Not far from here...
on a cool October night
at the 15 Vanderbilt Avenue entrance of Grand Central
is an elevator for the Campbell Apartment - Most folks just walk on by.
But you shouldn't - The tartan is a sign
that there's something good inside
Crowded on weekdays but less so on weekends
This was John W. Campbell's office from 1923 until his death in 1957 when it became a signalman's office
Restored in 1999, it's hidden in Grand Central Station
It even has a balcony
There's a lot to see
and do.
Get your money's worth and try something that's not easy to make at home.
Like a Pisco Sour.
Here's the number if you get lost- 212 953 0409. Oh and that's a closet. I thought it was the entrance to another bar.
I spent Saturday night in the Campbell with some friends. A lovely gem indeed. Although, we were convinced that there were mummies behind those doors, not simply closets. Thanks for checking.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. A friend took me to the Campbell apartment after I moved up to the area and it remains, for me, a great analogy for NYC. There's a sort of public version for tourists and passers-through, and a private version for locals.
ReplyDeleteWell;
ReplyDeleteThis is on my checklist for the upcoming NTC trip. I think I will need a hot toddy around the time I get up there!
Thanks for the ever vast tolerance and guide to forever chic!
Love the suggestions.
L.
It is a great looking bar but I never go during the week because it's such a scrum. It's Cipriani's and watch the ants run around the concourse.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and on an expanding list of places to check out if and when I get back NYC.
ReplyDeleteI've never been there, but I'd recommend a pisco sour to anyone about to. When in Peru, we were served pisco sours with, during, and after every meal and spent most of that time in a pisco haze. Well worth it.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'll have to check this out next time I'm in Grand Central.
You are a lucky SOB.
ReplyDeleteA lucky SOB indeed. But as with all luck, you make your own.So cheers to you Tin-Tin.
ReplyDeleteWhat a find! Thanks for the great tip.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, this one is a grand old find. The lighting is superbly low and moody. Perfect for a cocktail and whatever else. (We couldn't find it for looking and eventually asked a roaming policeman.)
ReplyDeleteAfter a few cocktails I would have walked right into that closet. I like Ben's comment that they thought mummies might be in there. It's got that look and feel.
ReplyDelete"Lots to see...AND DO." (picture of the bar!)
Nice shot of Met Life with GC cornice, among others.
-DB
Great post.
ReplyDeleteJRC
Jack Rose featured on the drink menu speaks volumes....all positive.
ReplyDelete...what?? I was just there (visiting NYC) and hit Grand Central a few times. And have now only just discovered this place.
ReplyDeleteNext time!
This is great! A chance to one-up my little sister, er, visit an out of the way gem.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Dear God - this blog just gets better and better. A daily must-do for me.
ReplyDeleteThat is pretty awesome. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhen you are next there, tell Don Draper and the rest of the Sterling Cooper gang I said hey, next time you are there. If you see Joey Heatherton, text me poste haste.
ReplyDelete"like"
ReplyDeleteEasiest way to get there is to go in the Vanderbilt entrance, the doors are on the far right and you'll see outdoor seating for the "campbell terrace" (I believe that's the name). Then make a right and go up the stairs. The elevator in the terminal is a little harder to find.
ReplyDeleteThat's one place that's been on my short list for a couple of years. I hope to visit soon, especially since we normally take the train up. How convenient.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the perfect romantic place to spend a dark rainy afternoon.
ReplyDeleteEasy and Elegant Life - alas, if you take the train up to NY from Richmond, you'll only get to sample the pleasures of Penn Station.
ReplyDeleteSir FF, Damnation, I'd forgotten that and it's only been four years or so... Ah well, closer than we are here.
ReplyDeletePisco sours are easy to make, all you need is some powdered egg white, available at any supermarket in the bakery aisle.
ReplyDeleteoh I love the Campbell Apartment so much! I once was meeting one of my more hipster friends there and I causally told him, "You might want to put on a pair of pants." You know, instead of jeans. He did, but it seemed that even this was too much for him and paired them with sneakers. Needless to say he couldn't get in and had to watch me finish my glass of champagne from the doorway.
ReplyDeleteA proper Jack Rose is made with applejack not apple brandy, but good luck finding any.
ReplyDelete