Welcome to Midtown
Midtown Manhattan: home to Grand Central, Bryant Park, Times Square, and thousands of companies and their employees who commute to the area each day for work. In fact, Midtown is the largest commercial center, not just in New York City, but in the world. It’s also home to Common’s NYC headquarters, which makes our team somewhat experts on the area.
Need a good place for a quiet coffee meeting or big business lunch? We’ve got you. What about the best route through Grand Central at rush hour? We could recommend a few! And once the work day is over, we know all the best spots for grabbing a happy hour beer or cocktail. So whether you work in the area, or just want to grab a drink before hopping on the Metro North, bookmark this list and keep it on hand for the next time you’re between 31st and 59th street.
The Stag’s Head
Recommended by: Melissa, Member Experience Manager
You should order: Oxbow Abrico sour beer — “especially in the summer!”
“While Midtown East isn’t usually everyone’s go-to spot for drinks, there are a few hidden gems in the neighborhood that are perfect for a post work libation. My favorite spot is The Stag’s Head on East 51st. It has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and a rotating menu of great craft beers, along with fun seasonal cocktails.”
“The Bar Downstairs” at the Andaz
Recommended by: Molly, Communications Manager
You should order: A white negroni and the shishito peppers
Bryant Park is NYC’s most magical park, and The Bar Downstairs at the Andaz is one of the only bars that matches the park’s enchanting energy. Located right across the street from the New York Public Library, it’s like a secret diamond I don’t like to tell people about — but here I am. It’s equal parts swanky and intimate. Get the shishito peppers and the white negroni and sit amongst really beautiful people in suits. It will be worth it.
The Merrion Row — The Public House
Recommended by: Raleigh, Social Media Manager
You should order: The Iconic Frida
The Merrion Row is the perfect place to grab a cocktail in Midtown if you don’t want to feel like you’re grabbing a cocktail in Midtown. The leather banquettes and quaint countryside portraits lining the wall are more reminiscent of the hotel’s Irish roots than anything you’d find in Times Square. Plus, the food is delicious and if you look up, you’ll have a great view of the surrounding buildings, without all the hustle and bustle of the outside streets.
The Polynesian
Recommended by: Kaivon, Data Analyst
You should order: The No Quarter Punch
The Polynesian is probably the best place in Midtown to go with a huge group of people — it’s kind of what the restaurant was made for. They serve traditional tiki drinks, but the sharable punch bowls are the best option. Get the No Quarter Punch with a side of spicy fries, and you’ll be set for the night.
Rooftop at The Library Hotel
Recommended by: Noel, Inside Sales Manager
You should order: The Spiced Pomegranate cocktail
One of my favorite happy hours is the rooftop at the Library Hotel on 41st & Madison. Great views and perfect ambiance after a long day of work. They offer wine, specialty cocktails as well as small bites like sliders & flat breads.