Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel
New York, NY 10036
Phone: (888) 304-2047
- Cross Street:
- Between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue
- Directions:
- B, D; F, V; 7 at 42nd St-5th Ave
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu 7pm-10:15pm, Fri-Sat 7pm-12:30am, Sun 12pm-3pm
Editorial Review for Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel – by Raven Snook
The Scene
Swathe yourself in a satin gown. Rescue your tux from the mothballs. Tonight you're going to party like it's 1939. Tucked away in the stately lobby of the Algonquin Hotel, the Oak Room has been one of New York's premier cabaret venues since its inception in the late 1930s. Taking its name from its shiny paneled walls, the space is elegant and intimate, punctuated by immaculate white tablecloths, wrought-iron scones and burgundy lampshades. Most of the affluent patrons seem nearly as old as the room itself, perhaps because they can best afford the steep cover and cocktail charges.
The Draw
Audiences come for the rotation of top cabaret performers--with Andrea Marcovicci, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Feinstein and the late Nancy La Mott among the chosen. The talent stays close at hand, as there is no stage, instead tables form an intimate arc around the piano.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoIn addition to the whopping $60-$75 cover charge, every show requires a two-drink minimum.
Look GoodAlthough suits and ties are not mandatory, you'll feel out of place if you wear anything casual.
User Reviews for Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel
08/09/2006 Posted by raymondfong
The Hotel lobby itself is beautiful but the performance space is very cramped and claustrophobic feeling. Prices are suprisingly high for awful food. There were only about 4 entrees on the menu and everything was around $32. I ordered the Salmon and what came out from the kitchen was a pathetic small piece of shriveled up Salmon. I couldn't believe any restaurant would let that dish leave the kitchen. I sent it back and around 20 minutes later the waiter brought out another piece equally as small and sad looking. The chef must be an incompentent. The friend who I was with ordered Chicken Milanese which was huge, the exact opposite of the size of the salmon, however it was so overly lemony that my friend could barely eat it. I also ordered one of the specialty cocktails from the drink menu (all cocktails $15) and it was repulsive. For $15 at least make a good compentent drink. I sent the cocktail back and ordered a nice glass of wine from a good label but they kept it a the wrong temperature so the wine was too warm. At this point I realized that nothing was going to come out right so I just accepted the wine. The show we saw was pretty good but the space is not set-up for a proper live performance and we had to crane our necks to see the show. Also even though we were having full dinners and buying their expensive drinks they host gave us an awful table and saved a much better table for two people who were drinking coffee. I recommend having a drink in the beautiful Algonuin lobby but skip the Oak Room. It was one of the worst experiences I have had in a long time.
Pros: Beautiful Lobby
Cons: Overpriced, bad service, poor site lines
Users Like You Also Viewed
Park Blue
158 W 58th St
New York, NY 10019
Crash Mansion
199 Bowery
New York, NY 10002
