Lea

In Short – An art-deco wonder sitting at the foot of Park Avenue, Lea feels far away from the bustle of nearby Grand Central Station. Tucked under the Helmsley Building, bordello-red walls and oil paintings add to the bar's secretive vibe. Folks wearing business-casual chat over pricey cocktails--whether for a romantic tryst or a chance to linger before the 6:05. A busy sushi chef at the corner of the bar turns out more than a dozen offerings.

Editor's Tips

When to Go:: Lea is open weekdays only. Mondays draw a thin crowd, but the place is hopping Tuesday through Friday. Private parties take over Saturday and Sunday.
What to Drink:: The mojitos with fresh raspberry puree are a favorite.

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User Reviews (31)

ambiance	95.45000076293945% positive	“My friends and I had a great time and the staff was friendly and fun.” “If you don't mind the happy hour crowds this place is a blast on week days - great drinks, very freindly staff and fabulous atmosphere.” “The dinnig room has a nice ambiance.” “Aesthetically pleasing, comfortable atmosphere conducive to both business related meetings and straight forward socializing.” “went on a Thursday night and the place was happening - good atmosphere - however that was spoiled by subpar service and mediocre food.” “love the atmosphere as each night is always a new experience.” “While the service is abbysmal, the ambience is a great find in midtown.” “We came here because the location was convenient, and it was a horrible mistake.” “The location weeds out a negative crowd and locks you in what feel like one of NY's best kept secrets.” “don't know about regular nights but monday night had fun people, nice vibe & good dance music.” “The ambience is nice and it's a good social place too.”
drinks	85.08999824523926% positive	“and its true - completely packed, gorrrgeous gals serving our cold drinks.” “The drinks here were strong and the appetizers were great (Try the sushi).” “If you don't mind the happy hour crowds this place is a blast on week days - great drinks, very freindly staff and fabulous atmosphere.” “Overall, drinks and food were decent (though the cheese platter didn't offer crackers but bread buns), however the service was completely AWFUL.” “The manager was super friendly and extremely tentative, she offered us a drink on the house and even gave us a free Tapas dish to try out.” “The space is lovely with great seating areas and a massive main bar.” “lea is good for drinks but make your dinner destination somewhere else.” “Lea is a great place to catch up with girlfriends after work on Tuesdays--the music is good, the food is good, the service is fast, and best of all the drinks are FREE.” “The bar is small, with friendly staff, and the new breed of customer that NEVER SITS DOWN if they're not eating.” “The service is friendly & great - the bartenders - know how to make - off-the-chart drinks - Expresso Martinis are the best.” “The drinks are pricey, but no more than an upscale lounge of its kind.” “read in the Zagat review for nightlife that the "waitresses are hot, and drinks are cold", pretty cheesy, but worth the trip if it's true.” “Lea is definately a unique bar for the area, as there are not too many other places that are like it around Grand Central.” “ate amazing food and had a few drinks.” “come here all the time the best bar.” “Selection of wines is great, although pricey.” “Tuesday's are great because ladies drink apple martini's, cosmo's and wine for FREE.” “great place for free drinks on Tuesdays” “the best bar”
food quality	83.33000183105469% positive	“The drinks here were strong and the appetizers were great (Try the sushi).” “Lea has the best sushi I have ever had the pleasure of tasting.” “asked her a question about the food and she gave me such obnoxious attitude.” “ate amazing food and had a few drinks.” “The manager was super friendly and extremely tentative, she offered us a drink on the house and even gave us a free Tapas dish to try out.” “The food is great!” “but i tell my guests this : think of your favorite sushi place - and try Lea's - it WILL beat it, without a doubt in my mind.” “If you order sushi, ask the chef for his orange "special" sauce.” “Great food, friendly staff, customers who never sit down” “guess natash9257 doesn't get out often enough if she thinks Lea has the best sushi.” “amazing sushi!” “By the way, the food was excellent, if a bit pricey.” “went on a Thursday night and the place was happening - good atmosphere - however that was spoiled by subpar service and mediocre food.” “Lea is a great place to catch up with girlfriends after work on Tuesdays--the music is good, the food is good, the service is fast, and best of all the drinks are FREE.” “Overall, drinks and food were decent (though the cheese platter didn't offer crackers but bread buns), however the service was completely AWFUL.” “the calamari was clearly not fresh and tasted like something microwaved.” “I've also had some of the best sushi here.”
overall	100.0% positive	“Lea is a great place to catch up with girlfriends after work on Tuesdays--the music is good, the food is good, the service is fast, and best of all the drinks are FREE.” “The ambience is nice and it's a good social place too.” “all-aroud great place to be!” “great place for free drinks on Tuesdays”
service	77.5600004196167% positive	“The manager was super friendly and extremely tentative, she offered us a drink on the house and even gave us a free Tapas dish to try out.” “The staff was relatively friendly and i would definately reccommend going there.” “Service needs a bit of a jog but the occasional delays are offset by the friendly and accomodating disposition of the staff and management.” “our waitress tonight was just terrible.” “The service is friendly & great - the bartenders - know how to make - off-the-chart drinks - Expresso Martinis are the best.” “have to say though that the service was a bit slow but it was busy and i don't think there were enough waitresses there.” “Lea is a great place to catch up with girlfriends after work on Tuesdays--the music is good, the food is good, the service is fast, and best of all the drinks are FREE.” “read in the Zagat review for nightlife that the "waitresses are hot, and drinks are cold", pretty cheesy, but worth the trip if it's true.” “While the service is abbysmal, the ambience is a great find in midtown.” “Terrible service” “If you don't mind the happy hour crowds this place is a blast on week days - great drinks, very freindly staff and fabulous atmosphere.” “The bar is small, with friendly staff, and the new breed of customer that NEVER SITS DOWN if they're not eating.” “The staff was friendly and tolerant of us moving around.” “don't know about regular nights but monday night had fun people, nice vibe & good dance music.” “Great food, friendly staff, customers who never sit down” “Overall, drinks and food were decent (though the cheese platter didn't offer crackers but bread buns), however the service was completely AWFUL.” “The staff is very friendly and service is great.” “will have to add to those reviews about the horrible service.” “My friends and I had a great time and the staff was friendly and fun.” “the waitresses are always happy and having a good time along with the customers.” “The waitresses are always stunning and sweet.” “The crowd was great, a lot of good looking people.” “went on a Thursday night and the place was happening - good atmosphere - however that was spoiled by subpar service and mediocre food.” “It was strangely enlightening to see so many happy people in one place.” “The staff is friendly, attractive, and well worth the you leave after getting to gaze at them for awhile.” “It's a beautiful place with beautiful people.”
value	70.0% positive	“Selection of wines is great, although pricey.” “read in the Zagat review for nightlife that the "waitresses are hot, and drinks are cold", pretty cheesy, but worth the trip if it's true.” “By the way, the food was excellent, if a bit pricey.” “The drinks are pricey, but no more than an upscale lounge of its kind.” “The staff is friendly, attractive, and well worth the you leave after getting to gaze at them for awhile.”
wait time	0.0% positive	“have to say though that the service was a bit slow but it was busy and i don't think there were enough waitresses there.”

