The Campbell Apartment

Came here for checking out one of the hidden bars in New York.
1. People were dressed to impress.
2. Cocktails were ok!
3. Not at all a hidden place or have much fun to that part of excitement.
4. Expensive
Won’t recommend if u r trying to have a hidden bar experience.

A very spacious yet not overly crowded Lounge and Bar with some of the best drinks I’ve ever had. It’s located inside Grand Central terminal however you have to access it from the street. Service was great and the overall ambiance and layout was conducive for a social environment. It’s a more classy environment that serves drinks surrounding the theme of the prohibition era. Average drink price is $ 20 but well worth it.

Overpriced and over hyped. The space is interesting to see and the history impressive — but the ambience as a case of velvet ropes and Reserved cards. Not even enough bar stools to enjoy our guests at the bar.
Check! been there — done that. Next.

Cool and historic cocktail spot right in Grand Central! Had a mule. It was delicious.
The inside is pretty bad ass — it used to be the office of John W. Campbell, which puts my set-​up at work to shame. But I bet John W. Campbell didn’t have a second computer monitor or a Gumby figurine on his desk so I have him beat there. I also didn’t really know the backstory of the space until just now (thanks, Wikipedia) because when we were here, I just had drinks on the brain.
It was semi-​crowded when we arrived, but a waitress came right up to us and was fairly swift at bringing us our drinks.

I visited this lounge twice during my recent 6-​night stay in the City and I am not sure where the 4-​star reviews are coming from. For the fact-​loving part of me, this place gets 5-​stars for «cool location» and history. If you do not already know, it is the apartment and office of the 1920s financier John W. Campbell who helped build the Grand Central Station. I am sure it was once a stunning sight to see, although to me it is a bit lackluster. It was later used as storage, a jail for the NY Transit Authority, and even offices. In 1999 (I believe) it was renovated and turned into what is now The Campbell Apartment lounge. It had another brief renovation around 2005 where they did a few key upgrades during a 12-​hour period so as not to close the lounge during any regular business hours. Many parts of the lounge are original to the 1920s heyday.
The first night I stopped in was for a nightcap after seeing a musical. My friend and I hopped up to the bar and were quickly served our beverage of choice. I do not even remember what I ordered because there was nothing memorable about the experience. What I did love (aside from the history I shared) is that this is tucked away in Grand Central Station and, as a tourist, I might not have known it existed without my friend taking a peek at local lounges prior to our trip.
The second night I stopped in with a large party. We ended up in the Parlor because you should make reservations for the Apartment if you’re going to have a larger party. If there are just a couple of you, you may be able to go to the bar directly to enjoy a drink. All of the other seating was previously reserved. A couple of us did try to squeeze our way up to the bar during this second visit, but we were never acknowledged by the waitstaff so we joined the rest of our party down in the Parlor.
I feel like the lounge is pretty worn down. With all of the history and beauty in Grand Central Terminal, the walls and carpet could use a refresh, and the bathroom could be updated as well. The motif is a bit mixed and takes away from the original beauty of the place. I would recommend it as a spot to grab a nightcap to visiting friends just based on how neat it is to find it tucked away at Grand Central. The drinks and service from the staff were nothing special, so if I were to recommend it, I would try to ensure I did not send them here with high expectations.

I don’t feel classy enough to visit this fancy establishment.
Tucked away in GCT is The Campbell Apartment. A bar, well lounge really, with beautifully decorated rooms, fancy-​looking bartenders, and comfortable furniture. Oh and they make a nice, strong drink. I was here for a Crown Royal event so I cannot comment on their typical cocktails, however, the ones offered during the event were delicious and expertly-​crafted. Service was fantastic. The food they served was delicious (unsure if this was only for the event or if they always offer food). Everything from top to bottom was great.
I would love to come here again one evening and enjoy some more cocktails and the atmosphere, in general.

