Albert’s Bar Opens Near Grand Central For Cocktails And Mocktails

A new destination-worthy cocktail bar is opening near Grand Central Terminal.

The team behind popular Manhattan concepts The Penrose, The Spaniard, Bua, and The Bonnie (in Astoria), is adding another neighborhood craft cocktail bar to its family of venues: Albert’s Bar.

Designed to evoke post-prohibition venues (i.e. spots for after work ragers) with a dual height, airy space looking out to East 41st Street, Albert’s large central bar has a friendly and approachable “grab a stool and order up” attitude. Surrounding banquettes and gallery seating on a second level above the main action offer extra people-watching space. The concept aims to revive the former glory of a bygone era in Midtown.

“Albert’s is centered around the idea of community and social connection, which are more important now than ever before,” says partner Ruairi Curtin. “We have had our eye on the Grand Central area for years, and finally secured this beautiful space. Our goal is to bring unpretentious hospitality to what was once a neighborhood of legendary New York bars.”

Named for a neighborhood in Cork, Ireland, home to a famed, antiquated railway and where two of the owners grew up, Albert’s name is a nod to the crossing of culture and commerce in New York City and the legacy of immigrant communities.

Expect thoughtfully layered cocktails and bar bites, leaning into nostalgia by way of reimagined classics. Low abv and zero abv drinks are on the menu as well.

The Albert’s Gibson, made with blanc and dry vermouth, gin, a splash of manzanilla sherry and a house pickled onion, served in an ice cold glass is designed to be the bar’s signature. The cheeky Emmanuelle No. 6, made with clarified passionfruit, is a new take on the pornstar martini. Jilly’s Spritz, a blend of Aperol, pamplemousse, bergamot and sparkling wine, named after the famed midtown Frank Sinatra hangout Jilly’s Saloon, will be served on draft. Clarified, milk-washed scotch and house-made coffee bitters also be used in cocktails like Manhattans, Negroni variations, Espresso Martinis, and rotating seasonal gin and tonics will be served.

“With all that deft cocktail talk, it’s worth a mention that we’re going to carry frosty mugs of pilsner on draft,” says partner Pete Vasconcellos. “We love our fancy drinks, but all of our bars also carry plenty of affordable, approachable options.”

Albert’s food menu nods to 50s-era throwbacks (hello, clams casino!) with a modern perspective by Chef Nick Testa. Shareable bar snacks and heartier meals include popcorn monkfish, a crispy pork chop with apple chutney, and Albert’s double deluxe burger.

Manhattan-based interior design firm Parts and Labor designed Albert’s with a look that pays homage to old-world quality and ambiance. “There is a human element to the design, which lends itself to people-watching,” said Danu Kennedy, Partner at Parts and Labor. “There are many different vantage points of the central bar, from the gallery above and the banquettes on three sides, similar to a theater.”

“Our goal with all of our locations is for the space to be as relevant in 20 years’ time as the day it opens,” adds Ruairi Curtin. “Timelessness is paramount to everything at Albert’s.”

Albert’s is located at 140 East 41st Street. Reservations available via Resy starting on Monday, March 13.