Madame George

- 45 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036

In the bustling landscape of New York City's bar scene, where options range from dive bars to sprawling rooftop lounges, finding a truly special place that combines artistry, atmosphere, and innovation can be a challenge. Tucked away on a side street in Midtown, Madame George is a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the frenetic energy of Times Square. This cocktail bar is more than just a place to get a drink; it's an experience. With its opulent, Victorian-inspired decor and a warm, inviting ambiance, Madame George offers a romantic and trendy escape for those who appreciate high-quality cocktails and a sophisticated setting. It’s a place for a special date night, a celebratory outing with friends, or simply a moment to indulge in some of the city's most creative and expertly crafted beverages. The cozy, subterranean space provides a sense of intimacy and discovery, making it a favorite among locals and a must-visit for tourists in the know. From the moment you descend into this lavish space, you know you’re in for a treat that is both luxurious and approachable.

What sets Madame George apart is its unwavering commitment to the craft of mixology. The beverage program is a thoughtful collection of drinks that pays homage to New York's rich cocktail history while pushing the boundaries with modern techniques and innovative flavors. The menu is divided into intriguing sections, from "Classic New York" paying tribute to legendary bartenders like Jerry Thomas, to "Virtuosos" featuring the bar's own unique and experimental creations. The bartenders are true artisans, creating each cocktail with precision and flair. But the offerings don't stop at the drinks. Madame George also provides a curated menu of "Bites & Shares," including dishes like 'Mulberry Street Meatballs' and 'Houston Street Pastrami Sandwich,' that are perfect for complementing your cocktails. The atmosphere is further enhanced by live performances on select nights, with live music adding a layer of energy and entertainment that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. This combination of a stunning setting, incredible drinks, and lively entertainment makes Madame George a standout destination in a city with no shortage of bars.

Madame George is located at 45 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA, placing it in an incredibly central and convenient spot between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Its close proximity to Times Square, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Terminal makes it a perfect destination for both a planned night out and a spontaneous stop. The bar is just a short walk from multiple subway lines, including the 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W, B, D, F, and M trains, ensuring it is easily accessible from all over the city. While finding the entrance may require a little bit of searching, as is typical of a speakeasy-style bar, the journey is part of the experience. The discrete entrance adds to the allure, leading you into a hidden world of opulence and great drinks. The location also means it is a fantastic spot for a pre-theater drink or a late-night cocktail after a show.

The establishment is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, allowing for easy access to the main space. Additionally, there are wheelchair accessible restrooms, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their time at the bar comfortably. The venue's commitment to being an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space also contributes to its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. For those driving, paid street parking is available in the surrounding area, though given the central location, public transportation is highly recommended. The seamless blend of a central location, easy accessibility, and an inviting ambiance makes Madame George a top choice for a memorable night out in New York City.

• Onsite Services: The primary service is the in-person cocktail and dining experience. The bar is designed for guests to stay and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere, creative drinks, and delicious food.
• Dine-in: With comfortable seating options, including plush booths and bar stools, you can dine in and enjoy a full evening of drinks and shareable bites.
• Table Service: The bar provides full table service, with attentive staff who will take your order and bring your drinks directly to your table, ensuring a relaxed and seamless experience.
• Reservations: Given the intimate and popular nature of the bar, reservations are accepted and highly recommended, especially for groups, to guarantee a spot.
• Private Events: Madame George is available for private events, corporate functions, and celebrations, accommodating both smaller groups and larger parties.

• Great Cocktails: The most significant highlight is the quality and creativity of the cocktails. The menu is innovative, with each drink crafted with precision and fresh ingredients, earning the bar a reputation for having some of the best drinks in the city.
• Live Music and Performances: Madame George regularly features live music and performances, adding a layer of entertainment and a lively energy to the atmosphere. This is a major draw for many customers.
• Upscale and Cozy Atmosphere: The decor is a whimsical mix of opulent Victorian and trendy modern elements, creating a romantic and intimate setting. It's a place that feels both luxurious and comfortable.
• Excellent Wine List and Other Offerings: Beyond the cocktails, the bar boasts a great wine list, as well as a selection of beer, hard liquor, and a food menu perfect for sharing, ensuring there is something for every taste.
• Happy Hour Specials: The bar offers a fantastic happy hour from 5 PM to 7 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, with specially priced cocktails and bites, making it a great option for an after-work drink.
• Friendly and Inclusive: Madame George is a welcoming space for all, with a stated commitment to being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space.
• Delicious Food: The 'Bites & Shares' menu features more than just standard bar snacks, with elevated options like 'Mott Street Bang Bang Shrimp' and 'General Tso's Chicken' that stand on their own.

Address: 45 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA

Phone: (646) 423-9081

For a first-time visitor to Madame George, the cocktail menu is the star of the show, and exploring the "Stallwarts of a Certain Age" and "Virtuosos" sections is highly recommended. A great choice is to start with one of the "Stallwarts" to experience their reimagined classics, like the Lafayette or the Japanese Cocktail. For those with a more adventurous palate, a drink from the "Virtuosos" section is a must-try. The menu changes, but options like the "To Randy" or the Concrete Jungle showcase the mixologists' creative genius. As a fun and shareable option, the Teeny Tini Trio is a great choice, allowing you to sample three different martini variations.

Beyond the cocktails, the happy hour specials from 5 PM to 7 PM are a fantastic way to experience the bar's quality at a great price. The happy hour cocktails, such as the Turtledove and True American, are a great value. The food menu is also a standout, offering more than just light snacks. The Mott Street Bang Bang Shrimp and the Houston Street Pastrami Sandwich are delicious options that make for a satisfying meal. For those who want to indulge, the Bar Snack Tier is a decadent and fun choice for a group. While some customers have noted that the service can be a bit pushy, the overall quality of the drinks, the unique atmosphere, and the live music are more than enough to make up for it. The combination of its central location, a sophisticated yet cozy ambiance, and an exceptional cocktail program makes Madame George a bar truly worth choosing for a memorable night out in New York City.

Madame George

45 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, USA