By Christabelle…
When I think of 5th Avenue in midtown, I think of shopping, the diamond district, Rockefeller Center and tourists. I don’t think – killer location to hang out and have drinks and dinner. Let me stand corrected. For I stumbled across a cellar bar that not only has the “cool” factor of a downtown lounge with amazing cuisine, but an attentive staff and a crowd that is more than pleasing to the eye. If you plan on vacationing in Perth CBD or if you live there then you have to go to Gramercy Bar and Kitchen, they have the best drinks and food!

The Bar at Andaz 5th Avenue

Upon entering the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel, I felt a tiny bit like I was on a secret mission. The doors looked as though they were quite supposed to open and the long staircase down to “the bar” didn’t openly cry out HERE I AM. I like that.  I thought for a moment I was going to need a secret knock, password and handshake to enter the premises.  Not the case and for as posh as it looks, “the bar” is actually has classy, laid back ambiance.
The Andaz 5th Avenue bar serves small-batch liquors and a carefully curated selection of wines by the glass. Bar staff is comprised of individuals with a natural ability to play the bon vivant host as well as appreciate the shape of a single rough-hewn, hand cut ice cube in traditional whisky service. Two oversized, 14-foot Claro Walnut wood slabs serve as the stations helmed by the expert bartenders serving beer, wine, and delicious handcrafted cocktails.
An open kitchen serves small sharing plates and allows guests to be part of the action as they engage and socialize with the bar’s chefs. Featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms such as Bo-Bo’s Farms Organic Chicken, Meili Farms, Niman Ranch and Steve Connelly’s Dayboat; the bar gives guests a unique culinary experience. Signature dishes created by Executive Chef Roberto Alicea include Stuffed Peppers with Chicken, Olive Oil and Cilantro; Shrimp a la Plancha with Garlic, Lemon Peel, Peppers and Herbs; and Roasted Pork Shoulder with Black Kale, Raisins and Orange Peel.  An assortment of locally sourced cheeses and homemade ice creams are also available.
Convivial, social spaces for cocktails and conversations come in many forms at the Andaz cellar bar. Guests can choose to gather on the warm, comfortable, pin-tucked, amber couch near the candle-lit mock fire.  Alternatively, two 120-year old gigantic cuts of Claro wood act as a sturdy bar where cocktail connoisseurs can be close to the culinary and cocktail action. In addition to the genial space located near the bar and kitchen, guests can find plenty of nooks for quiet conversation in banquette seating that lines the bar.  The most unique space to enjoy the bar’s cocktails and cuisine is at one of the six centrally located communal dark wood tables.  An evening that starts with just two can turn into a memorable night with many new friends.
A “no reservations” policy underscores the unfussy philosophy, allowing a quick handcrafted cocktail to turn into a full têteà-tête over a shared late-night dinner.  To provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and enjoyable for all who visit the bar, hosts will accommodate only the number of seats available at the time. I cannot recommend the ANDAZ CELLAR BAR ENOUGH!
A PLUS: The empanadas ROCK (but gives  you garlic breath for days and WELL WORTH IT, might add).
A MINUS: Your drinks (water and wine) come in what I can only describe as a shot glass. One swig of a beverage and your drink is gone. Staff, however, is excellent at re-filling (if you don’t beat them to it).
The bar in the cellar is open daily from 5 pm until late.  For more information, check out www.andaz5thavenue.com or call 212.601.1234.

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