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The Campbell Apartment
- Nearest Transit:
-
Grand Central - 42 St (S)
Grand Central - 42 St (4, 5, 6, 6X)
Grand Central - 42 St (7, 7X)
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
About This Business:
Lesly Bernard's Tillman's is 70's Harlem come downtown to infuse old-world panache into the Manhattan nightlife community. Along with several nights… read more »
260 reviews for The Campbell Apartment
Review Highlights
"Highly recommend the "Prohibition Punch."
(in 32 reviews)
"This is a "classic" NYC bar hidden in Grand Central."
(in 102 reviews)
"...Apartment was once the office of railroad tycoon John W."
(in 9 reviews)
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260 reviews in English
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Review from Steven B.
New York, NY
2/6/2012
Although the waitstaff is much maligned - I found them very pleasant. I got there early though (later afternoon), so that cold have made all the difference.
Although the locale is very cool, the drinks are still well priced (comparable to other speakeasy cocktail joints) at $16 or so each. The prohibition punch, though not the best cocktail I've ever had, was certainly very different, huge, and tasty.
My only complaint is the food - mixed nuts were just cashews, the olives were something you would expect from a sports bar - a bad mix without pits. Overall it had a prepackaged airline food feel. -
Review from Amy S.
Brooklyn, NY
2/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Perfect, strong and inspiring! And I am not just talking about the Prohibition Punch. Go! Find a corner seat, sip a perfectly concocted cocktail, discuss politics, people watch, or whisper sweet nothings into your date's ear.
If you feel like time traveling, channel your inner Gatsby, get dapper and you will be convinced that you left today for an earlier decade. -
Review from Chris A.
Silver Spring, MD
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have a love of history and of trains. Wanted to check this place out just once to see the former office of the Chairman of the New York Central. I was neverous about my sneakers, as I'd forgotten about the dress code and we came right after we arrived in NY. We went straight in though and made it to the bar. The cocktails were expensive but delicious and worth it for the round enjoying the gorgeous setting.
This is the kind of place you need to go once to see for yourself. But if you love architecture, history, trains, or just an upscale cocktail, stop in for a drink. Heck, grab one before hitting the local train home. -
Review from Lily C.
Manhattan, NY
1/24/2012
First It's a pretty place! My friend was having a small get together to celebrate her engagement so with our party and others the place seemed a little small. I was a bit smooshed into a corner. I guess it was one of those busy days as well when we went so I didn't mind standing and chatting.
It's a dimly lit place so definitely romantic! They even had a jazz duo playing later that evening which made the place a whole lot better!
True, you do need to wear fancy clothes.
No button up shirt? No dress shoes? No service. Only fitting because the place is pricey (I guess you have to look the part!)
I definitely loved the drinks! For the price I better have! The bartender was quick and friendly though and so were the servers.
Overall it was a wonderful experience and the cheese plates were divine! -
Review from Amir S.
Manhattan, NY
1/26/2012
Fell in love. Great drinks, better music, and I can have a conversation without having to scream.
Only 4 stars because unless you're making a custom drink for me on the fly, $17.50 for a cocktail is just ridiculous. But, to its credit, the quality is there; the price-point just needs a little adjusting. -
Review from Tracy K.
Philadelphia, PA
1/20/2012
Historic, former private library from the Prohibition Era--this place is the real deal. I came here shortly before happy hour (read: when they opened at 3pm) on a Friday. I was catching up with a colleague on the day's work, and it was a perfect, quiet place to unwind... but wow, it fills up fast! It transformed into a hoppin' place to see & be seen. It draws tourists and regulars alike, but I wonder if anyone is actually local.
Pisco Sour in a swank, cozy setting. A great reprieve from the city's bustle. -
Review from Theresa C.
Chicago, IL
1/7/2012
This was my fancy stop in my ultra low-key tour of New York this fall. I had specifically come with the goal of not going totally crazy and my friends obliged me by bringing me here.
It is pretty swank. Big comfy leather chairs and booths, a fire place, a fancy balcony, dim lighting, the works. The place almost has a walking back in time sort a vibe, back to the good old days when you drank whiskey like you meant it, a man knew how to wear a suit and a woman could just wear a set of pearls because that's what classy ladies did.
Anyway, the drinks were very good. The table sampled around so I had my own whiskey cocktail and a taste of something with gin, the Prohibition Punch and something else with champagne. Everything was good.
It is a bit pricey, but for one drink or one night, it's worth it to check it out. Come here with a few good friends and have a quiet, intimate, boozey night. -
Review from Reg Z.
