When the Wallace Lounge first opened its doors one year ago, it instantly filled a vital nightlife gap on the Upper West Side, providing a swanky setting for cocktails and canapés alongside elegant entertainment. And now, the hotspot’s offering just got even more enticing — as of March 4, they are open seven days a week.
The piano bar — located in the lobby of The Wallace Hotel at 242 West 76th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue — will continue operating from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. daily, offering its robust menu of decadent bites and lovely libations to hotel guests and other patrons. In a somewhat rare twist, their happy hour (from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) will also be an everyday occurrence. Yes, this means you can pop by for $15 cocktails (signature or house), $12 wine (red, white or sparkling) and a free basket of French fries on any given evening of the week!
As for the main attraction — live entertainment, of course — some of New York’s finest musicians appear from Thursday through Saturday between 7 and 11 p.m. In the past year alone, performers like Jim Caruso, Stella K Cole, Benny Benack III, Matt Baker, Daniel Glass, Emily Braden, Jane Irving, Adam Kubota, Steve Picataggio, Bryan Eng and Michael Grain have all taken the stage. And in case you were wondering, the piano in question is a 5’9” Mason & Hamlin Grand Piano that was built in 1926. Famed piano tuner Ingo Hoffman is responsible for restoring it. To view upcoming events and browse the music schedule, click here.
But now, let’s get back to some exciting additions. In addition to a slew of charcuterie classics by way of neighborhood Italian mainstay Salumeria Rosi (whose owner, Andrea Loscalzo, opened The Wallace Lounge), divine delicacies like wagyu sliders, truffle potato croquettes and smoked beef tartare are also available. New menu highlights include Mediterranean spreads and a decadent lobster roll served on brioche with French fries. For those looking to splurge and take in the old-school glamour of the venue, a brand new caviar program has been announced. With four options up for grabs — Royal Daurenki, Royal Ossetia, Royal Baika and Classic Baika, all from Petrossian — even the most elite gourmand will be thrilled.
The exemplary cocktail program already includes tried-and-true favorites like martinis, Rob Roys and a playful twist on a gin and tonic, and will now offer an Amaretto sour and a Oaxaca Negroni. On an early visit to the lounge, I indulged in the Baika martini (which features a dollop of caviar) — and can confirm it’s like no other cocktail in Manhattan right now.
Complete with an eye-catching marble fireplace, The Wallace Lounge is designed to the nines in a Neo-Deco style reminiscent of a bygone era. Though there are plenty of places to enjoy fine food and libations on the Upper West Side, there is nothing quite like The Wallace Lounge.
To learn more, visit thewallace.com/lounge and follow @thewallaceloungenyc on Instagram.
