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    Lea Wine Bar

    3.6 (152 reviews)
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    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Margherita
    Srini V.

    Lea is hard-to-find but conveniently located in the Helmsley Building. It likely goes after the same base of midtown white collars that would go to The Campbell Apartment, but the ones who prefer some peace and quiet in a cozy setting. Lea is a plush-looking lounge with fancy decor, largely in red and black, with gilt-framed paintings and fit-for-purpose lighting. I am a big fan of their thin-crust pizza (tortizza), the grilled vegetables, edamame and several other selections from the tapas menu. Others might find the sushi bar and cocktails to be the draw. Regardless, I am impressed with what Lea has created as a viable, and relative more attractive, alternative to the lounges and bars in the area. They are open late (1am), but not on weekends, except for private events. Lea will leave you wanting to come back, especially if you work in and around the area.

    Lisa F.

    Fantastic wine bar midtown east with a comfortable, contemporary atmosphere. Hidden, tricky to find if you are not familiar where to go. We went off peak so it was not overcrowded. Inviting ambiance, great aesthetically, with wonderful artwork on the walls. Wine, old fashioned and the appetizers (mini meatballs) we had were very good.

    It's just really loud after work.
    Sunny C.

    I must have passed by this place a million times but only recently had the chance to step in for drinks, and I thought it was pretty good (minus the loud after work crowd) The bar is dim, somewhat upscale and because of its obscure location is free of tourists (amen!). The drink menu seemed creative although pricey ($17-19 for a cocktail is a lot, even by midtown standards). Ordered the Lychee Martini and was not disappointed! Wanted to review it because I loved its location right next to grand central but for some reason, it doesn't really stand out for anything else. Would have liked to try their sushi but was told the chef was in Japan (yeah, okay). I could see this as more of an after work drink venue or a late night date spot bc during early evening, you'll have to shout across the table. So yeah, if you want to lose your voice, this is the place!

    Léa's Wine Bar: Manhattan's Secret to a Decadently Romantic Hot Spot!
    Alessandra B.

    Léa's Wine Bar: Manhattan's Secret to a Decadently Romantic Hot Spot! Dark and discreet, nestled inside The Helmsley Building Walkway is Léa's Wine Bar, a hidden gem located under the arches behind Grand Central Station. This was the quintessential, chic, cozy spot to hold Edgewater Markets' Holiday Bash back in December of 2018. Decorated in a decadently romantic way, with its long bar, high party tables, tall bold red walls, accentuated by a yellow-gold ceiling bedecked with artistic reproductions of Italian neo-romantic paintings framed in gilded antique gold. Think late 1800's bordello with wonderful music, or late 80's famous upscale mega-nightclub, Nell's, nesting hole to the "rich & famous", minus the coke denned bathrooms. Beautifully blended influences from French and Italian cultures, Léa's has an intimate feel centered around an artsy wall of liquor, though their apparent focus is on wines from different countries and a diverse scrumptious menu screaming: "Eat Me!" Unbeknownst to the local passerby, this jewel, co-owned by Rick Passarelli, owner of the famous Bobby Vans', with Chef Bobby Dickert at the helm, offers an interesting and marvelous tapas menu with heavenly options, lush in taste and aroma. We were tempted by the succulent nibbles of the Brazilian Pasteis, a saporous corn and palmetto deep-fried chicken empanada, and the chicken satay in an ambrosia of plum-ginger sauce. Both divine. Exciting the sensations, the Wild Crab Taquitos in a chipotle, chives and sesame sauce. The choice Filet Mignon Tips on toast with a caustically delicious biting horseradish sauce. The sushi station was a glorious addition to the delights of savory palmfuls of rice where the Sushi Chef, prepared the most unique flavored Dragon rolls, perfectly paired with the high-quality Chardonnay being served by the friendly staff. Resembling the swooners from the 50's, the likes of Frank Sinatra, Lenny Passarelli, Léa's General Manager, enchants guests with his charismatic old-world class elegance. Everything was prepared close to perfection. The cheese platters were covered with artisanal cheeses. The meatballs, scrumptious. The music wasn't too loud so you could speak to each other. The vibe was amazing. In the city where everything is on display, Léa's Wine Bar is the best kept secret in the heart of New York. The ideal spot for an afterwork "apéro" or delightful nibble! The best wine bar Manhattan has to offer.

    Mike L.

    I liked this place....larger than I was expecting, there were about 10 chairs at the long bar and a bunch of tables/booths, and hightops spread across the rest of the space. The menu was light fare from flatbread pizzas to sushi rolls...the wine list was pretty good and ranged across a broad range with one or two varietals from specific Regions. Not having the biggest appetite, I had a flatbread pizza and a side of sweet potato fries...and a couple glasses of wine. This would be a great place to grab a couple glasses of wine, a light bite to escape the crowded streets for awhile!!!

    Tahara M.

