Business Travelers’ Guide to New York City

As all business travelers know, New York City is one of, if not the, financial capitals of the world. This is where deals and careers are made, where the movers and shakers of the business world meet and play. So once you have finished brokering your latest deal, here are a few choices for unwinding at the end of the day.

Fine Dining

The Black Duck
Location: Park South Hotel, 122 East 28th Street
Phone: 212-204-5240
Web: www.parksouthhotel.com

One of Manhattan’s best-kept secrets, The Black Duck offers Pan-Atlantic fare. With the look and feel of a neighborhood café, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of meetings with clients. Located in the new Park South Hotel, this bistro is conveniently located on 28th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues.

Come enjoy happy hour from 5 to 8 p.m., where two mermaid figureheads hoist lights above the bar, helping set the maritime mood of the lounge. Businessmen and couples come to enjoy the library-like calm, with live light jazz on Fridays and Saturdays from 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. You can also call ahead and reserve seating in front of their large inviting fireplace.

Peter Luger Steak House
Location: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn
Reservations: 718-387-7400
Web: www.peterluger.com

After you sign the big deal, treat yourself to the best steak in the Big Apple. Peter Luger Steak House has been rated New York’s No. 1 steak house for 22 years in a row! Since 1887, this steakhouse has served the finest USDA Prime cuts of beef to adoring connoisseurs. Members of the family personally inspect each side of beef, which usually comes from the Midwest.

The restaurant also features a full-stocked gentlemen’s bar, so do not expect trendy drinks. Timeless wood furnishings create a cozy charm that fills the restaurant. Make sure to stop by their gift shop for some bottles of their smoky and delicious Peter Luger Steak Sauce, a perfect gift for friends, or yourself.

Out on the Town

McSorley’s Old Ale House
Location: 15 East 7th Street
(Between 2nd and 3rd Avenues)
Phone: 212-474-9148
Web: www.mcsorleysnewyork.com

What to order at McSorley’s is never much of a problem, with only a choice between normal and dark beers. This is Manhattan’s fourth oldest continuously operating bar, famous for their own brews of McSorley’s and McSorley’s Dark. Do not be fazed by the surly service, it is part of the rough and tumble drinking hall feel of the bar.

Groups and revelvers all join each other on long wooden table, perfect for loud and rowdy conversations. McSorley’s still follows the old tradition of throwing sawdust on the floor, adding to the allure of this local landmark where staff and old regulars rub shoulders with tourists and business travelers.

King Cole Bar & Lounge
Location: St. Regis Hotel, 2 E 55th Street
(Between 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue)
Phone: 212-753-4500

If you are looking for a taste of Olde New York, then the swankiness of the King Cole Bar fits the bill. In the marble lobby of the upscale St. Regis Hotel, there is a runway to one of the most elegant gentlemen’s bars in Manhattan. The bartenders and service at this bar are top notch, with helping hands pouring you traditional drinks and whisking your coat to check in.

The famed Maxfield Parish mural sets the tone of the tony patrons at the King Cole Bar Lounge. While the barstools and intimate tables have been known to attract celebrities, you are more likely to see the New York business elite taking in a shaken martini and passing on the latest trade gossip.

Unique Lodging

Library Hotel
299 Madison Avenue at East 43rd Street
Phone: 212-983-4500
Fax: 212-499 9099
Toll Free: 877-793-7323
Email: reservations@libraryhotel.com
Website: www.libraryhotel.com

This is more of a private club than a luxury hotel. Here all the warmth and elegance you expect at a top shelf hotel are at your fingertips. Featuring high speed Wi-fi and a 24 hour Reading Room, they also offer a complimentary refreshments, breakfasts and wine and cheese receptions in the evenings.

Helpful Phone Number:
Citizen Service Center - 311 (lines open 24/7)
- New York City’s official non-emergency help line, available in 171 languages for questions (parade hours and routes, parking restrictions, transport problems) and complaints (litter, noise pollution, access).