Fairfield, CT
1/21/2012
Nice place. Always have good drinks here in a relaxed place near the craziness of GCT.
Be forewarned though, there is a dress code. They won't let you in with any sports paraphernalia on (my buddy had thrown on a jersey over his shirt/tie after work and they wouldn't let us in before the hockey game)... Granted this obviously isn't the place for it, and they were very nice/apologetic, we just wanted a good drink before heading towards the Garden -
Review from Nathan L.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Bummer I didn't come on a night when there was live Jazz. That would make this place a 5 star, considering they hired talented musicians. Come on Saturday night and you will see live jazz.. Without the live entertainment this becomes just a living room with 40 foot detailed ceilings and random couches spread around an open space so people can sit. The couches didn't really fit the decor as they looked worn down and not up to par with such a fancy building. The drinks were really good at $17.50 for the prohibition punch which happened to be a small fishbowl looking glass of alochol topped with champage.
Id come back if I called ahead for a table and live music. -
Review from Uyen N.
Brooklyn, NY
1/5/2012
The ambiance is classy, low-key and unique. Fist-pumping and belligerently drunk frat boys not allowed. Crowd is older. Mostly men in suits who stopped in for a drink while waiting to take the train back to their wives in CT. This isn't the place to hunt for your next one-night stand.
Instead... come in, unwind, order the Prohibition Punch and don't share it. You can, but I don't like to share happiness. -
Review from David Z.
1/29/2012
Very nice old school place. Older WASPY looking crowd. Expensive drinks. Tried to sit down, and then some lady told us the seats were reserved. One of the guys I was with ordered a beer and then the host strangely approached him questioning him where had had got the beer?! It was bizarre. Evidently she was not aware they sold that kind of beer and thought he had brought it with him?! Still, nice place to have a drink.
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Review from May L.
12/29/2011
I struggled between giving The Campbell Apartment 3 or 4 stars, primarily because it's going on my Hide & Seek list and 4 seems a bit wrong relative to the superstars on the list. Ultimately I caved and give it the non-list rating.
How to Find It: It's on the Vanderbilt side of Grand Central. You have to look careful for the staircase that says "Campbell Apartment". During the summer you can also enter kind of from the outside near Campbell Terrace.
The Atmosphere: It's gorgeous and very Grand Central. It's worth visually seeing. The lighting is quite dim, so if you're looking haggard after a long day of work, it's a solid enough place to take a date. Also, those high ceilings mean that the sound is all over the place. If you don't really want to talk to your mates after you start drinking than C.A. 's your place. It gets tough to hear by 7:30, usually.
The Scene: Here is where I docked it stars. It's SUCH an after work crowd and vibe that it isn't as chill as the other speakeasies. For all the beauty, I doubt anyone there does anything but take it for granted. It's just not "fun". It just doesn't feel like a left work or was "transported."
The Drinks: This is a solid Mixology place, though not quite to the level of the other speakeasies on my Hide & Seek list. I think it's because of the "speakeasies" this place gets for too much of a crowd to really pay that kind of attention to detail as say an Angel's Share or Apotheke.
Despite any mis-givings, though it is the best place for a drink in the area by a lot, provided you can get a table or little booth. As a result, it is so ridiculously crowded that it's quite rare to obtain seating, unless you come earlier.Listed in: Hide & Seek
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Review from Kara K.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ditto with others: Prohibition Punch. This is a drink that can be shared. It is so sweet and tasty but beware of the mix of alcohol in that one drink. Service was fantastic. Up the stairs in Grand Central and you may be able to enter from the outside near Campbell Terrace which is located at one of the entrances of Grand Central.
While lounging in John W. Campbell's old office, I feel like I should dress up as a flapper next time I visit. True, it's packed with commuters on weekdays but who cares unless you're trying to pick up a stranger? This did semi-occur with a guy we "befriended" next to us...(the official review ended in the first paragraphy, this is just the story part)....
We met a guy from Jersey who frequents Campbell Apartment as a commuter on the NJ Transit. He was a nice enough guy, told us he was a real estate venture capitalist. Talked to us about his commute and his wife. After several minutes of chatting, he stands up to greet a woman who we think is his wife...but is not really. He introduces us to her since we had been chatting. He then proceeds to converse with this mystery woman which Josh and I realize is a woman he met online and is meeting for the first time. Very awkward that he just spoke about his wife and living in Jersey to us while sitting there asking his woman friend personal questions about hobbies, pet peeves, family, and meeting each other online. We eventually left the bar without saying anything about his wife, I felt a bit torn overall about the whole situation; I guess I didn't drink enough of the punch. -
Review from David d.
