Theory Lounge & Bar Introduce
In the heart of New York City’s bustling Midtown West, where the energy is palpable and the city never sleeps, you’ll find a special spot that offers a welcome escape from the daily grind: Theory Lounge & Bar. This isn’t just another bar; it’s a laid-back, welcoming space that has quickly become a favorite for both New Yorkers and those visiting the city. With its chill vibe, expert bartenders, and an impressive menu of drinks, Theory Lounge & Bar has established itself as a go-to destination for anyone looking to enjoy a high-quality cocktail or a casual night out with friends. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about this hidden gem, from its convenient location to its top-notch offerings and what makes it truly unique.
At Theory Lounge & Bar, the focus is on creating a memorable experience. The atmosphere is best described as a perfect blend of cozy and trendy, making it an ideal setting for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to catch up with friends, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a quiet drink after a long day, this place fits the bill. The team here prides itself on fast service and a warm, inviting environment. One reviewer praised the staff, noting, “Mike was our bartender both nights… he made the most awesome drinks… played great music and made sure we had a wonderful time!” It’s this kind of personal touch that elevates a good night out into a great one, and it’s something you can expect every time you walk through the door.
The bar’s reputation is built on its outstanding selection of drinks, which includes a wide variety of cocktails, beers, and spirits. You’ll find everything from their signature "Theory Cocktails" like the “Chocolate Theory” and “Berry Edge” to a comprehensive list of classic cocktails such as the "Old Fashion," "Manhattan," and "Espresso Martini." For beer lovers, the offerings are just as impressive, with a solid selection of both draft and bottled beers. Wine drinkers are not left out, with choices from both red and white selections, including a crisp Prosecco and a smooth Cabernet Sauvignon. The extensive menu ensures that no matter your preference, you'll find something to love.
The bar also stands out as a great spot for sports enthusiasts. With its lively atmosphere and "Sports" highlight, it's a fantastic place to watch a game with fellow fans. The combination of great drinks, good company, and a lively atmosphere makes Theory Lounge & Bar a standout choice in the Midtown area.
Theory Lounge & Bar is conveniently situated at 331 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018. This prime location in Midtown West makes it easily accessible from many parts of the city. Located between the bustling avenues of 8th and 9th, it's just a short walk from major transportation hubs, including Penn Station and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, making it an easy meeting spot for both locals and those commuting into the city.
For those driving, the area offers paid parking garages nearby, providing a hassle-free option for those who prefer to drive into the city. It's a key consideration in a city where parking can often be a challenge. The bar’s central location means it’s also within easy reach of many of New York City's top attractions, including the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Hudson Yards, and the Theater District.
Accessibility is a priority at Theory Lounge & Bar, with several features designed to accommodate all guests. The venue boasts a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and even a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a night out without any barriers.
Dine-in Service: Enjoy all the offerings in a comfortable and welcoming setting.
Accepts Reservations: Plan your evening ahead and secure your spot, perfect for groups or special occasions.
Payment Options: The bar accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for your convenience.
Happy Hour: Enjoy discounted drinks during their happy hour, perfect for a post-work gathering.
Dancing: The lively atmosphere and great music make it a perfect spot to dance the night away.
Great Cocktails: Known for their creative and classic cocktails, including specialty drinks like the "Chocolate Theory."
Great Beer Selection: A wide array of draft and bottled beers to suit every taste, from local craft brews to international favorites.
Fast Service: The staff is efficient and attentive, ensuring you get your drinks without a long wait.
Sports: A fantastic venue to catch a game and cheer on your favorite team.
Casual and Cozy Atmosphere: The vibe is relaxed and inviting, making it a great place to unwind.
Trendy Vibe: The decor and ambiance are modern and stylish, without being overly formal.
Address: 331 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (646) 596-7033
If you’re looking for a new favorite spot in Midtown West, Theory Lounge & Bar offers a compelling experience. It’s more than just a place to get a drink; it’s a destination where the atmosphere is as important as the offerings. The combination of a friendly, attentive staff and a diverse menu of high-quality drinks sets it apart. The lounge-like setting is perfect for both a quiet drink with a friend or a lively night out with a group. The ability to make a reservation means you can plan ahead, while the casual vibe means you can also stop in on a whim.
