Park Bar - The Hidden Gem of Union Square
Written By: Romany Reagan on Fri, Mar 21st 2008
I had another lovely evening at Park Bar last night (15 E15th Street, just off Union Square) and it occurred to me I have yet to share this little gem with you guys. While they have a full bar for those who want their appletinis or neat bourbon, what's really great about this bar is their wine and champagne by the glass. For between $8 - $10 you can get a really decent glass of red, and a bottle of Veuve Cliquot is only $70, which for NYC bar prices is darn good. (I seem to always see it for going on $100.) Other Union Square drink spots are spendy and really look like they're trying too hard with their décor. However for Park Bar the atmosphere is what made me fall in love with it in the first place. With its cozy tables for two, exposed brick walls, candles and super friendly bartenders it's so incredibly inviting you practically want a lap blanket.
Now, don't get me wrong, this place gets mad busy on weekends. Between its standing room only and loud nouveau riche execs I practically don't recognize the place, so I recommend checking it out midweek. It really speaks to the appeal of the place that it does get so slammed. It's not a walk-up kind of joint, tucked on quiet and somewhat dark 15th Street where there are no other restaurants next to it, I never would have noticed it had a friend not brought me there. Ever since that fateful night, it's become my newest go-to.
It got its name from being tucked under a "Park" sign, which advertises the parking structure right next door. An extremely witty use of otherwise unfortunate sign placement. How can you fight the domination of this 10-foot high bright white and blue sign? Hey, if you can't beat 'em join 'em, now that sign is working in their favor. You can see that thing from a football field away. Well done Park Bar.
The only thing that has kept me from haunting them every week is they don't serve food, so I can't really call them a winebar by my definition. Wine without my ubiquitous cheese plate is hardly a wine experience at all. However, as they're open until 4am, it makes the PERFECT post-dinner-still-not-ready-to-go-home-but-can't-face-a-BAR-bar bar. It fills that lovely in-between niche. Those dressy dark jeans? It's like that. Check it out people, the place goes great with boots.