JACKSON HTS, NY
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Last time I was here you could still smoke inside.
I came here on a date, and it did not disappoint. The place was busy, but wasn't overly crowded.
This was an old rich banker's office and salon back in the '1920s and they really haven't changed the decor of rich wood paneling, super high ceilings, cozy couches and chairs and cool painted wood ceiling.
The best place to sit is in the upstairs area that overlooks the bar and lounge area. The upstairs is really small, and only holds a few tables but its worth it if you can get a seat.
The staff is friendly, and attentive. I'm not much of mixed drinks person so I stuck to the bottled beer, but hey, I came here on a date and it was what I was looking for. Loved the atmosphere, with the light jazz playing in the background.
I think they've relaxed on the dress code, but you still can't look like you walked off the beach, or ski slope for that matter.
My impressions are positive and I'd recommend it to anyone who typically wears at least a business casual attire -
Review from Bill E.
12/18/2011
Absolutely one of the better places I've come across in NY! The low lighting, super high ceilings, low-key atmosphere, coupled with great cocktails, a good crowd, and solid service make for a great experience. Very old school, but in a good way!
A great way to relax after a train ride into Grand Central Station or... anything in NY! -
Review from Lissa V.
12/16/2011
Two words: Prohibition Punch. One of the better options for post-work in Midtown. Very classy New York.
Immediately you feel like you've walked into the living room of an elite mansion. The dark wintry feel, the leather furniture, the fireplace. I feel like I've entered a Gentleman's club of sorts (read: ladies you will get hit on - but not in the gross sleazy way). Gentleman being the key word because the patrons here are on the older side. This is not a place to go with your early 20-something buddies for Happy Hour specials. Do not walk in wearing jeans and a T-shirt. Drinks are very good, but on the pricier side.
Good cocktail list - check
Sophisticated men in suites - check
2 minutes from my office - check
A drink or two from The Campbell Apartment will brighten the toughest of any workday. -
Review from Kelly M.
Cambridge, MA
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dimly-lit, leather banquettes, armchairs, fireplaces, fresh fruit cocktails with ingredients you have to look up on your phone before ordering, attentive and helpful waitresses, actual Sinatra playing on a Friday night in the heart of Grand Central station; it's like a cliche that all came true in a totally delightful way. I probably wouldn't have picked the place myself, but I'm oh-so-glad that my friend suggested it.
Highly recommended for: when you want to feel like you're visiting the New York that your grandparents think of when you tell them you're visiting New York. -
Review from Valentina L.
Manhattan, NY
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
A giant living room full of worn in couches and jazz playing from the speakers. Yes, from the speakers! Where's the brass, man? Its a fancy but casual setting, high ceilings, expensive drinks, waitresses in pearls. Good service, but the music was missing. The hum of the crowd overshadowed the music. I could hear conversation from the table across the way over Michael Buble. No bueno. I would definitely come back for a low key drinks when/if they have live music.
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Review from Penelope S.
Denver, CO
1/16/2012
This place was recommended by a local and it changed my night. I felt as if I was going back to a time where men on Madison Avenue ruled the world. I had a lovely drink, made some new friends at the bar, and walked next door, to Grand Central Station to admire the artistic renditions of constellations. I loved where this lounge transported me mentally. The local was right, this is a hidden New York treasure.
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Review from Campbell K.
Manhattan, NY
10/17/2011
This is MY APARTMENT. MINE.
Also, the Old Fashions, Mint Juleps, and G&T's are straight up John Francis Donaghy.
More verbose review to come. -
Review from Josh S.
West Hartford, CT
1/15/2012
If you're stuck in Grand Central and want to get away from the busy, noisy, touristy areas, this is the place to be. Also, if you're in midtown and looking for a place to take a girl on a date and you're looking for a really fancy-looking place, this place is great. The bar staff is really nice and the atmosphere is relaxing. I recommend this to anyone whose dressed somewhat business casual and looking for a place to just relax in the middle of a crazy place.
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Review from Altaviese W.
Manhattan, NY
11/19/2011
Fell in love when this place!!!
This place is tucked away in the maze of Grand Central, I had to ask cops for directions. It has that Jazz/Prohibition era theme with Dim lighting and plush furniture. And just like some many other places in Manhattan, it has a link to history.