11/19/09

Lea's - Great for Drinks and Dinner

by Mark Demo

The service is friendly & great - the bartenders - know how to make - off-the-chart drinks - Expresso Martinis are the best.

Also, the Sushi and Sliders are Great!

Pros: Great service - and food
Cons: Too busy to stay long enough

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09/21/08

Overrated - Good for drinks - skip dinner

by nyceast110

based on the reviews posted here, I had high expectations for Lea - instead I was truly disappointed. I guess natash9257 doesn't get out often enough if she thinks Lea has the best sushi. I went on a Thursday night and the place was happening - good atmosphere - however that was spoiled by subpar service and mediocre food. there are too many other good places to waste your time on this one. lea is good for drinks but make your dinner destination somewhere else.

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07/21/08

Holy %&#@! Had the best time in my life.

by Natash9257

I went out on a date last week and my date introduced me to Lea, I don't know where the heck all of these negative reviews come from, maybe they were written by miserable, fat ,insecure women with no self esteem. Lea has the best sushi I have ever had the pleasure of tasting. The service provided by these elite looking women was spectacular, and I have never encountered such a seductive ambiance. The manager was super friendly and extremely tentative, she offered us a drink on the house and even gave us a free Tapas dish to try out. If you're looking to woo someone and offer them a good time, I would recommend Lea any day.

Pros: Ambience, service, food,
Cons: location

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07/21/08

All New york - all fun

by cloudynyc

Lea is one of my favorite place to take guests. It is ALWAYS fun. The waitresses are always stunning and sweet. (Needless to say my guy friends love it here) The new manager, told us that they are going to start pluggin in the "Wii" Monday nights and WE WILL BE THERE!! It's hidden in the east walkway on park ave, and it is awesome! Dont forget the sushi!! Some people dont even know about it...but i tell my guests this : think of your favorite sushi place - and try Lea's - it WILL beat it, without a doubt in my mind. Ladies this is THE meet spot. Trust. ;)

Pros: everything
Cons: hard to find at first- call for help

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06/30/08

Over rated

by maynhp

The service was sub-par. We printed off a coupon from CitySearch's website, which was for Monday's buy one glass of wine get one free, expiration date 12/08. Today is 6/30/08. They refused to accept the coupon (which contained a bar code). In addition, not only did they get our order wrong but charged us $3.00 for a diet coke the side of a large shot glass!!!!! Save your $$$$ and skip this place. Skip it go to Divine Bar instead!

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Lea

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Editor's Tips

11/19/09

Lea's - Great for Drinks and Dinner

by Mark Demo

09/21/08

Overrated - Good for drinks - skip dinner

by nyceast110

07/21/08

Holy %&#@! Had the best time in my life.

by Natash9257

07/21/08

All New york - all fun

by cloudynyc

06/30/08

Over rated

by maynhp

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