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    Lea Wine Bar

    3.6 (152 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Sautéed mushrooms
    Anessa O.

    Not sure how we ended up here (the person I went with always surprises me with new places to dine) but as soon as we walked in we were warmly welcomed by an older gentleman who although told us that we may not get seating due to a private party he graciously focused on finding us private seating in the matter of minutes . Although the place had alot of chatter and pretty crowded the service was still immaculate. The maitre d was very friendly and attentive , the drinks were delectable (you can always spot a mixologist) and the food was absolutely delicious, sides served family style - and we enjoyed every moment. I cant wait to come back .

    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

    Disappointing!!! This is no longer Lea's. It has been bought by Bobby Van's Steakhouse. We called the previous day to make reservations for 4:30 pm and were told that it was not necessary since it was early. When we got there, the restaurant was quite full. They gave us a high top table in the corner. The restaurant was packed by now, with noisy loud patrons. The next thing that surprised us was the menu. The menu that we saw online (Four Square) mentioned tapas, sushi and cocktails for around $12 - $15. That was Lea's menu...which no longer exists. Bobby Van's has their own menu, all cocktails were $6 more. This is false advertising. Not to mention stinking bathrooms. Our dinner out felt cramped and loud, a total disappointing experience!

    Tuna tacos

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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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    Paradise Lost - Beautiful interior

    Paradise Lost

    4.5(166 reviews)
    2.0 miEast Village

    Paradise Lost is a speakeasy tiki bar located on 2nd Ave in the East Village. A friend & I went…read morethere after having dinner at Spicy Moon a few blocks away. We wanted to have after-dinner cocktails in a chill space, so we searched on our phones & saw Paradise Lost address via Google. We proceeded to walk down & was unable to find the establishment due to their being no front sign. After walking back & forth a few times, we saw another group walking towards the door & they confirmed the place. We walked inside the front door pressed a "doorbell" & lo & behold we gained entry after the previous group went inside. Definitely an incognito entrance. Once inside that door there is someone to greet you, & take your information. There is a forest/ grass/ jungle-looking foyer/ hallway we walked down to get to the next door. Before we knew it, we were near the "Paradise Lost No Vacancy" neon sign w/ an arrow pointing towards the snake-shaped knob door. It gets opened & a supercool speakeasy awaits.... Paradise Lost has mixed style table / seating arrangements throughout the place. A bar seating section, booth-style seating area, lounge- style seating area, etc. We got there a little after 7pm, so the afterwork crowd was in full swing. Paradise Lost has interesting atmosphere. At times a Gothic / Medieval Vibe, meets place w/ shipwreck decor, meets eleganct /club vibe w/ beautiful ceiling lighting, etc. Music played in the background. Staff are friendly, energetic, & attentive. We were pleasantly overwhelmed w/ the vast selection of tiki cocktails that were on the menu. Paradise Lost also have an intimate selection of snacks/ food menu items. This included Popcorn, Tater Tots, Devilled Eggs Rangoon Dip, etc. We ordered some cocktails served in unique tiki mugs & a bucket of popcorn to munch on w/ our drinks. The popcorn is flavored w/ Sea Buckthorn & Browm Butter, which gave it an special flavor profile. Our cocktails were well-prepared & nice & strong. Paradise Lost has individual unisex bathroom stalls & a communal vanity & sink area. The bathroom stalls have spooky voices coming from a speaker as you use the bathroom. I was so humorously taken aback, it had me laughing when I came out...Definitely a different thing to experience in the bathroom - lol. Before we left we watched one of the bartenders do a cocktail "fire" presentation for some patrons in a booth seated area. Wow.... Paradise Lost accepts walk-ins only, no reservations. Paradise Lost accepts groups of 8 or less, unless you are requesting to book the space for a private event. Ages 21+ paradiselost.nyc @paradiselostnyc Paradise Lost is open everyday - 5pm-2am.