Order a Prohibition Punch (pricey but oh so worth it), and swoon to the 20's jazz playing in the background. -
Review from Meghan M.
New Britain, CT
1/11/2012
Stepping into this classic cocktail lounge will transport you back to a classic time period where drinks are made the proper way. Nothing says class like little a black dress & pearls (ladies on staff) and white service jackets black suit pants (gents on staff) Can't wait to return!!
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Review from Alexandra C.
New York, NY
10/3/2011
This is my favorite place in Midtown. I wish it was still a sorta secret as it was years ago. The guy who introduced me to it, acted as if it was this hidden place only he knew about (he was probably completely full of it, but hey, I was young, naive and I fell for it). Stepping inside, you feel transformed to another era.
Best late night after the after work commuters have left. It's a quiet, super romantic setting.
Drinks are pricey but so worth it. Berry Royale - so delicious I could have had 5 of them. If you want to do it cheaper, split the huge Prohibition Punch for 2. If you have the slightly pathetic tolerance of my friend and I, that is all you will need for the night.
A lot of times they are closed for private functions, and not sure if they allow you in with jeans/sneakers, but The Campbell Apartment is an absolute must experience for anyone visiting NYC. Now I just need to get another date to go back there..... -
Review from D M.
New York, NY
1/9/2012
Overpriced ? Yes. But good drinks, well prepared cocktails, professional staff make it worth it. A great place to bring visitors and to finish off a walk around grand central.
Note : dress code! Dont wear shorts or sandals! They're Verboten! -
Review from Erick ..
Foster City, CA
11/3/2011
I've been wanting to check out the Campbell Apartment since seeing it on TV I don't know how many years ago. Mid-afternoon, about 3 pm, even this tourist needs to get away from all that relentless walking and skyscraper-gawking, and what better way than to hide a corner away from all that Grand Central rush. Inside, just the bartender, misis & myself at the bar, and some lady at the seats waiting for her date. No crowd, no music, no bright lights, no noise, NOTHING! A serene void within the Grand Central Terminal.
I felt like a martini, misis some fizzy water. We chatted about heaven knows what, but it was a good chat nevertheless. The drink, smooth, but then again, what do you expect? The place is gorgeous, though we didn't pay that much attention nor that much care to the interior. I suppose the conversation was that fun that we simply didn't notice, but isn't that the point? Those twenty-some-odd-minute break was just what I needed to cap off the three-week east coast family vacation. That is what the Campbell Apartment is: an excellent place to unplug even for just a short moment.
A caveat: decent attire required. No sneakers, no workout clothes, no ripped jeans, no sweats, no baseball caps. There's a sign brassed up stating just that, or something close. That's just fair. It is a nice lounge, after all. -
Review from Nancy N.
11/8/2011
Perfect date place.
*Dim
*classy (feels expensive just walking in)
*intimate with live music (when we went) with bass and guitar
*slightly pricier than an average Manhattan place I've been to. Almost 20 bucks for the champagne mix drink
*People kinda dressed up. this time we went (Nov), I saw guys in sweaters and slacks, girls in dresses with sweaters (not slutty). Feels very J Crew and Banana R. BUT... we rolled in in jeans, shirt (some in Tees). We still got in.
I heard they don't take parties larger than 6. This would be a great place to bring a date or grab some other couples and make it a couples gathering. I think there's two bathrooms (unisex, one bathroom type) so if you have to go....kinda sucks.
More importantly, this place really does have its history and that's why I want to share the link from Wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.or... -
Review from Matt M.
Manhattan, NY
12/28/2011
If you're around midtown and looking for somewhere impressive to have a drink, this is certainly a good choice. There are a lot of good lounges in the area, but this one just exudes class and success. The interior is a great mix of old-fashioned, yet sleek and sexy. Overall, its a unique place that warrants stopping in for a drink or two.
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Review from Alma P.
10/12/2011
Came here upon recommendation of a friend who said it was a hip place w/a divererse clientele and good service/drinks. Yeah, not so much.
Place is basically 'date night' or 'groups celebrating birthdays' -- nothing hip about it. The venue itself is very pretty and has lots of potential but if you're in NYC and looking for a fun or hip place to go to meet people and/or have fun -- this isn't it.
Drinks were also super expensive -- if you could get to the bar to get one, and when ya did the bartenders were less than friendly. -
Review from Roxanne L.
Winter Park, FL
10/25/2011
Wow, I love this place! Full of history and America's 1920s feeling.
