Drink and Dash at The Campbell, Grand Central’s Swanky Rebooted Bar

Grand Central has long been a necessary (if uncommonly attractive) waystation for daily commuters and tourists.  But — thanks to additions like the Great Northern Food Hall, and Donatella Arpaia’s Prova Pizzabar — it has recently become a de facto dining destination period.

Not only that, but Grand Central is turning into quite the bar scene as well, owing to renovations of the landmarked space that formerly housed the Campbell Apartment (and everything from an office to a storage closet to a jail before that).  Now under ownership of The Gerber Group, who spent millions to restore the hand-painted ceiling, stained glass windows, original millwork and imposing fireplace, the newly named The Campbell is a suitably grand place to enjoy an after-work Vieux Carre.

Also in respect to the history of the 1920’s-era locale, cocktails skew towards classics, with an assortment of Old Fashioneds (a “Coffee” version is spiked with Suntori Toki, the $85 “Rare” has a shot of Macallan Cask), Negronis (try the “White” with gin, lillet blanc and suze), and Mules (made with vodka, whiskey or gin).  Wine is sold by the bottle, half bottle or glass — Dom Perignon and rosè magnums are even available for high rollers — and the spirits list is formidable, counting 20 bourbons, 7 rye whiskies, a handful of Japanese variants, and 26 kinds of scotch.

With only a tiny stovetop kitchen, however, food selections are simple and succinct, arranged under the menu headings “A Little” (Deviled Eggs and Foie Gras Pate), “A Little Bit More” (Crispy Tuna Tartare Tacos and Mini Lobster Rolls), and “After That;” alluding to Cinnamon Donuts, piped with vanilla custard and raspberry.

Considering how many other edible options abound in Grand Central Station, however, you can simply take your pick of other places to soak up your scotch, before finally completing your journey home.  And hey, even if you live in the city, you’ll want to check out The Campbell 2.0.

The Campbell
15 Vanderbilt Ave
212-297-1781
www.thecampbellnyc.com