Charlie Palmer, one of the big player’s on the New York bar and restaurant scene, runs Crimson and Rye in the lobby of the Lipstick building in Midtown.

The vast, glossy skyscraper might seem an incongruous spot for a whisky bar, but the team have created a cosy, clubby atmosphere with leather armchair and antique rugs, an oval-shaped bar and room for 70 drinkers.

Luis Mendez, formerly of the Mercer Kitchen, is at the helm at the bar, where the emphasis, unsurprisingly, is firmly on the brown spirit – there are 21 varieties of rye and 29 bourbons – along with a steadily expanding list of craft cocktails, using house-made ingredients, plus house wines and champagnes, vodkas, gins, brandies and liqueurs.

There are also food ‘bites’ including pork and fish tacos, salads and cheese and charcuterie plates.  

Ideal For

After-work drinks; rye, bourbon and whisky enthusiasts

Favourite Table

The leather sofas by the floor-to-ceiling windows, or at the big circular bar, to watch the bartenders at work

Signature Drinks

The High West ‘Rendezvous’ Rye from a distillery in Park City, Utah, or try any of the other ryes, bourbons, whisky and scotches from the extensive list