Chez Nous

The Best Hotel Bars in NYC, From Classic Martini Haunts to Rooftops With Central Park Views | Condé Nast Traveler

"If a New York City resident lists The Marlton among their favorite hotels in town, then you know they mean business. There’s something enduring and delightfully worn-in about the property’s interiors, particularly that common area right near the check-in desk where the staff still keeps room keys in cubbyholes; on a weekday, you’ll find Manhattan creative WFH (Working From Hotel) parked by one of the fireplaces—guilty! Walk further back into the space and you’ll run into the dark and romantic bar, which then opens up to the Marlton’s newly revitalized restaurant space. What was once Margaux is now Chez Nous, literally “our place.” Naturally, the vibe is quite French: white tablecloths and napkins, red velvet banquettes and lacquered ceilings in an intimate dining room bathed in soft 2700K “incandescent” light—a bit of Maxim’s crossed with Midnight in Paris a block north from Washington Square Park. It’s supremely romantic and atmospheric, and it has a somewhat always-been-there quality. Maybe I should chalk it up to the New Yorkaise dames qui déjeunent who I saw during my visit, gathering at 5 p.m. for cocktails. From the menu of French classics, I had the lovely leeks pavé, the totally fine summer squash, and the fantastic beef carpaccio, as well as the sweet Provençal spritz. I did small bites and a quick drink since I had a bigger dinner to get to, but I’m hearing good things about the Chez Nous Chicken (served with an escargot sauce and fried sage) and the New York strip with pepper sauce. Chez Nous is a proper all-day restaurant, and the menu is offered in the bar area too, so it earns its spot on this list by being game to feed frites and burgers dressed in roquefort to hungry freelancers parked by those beloved Marlton fireplaces." - CNT Editors