What truly makes it worth a visit is its genuine appeal to the local crowd. As one reviewer noted, it’s a “great hidden gem” where the bartenders “know the locals orders.” This sense of community and personal connection is a rare find in such a large, anonymous city. It’s a place where you can feel like a regular, even on your first visit. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, as one customer did, or just in need of a good cocktail, Theory Lounge & Bar delivers a top-tier experience. With its mix of great drinks, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, and a prime location, it's a must-visit spot that you’ll want to return to again and again.
Theory Lounge & Bar Food & drink
Theory Cocktails
- Chocolate Theory $14.00
- Berry Edge $14.00
- El Lobo $14.00
Cocktails
- Old Fashion $14.00
- Negroni $14.00
- Manhattan $14.00
- Classic Martini $15.00
- Dirty $14.00
- Espresso Martini $14.00
- Cosmo $14.00
- Mule $10.00
- Aperol Spritz $10.00
- Margarita $12.00
Draft Beers
- Stella
- Guinness
- Modelo
- Brooklyn Larger
- Kona
- Goose Ipa
- Bud Light $6.00
- Yuengling $6.00
Bottle Beers
- Budweiser
- Michelob Ultra
- Corona
- Heineken
- Heineken 00 Non
- Sam Adams
- Angry Orchard
- Blue Moon
White
- Chardonnay
- Rose
- Pinot Grigio
- Prosecco
Red
- Cabernet Sauvignon Zinfandel
Bottles
- Moët Chandon
- Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio $68.00
- Prosecco $38.00
Shot Specials
- Casamigos Blanco $9.00
- Fireball $8.00
- Jägermeister $8.00
- Jameson $8.00
- Skrewball $8.00
- Tito's $8.00
Vodka
- Tito's
- Ketle One $12.00
- Grey Goose $12.00
- Absolut Raspberri $12.00
Gin
- Tanqueray $12.00
- Bombay Sapphire $12.00
- Hendrick's $14.00
Bourbon
- Maker's Mark $14.00
- Woodford $14.00
- Bulleit $14.00
Scotch
- Johnnie Walker Black $15.00
- Laphroaig 10yr $17.00
- Macallan 12yr $18.00
- Glenlivet I2yr
Others
- Well Drinks $9.00
- Tito's $10.00
- Wine $9.00
- White Zinfandel $6.00
- Prosecco $9.00
- Beer $6.00
Theory Lounge & Bar Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeout
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Sports
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Dancing
- Food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Paid parking garage
Theory Lounge & Bar Photos










Theory Lounge & Bar Location
Theory Lounge & Bar
331 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018, USA
Theory Lounge & Bar Reviews
pricesatmospheretriphappy hourtimes squareaperol spritzconversationnamearealaugh
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Stayed in NYC to celebrate my birthday and had an amazing time at Theory Lounge! Randomly stopped our first night and had such a great time that we went back our second night after a great dinner in Columbus Circle. Mike was our bartender both nights… he made the most awesome drinks (with a somewhat limited bar due to limited space), played great music and made sure we had a wonderful time! Met great people from all walks of life, just an awesome atmosphere! Highly recommend Theory and Mike! (His chocolate theory was the BEST!)
July 30 · Jessica KenniffGreat hidden gem. Bartenders know the locals orders. Chill vibe.. off the beaten path.
August 19 · Aaron GlanceThis place was next to the hotel I was staying at. The hotel didn’t have a bar, but this place was perfect! The atmosphere was really cool and the bartender (I believe his name was Michael) was awesome! He was playing some good music and taking care of everybody by himself. When I plan to visit New York again, I will definitely be back to this bar!
July 12 · Kateri Cook4 day break at NYC stopping at the Arlo. This bar was great. Staff were amazing, had a brilliant few nights in there to unwind after busy days.Can't remember the guys name who served us but he was a credit to the place, great laugh and great at his job. (evening of august 28th) Looked a little like captain jack sparrow 🤣What a great place. Will be back for sure 🍺🥃👍
August 28 · Lifestyle PrintingFantastic spot to grab a drink. The bartenders a super friendly and they make unbelievable drinks. If you are in the area definitely stop in there.
September 16 · Andrew Mason
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