In a city teeming with fashionable drinking spots, two speakeasy-inspired bars set themselves apart through a deft balance of innovation and reverence for tradition. Tanner Smith’s (and its hidden counterpart Polly’s), just moments from ARO, and The Rum House, situated in the gleaming Theater District, offer distinctive forays into cocktail culture. These establishments, each evoking a more discreet era, present ARO dwellers with an opportunity to trade their lofty vistas for intimate, street-level intrigue — all within easy reach of home.
Tanner Smith’s and Polly’s | 204 West 55th Street
Tanner Smith’s brings a slice of early 20th century New York to Midtown West. Named after a gangster who turned his life around, this bar captures the essence of reform and reinvention.
The main floor feels like stepping into a different era, but with a modern twist. Exposed brick walls and warm wood tones set the stage, while innovative cocktails prove this place is anything but stuck in the past. The bar team here doesn’t just mix drinks — they create experiences. Take the Stevedore, for example. This barrel-aged cocktail arrives under a cloche of smoke, giving you a taste of theater before you even take a sip.
Tanner Smith’s menu goes beyond typical bar fare, offering dishes that are both inventive and satisfying. The cheddar cheese and Calabrese board is a standout, featuring blackberry-pepper jam, Dijon mustard, and Medjool date marmalade alongside artisanal bread. For something warm, try the charbroiled oysters, prepared with Thai red curry butter and served with Ritz crackers — an unexpected but delightful combination. The jerk oxtail arancini pushes boundaries, blending Italian technique with Caribbean flavors, served with an Anaheim pepper relish and cherry pepper aioli. These dishes demonstrate Tanner’s commitment to elevating bar food with global influences and high-quality ingredients.
Beneath Tanner Smith’s lies Polly’s, a speakeasy that pays homage to Polly Adler, a notorious figure from New York’s past. Finding the entrance is part of the fun — look for what appears to be a sitting room, and you’re on the right track.
Once inside, you’ll find yourself in a space that feels both intimate and slightly mysterious. The decor is an eclectic mix of vintage finds and modern touches. Think quirky artwork, antique maps, and lighting that makes everyone look like they’re in on a secret.
Polly’s cocktail menu showcases creative mixology with a nod to the past. The Queen of the Jazz Age section offers drinks with complex flavor profiles. A House is Not a Home combines bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters, finished with hickory and applewood smoke — the smoke adds both aroma and a subtle flavor to the drink. Naughty by Nature blends tequila, mandarin liqueur, and pomegranate, and throws in a unique twist of Fruity Pebbles cereal as a playful garnish.
The Rum House | 228 West 47th Street
A mere five blocks south of ARO, The Rum House offers a transportive experience in the heart of Times Square. This revitalized piano bar, reopened in 2011 by the team behind Tribeca’s Ward III, breathes new life into a space that has been a part of New York’s drinking culture since the early 1970s. Adjoining the Art Deco Hotel Edison — where Thomas Edison himself illuminated the establishment upon its 1931 debut — The Rum House exudes a speakeasy ambiance that belies its bustling location. The copper-topped bar, dark wood accents, and red velvet drapes create a cocoon of warmth, transporting patrons to a bygone era.
The Rum House boasts an impressive selection of over 100 rums, ranging from familiar labels to rare expressions. Signature cocktails showcase this diversity, with standouts like the Trader Nic’s Mai Tai, which blends multiple rums with orange curaçao, and the Widowmaker, a potent mix of apple brandy, rum, and herbal liqueurs. The bar’s Edison Cocktail pays homage to its location, combining Laird’s Apple Brandy, Plantation Pineapple Rum, and red wine. The Rum House’s ability to meld its historic roots with contemporary mixology, coupled with its diverse musical offerings — from 1920s-inspired bands to accomplished jazz pianists — makes it a standout destination in an area often overlooked by cocktail enthusiasts. For those seeking a unique experience, The Rum House offers an extensive Rum Journey tasting program, allowing patrons to explore the nuances of various rum styles and regions under the guidance of knowledgeable bartenders.
These venues craft experiences that dovetail with ARO’s fusion of contemporary luxury and enduring elegance. For residents, they provide an engaging contrast to polished living spaces — a slice of old New York that pairs unexpectedly well with modern urban sophistication.
Put yourself at the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant nightlife at the ARO no-fee apartments in NYC. Get in touch with our sales team to learn more and begin the journey to your best life in Midtown West.