The drinks are strong and splendid and the service was fabulous. My cousin who took us here knew a lot of the staff so it made the experience even better.
I had a berry martini (I forgot the name) and tried the polo match. My favorites were the champagne based drinks! -
Review from Adam R.
10/17/2011
If you can get over the fact that you'll be paying in the neighborhood of thirty bucks for two cocktails and hanging out with a bunch of people who are eagerly looking forward to going to Connecticut, it's a great place.
You're paying for a lot of atmosphere. That's fine. You get specialty cocktails, which is great. And the location is also pretty convenient for those of us who work in midtown.
There are those who prefer to frequently drink at establishments like this. I am not one of them. But as sort of a special occasion, you can do worse. -
Review from Mallory C.
New York, NY
12/28/2011 1 photo
Great scotch, classy and relaxed environment, comfortable, perfect for a late drink or chatting over cocktails.
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Review from Grace H.
Washington, DC
12/24/2011
This lounge bar in Grand Central is the former office of John W. Campbell, chairman of the Credit Clearing House. The deco is 20's adn 30's. Very busy in the evening, plenty of cocktails to try. Service is good, got to try it at least once.
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Review from Leslie W.
Manhattan, NY
12/13/2011
Classic NY. A must-do for anyone visiting and a regular stop for those who live here. Prohibition Punch!
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Review from MichLee A.
New York, NY
1/19/2012
Stunning -- like a trip back to the 1920s, but with modern prices :-) So glad I had the opportunity to experience this place.
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Review from Patrik D.
CANAL STREET, NY
8/29/2011
Great classic uptown bar.
Drinks are very expensive but also very good.
Recommend before you visit arestaurant or if you just want to sip on a good drink in the afternoon.Listed in: Best Speakeasy/Hidden bar in…
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Review from Brandon B.
Canton, OH
12/15/2011
Went with my family for a quick drink or two on our way through grand central. Had a manhattan was slightly watered down by the time the waitress arrived at the table and poured it, but the aviation made up for it. It was perfect! Planter's punch was punchy, the charcuterie was pretty good too. No hot drinks available unfortunately. (mom wanted hot tea, as she's not a booze hound like the rest of us) Any visit to the Campbell Apartment is really about the decor though. It's stunningly beautiful in there. well worth stopping for a drink. A little pricey, but worth it.
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Review from Josephine L.
Boston, MA
7/29/2011
Another speakeasy-turned-cocktail-lounge, this time situated right underneath beautiful Grand Central Station. The lounge is a former office and you can see that in the beautiful ceiling architecture, the glass windows, the wall sconces, etc.
Cocktails aren't cheap, but they're less than $16. I had the Flapper's Delight and my friend got the Berry Royale. Both champagne cocktails that were meant to be sipped slowly. Mine was a little stronger than hers. If you're in the mood for interesting flavor combinations, I'd definitely recommend the Flapper's Delight.
Word of advice: Call ahead to make sure they're not closed for private parties. That happens a lot. -
Review from Mensa M.
Manhattan, NY
7/6/2011
I was not nearly dressed up for such a breathtaking place.
20s aesthetic, jazz music and perfect that set the mood... Amazing.
Had the cheesecake, as we'd already had a full meal elsewhere and where just passing time. Had to be close to midnight.
This cheesecake looked suspiciously like Junior's... Same upside-down trapezoid shape as their Little Fellas, same exact size... No crust ...They drizzled raspberry sauce on top in the same design too. It tasted slightly more rich than Junior's raspberry version, but probably bc they used the original before adding their *own* topping. Then I was informed that there was a Junior's downstairs, so I'm betting anything that this was NOT homemade, but store-bought with a $6 mark-up.
Regardless, they had some funky cocktail specials, including the Kentucky Ginger which sounded incredible!--ginger liquor, agave nectar, rosemary something-or-other... I'm sold! Oh wait... Calories... Maybe next time. But I'm sure they're Mm, Mm Good!Listed in: On a DATE? Great!, Swank!
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Review from Peter C.
7/19/2011
Walk into The Campbell Apartment and you've just joined a club. Suddenly, you feel like you've got one up on everyone else who isn't here.
The Apartment is best enjoyed after the happy hour crowds have caught their trains to the 'burbs, and all that are left are those who enjoy a quality drink in a luxurious atmosphere. I don't want to be crowded or jostled while enjoying my (expensive) martini.
Date? Perfect. Fancy drinks with well-dressed friends? Perfect.Listed in: So You Think You Can Date?
