When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
MAD Bar and Lounge
Why MAD Bar and Lounge is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
MAD Bar and Lounge is a prime destination in New York City for friends looking to enjoy an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere. Located inside the newly renovated NH Collection New York Madison Avenue hotel, this lounge offers a unique blend of classic and contemporary vibes. A key highlight is its fireplace-lit piano room where some of NYC’s best jazz musicians perform nightly, providing live acoustic ambiance without any admission fee. This makes it an ideal spot for groups who appreciate quality music paired with excellent cocktails and local specialties. The bar's stylish setting combined with the convenience of its Madison Avenue location means it is both accessible and atmospheric. Guests also appreciate the professionalism of the staff, who ensure attentive service making the overall experience comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you're stopping by for a casual drink or an evening filled with live jazz, MAD Bar and Lounge creates a memorable social environment perfect for meetups.
Here's what people think of MAD Bar and Lounge
As of recent, MAD Bar and Lounge holds a 4.5-star rating based on 108 reviews.
Reviews of MAD Bar and Lounge reflect a strong appreciation for its delightful ambiance and quality service. Many guests specifically mention the welcoming and friendly staff, who often go above and beyond, such as creating special non-alcoholic cocktails or celebrating personal occasions like birthdays with thoughtful gestures. These positives emphasize the attentive and accommodating nature of the service team. Additionally, patrons enjoy the clean, cozy environment and the bar's ideal location close to Grand Central, which adds convenience for visitors. On the other hand, some reviews suggest there could be improvements in variety or pricing, but these criticisms are relatively minor compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Overall, the high rating of 4.5 from over 100 reviews indicates that most customers find MAD Bar and Lounge a fantastic place to relax, socialize, and enjoy live music. The blend of excellent cocktails, superb live jazz performances with no cover charge, and a respectful, courteous staff culminates in a highly recommended spot in NYC’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Brigitte Vasquez
First time in Ghana and this is my new favorite restaurant! Best sushi I ever had in my life (Crunchy Salmon Roll). I will definitely be back next time! Music was great and service was amazing! Thank you Ralph! ❤️
Bret
There wasn't much online about this bar, but I was looking for something near Grand Central. They really are just a bar in the lobby of the Hotel NH Collection, and the website says they are going for a Mad Men/60s theme, but not sure they really got it right. I started with the Salted Peanut $20 cocktail which is screwball peanut whiskey and makers mark bourbon. It was really sweet and very small. Skip. Then opted for a martini which was much better. Staff was very nice. It was loud and hard to hear my friend over the background music coming from the overhead speakers. Also very brightly lit. They offer food you can order from Serafina which is also located in the hotel. If you need a bar and can't find anything else this will do.
Nicholas Bonano (Nick)
Nestled in the heart of the city, The MAD Bar and Lounge offers a sleek, modern escape from the usual nightlife scene. With its dim lighting, plush seating, and chic decor, it strikes the perfect balance between luxury and comfort. Upon entry, you’re greeted by a warm ambiance that feels exclusive yet inviting. Atmosphere: The vibe is upscale without being pretentious. Soft jazz plays in the background, allowing for easy conversation, while the dim lighting and velvet accents give the space an intimate, almost romantic feel. Whether you’re out for a casual night or celebrating a special occasion, the lounge adapts perfectly to the mood. Drinks: The cocktail menu is a standout feature, offering both classics and innovative creations. The bartenders are skilled mixologists, crafting each drink with precision and flair. I highly recommend trying their signature cocktail, the “Velvet Martini”—a smooth blend of gin, elderflower, and a hint of lavender. The wine list is extensive, catering to both casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts. Service: Service here is exceptional. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and happy to recommend drinks based on your preferences. They manage to be both personable and professional, adding to the overall experience. Crowd: The crowd tends to skew slightly older, with a mix of professionals, couples on date nights, and groups of friends. It’s the perfect place to unwind after work or impress someone on a first date. Price: While not the cheapest place in town, the prices are fair for the quality of both the drinks and the experience. Cocktails range from $12–$18, with wine and spirits on the higher end of the spectrum. Given the setting and service, it feels worth it. Overall: If you’re looking for a stylish, sophisticated night out, The Velvet Room is a fantastic choice. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere, along with its expertly crafted drinks, make it a top contender for one of the best bar and lounges in the city. Perfect for date nights, celebrations, or just unwinding with friends, it’s a spot I’ll be returning to time and again. Rating: 4.95/ 5.00
Irina Glazkova
We had a great time here. The first guy Phil made good cocktails for us and brought complimentary chocolate. Thank you! Also I would like to say thank you to bartender Jose!!! He was just great and his cocktails “PiscoSour” made us very happy!!! We definitely back))) Jose you are the best!
Aparna
Came here while waiting for a table elsewhere and was so pleasantly surprised by how good our cocktails were! The service was great and the seating area is somewhat tucked away from the hotel entry way which is nice. The decor was really fun. We didn't have a chance to try the food but maybe next time!
How to reach MAD Bar and Lounge
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Why MAD Bar and Lounge may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at MAD Bar and Lounge with your friends? MAD Bar and Lounge is the perfect spot to gather your friends or family for an unforgettable outing because it masterfully blends an inviting atmosphere, exceptional cocktails, and live jazz music. Located conveniently inside the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, the venue’s charm is evident from the moment you enter its cozy, stylish setting warmed by a fireplace that invites relaxation and social interaction. The bar offers complimentary admission with no cover charge, encouraging spontaneous visits and easy group meetups without worrying about entry fees. Friends can enjoy the soothing sounds of NYC’s best resident jazz musicians performing nightly in an intimate piano room adjacent to the main lounge. This unique feature elevates the experience beyond a typical night out, making it not just a place to drink but a cultural hotspot that caters to music lovers and social butterflies alike. With a 4.5-star rating backed by over 100 reviews, the MAD Bar and Lounge consistently delivers quality service, lively ambiance, and outstanding food and drinks that spark conversation and connection among your group.
