Flute
(212) 265-5169
205 W 54th St
New York,
NY
10019
40.764
-73.9821
Neighborhoods: Midtown, Clinton
What People Are Saying About Flute
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This old speakeasy still has the original winding alcoves and the trap door where the bootleggers used to quickly dump their liquor. Now the alluring bar is stocked with the antithesis of throw-away booze: 100 types of champagne, 10 available by the glass.
The Draw
The place is still charged with the energy of criminal diva Texas Guinan, who used to hold court here with her seances and parties in the '20s. Present owner Herve Rousseau--who opened the bar in 1997 with Francois Fourrier--is also a romantic character; he earned his fame as a college student in France by hosting weekend parties on his boat on the Seine. His menu ranges from high-end foie gras and spring rolls to French chocolates and cigars. Crystal flutes from Baccarat and other treasures fill the walls, but even in the lap of luxury, the staff is down-home friendly.
User Reviews
AR2
June 18, 2009
We ordered some champagne after reviewing the menu. We had to look at it about 20 minutes because it was so dark we could not see. We ordered 3 glasses of champagne for $11 each. Well, it turns out they were $23 each, the first item on the menu is a HALF GLASS. When we asked the bartender about it, her comment was, "You looked at the menu for a half an hour, why didn't you read it?" Really? Not going back!!!
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RhoneIslandBorn
April 20, 2009
Flute is our new favorite spot for drinks before dinner. I have walked by Flute many times and read good things so I decided to bring my wife there before our anniversary dinner this weekend. I called midweek to reserve a quiet table and upon our arrival we were promptly seated in a quiet, private alcove. The space is very welcoming and relaxed with various sized tables and upholstered chairs and sofas arranged in clusters throughout the softly lit room. Adding to the ambiance is an eclectic soundtrack playing in the background and the welcomed absence of TVs plastered to the walls. The weekend evening crowd seemed a varied mix of sedate, upscale tourists and locals, aged 30+ and wearing everything from shorts and jeans to sport coats and cocktail dresses. Our waiter was very attentive and knowledgable of the menu. We both enjoyed our drinks; I had the champagne mojito and my wife took his recommendation on a champagne since there were so many to choose. We also ordered the fruit and cheese plate and some spring roles, which were both excellent in taste and presentation. We were there for just over an hour but were so relaxed by the end that it seemed longer. We have been raving about Flute to family and friends as a great romantic spot for drinks and appetizers. We loved it and will definitely return soon.
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moes5112
March 31, 2009
If you are looking for a charming spot for a date or taste the best champagnes in the city, or just hang out with friends after work, Flute is the place. Great lounge music, very cozy and sophisticated!!! I highly recommend this place, you will not be desapointed.
read full reviewThe Details on Flute
The Extras:
Move from a multitude of champagnes to a vast array of vodkas at the Russian Vodka Room.
Know Before You Go:
Find more midtown nightlife destinations.
Category:
Bars & Pubs, Nightclubs, Taverns, Wine Bars, Lounges
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
