The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen Introduce
## The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen: Your Upscale Midtown Escape
In the bustling landscape of Midtown Manhattan, where every street corner holds a new dining experience, The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen stands out as a true hidden gem. Tucked away on the cellar level of the elegant Andaz Hotel, this restaurant and bar offers a unique blend of sophisticated ambiance and a welcoming, neighborhood feel. It's a place that manages to be both trendy and cozy, offering a peaceful retreat from the non-stop energy of Fifth Avenue. As a New Yorker, you know the value of a quality spot that feels like a secret find, and The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen fits that description perfectly. It's a destination where you can unwind, enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, and savor a meal made with care, whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself.
The establishment's upscale yet approachable atmosphere, with its low-key vibes and a crowd that includes both locals and tourists, makes it a versatile choice for any occasion. From the moment you step in, you're greeted with a sense of discovery, almost like a modern speakeasy, without the need for a password. The service is known for being attentive and professional, reflecting its association with a prestigious hotel. This commitment to a high-quality experience is evident in every detail, from the decor to the thoughtfully curated menu. The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen is more than just a place to eat and drink; it's a a spot to create great stories and memorable evenings.
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## Location and Accessibility
The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen is conveniently located at 485 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017. Its location is a major advantage, situated directly across from the iconic New York Public Library and just a short walk from Bryant Park and Grand Central Terminal. This makes it an ideal meeting spot for anyone working in the area or a perfect place to refuel after exploring the city’s major attractions. Its proximity to major subway lines and bus routes ensures easy access from anywhere in the five boroughs. For those who prefer to drive, a variety of paid parking options are available nearby.
The restaurant is also committed to ensuring an inclusive experience for all its guests. It features wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating, making it a welcoming and comfortable space for individuals with mobility challenges. This thoughtful attention to accessibility, combined with its prime Midtown location, makes The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen an accessible and convenient choice for a diverse crowd.
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## Services Offered
The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen offers a full range of dining and beverage services to cater to every part of your day, from a morning coffee to late-night drinks.
- Dine-in: Enjoy the full, upscale dining experience in their cozy and trendy setting. The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed and intimate meal.
- Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner: The restaurant serves meals throughout the day, providing delicious options no matter when you stop by. From a morning bagel with salmon to a full dinner, the kitchen is ready to serve.
- Table Service: All dining is accompanied by attentive table service from a professional and friendly staff.
- Bar Onsite: A dedicated bar offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including an extensive cocktail and wine menu.
- Late-Night Food: The kitchen stays open to serve small plates and snacks, making it a great spot for a late-night bite.
- Accepts Reservations: To secure a spot, especially during peak hours, the restaurant accepts reservations, making it easy to plan ahead.
- Happy Hour: Enjoy special pricing on select drinks and food items during their popular happy hour.
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## Features and Highlights
The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen is a destination for its distinct features and high-quality offerings that set it apart from other establishments in the area.
- Fast Service: Customers appreciate the prompt and efficient service, a highlight that makes it a great choice for a quick lunch or a pre-theater dinner.
- Cozy, Trendy, and Upscale Atmosphere: The ambiance is a key selling point. It combines an upscale feel with a cozy and inviting vibe, making it perfect for both a special occasion and a casual get-together. The speakeasy-like entrance adds to its allure.
- Exceptional Cocktails and Wine: The beverage program is a major draw. The menu features an impressive variety of shaken and stirred cocktails, as well as a great selection of spritzes and classics. The wine list includes carefully selected options, with pours available in various sizes.
- Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu offers a fantastic range of dishes, from small plates like Lamb Meatballs and Spanish Octopus to hearty mains like Skirt Steak and Short Rib Ragout. There is also a great selection of vegetarian options and delicious desserts.
- Welcoming Crowd: The bar attracts a diverse and friendly crowd, including groups, tourists, and is noted as LGBTQ+ friendly.
- Breakfast and Brunch Options: The morning menu is perfect for a business meeting or a leisurely brunch, with dishes like a plate of bagel with salmon and eggs any style.
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## Contact Information
Ready to experience The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen for yourself? Here’s how you can get in touch:
Address: 485 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 601-1234
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## What is Worth Choosing?
When you visit The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen, you’ll find the menu filled with tempting choices, but some items are particularly celebrated. For a start, don't miss the Truffle Fries; they are a perfectly crispy and flavorful small plate. The Lamb Meatballs and Wagyu Sliders are also excellent choices for sharing, and they perfectly complement the drink menu.
As for main courses, the Skirt Steak and Wild Mushroom Risotto are popular choices that highlight the kitchen’s skill. If you're a cocktail enthusiast, the bar is the star of the show. The Trouble in Paradise and Naked & Famous from the "Refreshing" list are innovative and delightful. For a more classic feel, the Old Fashioned and Black Manhattan are expertly prepared. The unique, non-alcoholic drinks are also a pleasant surprise for those who want a flavorful alternative.
