Sip and Chill Near Madame Tussauds

After brushing shoulders with wax versions of Beyoncé, Spider-Man, and the cast of Friends, you might be in the mood for something a little stronger than celebrity selfies. Fortunately, the area around Madame Tussauds New York is packed with great bars for every vibe. Whether you’re after a stylish rooftop, a cozy speakeasy, or a buzzy sports bar to recap your star-studded visit, we’ve rounded up the best places to grab a drink nearby. You’ve nailed the photo ops — now it’s time to sip like a star. 

High-End 

The Skylark 

• Walking distance: 0.4 miles (~8 minutes) 

• Nearest subway: Times Sq–42 St (1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, A, C, E, S, 7) 

• Known for: Sophisticated cocktails and skyline views 

• Google rating: 4.4 

The Skylark is an elevated experience in every sense. Sitting 30 floors above Midtown, it offers sweeping views of the Empire State Building, Hudson Yards, and beyond. Inside, it’s sleek and contemporary—plush couches, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a glowy, intimate atmosphere. The drinks menu is tight but thoughtful, with signature cocktails like the Spring Forward (vodka, basil, ginger, and bubbles) and a standout whiskey sour. There’s also an excellent wine list and a handful of upscale small plates if you’re hungry. Service is smooth, and the vibe strikes a balance between after-work chic and date-night special. It’s best to book ahead—this spot’s a favorite for sunset sips and special occasions. Whether you’re looking to decompress after a day of tourist thrills or impress out-of-towners, The Skylark is a gem hiding just above the chaos. 

 

Valerie 

• Walking distance: 0.2 miles (~5 minutes) 

• Nearest subway: Times Sq–42 St 

• Known for: Art deco décor and gin-forward cocktails 

• Google rating: 4.4 

Valerie is one of those rare Midtown finds that feels like a secret. With its vintage lighting, art deco touches, and velvet-lined booths, it nails the golden-era Manhattan look without going full Gatsby. The cocktail list leans heavily into gin, with standouts like the Valerie Gibson (a citrusy twist on the classic) and the Showstopper, made with lavender and lemon. That said, whiskey drinkers and wine lovers will find plenty to love, too. The space is split over two levels, with a bustling main bar downstairs and a quieter mezzanine lounge above. It’s romantic without being stuffy, cool without being cold. If you’re visiting Madame Tussauds and want to keep that glamorous energy going—minus the wax figures—Valerie is your next stop. Bonus: they serve great food, too, including a killer truffle burger. 

 

Dear Irving on Hudson 

• Walking distance: 0.4 miles (~8 minutes) 

• Nearest subway: 42 St–Port Authority Bus Terminal 

• Known for: Retro glam and skyline-facing windows 

• Google rating: 4.5 

Tucked high up inside the Aliz Hotel, Dear Irving on Hudson is a two-level cocktail lounge with big vintage energy and even bigger views. The décor is mid-century meets Mad Men, all brass fixtures, velvet banquettes, and curated charm. The east side lounge looks out over Midtown, while the west side offers sunsets over the Hudson. Drinks are elegant and a touch theatrical—try the Reservoir Dog (mezcal, Campari, hibiscus) or the Tea Time Sour with matcha and gin. It’s a step up from your average rooftop bar, with a more refined crowd and attentive service. Though it’s walkable from Times Square, it feels worlds away from the chaos below. Pro tip: reservations go fast, so book ahead if you want a seat by the windows. It’s the perfect spot to reflect on a day of sightseeing—with a cocktail in hand and New York spread out below. 

 

Mid-Range 

Playwright Celtic Pub 

• Walking distance: 0.3 miles (~5 minutes) 

• Nearest subway: Times Sq–42 St 

• Known for: Rooftop sports bar energy and Irish pints 

• Google rating: 4.3 

Playwright Celtic Pub is a classic Irish-American hybrid with just enough Midtown flash to make it stand out. There are multiple levels (including a rooftop), a solid menu of bar food, and loads of TVs playing whatever game you’re hoping to catch. Guinness flows freely, of course, but you’ll also find a decent list of whiskeys and pub-friendly cocktails like the Irish Mule or spiked Arnold Palmer. It draws an international crowd — think tourists mixing with after-work locals and visiting sports fans — and the energy is always up without feeling overwhelming. The rooftop is great for a break from the crowds below, and happy hour deals keep things affordable. If you're fresh from Madame Tussauds and craving something casual but full of life, Playwright Celtic is just the right blend of pub charm and NYC bustle. 

