NYC: The Portrait Bar

Intimate cocktail bar in NoMad

Last Friday night I treated myself to a cocktail and dinner at The Portrait Bar, a cocktail bar that has been on my list for several months. I’d set a notify on Resy earlier in the week, hoping a reservation opened up, and one did! The Portrait Bar is located in the beautiful Fifth Avenue Hotel located in the NoMad area of Manhattan. (NoMad is short for North of Madison Square Park — I just learned that.)

When you walk into the hotel entrance, you’re greeted with a plush seating area. It’s one of the first clues you’ll be treated to classic NYC vibes. Walking into the bar, you’ll notice the cozy fireplace and an amalgamation of dark wood. I was greeted immediately and seated promptly. The bartenders are dressed in white coats and black trousers — more classic NYC vibes just how I like it. The bar was busy with seated guests but I did see one table for two open. It is not a large place and not the type of bar you can stand around in. Music started more jazzy and then became more poppy. It was still quiet enough to read, hear yourself think or chat with a friend.

I’d read the martini was one of the best in the land, so I ordered a dirty gin martini. It was good but not remarkable. I was happy it wasn’t loaded with olive juice. I’ve found this can sometimes be the case (ahem Lobby Bar at the Chelsea Hotel, but that is still a fun place to hang out also with classic NYC vibes). Accoutrements were provided in a separate crystal dish. Alongside the martini, you receive complimentary popcorn in a festive red and white container. For dinner, I ordered the burger, which I’d also read was one of the best in the city, and a side of fries. One bite and I was in Heaven. It was juicy and cooked medium rare to my liking. I also very much enjoyed the fries and aioli dipping sauce. The burger was on the smaller size, so it was perfect for little me. I loved the pretty plates the burger and plates were served upon.

After I finished eating, I continued to nurse my cocktail and read Emily Henry’s new one, Funny Story, for a bit. All in all, I was at the bar for an hour and change. It was a good place for a quiet solo dinner, and it would also be a good spot for a romantic date.