    A little on the pricey side but the service was excellent. We got the trio burger, tacos, and truffle fries and everything was delicious. Great place if you are in grand central and want to go somewhere close.

    Sam P.

    Oh Lea, how you are suffering from a location problem! I think this bar is gorgeous and a lovely little surprise in the East Helmsley walkway - as Lauren C put it - an "oasis" in the strange, bustling desert of midtown east. Fabulous cocktails, a gorgeous staff, and I not loved the sexy, stylish decor and awesome staff, I clearly would not have chosen it for a Yelp Elite event. But here's why it's 4 stars instead of 5. The two times I visited this place before deciding to hold the event here, it was full of some very uptight corporate types in light blue shirts and grey slacks who were all in serious need of a drink. Decidedly not my crowd. And secondly, while the management staff couldn't have been more wonderful - thanks again Mario and Sheila! - the bartenders were simply not up to snuff. Several people told me they were rude, and there was no care whatsoever taken in mixing the drinks for the event. It doesn't makes sense to me for a bartender to have attitude about mixing comped drinks as long as people tip - and my Yelpers always tip. It's not like you're getting a cut of what the bar makes in charging for drinks! But aside from some unfortunate attitude behind the bar, this is place is quite lovely, and I love knowing about it. A great place to take a friend for a drink who's in town on business and won't get to see much of NYC beyond Grand Central. Or just sexy place to pop in for a drink if you work in the neighborhood or happen to find yourself there.

    The reserved card says 'Lea'. Take a look at our receipt - Bobby Van's

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    4 years ago

    Amazing drinks and even better service! Fun bartender, great for happy hour. Would def go again.

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    Valerie

    Valerie

    4.3(1.4k reviews)
    0.3 miMidtown West
    $$

    My wife and I took our kids (10 and 16 year old boys) to this place on our last evening in NYC. We…read morewere looking for a place that had a nice ambiance and good food. Ambiance: This place has a nice ambiance, definitely very "New York" -- dark (you can't see how dirty the floor is) and loud music (maybe too loud). We sat upstairs (we had a reservation) and of all the people on the top there was a party of 4 (us), a party of 8 (all dudes celebrating something) and the rest of the tables were on a DATE - which I thought was funny. Service: We were served by Ann-Marie who was so delightful. She was kind, super nice, and took the time to speak to us (which is basically how we figured out she wasn't a native New York City person). She gave us good food suggestions and we were very happy with our selection. Food: Here is what we ordered * Steak Frites: My two boys got the steak frites and I have to say the steak was awesome! I had a bite of each of theirs and they each ordered it differently (one Medium Rare/Medium and one Medium) and they both were prepared PERFECTLY. The fries were overflowing. * Caeser Salad with Salmon: My wife got the salad with Salmon (they only have a few salad options) and she enjoyed it. * Prawn and Crab Risotto: I got this and I have to say it was VERY bland. I wouldn't get this if you are looking for taste. I had to put salt and pepper on it to make it have any semblance of taste. Value/Price: I would say this is not over priced but it is not cheap either...bill is attached. I would recommend it to folks who are looking for a good place to either go out on a date or a family type meal.

    Midtown between 5th and 6th is mostly sad salad chains and tourist traps, so Valerie is doing more…read morework than it should have to. Went today, pre-theater crowd already forming at 5. It's better than it needs to be, which in this neighborhood counts for a lot. The room is the star. Brass, smoked mirrors, marble, wallpaper with burlesque dancers, very Gatsby cosplay but done with actual money. Think the Campbell at Grand Central, minus the $28 martini attitude. It's also LOUD downstairs. Ask for upstairs if you want to hear your date. Gin is the program here and they take it seriously, house-infused bottles paired with specific tonics, not an afterthought. My G&T was legitimately well built. Food from chef JC Colón is better than cocktail-bar standard: truffle fries in duck fat are worth it, the lobster mac at $31 is rich and fine but you've had it before. Skip dessert. The steak frites at $48 is where I'd tap out, that's real-restaurant money for bar food execution. Here's the move though: weekday happy hour, 4 to 7. Dollar oysters and $13 cocktails in a room this pretty is one of the best deals in Midtown, full stop. Service was warm and fast even slammed. Not a destination, but if you're near Bryant Park or seeing a show, this beats everything else within five blocks. Book ahead, walk-ins were getting turned away by 5:30.

