The Sunken Lounge

The cocktails are competently-ish made, if nothing spectacular, though it's nice to see the Jet Set theme continuing with both an Aviation and a Paper Plane on the menu. It's decidedly not a craft cocktail spot, though it definitely would be amazing if it were. It's a hotel bar. It's a hotel bar with hotel bar prices. But what a hotel. What a hotel! Get a Martini. Enjoy the mother of all conversation pits. Watch the art on the big split-flap board.

There’s definitely some hype around the TWA Hotel—the sunken lounge, the Connie plane bar—and since I was flying into JFK, I wanted to check it out. With all the construction, getting there took a bit. You have to take the AirTrain and then walk over to Terminal 5, which isn’t the most convenient if you’ve got bags. But once you arrive, it really is like stepping back in time. The hotel is gorgeous, with fun vintage exhibits like a classic hair salon, retro living room and office setups, and even working payphones. We arrived around 10 AM, so it was still pretty quiet, but we explored and grabbed a spot in the sunken lounge. Drinks aren’t served until 11, which was fine—we were happy to hang out. We also walked out onto the tarmac to see the Connie up close and take some photos. It’s not a typical airport lounge or hotel, so I do wish there were more places with outlets or better workspaces. That said, there were plenty of cozy seating areas in the lounge, the mezzanine, a restaurant, and a little food court. Once the bar opened, we got drinks and grabbed a bite before heading back to the airport for our flight. Overall, it was a really fun stop. Anyone who loves aviation or airport history will totally appreciate it. Yes, it’s a bit overpriced—but that’s New York. I didn’t stay overnight, so I can’t speak to the hotel rooms, but I’m glad we visited.

Crap food in plastic containers. I had nachos and they were like being at a ballpark. Disgusting. My son has a burrito that was so bad he ate only half and my wife had sliders so bad she only two of three. Her margarita may have been the smallest on record — for $19.

The Sunken Lounge is the best part of the food & beverage experience. It’s like stepping into a scene from Mad Men, but sadly, the ambiance isn’t matched by service. Even with reservations, there’s no table service—just plastic trays and counter ordering. A missed opportunity for such a rich setting.

The building and the bar environment are impressive. The drinks (everything from bottles and cans of course no problem) do not meet that standard: For the "Paper Plane" (Bourbon, Aperol, Amaro Montenegro & Lemon Twist) a premix (4cl + 4cl lemon juice) is ​​shaken briefly, then poured into a (naturally unchilled) plastic glass with the "lemon twist" (here a half lemon slice with a seed) - $18. So disappointing that they don't put more effort into a place like this.

The Sunken Lounge was pretty groovy. The rich, retro, red lounge was warm and welcoming, and the view of Connie Cocktail Lounge out the back with the runway lights was far out. When we were watching the final season of The Fabulous Mrs. Maisel, it was neat to see TWA Hotel and The Sunken Lounge used as the set for the airport.

We came here to check out the retro hotel while waiting for a relative to arrive. So fun to come and relive the days when we used to fly through here on TWA. We stopped at the Sunken Lounge for a drink and asked Paul, the bartender, for his best non-alcoholic drink. I wanted something creative. Well he did not disappoint! He came up with an inspired and refreshingly delicious concoction that we thoroughly enjoyed. We enjoyed our mock tail in this fun and retro atmosphere.

The cocktails are great and the location is amazing. It's a beautiful room and you really do feel like you've been transported back to the 1960s. The only problem is the service - it took forever to get a drink the three times we've been here. Last time we had to resort to walking up to the bar ourselves to get an order filled.

TWA hotel is one of my favorite places in NY and I always look forward to eating in the sunken lounge when I go there. You order at the bar and they'll bring the food out to you whether you are at the bar, in the sunken lounge or at one of the tulip tables around it. Food comes in closed containers kinda like takeout which works kinda nice if you decide to explore the exhibits, normally I eat in the lounge though. I really love the food here! It's not the fanciest and the prices are admittedly a little high, but there have been very few things from the menu that I haven't been satisfied with. Some highlights are the potstickers, sliders (old review labeled them as dry, but they now come with different sauces on them), and the Buffalo chicken wrap. They used to have an amazing goat cheese and fig grilled cheese but im not sure it is anymore. For beverages you can never go wrong with the control tower sour. Anyway this place is great for a quick bite, a snack to relax in the lounge, or as takeout to bring back to your room. Cozy and delicious

Food sucked and service was even worse. Other than that the atmosphere was nice. Staff just didn't seem to care much. They messed up our order twice and each time took about 30 minutes to come out. Do not come here if you are looking to have a nice relaxing snack or drink before a flight. It's terrible

The hype is way more than the actual experience. The drinks are served in plastic cups, and the food has to be ordered separately.

If you have some free time before your flight check out The TWA Lounge and Hotel at JFK. Perfect to get a quick bite and check out all the Nostalgia of TWA past.

What can I say? Nostalgia at It's finest! amazing setting brings back memories and fabulous craft cocktails prepared by Rosa! Makes me pray for all of my flights to be delayed at JFK.

"They have you trapped & they know it" prices. See photos. Sliders buns were cold with warm, dry patties equivalent (but smaller) to McD's. No condiments. $21 for that. Then there's the $8 a can/bottles of light beers. It's reflective of my room experience. I wouldn't come back.

