Midtown Lunch

Call me naïve or call me boring, but for some reason, I never think to organize a happy hour in K-town. Hidden above the packed sidewalks of Korea Way, est. 1986 Wine Bar & Lounge is the sort of speakeasy I wish I wasn’t telling you about. By the time this review publishes, I will have already endured pleas from my coworkers, imploring me not to share est. 1986 with you.

Damask wallpaper covers the walls of this intimate hideout, while anomalous art, chandeliers, a self-playing piano and leather couches add some sass to an otherwise library/study-looking spot.

Located on the second floor of the slightly dingy Hotel Stanford, est. 1986 boasts “an extensive wine list sure to satisfy every palate, providing the perfect spot for the after work crowd or for guests to meet their friends for drinks before heading to a party or dinner.”

The vibe varied from group-to-group. There were couples seated to our right; a lone man to our left and a group of what seemed like colleagues in front of us. The swing jazz playing in the background seemed to perfectly compliment all conversations within the present crowd.

Along with an attentive wait staff, cheap wines (50% off all glasses), and delicious cheese plate (though impressive, this plate was exceptionally overpriced. If I’m going to pay $24 dollars for cheese, there better be more than six crackers on my plate!), the unprentiousness that is usually associated with wine bars is what makes this spot great.

Happy hour is daily from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and boasts 50% off ALL beer, house wines and well drinks.

Est. 1986 Wine Bar & Lounge, 43 West 32nd Street (btwn Broadway and 5th Ave.), 212-563-1500