Algonquin Hotel Round Table

08/30/08

The food is good but the overall experience is not worth the high price.

by RalphKatz at Citysearch

We were drawn into Blue Bar by the limited but reasonably expensive menu in the window and interesting decor. We found out we were scammed when we got the menu at our table and found prices $10 to $14 more per dish than the menu posted outside. We would not have come in for $32 chicken and $35 salmon, especially for a quick pre-theater dinner. So the good quality of the food was tainted by the dishonesty of the menu posted in the window (perhaps those are luncheon prices but the menu did not indicate that). The service was less attentive than it should have been for such an expensive restaurant. The overall experience was not worth the total of more than $90 per person we paid for salad, main dish and 2 drinks per person (not even including dessert and coffee).

• Pros: Quality of Food
• Cons: Much higher prices on actual menu than the one posted in the window, service, atmosphere for the expense

08/07/08

Best Bar on the Block

by JC421630 at Citysearch

This bar is great, the atmosphere is traditionally new york, and it's a shift from the busy streets outside to the calm and quiet bar. The bartender is what really makes the bar though. He makes his drinks using sqeezed fruit and no sugar so the flavour of the liquer is really emphasized instead of hidden. and the quality of drinks is fantastic. I'd recomend this to anybody, anytime.

• Pros: Great service, great drinks
• Cons: a little on the expensive side--but worth it

05/26/05

HORRIBLE

by niteangel at Citysearch

This place was an absolute disgrace! The staff was extremely unfriendly and the management was very snotty. This is only a mediocre bar if that! And they charge $32 for two shots of vodka (and it is absolute!!!!) Not worth anyone's time or money!!

02/15/05

Stuffy yet unaffected: full of readers and writers enjoying the hard stuff.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
A staff of stoic old fellows in bow ties and jackets sets a formal tone at this gentleman's den-like bar. Al Hirschfeld sketches on wood-paneled walls remain a constant year after year, enduring as the old-school clientele. Space is limited and prices are stiff, but manage a table, and it's a dark, somber place to wallow in the blues if you got 'em.

The Draw
Perfume and whiskey scents hangs in the air, like the stories of Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley deliberating over lunch in the Algonquin Hotel's adjoining Round Table room. Soups and sandwiches are available in the barroom as well, though it's far more common to simply opt for another round. Literary types--the kind with day jobs--still meet here over drinks, charging them to the ol' corporate AmEx.

01/17/03

Great Place

by greta_nyc at Citysearch

I love coming here! It is a basic sort of bar and the furnishings could be better, but the service is so great and the drinks & food is always good. Some how it just has the right FEEL which is a big plus.

• Pros: quiet, good drinks
• Cons: decor

07/26/02

Sleek and subtle

by aarmst12 at Citysearch

At first the place looks indimtingly expensive, however, step inside and you'll find a great place for a quite relaxing drink in plush surroundings. A strange mix of older couples and businessmen but always a good drink and pleasant service.

07/19/02

Its understated and great!

by jenwynn at Citysearch

The editorial review is sort of harsh! I think this place is great and never miss the chance to stop by for a very strong cocktail and burger! The atmosphere does leave somethings to be desired so far as furnishings/pictures, but the staff are very friendly and helpful, the drinks are good and actually the food isn't bad either. Not to mention the lobby bar and history of the hotel, these three things combined make the Algonquin Blue Bar a good visit.

• Pros: good staff, strong drinks, quiet atmosphere
• Cons: decor, small menu