The Bar Room: Looking Good At 125

To survive the rollercoaster culinary arena of New York, restaurants and bars have to offer something unique to patrons. For 125 years, The Bar Room has become the go-to venue to enjoy various drafts from Anheuser-Busch and some delicious bites.

Prior to calling the Midtown East home, The Bar Room was located in historic Harvey's Chelsea from 1889 to the 1991. Walking through the doors of the newer location, visitors will feel like they have stepped into the past, as owners Nicola Kotsoni and Steve Tzolis preserved numerous details that made the first location a hit.

"Steve and I have developed restaurants that have been cherished by their respective neighborhoods for years," Kotsoni said. "Incorporating historically significant design elements like our original Anheuser-Busch bar not only gives new life to beautiful pieces that might have been destroyed or forgotten about, it also creates a more significant and interesting space that our regulars appreciate."

They serve some of the higher-end brews in the Anheuser-Busch portfolio, one of the latest being the highly anticipated Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, which was awarded a perfect score from Beer Advocate.

Chef Sunil Sharma creates an enticing menu; from the mouthwatering Bar Room burger, comprising Vermont Cheddar cheese, crispy onions, and bacon, to the grilled skirt steak with hand cut fries, there is no bad choice to make.

"Our goal is to become ingrained within the fabric of the neighborhood. Since our [re-] opening over a year ago, we find that our regulars and everyone celebrating with us tonight recognizes the significance of allowing this bar's legacy to live on," Harry Joannides, head manager, said during their anniversary celebration on December 1. "We are proud to be celebrating a wonderful 125 years for our restaurant's namesake and look forward to many years to come."

Throughout the past year, the neighborhood has embraced The Bar Room as it pays homage to its past. "Starting with a former Chinese takeout joint, we spent two years designing our new restaurant to create an Old New York feel," Nicola Kotsoni said. "In a fairly corporate part of town, our customers enjoy the relaxing and inviting ambiance that already feels like an integral part of the neighborhood's culture."