    Very cool cocktail bar with super interesting decor. It's more of a gothic tiki bar with ska music…read morethan a traditional tiki bar which was cool but I found the music to not really be my thing but thought the decor was just so cool. The drinks were very interesting and creative. The seawater martini I will say was a bit too strange for my taste but I still thought it was good. Service was very good as well. Would definitely recommend to visit if you like gothic stuff and tiki bars.

    Photos
    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(143 reviews)
    0.8 miKoreatown, Midtown West

    this bar has great vibes, and is speak easy esque, tucked behind a hidden door and upstairs of…read moreosamil. The ambiance is not too loud which is perfect for catching up with a friend. I got the omija, which seems to be one of their more popular drinks, which is yogurt clarified. It's definitely a bit on the sweeter side for me but nonetheless delicious. Super easy to get a last minute reservation here!

    My friends and I popped into Osamil Upstairs (via the restaurant below) for cocktails -- and wow:…read moreit lived up to the hype. The moment you walk up those stairs, the whole mood changes. Dim lighting, plush seating, rich wood + wallpaper details, and that lounge-library vibe make the place feel like a secret hideout right in the middle of Midtown. It's moody, cozy, and effortlessly intimate -- perfect for a date night, a chill catch-up, or just a night out with good drinks. Nice service, too! However: be ready for the price tag. The cocktails are absolutely beautiful -- well crafted, creative, and flavorful -- but each one will remind you that you're not exactly paying dive-bar prices. It's worthwhile, but the "overpriced drinks" vibe absolutely hits. That said: the interior design and ambience are amazing. The mix of antique-meets-modern decor, low lighting, and comfy couches gives you that classic speakeasy romance. If you appreciate aesthetics and vibe over cheap drinks -- this is your spot. If you want a night out that feels deliberate and special rather than casual and cheap -- Osamil Upstairs delivers.

    Photos
    Osamil Upstairs - Inside coach seat area

    Inside coach seat area

    Osamil Upstairs - Vibe

    Vibe

    Osamil Upstairs - Martini like

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    Martini like

    Bar Bonobo - Hot & Dirty

    Bar Bonobo

    4.3(87 reviews)
    1.5 miChelsea

    How happy hour ought to be... mini tinis and oysters to pair!…read more Bar tenders having fun, folks from all walks of life celebrating, smiling, sharing. A diverse space that is as much a spot for business as it is for the Party as the DJ stand indicates. Oh, and gold. Gold everywhere. Super fun spot that still maintains super crisp, clean program. Clean, rooted and martini driven. No bonobos here, just well manicured martinis that are built for the pallet, not the instagram grid(but, hey, they're pretty damn photogenic, too)

    I went to Bar Bonobo to celebrate my birthday. The ambiance is undoubtedly gorgeous, swanky, and…read morehip. Very vibey for a GNO or date night. My only two gripes with the spot were - they didn't acknowledge my birthday, even with a happy birthday from my server or the hostess. I am not sure why Resy prompted me to indicate the occasion if it wouldn't even be acknowledged or looked at. It obviously feels good to feel celebrated, so they dropped the ball in this regard. The second issue is it got sickeningly loud inside. This was a sunday night, and I ended up having to shout just to be heard by the girl right next to me. Everything else was good! Though there wasn't a dish that just blew my mind, everything was consistently really good and enjoyable. I recommended ordering a handful of dishes and sharing with a group. The cornstar martini was fun (and the popcorn was great!), the vodka pasta, caesar salad, and truff fries were enjoyable as well. The cute matchboxes were a cherry on top as we were leaving! I would come back for more of a going out event instead of a sit down dinner, but it's a cool spot!

    Photos
    Bar Bonobo - Back Bar area

    Back Bar area

    Bar Bonobo - Very cool Friday night vibes on a Wednesday at 5pm

    Very cool Friday night vibes on a Wednesday at 5pm

    Bar Bonobo - Bar area

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    Bar area

    Lea Wine Bar - wine_bars - Updated June 2026

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