As Is NYC 

• Walking distance: 0.5 miles (~10 minutes) 

• Nearest subway: 50 St (C, E) 

• Known for: Rotating craft beers and minimalist vibes 

• Google rating: 4.6 

As Is NYC is a smart, stylish beer bar with a focus on creativity and chill. The industrial-meets-cozy space has a stripped-back aesthetic — think exposed brick, Edison bulbs, and clean lines — but the tap list is anything but basic. Expect a rotating lineup of local and international craft brews, from hazy IPAs to funky saisons and crisp lagers. For non-beer drinkers, there’s a tight list of natural wines and thoughtful cocktails too. It’s quieter than your average Midtown pub, which makes it perfect if you want to decompress after the tourist chaos of Times Square. The bartenders know their stuff and are always happy to recommend something based on your taste. Add in a few bar snacks and solid background music, and you’ve got a hidden gem that balances cool factor with approachability. 

 

The Rum House 

• Walking distance: 0.3 miles (~6 minutes) 

• Nearest subway: Times Sq–42 St 

• Known for: Live piano, dark rum, and old New York charm 

• Google rating: 4.5 

Tucked inside the Hotel Edison, The Rum House offers a deep contrast to the neon chaos outside its doors. It's warm, wood-paneled, and packed with atmosphere — the kind of bar that feels timeless from the second you walk in. The drinks, unsurprisingly, lean toward rum: from expertly made mojitos and daiquiris to deeper, spicier sippers with house-aged blends. But it’s not just about the booze. There’s a baby grand piano near the front, and live performances bring old-school jazz and blues energy several nights a week. It’s romantic, nostalgic, and somehow both lively and laid-back all at once. If you’re looking to soak in a bit of vintage New York after all that wax and wonder, The Rum House is an easy yes. Just grab a seat by the piano, order something on the rocks, and stay a while. 

Tanner Smith’s 

• Walking distance: 0.5 miles (~10 minutes) 

• Nearest subway: 7 Av (B, D, E) 

• Known for: Gatsby-style cocktails and hidden speakeasy vibes 

• Google rating: 4.4 

Tanner Smith’s brings a taste of the Prohibition era to modern-day Midtown. From its 1920s-inspired decor to a downstairs speakeasy lounge, this bar oozes character without ever feeling like a theme park. The cocktail list is clever and generous — think smoked old fashioneds, gin fizzes, and house creations that come in coupe glasses with playful garnishes. The bartenders here are part-performer, part-mixologist, and always up for recommending something new. Upstairs, you’ll find a more casual, high-energy bar and restaurant scene, but downstairs is where things get a little moodier and more intimate. There’s also a full food menu if you’re hungry post-museum. It walks the line between rowdy and refined, and it does so beautifully. Whether you want a dramatic drink before a Broadway show or a quiet cocktail nightcap, Tanner Smith’s is well worth the walk from Madame Tussauds. 

Budget-Friendly 

Beer Authority 

• Walking distance: 0.1 miles (~2 minutes) 

• Nearest subway: Times Sq–42 St 

• Known for: Rooftop beer garden and massive tap list 

• Google rating: 4.3 

Beer Authority is a multi-level craft beer haven just steps from Madame Tussauds. The vibe is lively but not chaotic, and the rooftop bar — complete with picnic tables, twinkle lights, and Midtown views — is a gem on warm days. Downstairs, it’s all about good beer and good company, with 90+ brews from local New York favorites to global standouts. They also offer cider, wine, and simple cocktails, so no one’s left out. Happy hour deals keep prices friendly, and the bar food menu is exactly what you want with a pint: think wings, burgers, and loaded fries. The crowd is a mix of tourists and locals winding down after work, and there’s plenty of space to spread out even when it’s busy. If you want a low-key, high-quality drink without fuss, Beer Authority delivers — rooftop views and all. 

Alligator Lounge (Midtown Pop-Up) 

• Walking distance: 0.6 miles (~12 minutes) 

• Nearest subway: 34 St–Hudson Yards (7) 

• Known for: Free pizza with every drink 

• Google rating: 4.4 

While the original Alligator Lounge is a Williamsburg legend, Midtown sometimes gets its own pop-up spin on this beloved bar concept. True to form, every drink purchase comes with a free personal pizza — and surprisingly, it’s decent. The Midtown iteration (check local listings, sometimes it's inside other casual bars) keeps the same low-key energy: think exposed brick, pinball machines, cheap beers, and low lighting. Cocktails are simple, beers start around $6, and the vibe is delightfully unfussy. It’s not for your rooftop photo ops — it’s for a night where you want to drink, snack, and relax without spending big. Great for groups, last-minute plans, or a spontaneous nightcap after museum hopping. Just double-check the current location before heading out, as it tends to pop up in new places! 

For more, check out how to spend your evening, and be sure to tick off all the top historical sites too. 

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