Center Bar
“My uncle is a regular at this charming, small bar on the third floor of Columbus Circle with great views of Central Park.”
“I enjoyed the tinklings of the piano man and a nice hot toddy that was lukewarm but still spiced nicely.”
“As others have mentioned, it is "hidden" on the 4th floor of the Time Warner building.”
Center Bar
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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Came here with a friend for a drink and a quick bite to eat. Has a great view of Columbus Circle and the ambiance was very chill with the jazz piano player. The wait staff was incredibly slow with drinks and food. This may have to do with the fact that there was only 1 waiter for the whole lounge area. We each ordered a glass of rose and the grilled cheese and tomato soup. Food was good, but would probably not come here to eat again because it took such a long time for some cheese between 2 slices of bread and a shot glass of tomato soup.
Early Saturday evening, I came in to The Center Bar for a drink and a light bite prior to a Jazz performance in the building.
You can't miss the location of the bar as it's directly in the center of the 4th floor of the Time Warner Building. The bar area is small. Table seating is available. The place is decorated with very chic lighting. I've walked by here many times in the past and saw a wonderful pianist perform in the evening.
The drink menu was quite extensive with cocktails, wine by the glass and bottle. Ordered a Mighty Servant Cocktail $17.00. This flavorful and refreshing drink included Grey Goose, Strawberries, Basil and Framboise. The bartender Mary really made this drink beautifully. Mary had a very warm friendly personality. The other servers in the restaurant were very friendly to me. The food menu is not extensive. However, it's tapas style.
For a light bite, I had a small platter of thinly sliced prime aged steak ($21.00) (medium). The steak was prepared beautifully and was delicious. Pricewise, the place is not cheap but this is NYC.
The dessert menu had some wonderful items, but I was a little pressed for time. That being said, I would definitely come back another time for a dessert.
(Will definitely update everyone on dessert 🙂
The Center Bar is a nice upscale, elegant and convenient place to stop in if you want to have a drink, a light bite and or dessert before or after a jazz performance or while shopping in the area.
Came here by accident as we were early for our reservation at Per Se. A delightful surprise in an open bar setting. We were a bit famished as we just came from the theater so we had a seat and ordered a grilled cheese. Quite an artisan spin on a classic. Came with chips, a fruit chutney and tomato soup. Hit the spot. Nice quaint place to grab something quick if you are shopping on the 1st floor or waiting for your show to start at the Center there.
I live in the area and never gave this place a shot because I thought it would be too pricey. I normally go to the Bouchon Bakery as a pre-theater drink and meal and leave unimpressed (and Bouchon has a B rating). I went to center bar and was treated so well. That extra flight of stairs is worth it for a guaranteed great view of columbus circle, live music, and over 40 different types of cocktails. I was so pleased by our waitress and her suggestions and although we didn't try any food, it is on our list for next time. The drinks came with a tray of peanuts, pretzels and wasabi peas which was also nice. Oh and we also had a great view of men changing shirts in Armani Exchange if you are into that sort of thing!
Not a bad place to get a midtown priced drink with clientele that like live piano man playing soft music. The view is certainly good, almost romantical but I was with a friend this time.
I enjoyed the tinklings of the piano man and a nice hot toddy that was lukewarm but still spiced nicely. My friend had a blackberry bramble that was decent. Most of all we enjoyed the recent holiday light placement in time warner center.
Definitely a great place to come and catch up with a friend or if you want to have a classy date. It doesn't feel like I'm in New York at all, but some classy lounge in Shanghai or something. They have a man playing the piano so it's awesome ambiance! I love how they give you nuts to nimble on as well. Service was pretty great. The view was awesome! i went there at night so Central Park wasn't really that visible from where I sat, but Columbus Circle was. The prices are definitely steep…but I'd think it's worth it.
I have been here several times for casual evening drinks. It's a nice place with light atmosphere that's good for drinks with friends. Not very formal and not too casual. Great location. Drinks are overpriced in my opinion; prices are same as you would find in a very upscale bar or club which makes this place slightly low value for money. That's why I am giving 3 stars otherwise it can be 4
3.5 stars.
Super cute place but the ambiance does come at a steep price of $15-17 for their cocktails. Wine glasses are $9-13 and beer isn't very marked up.
it's located conveniently inside the mall and overlooks the Columbus Circle buildings so it's a nice place to wind down. There's also a man playing the piano and the waitstaff is quite courteous.