The Pool Bar

- TWA Hotel One Idlewild Drive JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY 11430

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a truly unique escape or a stylish pre-flight wind-down, The Pool Bar at the TWA Hotel at JFK Airport offers an unparalleled experience. Far from being a mere airport hotel bar, this location is a destination in its own right, combining mid-century modern glamour with a captivating, panoramic view of a major international airport's operations. Situated on the hotel's rooftop, The Pool Bar is an extension of an infinity-edge pool and observation deck, providing a stunning spectacle of jets taking off and landing on JFK’s bustling Runway 4 Left/22 Right.

The atmosphere is both Trendy and Casual, making it a perfect spot for Groups to gather and enjoy expertly crafted Cocktails and a diverse menu of Food. Operated by the renowned Gerber Group, known for managing some of New York City's most iconic nightlife venues, the bar delivers Fast service and exceptional hospitality. Crucially, The Pool Bar is a year-round amenity. In the summer, the pool is a refreshing spot for a dip; in the winter, it transforms into a "pool-cuzzi," heated up to 95-100 degrees, allowing guests to swim and enjoy the views even in the brisk New York weather. Its status as a bar, coupled with its full food service and spectacular rooftop setting, firmly establishes it as a must-visit spot in Queens.

Patrons appreciate the high-quality Offerings of Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and Wine, but the signature experience lies in sipping a bespoke cocktail—often aviation-themed—while watching the world take flight.

The experience comes with an entry fee for non-hotel guests and a slightly reduced fee for hotel guests, offering a reserved slot of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes for pool and deck access, though reservations are widely accepted for table dining. This unique combination of high-quality dining, great drinks, and a world-class observation deck makes The Pool Bar an unforgettable New York experience.

Location and Accessibility

The Pool Bar is located atop the architecturally magnificent TWA Hotel, which has revitalized Eero Saarinen’s iconic 1962 TWA Flight Center at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The bar’s address is:

TWA Hotel One Idlewild Drive JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY 11430, USA

Being at the airport, it is incredibly accessible to both travelers and local New Yorkers. The TWA Hotel is situated directly adjacent to JFK's Terminal 5 (JetBlue) and is easily reachable via the JFK AirTrain, which is free between airport terminals. For New Yorkers arriving from Manhattan or other boroughs, the AirTrain connects directly to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) at Jamaica and other MTA services, offering convenient public transit access right to the front door of the hotel complex.

Accessibility features ensure a welcoming environment for all visitors. The venue provides a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible restroom, confirming its commitment to accommodating a diverse public.

Services Offered

The Pool Bar offers a comprehensive set of services focused on providing a premium bar and lounging experience.

• Full Dine-in Service: Customers can enjoy the full food and drink menu with table service on the observation deck, often with the option to enjoy the pool and loungers after dining.
• Year-Round Pool Access: The rooftop pool is heated to "pool-cuzzi" temperatures (up to 100 degrees) in winter and maintained for refreshment in summer, making it available all year.
• Full Beverage Selection: Offering a wide array of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine, including premium scotch like 926 Oban 14 and inventive house cocktails.
• Reservations Accepted: The venue Accepts reservations for table seating, which is highly recommended due to the bar’s popularity, particularly for non-hotel guests seeking to secure access to the observation deck.
• Food at Bar Service: A full menu of bar-friendly Food is served, ranging from shareable appetizers to sandwiches and entrées.
• Essential Amenities: The location is equipped with clean Restrooms and free Wi-Fi, catering to the needs of both local groups and connecting travelers.

Features / Highlights

The Pool Bar is defined by a series of standout features that blend novelty with luxury, making it one of Queens’ most talked-about destinations.

• Unbeatable Runway Views: The core highlight is the 10,000-square-foot observation deck overlooking JFK's active Runway 4 Left/22 Right, offering an up-close and surprisingly quiet plane-watching experience that is unmatched in New York City.
• Infinity-Edge Pool: The 63x20 foot pool, inspired by the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, features a striking TWA logo mosaic and underwater seating, serving as a stunning centerpiece.
• Exceptional Cocktail Program: A key highlight is the selection of Great cocktails, including signature aviation-themed drinks like the Ginger Margarita ($20.00), Raspberry Lychee Bellini ($20.00), and the unique Lemongrass Negroni ($22.00).
• Seasonal Menu Offerings: The bar adapts its menu to the seasons, featuring Winter Warmers like the Spiced Cranberry Sangria and House-Made Hot Cocoa to complement the pool-cuzzi experience.
• Mid-Century Modern Vibe: The entire aesthetic reflects the iconic 1960s-era glamour of the original TWA Flight Center, providing a distinctly stylish and retro-chic backdrop.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit, here is the essential contact and location information for this remarkable venue:

Address: TWA Hotel One Idlewild Drive JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY 11430, USA

Phone: (212) 806-9000

Mobile Phone: +1 212-806-9000

What is Worth Choosing

Given the full-service menu and unique setting, choosing what to order at The Pool Bar is part of the fun. The menu is designed to be shareable and casual, perfect for a day of lounging and plane-spotting.

The Cocktails: The Essential Choice

No visit is complete without sampling one of the sophisticated, aviation-inspired drinks. The Great cocktails are a confirmed highlight, often praised in customer feedback.

• Ginger Margarita: A refreshing twist on a classic, the Ginger Margarita is a popular choice for its zesty kick and perfect balance.
• Lemongrass Negroni: At $22.00, this premium cocktail offers an adventurous and unique flavor profile, blending the classic Negroni structure with an exotic lemongrass infusion.
• Spiced Toddy or Sweet Toddy: For the winter pool-cuzzi experience, these Winter Warmers provide the perfect counterpoint to the brisk New York air.

Satisfying Eats and Shareables

The food menu is highly functional for a bar environment, featuring items that are easy to eat poolside or while enjoying a beverage.

• Slider Trio: As specifically praised in customer reviews, the sliders are an excellent, satisfying choice for pairing with mixed drinks.
• Charcuterie Platter: An elevated option from the Shareables list, this platter is ideal for Groups and for spending an extended period on the observation deck with wine.
• Chorizo Flatbread: A flavorful option from the Eats section, perfect as a light meal that delivers on taste.
• Basil Pesto Pasta or Butternut Squash Ravioli: For a heartier main course, these pasta selections offer Italian-inspired comfort food.

The Experience Itself

Ultimately, what is worth choosing is the entire experience. It offers a rare slice of Trendy life—a heated pool, a full-service Bar, and a breathtaking view—all while remaining anchored at one of the world's most dynamic transportation hubs. While the pricing, including admission fees and parking, suggests an upscale outing, the consensus is that The Pool Bar delivers a highly memorable and enjoyable afternoon or evening for New Yorkers looking for something truly different.

The Pool Bar

TWA Hotel One Idlewild Drive JFK Airport, Jamaica, NY 11430, USA