The Champagne Bar at The Plaza is one of New York City’s most iconic places to enjoy Champagne, set inside the legendary Plaza Hotel overlooking Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain. Located beside the hotel’s grand lobby and Fifth Avenue foyer, the bar combines Champagne, caviar, fine wines and light fare with the unmistakable elegance of The Plaza.
The history of the Champagne Bar goes back to 1907, when The Plaza first opened its doors. The original Champagne Porch occupied the same location as today’s bar and was a seasonal outdoor restaurant with just ten tables. It quickly became a fashionable meeting place, attracting prominent guests including Diamond Jim Brady and the Prince of Wales. More than a century later, the Champagne tradition continues in the same part of the hotel. The current Champagne Bar was renovated in 2014.
Champagne is the focus of the drinks program. The menu features Champagne by the glass as well as an extensive bottle selection, with both established Champagne houses and prestigious cuvées represented. The Champagne-by-the-glass selection has included Louis Roederer Collection, Billecart-Salmon Rosé, Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque, Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs and Duval-Leroy Femme de Champagne. The Plaza also offers an exclusive Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque cuvée, adding another reason for Champagne enthusiasts to visit.
Caviar is another natural part of the experience. The Champagne Bar positions Champagne and caviar among its signature indulgences, making it an especially fitting destination for a classic luxury pairing. During the day, the menu shifts toward freshly baked pastries, specialty coffees and light gourmet fare, while the later service focuses more heavily on Champagne, wine, cocktails and sophisticated bar dining.
The setting is one of the biggest attractions. Floor-to-ceiling views toward Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain place guests in one of Manhattan’s most recognizable locations, while the interiors reflect The Plaza’s grand, historic character. It is a particularly memorable setting for a special occasion, romantic drink, pre-dinner Champagne or an elegant afternoon stop while exploring Midtown Manhattan.
The Champagne Bar is open throughout the day, beginning with breakfast service from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Lite fare and cocktails are served from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., followed by cocktails until 11 p.m. Both hotel guests and outside visitors are welcome, making it possible to experience the Champagne Bar without staying at The Plaza.
For Champagne lovers, The Champagne Bar is particularly appealing because Champagne is not simply one item among a long restaurant wine list – it is the defining feature of the venue. Add caviar, Fifth Avenue views, the history of The Plaza and an atmosphere that has been associated with New York luxury for more than a century, and the result is one of the city’s most recognizable Champagne destinations.
Whether you visit for a glass of Champagne and caviar in the evening, a Champagne flight, a daytime pastry and coffee or simply to experience one of New York’s historic hotel bars, The Champagne Bar at The Plaza offers a distinctly New York Champagne experience.
Leave a Reply