What activities can you enjoy at MAD Bar and Lounge? One of the most enticing offerings at MAD Bar and Lounge is its live jazz performances held every weekday in the dimly lit piano room by the fireplace. From contemporary piano sessions on Mondays to Latin jazz on Thursdays, the variety of jazz styles appeals broadly to different musical tastes, making it a great choice for groups with diverse preferences. The live music performances run during prime evening hours, allowing you to settle in after work or during a relaxed weekend evening. Besides the captivating jazz scene, the bar features two full-service bars where you can enjoy generous cocktail menus crafted with care. The seasoned bartenders create bespoke drinks inspired by the golden age of Madison Avenue advertising, adding a sophisticated flair to the drinking experience. In addition to drinks, MAD Bar and Lounge serves delicious food with American gastropub influences, including vegetarian-friendly options. This means your group can enjoy a full meal alongside your drinks, perfect for longer gatherings and celebrations. The venue is ideal for everything from casual happy hours to more formal events or celebrations thanks to its warm and approachable vibe.
Why is MAD Bar and Lounge perfect for hosting group meetups? The layout and services at MAD Bar and Lounge are designed to accommodate groups comfortably, whether you are planning a small gathering or a larger celebration. The lounge features cozy seating arrangements, including booths and bar seating, allowing your group to choose how they want to enjoy their time together—whether in an intimate corner or mingling near the bar. The venue’s mezzanine bar area is also available for private hire, which means groups can have exclusive space for their events, making it perfect for birthdays, reunions, or office parties. The staff’s professionalism and friendly service enhance group experiences by ensuring everyone is well attended to and the event flows smoothly. Moreover, with no entry fee and reasonable pricing on drinks and food, MAD Bar and Lounge offers an accessible option for groups who want excellent value without compromising quality. The attentive waitstaff, coupled with the ambient lighting and tasteful design, results in an inviting environment where conversation flows as freely as the cocktails. This balance of comfort, style, and attentive service makes MAD Bar and Lounge an excellent venue for memorable social meetups.
What makes the ambiance of MAD Bar and Lounge stand out? MAD Bar and Lounge’s ambiance is one of its strongest selling points for group visits. The space is elegantly designed with a nod to classic New York sophistication yet manages to feel relaxed and warm rather than stiff or formal. The fireplace-lit piano room creates a focal point where guests can gather not just for music but for comfortable, meaningful interaction. Meanwhile, the two full bars provide vibrant hubs of social energy, where people can easily strike up conversations or enjoy group cheers with expertly mixed cocktails. The music is carefully balanced to enhance socializing without overpowering it, ensuring that guests can enjoy their conversations alongside live jazz. Whether you prefer sitting at cozy booths or standing near the bars, the lighting and interior layout create a warm atmosphere ideal for evening entertainments and long, leisurely visits. The venue’s location inside a centrally located hotel also adds a layer of convenience for out-of-towners or groups planning a night out in Midtown Manhattan. This combination of thoughtfully curated design and welcoming ambiance makes MAD Bar and Lounge a compelling place to gather for any occasion.
How accessible and convenient is MAD Bar and Lounge for groups? Located conveniently at 7 East 36th Street in Midtown Manhattan, MAD Bar and Lounge is easy to reach by public transportation and offers nearby options for parking, making it an accessible destination for locals and visitors alike. The venue’s hours—from 4 pm until late, Monday through Saturday—fit well with after-work plans or weekend nights out, giving groups flexibility in scheduling their meetups. There is no cover charge for admission, which lowers barriers for spontaneous visits or last-minute plans. Reservations can be made to guarantee seating, which is especially helpful for larger groups wanting to secure their spot during busy times or special events like live jazz nights. The bar accepts major credit cards and offers various seating options including high chairs, making it accommodating for groups of all types. This accessibility combined with open admission policy encourages a diverse crowd, helping groups enjoy a lively and inclusive experience. Whether your group is local colleagues, family members from out of town, or longtime friends, MAD Bar and Lounge’s convenient location and policies make organizing a night out effortless.
What unique experiences can groups expect at MAD Bar and Lounge? Beyond the standard bar and dining experience, MAD Bar and Lounge offers guests the chance to immerse themselves in authentic New York jazz culture with no additional cost. The resident jazz lineup covers a broad range of styles throughout the week, from classic blues and modern jazz to Latin influences, creating a rich and varied musical backdrop. This sets it apart from many other bars that rely on recorded music or cover bands, offering genuine live artistry from highly regarded musicians. For groups looking to celebrate or hold events, the mezzanine bar provides a dedicated space with full catering services on request, ensuring the event is seamless and stress-free. The staff at MAD Bar and Lounge are experienced in event planning and hospitality, which reassures groups that their meetup will be crafted with attention to detail and quality. From birthday parties to corporate events, the venue’s ability to tailor its offerings to the occasion underlines its reputation as a premier gathering place. This blend of cultural authenticity, event flexibility, and warm service makes MAD Bar and Lounge a premier destination for memorable group outings.