Quick Info

Hood: Midtown East

Features:

Subway:

Campbell Apartment

From tycoon's office to Grand Central bar
15 Vanderbilt Ave.
42nd & Grand Central Station
(212) 953-0409
2026: Licensed here under the same name

Overview

John W. Campbell rented this space in 1923 and transformed it into what was quite likely the most luxurious personal office New York City has ever known. In 1999 the space underwent a million dollar renovation, turning the space into one of the city’s great classic bars. It retains a virtual museum of details from its early incarnation. A monolithic safe sits within an enormous fireplace (it was once embedded in the wall), the hand painted ceilings create the air of a Florentine palazzo, and his enormous desk still dominates one side of the room. However, now a location in Grand Central’s west wing make it a popular stop off with commuters who suffer the astronomical drink prices for just a small taste of the decadence with which a tycoon of New York’s golden age once surrounded himself.

Why You Should Go

  • The luxurious space is passed by thousands of commuters every day, but goes mostly unnoticed. Bringing a friend here after work is like revealing a secret to someone hidden in their own backyard.
  • The cocktails here are fastidiously proportioned and delivered with a genteel respect which is in itself a rare pleasure in an NYC bar.

What You Should Know

  • A live jazz trio performs on Saturday nights.
  • The dress code: No tshirts, jeans, or sneakers is strictly enforced.

Outside Reviews

New York Magazine

Tucked away above Grand Central, this classy lounge is the restored private office of early 20th century tycoon, John W. Campbell.

AOL CityGuide

{
Full review
}
 
A slice of upper crust from the past.

Citysearch

{
Full review
}
 
Jazz Age cocktails, music, and atmosphere provide a calm before the station.

User Reviews

SOPHISTICATION
The Campbell Apartment reminds me of "old New York" sophisticated, charming, cozy. It has it all.
larry(4/27/2011 9:26:32 PM)
Was this review helpful?