The Bar Room

The Bar Room Restaurant Review:

Straddling the border between the Upper East Side and Midtown East, this bar and restaurant has the look and feel of a classic Big Apple imbibing and eating spot. Head to the tiled sky-lit backroom where mirrors bedeck the walls and a tufted leather banquette sleekly wraps around the space. Sip on traditional cocktails and decently priced glasses of wine while noshing on straightforward American fare. Chicken liver toast, spiked with bacon jam and hazelnuts, and the boneless fried chicken, are a nice way to start. Albeit slightly healthier, we also like the kale salad, doused with cheddar and almonds. Mains include a very good Pat LaFrieda burger, a tender half chicken (with bacon-loaded sweet potato purée), and a refreshing lobster roll, complete with tarragon aïoli. Desserts are forgettable, so order another Manhattan, sit back, and feel like Manhattanite.