While some reviews mention specific dishes like the bagel with salmon being a deconstructed plate, it's clear that the overall experience—from the low-key ambiance to the attentive service—is what keeps people coming back. The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen offers a unique blend of high-quality dining and a relaxed, cozy atmosphere that is hard to find in a city as fast-paced as New York. It's a place where you can relax with friends, enjoy a quiet dinner, and appreciate the craftsmanship in every cocktail and dish.
The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen Food & drink
Refreshing (Shaken)
$25
- Trouble in Paradise
ojo de tigre mezcal, avua ambruana cachaca, pineapple, chili tincture, mole bitters, lime
- I Still Got it
hibiscus infused tito's vodka, baiju, cointreau, lime, egg white
- Coral Breeze
ford's gin, saint germain, ginger, strawberry, basil, lemon, club soda
- Sunday Service
ten to one white rum, rhum agricole, banane du brésil, soursop, lime
- That's My Jam
peanut infused rittenhouse rye, crème de mure, grape shrub, lemon
- Strega Mule
wheatley vodka, strega, ginger, lime club soda
- Little Red Corvette
cazadores tequila, aperol, prickly pear, coconut, lime, club soda
- Summer in the Alps
suntory toki whisky, pasubio amaro, blueberry, lemon
- Last Workd
ford's gin, green chartreuse, luxardo maraschino liqueur, lime
- Naked & Famous
mezcal, aperol, dolin genepy de chamois, lime juice
- Key Lime Daiquiri
ten to one white rum, condensed milk, lime, bruelled meringue espuma
Boozy (Stirred)
$25
- Farewell Captain
rittenhouse rye whiskey, cynar, cardamaro
- Sunomono Gibson
roku gin, bianco vermouth, sunomono cucumber brine, sesame
- White Negroni
ford's gin, suze, blanc vermouth
- Boulevardier
jim beam bourbon, campari, sweet vermouth
- Vieux Carré
rittenhouse rye, park cognac, sweet vermouth, benedictine, angostura bitters, peychaud's bitters
- Old Fashioned
rittenhouse rye whiskey, demerara, angostura and orange bitters
- Oaxacan Old Fashioned
espolon reposado tequila, ojo de tigre mezcal, agave, orange, angostura & mole bitters
- Vesper
ford's gin, wheatley vodka, lillet blanc
- Black Manhattan
rittenhouse rye, averna, angostura bitters, orange bitters
Spritz Menu
$25; light & bright
- Classic Spritz
aperol, sparkling wine, club soda
- Hugo Spritz
saint germain, lemon, mint, sparkling wine, club soda
- Limoncello Spritz
house made limoncello, lemon, sparkling wine, club soda
- Watermelon Spritz
cappelletti, gran classico, watermelon, sparkling wine, club soda
- Amaro Spritz
amaro montenegro, amaro marseille, lemon, ginger beer, sparkling wine
- Negroni Sbagliato
dorothy parker gin, carpano antico sweet vermouth, campari, sparkling wine
Classics
$25
- Chiquirita
espolon blanco tequila, cointreau, passion fruit, lime, agave, chili tincture, chipotle salt
- Vodka Cobbler
wheatley vodka, lemon, apricot, strawberry, raspberry, club soda
- East Side of 5th
ford's gin, lime, cucumber, mint
- Tokyo Night
toki japanese whisky, park cognac, cardamaro, averna, angostura bitters, absinthe rinse
- Mexican Firing Squad
cazadores blanco tequila, lime, pomegranate, angostura bitters
- Concrete Tiger
cazadores blanco tequila, jalapeño agave, grapefruit, lime, cucumber, club soda
- House Smoked Sazerac
rittenhouse rye whiskey, park cognac, smoked apple wood, peychaud's & angostura bitters, demerara, absinthe rinse
- Purple Lady
butterfly pea flower infused roku gin, dolin blanc, lemon, egg white, orange blossom water, lavender bitters
- Penecillin
johnnie walker red, lemon, ginger, honey, laphroaig spray
Selects
our fall/winter highlights - wine is served in 3 oz. or 6 oz. pours, and bottles
- Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier 2022 Micro-Cosme, Château de Saint Cosme, France $9.00
- Pinot Grigio 2021 Mont Mes, Castelfeder, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy $12.00
- Pinot Noir 2022 Inscription Oregon Pinot Noir $12.00
- Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Architect, Alexander Valley, California, USA $16.00
- La Fête du Rosé 2021 Côtes de Provence, France $9.00
- Well Earned Pilsner, Bronx Brewery $12.00
- World Gone Hazy Ipa Bronx Brewery $12.00
- Hibis-Kiss $15.00
earl grey/hibiscus tea, raspberry, mint, honey, lime, club soda
- Blueberry Bramble (N/A) $15.00
ritual non-alcoholic whiskey, blueberry, lemon, mint
- Yuz' Don't Say (N/A) $15.00
ritual non-alcoholic gin, lemon, ginger, club soda
- Berry Varietal (N/A) $15.00
mixed berries, lemon, mint, club soda
- Paper Tiger (N/A) $15.00
lime, jalapeno, cucumber, grapefruit, club soda
- New Habits (N/A) $15.00
