Welcome to King Cole Bar
Nestled in the iconic St. Regis Hotel at Two E 55th St, New York, King Cole Bar is an esteemed establishment known for its rich history and exquisite cocktails. Famed for allegedly inventing the Bloody Mary, this classic venue combines stunning decor with a vibrant atmosphere, making it ideal for both casual gatherings and sophisticated events. Patrons rave about the expertly crafted drinks and attentive service, often recommending the beloved Red Snapper cocktail. With its lively crowd and picturesque setting—featuring a whimsical mural depicting John Jacob Astor—King Cole Bar promises an unforgettable experience steeped in New York City charm.
- Two E 55th St, New York, NY 10022, United States Hotline:
Welcome to the legendary King Cole Bar, an iconic gem nestled in the heart of New York City at Two E 55th St, New York, NY 10022. This historic bar, located within the esteemed St. Regis Hotel, is not just a place to grab a drink; it is an experience that dates back to its claim of having invented the ever-popular Bloody Mary. Guests are greeted by the stunning decor, featuring a quirky mural of John Jacob Astor, and a vibrant atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for both socializing and relaxation.
The reputation of King Cole Bar shines through the glowing reviews from its patrons. Oscar Villalba praises its "amazing cocktails" and "beautiful decor," while Alina Fattakhova's experience highlights the bar's "great atmosphere" and "humorous" staff, making it a prime location for meeting clients. With quick service and cocktails steeped in history, it's easy to see why guests flock to this establishment.
Signature drinks, such as the renowned Red Snapper, are must-tries, along with a selection of expertly crafted martinis. Customers like Crawford McDonald tell tales of meeting old friends for a proper cocktail, making it a social hub for locals and visitors alike. Even though some may find the bar snacks a bit peculiar, the overall ambiance and attentive service more than make up for it.
King Cole Bar embodies a quintessential New York experience, where people-watching is an art, and every corner has a story to tell. Whether you're catching up with friends or indulging in a romantic evening, the plush seating and lively crowd ensure a memorable outing. As our reviewer Greg Treadway advises, while group seating can be competitive, it’s the charm of the St. Regis that makes every moment spent here worthwhile.
With its rich history, exquisite cocktails, and unparalleled service, King Cole Bar is not to be missed. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or just looking to soak in the luxurious atmosphere, you will find yourself drawn back to this storied New York institution time and time again.

Classic bar with amazing cocktails, beautiful decor and great service.

I own a boutique matchmaking company in NYC and sometimes take my clients out to King Cole. - we usually have drinks at the bar. First of all - great atmosphere, great crowd and the staff is humorous - something I really appreciate! Thanks for great experience and creating great atmosphere for me and my clients.

A NYC classic, institution, for sure. Bar seating in particular. Table seating area is getting increasingly jammed. The Red Snapper cocktail is the classic. Bar snacks were a bit odd and bowls were huge, maybe for sharing with 4 persons. Bill, bartender, was a total rock star.........

The King Cole exists to meet old friends for a proper cocktail in the most spectacular mode possible, expensive, a bit overly hyped and still worth it. This is what New York is about. They make claim to have invented the Bloody Mary which I ordered and found to be OK, but as a lover of cocktail history it was nice to see where they came from. I definitely recommend this as a rendezvous point. And slightly prefer sitting at the bar to admire the quirky mural depicting John Jacob Astor.

This is a historic bar in the St. Regis Hotel. My choice here is martinis, they make a good one. You may have to wait, the bar is very popular and that means it is hard to get a good seat if you're a group. The place is iconic so you have to go here at least once and splurge.

Fabulous experience. A great spot for people watching and joyful atmosphere. Service with a smile!

First time back here since they reopened after "enhancements" and the bar which was packed. Was there to catch up with some friends who I haven't seen in months and we all work nearby so this was a perfect place to go. We sat right outside of the main bar and the service was quick. Sure the drinks are pricey but it's the St. Regis, so that's to be expected. However, we were each given a glass of complementary champagne which was a nice touch and made the evening totally worth it. Can't wait to go back and hopefully we'll get seats in the main bar area.

Thank you, Bill-san, for the delicious Bloody Mary and for kindly sharing the fascinating history behind the art and the building.