It’s a good option if you are in or near Grand Central station. It was very busy and bustling on a Friday night. We were able to find two chairs and sit back and enjoy two cocktails. I had the Kentucky Ginger and my husband had the Old Fashioned, both were good.

3.5 stars. I love that this place exists in Grand Central and sitting inside is such a treat, but the $ 18 to $ 22 cocktails disappointed me to no end. For $ 18, I got what tasted like a slightly fruitier, fancier Bellini (the Flapper cocktail). Their signature Prohibition Punch tasted just like normal punch. Service was slow to average and it was super loud/​crowded.
Yes I am still glad that I got to see this fabulous space that was featured on Gossip Girl, but the bar could seriously do better in terms of mixology and uniqueness of drinks. Until then I won’t be coming back unfortunately-​just can’t justify all the $$$$!

Nestled in a not very convenient west balcony corner of Grand Central Station is the Cambpell Apartment tavern. It was, many years ago a living space for some rich chooch named Robert Campbell in the 1920’s.
Once found, it felt nice to NOT being part of the typical
Grand Central hubbub. We got the Cambpell Apartment shortly after onpening in Saturday and I was relieved to find it nearly empty (apparently, an unusual occurrence). Aah, time to relax before our Showtime and have a nice Bloody Mary.
The tavern specializes in old school cocktails, Gimlet this and whiskey that with some very nice wine selections. The menu consists of Smalls, cheese platter, sliders etc. Plenty of you’re on the go.
The only bite in my book is… It Is Expensive, but for a couple drinks, it is a must to stop in, no doubt

I’m talking to a friend today fervently trying to remember the name of this place to recommend it and I can’t!!! I search and search my profile only to realize I didn’t review it!!! I love a place so much that I want to recommend it but didn’t put in the time to tell the world? Shame shame!
What a great hideaway to grab a drink. Tucked away it seems like it’s a «Sex in the City Carrie meeting up with Big in the Aiden days» kind of place. I loved it. But don’t think it’s not posh because it is and it fills up quick to a lively crowd. Even though there are seating vignettes that allow for a cozy conversation. The drinks are about the price of every other place in the world but don’t come here expecting $ 2 Lone Stars. (That one’s for you my Texas babies)
Fantastic speakeasy vibe that is appropriate enough to take business colleagues or meet up with friends. You’ll love it. Because I know these kinds of things.

It is definitely a spacier kind of speakeasy place. I loved the atmosphere while still being able to breathe and not squished in between walls. Kind of tucked away on Vanderbilt Avenue on the outside bit of Grand Central.
As much as I enjoyed my time here, the drinks are reallyyyyy pricey, even for a speakeasy. I had the robber barron and flappers delight and enjoyed the drinks. My wallet, however, was crying.
I saw some families, which was kind of weird place to gather for a bar. I mean. cool? Thirsty I guess. There were all kinds of people.
I guess I’ll just have to come with a sugar daddy next time… :/

The best part about Campbell Apartment is really just the charm and story behind it.
The location is kind of hard to find, which makes it seem like the experience will be that much better, and your anticipation builds. But the service is horrid.
I came here with my boyfriend before dinner, hoping to enjoy the dark romantic atmosphere and a few drinks. We were greeted by the host and didn’t have to wait very long for a table in the balcony area that over looked the entire venue. I thought that our short wait would be a good sign of things to come. Our table was charming and we had a great view, and a romantic table set away from others, but after the waitress brought us our first order, we never saw her again…
We tried to order another round of drinks but we were basically abandoned. After attempting to find the waitress, we simply decided it would be best to get the check and leave.

Quintessential New York — that is the best way to describe The Campbell Apartment. You feel like you’ve been taken back an old school noir film in New York.
I came here for a networking event with a colleague so we were in the back toward with a velvet rope separating our group from the rest of the bar. The service we were getting seemed to be a little better than those coming to visit the bar itself. The hors d’oeuvres were pretty average EXCEPT for this delicious bacon/​feta pastry that I still think about to this day. I ordered an old fashion with a top shelf bourbon and it was standard. The ice was not what I expected for a lounge of this caliber.
So overall, the drinks are all right and the vibes can be great if you go with the right people. The bottom line is that TCA is all about the atmosphere. You go here for a drink to be taken back to another time and feel like you’re in Mad Men. Everything else is just average. It’s really 3.5 but I’ll round to 4 because everyone should at least go once.

