and courteous service.
Finally, if you have made up your mind, here is what you need to know: the bar stays open from 11.30 am to 1 am from Monday thru Thursday, 11.30 am to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from noon to midnight on Sundays. The dress code is casual, business casual, or anything else going up the scale of formality. Shorts are not permitted, and there are no admission charges.
- Address: Two E 55th St, New York, NY 10022
- Phone: (212) 753-4500