They make a mean espresso martini. Once the food courts were closed, I needed a coffee and they hooked me up right. And then when I needed another coffee, I asked for one with whiskey, and the bartender asked, "have you ever had an espresso martini?" Say no more, good sir. I ended up having a few of them that night. Of course, I couldn't be drinking at an airport and not order an Aviation. And they make a damn fine one! We were here for cocktail hour before/after a wedding ceremony, and also for after-dinner drinks. The place is lovely. Big sprawling red couches, giant windows with a view of Connie, and some fun bartenders/waitresses. Definitely worth stopping by!

I tried the Sunken Lounge while on a Layover. For ambience it cannot be beat. The renovated TWA Hotel terminal is awesome to see and they really have turned it into an experience all it's own. It's outside of security so if you have the chance take the time to visit. Food offerings are slim but the drink menu has plenty for everyone. We tried the Howard Hughes and the Sunken Lounge Martini. The Howard Hughes was delicious and the Martini was terrific (and it came with twa wings for a souvenir). Overall a great experience, if you have the time get to JFK early enough to explore and enjoy.

I came here a few weeks before coronavirus really blew up for someone's birthday. If you're into 50s/60s art deco retro mod vibes and travel this is definitely a fun spot to check out. While my stay was fairly brief, I did enjoy that staff are dressed up in costumes. The tile ticker above the white pristine seating area changes images every few minutes. Only downside is that they don't take cash and only credit. Though, the drinks are around $18-20 so I kind of get that and they don't want dollar tips. I went with the classic aviation cocktail. It was oddly more pinkinsh red than I've ever had it in my life (normally its pale violet) and tasted a little bit more tart. Not sure if they have their own twist because classically it is made with creme de violette. I should have just gone with my gut and read the yelp reviews and tried the espresso martini. It's worth a visit and to check out the entire twa hotel and space. But I wasn't feeling it for some reason. Also, I think my phobia of what was going on was starting to kick in since it was early March and I just wanted to get the hell out of the airport and take a long shower.

If you're into all things retro sixties AND aviation as much as we are, then this whole hotel is like walking into a dream. It's beautiful. People have complained about the service, but our experience was ok. It was a little clunky, and maybe disorganized a little and the drinks, while good, are sort of outrageously priced, but this isn't at my corner dive bar. It's the atmosphere you're paying for. I figure it's a donation that in part goes toward the upkeep of this magnificent building. Hell yes I'll pay $20 for a miniature martini that comes with a set of TWA wings. And I'll tip big for the little gal who brought us our last round somehow even though the bar had closed 20 minutes ago and she didn't know before taking our order. I loved this place. I love how it's busy but not packed, I wish kids weren't allowed and that they played a broader range of 60s music...if I hear Hard Days Night one more time I might lose it...bug overall I think it's great.

Definitely come for a drink if you are passing through JFK and have a few hours to spare. It's located in the iconic mid-century Eero Saarinen-designed TWA terminal. Order the iconic martini with wings. Enjoy the views and wander around and discover all of the delights that are hidden around the hotel. Huge plus - dog friendly. Open daily from 11 AM to 1 AM, I recommend making a reservation.

Pretty cool place! Fun to go back to the romantic age of flying. Not the friendliest service or freshest olives but enjoyed the nostalgia. I'd come back for sure.

Okay killer venue!!! After you get over the fact your in the landmark of the TWA lobby it's all down wind from there. The staff really need to be trained...service was horrible and as much as guest are excited to be there the staff could careless!! Turbulence maybe could wake them up and get them in the spirit of what they are representing... TWA was a classic airline and this landmark sunken lounge SANK....

This was beyond an awful experience. Rude manager who had no experience dealing with customers or hotel guests. We spent a lot of money at this hotel. Stay away and don't waste your time on lousy food and drinks.

Great location. Amazing space. Bartender very friendly and helpful. 2 cocktail waitresses were ineffective and unorganized. No real plan as to who was waiting on who, etc. One waitress spent 20 minutes flirting with one customer while ignoring other customers. Went up to bar rather than waiting for service. Granted Sunday night of Labor Day weekend and maybe the "C" staff was on. Too bad because the location and renovation is amazing.

Bartender was rude, drinks were small and overpriced. Atmosphere/kitschness is the only reason to go.

The place is very cool, but the staff is cold. The service was terrible and the drinks were small and expensive. The retro look is interesting, but this is a one time event and I would never come back.

Really had a fantastic time staying at the TWA hotel, and loved the experience we had at the lounge. The hostess, Becky, was absolutely lovely and kind to us during our stay. She really made our night! The drinks were also amazing, and would definitely come back again!

This place sucks. Frozen pizza for almost $20. I should have taken a cardboard from my husband's shirt and put mozzarella and sauce on it and it would have tasted better. The chicken wrap was almost edible . 40 minute wait and no plates. The Sunken Lounge should be Sunken in Jamaica Bay. Yuch

Fun place to check out when you're staying at the cool TWA Hotel. Totally mid century modern, and right outside the window is a classic TWA plane. Food and drinks are great, and the service (by the lovely Diana Catalina) was first-rate. Just like stepping back into the 50s and early 60s, and these days that's a good thing!

Seriously small martini's for $18. I ask for nuts which every other table has but my waitress can't seem to remember. The service is beyond slow. The location is sweet but I wouldn't come back otherwise.