ginger, lime, pineapple, club soda
- Easy Days (N/A) $15.00
passionfruit, lemon, mint, orange blossom water, club soda
Starters
- Lamb Meatballs $25.00
spicy marinara, ricotta, basil oil, baguette
- Hummus $22.00
seasonal vegetables, zaatar, toasted pita
- Spanish Octopus $27.00
jerk spice, holland eggplant purée, olive tapenade, cilantro
- Fig Flatbread $25.00
whipped feta, mission figs, aged prosciutto, hive 485 rooftop honey
- Charred Gem Salad $21.00
grilled new jersey peaches, ewes bleu cheese, vanilla champagne vinaigrette
- Truffle Fries $18.00
picked herbs, parmesan, roasted garlic aioli
- Wagyu Sliders $24.00
balsamic caramelized onion jam, white cheddar, ny pretzel buns
Meats & Cheeses
- Midtown Cheese Board $25.00
3 local ny cheeses, house jam, plum & date crisps
- Charcuterie Board $25.00
3 local cured meats, pickles, toasted baguette
- Cheese & Charcuterie Board $49.00
3 local ny cheeses, 3 local cured meats, jam, pickles, crisps, toasted bread
Snacks
our snack menu is offered from 4 - 5pm; the full menu is available from 5pm
- Truffle Fries $18.00
picked herbs, parmesan, roasted garlic aioli
- Marcona Almonds $14.00
rosemary, honey, cayenne
- Marinated Olives $14.00
citrus, chili, extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & Vinegar Crispy Potato Chips $16.00
balsamic caramelized onion dip
Mains
- Someone Else's Burger $33.00
house special sauce, pickles, white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, onion, side of fries or greens
- Avocado Chicken Blt $27.00
avocado, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, smoked aioli, side of fries or greens
- Skirt Steak $41.00
spring herb salad, chimichurri
- Wild Mushroom Risotto $32.00
coconut milk, spring herbs, parmesan
- Short Rib Ragout $34.00
papardelle, pearl onions, shaved pecorino, chives
- Salmon $35.00
fort hamilton bourbon glaze, charred asparagus, pickled jersey tomatoes, tapenade
- Baby Kale Caesar $19.00
kale, romaine, toasted bread crumbs, parmesan, house caesar dressing
Desserts
- Flourless Chocolate Cake $14.00
fresh berries
- Olive Oil Cake $14.00
lemon cream, candied lemon
- Orange Blossom Pana Cotta $14.00
hive 485 rooftop honey drizzle
- Vanilla Crème Brûlée $14.00
tropical fruit compote
The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen Photos










The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen Location
The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen
485 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA
The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen Reviews
cocktailshotelbasementcoffeetapasbryant parkappetizersmusicsmall platessolid
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1It’s a not bad, decent option to hang out with friends in the area. They’re a part of the hotel so the services won’t be too bad. Lowkey vibes with some crowd.Bagel with salmon plate is literally a plate of separated ingredients of a lox sandwich. And they charged more.Cappuccino was creamy but bitter, the coffee roaster they partner with is not that great unfortunately.
May 25 · Julia HOk food for made to order. Wish they would be more flexible and able to substitute ham instead of bacon or sausage with eggs like most other scratch kitchens. Unfortunately, they only offer ham for their croque madam. Enjoyed the green juice blend. They seem to have interesting dinner events from time to time. Liked the speakeasy golden rats at the entrance.
May 06 · Gabriela CadenaWe were at Bryant Park and decided to get drinks here. You just head straight down stairs at the Bar. We did not have a reservation but luckily there was enough seating space. The interior design is modern and makes for great ambiance for couple or group of people to gather. The drinks were amazing. We also got fries to go along, they were really good.
January 02 · RIYA PAREKHReally great spot - would highly highly recommend! The service was great - super friendly staff and bartenders. The ambience was phenomenal - very chique. Mike was our bartender and was super friendly - made great drinks as well! Place can get a bit pricey but would say it was totally worth it! Loved the Tokyo Blossom - make sure you try a seasonal cocktail when you visit. Definitely check it out and get Mike to make your drinks!
June 30 · Rahul Manju GoyalThe value here makes other restaurants seem overpriced. The staff are fantastic! I want to become a regular so I can try everything they offer. The Bar Downstairs and Kitchen makes my highest praise seem insufficient. The service here brightens my day.
September 11 · Lloyd Holmes
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