One wall of Grand Central actually says «Campbell Apartment» on it, which seems like a total give away, but my friend and I still had a little trouble finding the place. We ended up getting in through the street entrance, which is also labeled Campbell Apartment.
We got there around 7:30pm on Friday night. The hostess told us 40 minutes, but we ended up waiting a little over an hour for a table. That’s okay though, we got a drink at the bar and lingered until the rest of our friends got there. The bar is packed because half the people here are waiting for a table. It didn’t take long for us to get a bartender’s attention to order, so that’s always good. You’ll definitely find the after work business crowd here as it was dress shirts and suits all around.
Started with the Prohibition Punch ($ 22) for a huge goblet style glass (of course there’s also a lot of ice in it. By the time we sat down, we got another drink from their signature menu (the rest of the cocktails are $ 18). We got seated on the second floor, so it was nice to be away from the crowds and noise. It’s also a nice view from the top, you can see the beautiful windows from higher up. The waitress was attentive and we all went for round three (it wasn’t a cheap night).
Overall, this place is pretty cool. I’d definitely come back. Just wish it wasn’t so crowded.

This place has been on my bucket list to try ever since I saw it on Gossip Girl years and years ago. It’s one of those tucked away places right outside of Grand Central station but at least it’s pretty well labeled.
I brought my friend here for bday drinks recently and when I first arrived there was a 90 minute wait. WHOAAA. But I really wanted to go so I had a drink first outside at the Campbell Parlour which is first come first serve seating. I snagged a seat and had a drink first. The wait ended up only being an hour so I proceeded inside for my 2^nd drink. It’s very very small. The crowd is definitely the finance type and not the typical recent college grad hangout which I definitely appreciated. Both of my drinks were delish. Now be forewarned, it’s not cheap. Each drink was about $ 17 not including tax and tip.
Lovely ambiance and not crazy loud. I would definitely come back again when I’ve had a tough work week to unwind from.

This place is the epitome of classic New York! I had organized a scavenger hunt for my husband’s birthday at Grand Central Station and wanted to find a nice place to unwind and relax afterwards. We had always intended to go here in the past but could never justify a $ 15 – 20 cocktail until now.
I ordered the Prohibition Punch, which was delicious! Everyone in my group had no complaints about their drinks. My husband enjoys a well-​made drink and certainly enjoyed his.
Since there were 6 people in our group, we were seated on the sofa in front of the fireplace. This was the perfect spot to have a nice conversation amongst our group and to do a bit of people watching. Honestly though, you can sit anywhere and still have an excellent view. The décor can’t be beat with its authentic 1920’s steel safe, dark hardwood beams across the walls and ceiling, and the massive antique bars. The whole room is awash in a warm, red palette.
I would definitely advise dressing up a little if you go here. I saw some tourists dressed down at the bar, but where’s the fun in that!!! People have complained about not being let in when sporting a T-​shirt and sneakers. I get the annoyance, but I honestly think that people get away with dressing down too often these days. If you want to wear a T-​shirt and sneakers, there’s hundreds of bars in Manhattan that will happily let you in. IMHO, dressing up at this bar is probably half the reason people want to come here — to see something interesting and beautiful, not something as banal as a Gap T-​shirt.