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    Valerie
    Valerie
    Valerie

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    Paradise Lost - Beautiful interior

    Paradise Lost

    4.4(172 reviews)
    2.0 miEast Village

    Thank goodness we FOUND paradise LOST. You ring the doorbell, and are buzzed in to be put on the…read morelist. For my group of 2, it was approximately a 25 minute wait on a Saturday at 7. We jumped over to the bar right beside and drank some girly drinks before getting the notification our table was ready. As with nearly every establishment in NYC, it is very close quarters in paradise lost. We stood at a table while waiting for seats at the bar to become available. Which, we didn't mind. I could see how this might be a little harder to get a seat for a bigger group if you aren't there before 6. It seemed that once a group got a big table, they camped out. The drinks were strong and creative. Friendly bartenders, good music, and yummy options for bar snacks. Also, the bathroom is a nice touch. Given the hell theming for the bar, the bathroom is a 180 and while using the Lou, you can listen to the bible being recited. Theres also a spooky surprise if you press the button in the bathroom. Speaking of the bathroom, it is at the bottom of some decently narrow stairs. So, try and stay sober enough for stairs or you may fall. Go to this bar. You will have fun.

    The vibe is cute, and the ambiance is cute, but everything is overpriced, although most tiki bars…read moreare. I don't know if I've ever had such a bad pina colada in my life at a tiki bar. I mean, I've had bad pina coladas at dive bars, but I expected more from this place. I would say it was very strong, though, so you know what? That's a good thing to be very strong for that price I'm paying. The spam musubi was also a rip-off. You see two here, but each one costs its own $10, so save your money. Eat somewhere else. Eat a pizza across the street.

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    Paradise Lost - Amazing atmosphere!

    Amazing atmosphere!

    Paradise Lost - Beware the shark!

    Beware the shark!

    Paradise Lost - Damned Dumplings ($10) and Kappa Krab Roll ($15)

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    Damned Dumplings ($10) and Kappa Krab Roll ($15)

    Osamil Upstairs - Ambiance / vibe

    Osamil Upstairs

    4.3(146 reviews)
    0.8 miKoreatown, Midtown West

    When you enter Osamil, the hostess will take you to a door near the bar that has a coded entry…read more It'll look like youre going up some random stairs until the lights slowly get dimmer and you reach the top with a red door. As soon as you open the door youre greeted with your party's name and brought to your seats. We opted to sit at the bar but there are tables to the left of the bar and a large sitting room to the left. The staff is very attentive and you will interact with them more than the bartender. We started off by ordering the Welcome Drink which is a bit if an aperitif and "gets your palette" so to speak. It was light, fruity, and a nice way to start the night. My first drink was the Adulting and they present it with a spritz if irange blossom. It is definitely a sipping drink due to the 14yr Balvenie. My second drink, Omija, was a lighter drink comparatively. The clarified yogurt gave it a bit of sweetness most Yakult drinkers are familiar with. My partner had both the 5th Ave and Iced Latte. Fair warning on the latte as the oat milk topping has a bit of a jelly consistency. It wasnt unpleasant but was a bit if a surprise when we went for an initial sip. Overall the Upstairs gives a very pampered and sophisticated feel that coordinates with the dining downstairs.

    A beautiful tastefully done Speak Easy on the upper level of a bar in Koreatown. You can get their…read morethrough an elevator or better still take the century old staircase! They have an amazing selection of mixed drinks and other types of alcohol. We got a cheese martini, a mezcal drink and a non alcoholic citrusy drink that tasted awesome! The drinks are priced at a premium (~$25 each) but the favors are worth it! Give it a try!

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    Osamil Upstairs - Chill ambience

    Chill ambience

    Osamil Upstairs - Beautiful interiors

    Beautiful interiors

    Osamil Upstairs - Inside coach seat area

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    Inside coach seat area

    Lillie's Victorian Establishment

    Lillie's Victorian Establishment

    3.9(2.1k reviews)
    0.7 miTheater District, Midtown West
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Free WiFi

    Lillie's is always a good place to stop in for a drink. The flower decor changes…read more We sat at the bar and had a hummus plate which was a decent portion and tasty. Bartenders are attentive even when it's busts

    Absolutely awful experience. Never again. Do NOT recommend…read more One of the staff, in charge of refilling water, spilled water on our table multiple times. I watched him spill on other tables as well. He never apologized. He never wiped it up. Then 4th time he filled our glasses, he spilled the water on my wife. He did not apologize. He did not even acknowledge it and it was very clear that he noticed he did it. My wife, quite restrained, let our waitress know what happened. Her response: "What do you want me to do about it?" My wife said that he should not serving water if he doesn't know how to pour it properly. The waitress, moments later, told him what we had said, merely inches from our tables. Beyond awkward. And, instead of coming over and apologizing, he simply never returned to our table. No more water. The waitress had an attitude with us since we sat down - no idea what we could have done - unsure what was going on - but it was beyond unpleasant. Most of our "table conversation" was about how lousy the staff were acting and how uncomfortable we felt along with how much we couldn't wait to leave. We had shared an appetizer and had no interest in ordering anything else after that. We paid. We left. I feel stupid for tipping them.

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    Lillie's Victorian Establishment
    Lillie's Victorian Establishment
    Lillie's Victorian Establishment

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    Lea Wine Bar - wine_bars - Updated September 2026

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