Review: The Bar at Baccarat Hotel New York

First impression?
“Is this Manhattan or Versailles?” You’d be forgiven if your internal GPS went on the fritz in this knockout room, which recalls the Hall of Mirrors thousands of miles away. With giant crystal chandeliers dangling overhead, Champagne served in lead crystal flutes that are heavy in the hand, and scarlet walls that recall the City of Lights’ most refined rooms, this bar is a beauty. Bar stools are more like thrones; it’s hard not to feel like royalty when you're here.

So who’s there?
Get dressed, for you are going someplace fabulous and transporting. Leave the canvas bag at work and grab the nice clutch, put on the lipstick, or iron your jacket. It’s almost out of respect to its executive regulars—and those who love them—that one dresses up at a place like this.

How are the drinks?
Cocktails start at $26 for a G&T and go all the way to $450 (for those requiring a Sidecar made with Louis XIII cognac and laced with gold leaf). They’re good, though not the best in town, but the glasses they’re served in are simply stunning.

Is it worth ordering something to eat, too?
Dine before or after coming here for your splurge drink; the food is relatively reasonably priced compared to the drinks, but we’d stick to something like olives ($9)—all the better to match your gin martini.

Bottom line: what are we coming here for?
Design dorks, glassware and chandelier obsessives, and those for whom Manhattan has lost its luster should all come here.