So amazingly beautiful, outstanding service, fantastic drinks. Comfortable cushy seating.
A speakeasy in what used to be a grand apartment that can be tricky to find inside Grand central but that increases its speakeasy coolness. Amazingly fantastic 25 foot high ceilings, a huge stone fireplace and gorgeous Windows and décor. I had to stop and stare at the beauty of this place and all its details many times while there.
The first time we were here we sat in the balcony seating and this time we sat close to the fireplace which was much better. When I brought my friends from out of town they loved both the hidden speakeasy feel and the grand wow factor of their surroundings.
Great swing type music playing adding to the speakeasy feel charm.
Lucy our server was professional, bright and friendly with a great personality and great recommendations.
I ordered the prohibition punch: their fruity delicious signature drink. So so delicious I ordered another .
Highly recommend with friends, family, a date or out of town guests.

4 stars for ambiance, 3.5 stars for drinks.
Who would have known that a classy looking bar would be tucked away in Grand Central Station? The Campbell Apartment has an awesome ambiance and vibe to it. Though it does get really loud for what it appears to be, it’s still a great place to kick back, be classy, and catch up with friends. We also spotted a lot of couples on date night here.
Drinks were good, but not amazing. The Prohibition Punch is $ 20 but it definitely packs a punch with the booze. It’s probably the best value on the menu. Just don’t expect an exotic crafted cocktail that will blow your mind. One of our friends got a champagne cocktail and said she could barely taste any alcohol in it.
I’d come back here mostly for the ambiance and to try a different cocktail. Kentucky Ginger, you’re next!

The one thing this place really has going for it is ATMOSPHERE. It’s in Grand Central, a historic landmark even New Yorkers love. It has a cool history to it. The décor makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time and that window behind the bar, well, it’s amazing.
Aside from the atmosphere, I’m less impressed. The drinks are expensive and while I don’t shy away from spending a pretty penny on a good craft cocktail the two I had tasted weak and overly sweet. I think that’s always a sign of a poorly made craft cocktail.
When I initially walked in to the place after a work meeting to meet a friend, there were no seats in the bar but there was not a single patron on the many couches in the bar. The hostess told me I could not be seated without my companion. I get that when you’re in a restaurant where they are trying to turn tables quickly, but this is a cocktail bar and I was ordering immediately. Instead I stood at the end of the full bar with my heavy laptop bag staring at an otherwise empty bar. When my companion said he was going to be 20 minutes late, I asked to be seated or I would leave. Only then would they seat me. I understand these places have rules in place for their staff, but you should also teach your staff to look at the each situation and try to put your customers first!

Dress up a bit. Be a bit classy and leave the jeans, sneakers, sandals, and t-​shirt for the local pub. Act like an adult and adhere to the dress code. It’s fun to play dress up once in a while.
Find the exit doors in Grand Central on the upper restaurant balcony area. The Campbell Apartment is listed right above it. Make a left out of them and you’ll see the entrance right off the outside bar/​patio area on Vanderbilt Ave side.
Saunter up to the bar and order a Kentucky Ginger. Watch as the bartender mixes a perfect libation.
Act all cool like James Bond and take it all in. Lean back against the bar and marvel at the amazing ceiling architecture. Look around at the well dressed crowd enjoying themselves while prohibition era classics and cool jazz play in the background. Limited seating and even on a late evening midweek the joint was jumping. Enjoy the view of those sitting on the balcony area engaging in a little voyerism of their own. Old school ambiance oozes out of every pore here from the white jacketed servers, to the black cocktail dressed hostesses adorned with pearl necklaces.
Some were ordering food too. I was having none of that and decided to partake in another Kentucky Ginger. It’s one of those classic historical spots that as a New Yorker you should treat yourself too. Great service, terrific cocktails that you don’t see made much anymore, and a vibrant classy atmosphere. Sure, a drink will average $ 16 here, but that is the price to pay for opulence in NYC. If that is too much for your wallet to handle I would suggest at least checking this place out at least once, then moving on back to your local budget friendly bar.
As for me, I will be sauntering back here again attired in suit and tie. Reflecting on the life and times of a 1920’s tycoon who used this location as his private office and salon. Wondering if his spirit is standing next to me, leaning against the bar, and taking it all in.
Bartender, another Kentucky Ginger please.