Lexington Bar & Books
“After a few of these and a smooth cigar I started speaking like Sean Connery as Bond himself.”
“However, it is a nice place to go enjoy with a friend or small group of friends to share a scotch and cigar or cigarette.”
“I'm also partial to the fresh and roasted on demand cashews–they are to die for if the smoke doesn't kill you first.”
Lexington Bar & Books
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Smoking: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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It is a cigar bar, and an expensive one at that. Amazing selection of scotch with several decently priced options for whiskey flights. For $60, you can taste six whiskies that normally cost upwards of seventy-five bucks a piece. They also make a mean martini.
Only downside is Cigar list that's not so great and with very high markups. House cigars are okay and more reasonably priced. Great sound system. For awhile, I thought there was a live band. Music is mostly jazz and 60s but once I was here and they plugged in one of my friend's iPod and played his library of Sinatra tunes. I don't think they will do that anymore.
Service is excellent, the best I've seen amongst the various cigar bars in the area. Very fast taking coats at the door, seating, taking drink orders without being obtrusive, and delivering the drinks. Their version of the Vesper Martini uses a flamed lemon peel and is very tasty.
A sign at the door says "no cigarette smoking, cigars only" but the rule is indifferently enforced.
The ambiance can't be beat if you are into smoking what will soon be considered contraband in Bloomie's homogenized NYC. Consider Lexington Bar and Books (LBB) as the smoker's oasis set in what is a cross between a 20s era speakeasy and Junius Pierpont Morgan's library. Nowadays in NYC smoking in public places is tantamount to just shy of a capital offense. And while I do not partake in the habit visit LBB for one of the best selection of whiskers–American or otherwise–this side of the Atantic. I'm also partial to the fresh and roasted on demand cashews–they are to die for if the smoke doesn't kill you first. And all this decadence served up by red form-fitting dress and pearl clad lassies while a Bond film runs in the background. To retirate: Babes, Bond, Bar, Books and Tabac , for what else can one ask?
Cigar bar that has a Wonderful atmosphere with a library theme. Also among the only lounges open late upper east side.
Smoky –so you have to be able to tolerate that.
I had been here before and liked the relaxed vibe but last night being there Halloween the vibe was especially colorful- I was pretty engaged people watching for the first 10-15 minutes.
The vibe especially in the heart of the bar close to the front reminded me of an underground speakeasy during that period with old school men in suits, a couple women sitting on their dates' laps, cigarette and cigars lifted in the air, people laughing and puffing away, a couple standing up semi moving to the (wonderful, more modern) music. It reminded me of a scene out of a movie.
A very mixed crowd: Old school upper east side men – some with their family, sons or friends… A number of couples, and also a mix of younger singles at the bar. Half the people were in costume coming here as an end of night option probably following parties.
We moved seats to a more cozy table toward the back of the bar when one opened, and that was a little more private and much less colorful and vibrant.
At the very back there is a separate small library themed room.
I tried to be adventurous and order a couple new specialty drinks off their menu but wasn't the biggest fan… The server was very nice in accommodating and making me a new drink when I did not like the first drink, a blueberry Caipirinha, which I think is just not my preference – as my friend said it is a common drink In Rio and that's how it is supposed to taste. I prefer sweeter tasting cocktails . When the very kind personable server offered to make me a different cocktail that was sweeter I took her recommendation but it was grapefruit flavored which is bitter and tart not sweet to me. – I didn't want to seem "that impossible high maintenance customer" when she'd kindly had a second drink made (and my friend liked it) so we shared it then ordered the Manhattan, which was wonderfully made.
Highly recommend as a later end of night spot to go or a cigar bar to go with friends or a date.
17 dollars for a drink that is not worth the price tag and the place reeks of cigar and cigarette smoke. Definitely will not be back here. Also make sure you tuck your shirt in to your pants here; it's the rule.
Excellent drinks. Sort of an odd, bro-ey scene. I've been told by my compatriots that the scene was unusual on Friday night so I won't judge. Pairs well with a dinner at Melon's.
Seems like a much better hangout for men of a certain age who want to enjoy cigars (obviously I guessed this in advance but still thought it may be an interesting scene for a few twenty-something girls). It's a very speakeasy-like space and so odd (but kind of cool) to see people smoking (cigars and cigarettes) indoors. I almost felt as if I was in 1920s Paris. The glasses of wine are expensive at $15-20 per glass, but the pours are LARGE, so can't complain.
It was 5pm on a weekday and we were ready for a chill early drink after checking out some amazing art installations at the Guggenheim.
Got on my Yelp app and this place looked like the perfect spot. Especially because I had a visitor in town so I was looking forward to taking him to a bar with some Old New York charm.
Upon entrance, we realized we had entered the Old Boys Club.
While this place does have its own character and potential, the whole " mandatory jacket" policy is taking it a bit far. My friend forced to wear one of their oversized suit coats while we sipped on our old fashions. Well, at least the drinks were strong so we had our own fun anyway!
Great décor and setting which is a cross between a speakeasy and someone's private library. There is a dress code so be mindful of that.
We came in for drinks and smokes after a great dinner elsewhere and ended up racking up a huge bill as we stayed until 3:00AM.
Their scotch/bourbon list is huge with over a hundred choices. I went with the Bowmore 12 which, at $15 was reasonably priced. I had brought some of my own cigars so there is a $5 cutting fee per person who does not smoke on of theirs. I did end up purchasing a Rocky Patel, which at $25, was completely overpriced, it should be more in the $10-15 range.
One of my friends opted for their Old Fashioned which was prepared nicely and the ladies went with the Lady Luck cocktail which must have been good since they had 5 each.
Service was attentive although one guy insisted I take my fedora off while our waitress said we should ignore him.
As a cigar smoker I like that there are still some dedicated spots in Nannyhattan where you can grab a smoke and relax after a good meal.