Bar in New York City, United States
Forty Four
100ptsCivilised Midtown drink, no tourist chaos.
About Forty Four
Forty Four is a low-lit hotel bar inside the Royalton on West 44th Street, suited to a quiet drink rather than a scene. The spirit-forward cocktail programme leans toward whiskey and classic builds. Walk-ins are easy most evenings, making it a practical Midtown option before dinner or after Bryant Park.
Is Forty Four worth booking for a drink in Midtown?
Yes, if you want a civilised drink in Midtown Manhattan without the chaos of Times Square spilling into your glass. Forty Four sits inside the Royalton Hotel on West 44th Street, a block from Bryant Park, and the room does most of the work: long, low-lit, with a layout that feels more like a private club than a hotel bar. The counter and banquette seating absorb conversation rather than amplify it, which makes it a rare find at this latitude.
For someone who's visited once and wants to know what to try next, the bar's strength is in its spirit-forward cocktails. The programme leans into whiskey and classic structures rather than novelty, which means the drinks hold up across visits. If you found the first round reliable, ordering deeper into the whiskey selection is the logical move. This is not a bar where the menu rotates aggressively or chases seasonal trends — the consistency is the point.
Booking is easy. Forty Four does not require advance planning the way a destination cocktail bar like Angel's Share or Attaboy NYC does. Walk-ins are generally fine on weeknights; if you're planning around a Bryant Park event or a Thursday evening, arriving before 7 PM removes any uncertainty. No reservation needed for two people at the bar.
The crowd skews toward hotel guests, publishing and media professionals from the neighbourhood, and anyone who values a quiet drink over a scene. It is not the place to come if you want a mezcal-forward list or the kind of bartender-led theatrics you'd get at Amor y Amargo. It's also not trying to be. What Forty Four offers is competent, calm, and well-located: a serious drink in a room that respects the transaction.
If you're building a Midtown evening, Forty Four works as an opener before dinner rather than a destination in itself. For a broader look at where to drink in the city, see our full New York City bars guide. Travellers planning the whole trip can also check our New York City restaurants guide and our New York City hotels guide.
Compare Forty Four
| Venue | Awards | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forty Four | — | ||
| The Long Island Bar | World's 50 Best | — | |
| Dirty French | — | ||
| Superbueno | World's 50 Best | — | |
| Amor y Amargo | World's 50 Best | — | |
| Angel's Share | World's 50 Best | — |
Side-by-side comparison to help you decide where to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the crowd like at Forty Four?
Expect a mix of hotel guests, Midtown professionals unwinding after work, and out-of-towners who have done their research. It runs quieter and more composed than the average bar within walking distance of Times Square. The room at 44 W 44th St keeps the energy low-key rather than loud.
What's the signature drink at Forty Four?
Specific menu details aren't publicly confirmed, so take any named cocktail claims elsewhere with scepticism. What is consistent about hotel bars at this address is a competent classic cocktail list. Arrive expecting well-executed standards rather than an inventive craft programme — for the latter, Amor y Amargo on East 6th is a short subway ride away.
Do I need a reservation at Forty Four?
For drinks, walk-ins are generally fine on weeknights. If you're coming for dinner or arriving on a busy Friday evening, calling ahead is sensible given its location inside the Royalton Hotel at 44 W 44th St. It's not the kind of place that turns away walk-ins aggressively, but seating isn't unlimited.
Is the food good at Forty Four?
Menu details aren't confirmed in current records, so a specific verdict isn't possible. Hotel bar food in this category tends toward reliable American standards rather than anything destination-worthy. If a serious dinner is the goal, Dirty French in the Ludlow Hotel offers a more compelling food case for a comparable dressed-up night out.
Is Forty Four good for a date?
Yes, it works well for a first or early date. The setting inside the Royalton is composed without being stiff, and Midtown's 44th Street location is easy for both parties to reach. It's a better low-pressure option than a louder neighbourhood bar, and less commitment than booking a full dinner.
Is Forty Four good for groups?
Small groups of two to four manage fine. Larger parties should consider whether a hotel bar layout suits the energy they want — it typically doesn't. For a group night out in Manhattan, Superbueno or a dedicated bar with more flexible seating would serve a party better than Forty Four.
Does Forty Four have happy hour deals?
No happy hour details are confirmed in current records. Hotel bars in Midtown at this level rarely lead with discounted pricing, so don't plan your visit around a deal. If value-per-drink matters, The Long Island Bar in Brooklyn delivers more at a lower price point.
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