You ever fantasize about being a spy and wish you had a licence to kill – a la 007 James Bond? Well, pop on your tux or spiffy suit, jump into your Aston Martin, and head on over to Lexington Bar & Books.
Had a chance to experience this place one night and just had a terrific time. Yes, you have to be dressed up a bit to gain entrance and the dress code is enforced. Coming from work I had on dress slacks, shoes, a polo collared shirt, and a blazer. More than efficient to pass by. Press the buzzer to get in and a hostess will open the door to seat you.
The decor reminded me of being in an older wealthy person’s library. The line from Anchorman kept popping into my head – “I am a very important person. I have many leather bound books, and rich mahogany”. The atmosphere is a mix of classy and sexy, like a scene from a movie where you can picture clandestine spies passing notes under a table. Can be viewed as pretentious by some reviewers, but I saw it as more of an upscale relaxing place to kick back with a professionally mixed cocktail and smooth cigar. The ambiance is definitely more adult-like, and a welcome reprieve from the frat boy bars in the area, sports pubs, or crazier thumping bars of the LES nand UES where I reside.
The service was impeccable. The waitresses are all sexy Euro hotties. Russian and Polish women in tight red dresses. The men were all decked out in classic bar server attire – vests, ties, dress wear. We were constantly taken care of with drinks, cigars, and snacks for the table. Each time we had a need it was addressed immediately. Super attentive for sure.
Our cigars were just so tasty. Nice selection to choose from. Our drinks were even tastier. I had the Vesper – which is Fleming’s original 007 cocktail (Vodka Martini shaken, not stirred). After a few of these and a smooth cigar I started speaking like Sean Connery as Bond himself. “Trebek – your mother’s a whore!” Sorry – couldn’t resist that SNL skit line.
Even though you could see this as a place for an older crowd we witnessed a diverse mix of 20 somethings, to some in their 30’s-40’s, to couples in their 50’s-60’s enjoying a good smoke over casual conversation. If you are looking for an upscale environment with classy ambiance to enjoy with a date, friends, or even by yourself for a cigar and drink this is an appropriate choice. Cocktails are a bit pricey as expected with their specialties in the $16 range, but they are fantastic. Cigars are also pricey but they have a stellar selection, and you can bring in your own for a $5 fee. Great music playing overhead at the appropriate conversation level. Just a very chill setting if this is your scene.
My name?
Bond.
James Bond.
On certain nights there are also specials. Free cigar for the ladies on Monday, Whiskey tasting on Tuesday, and a selection of James Bond movies to enjoy. Shaken, not stirred.
http://www.barandbooks.cz/lexington/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lexington-bar-and-books-new-york?q=phil+h
You really set the scene on this one. And I just love that old library decor. Let me know when you get your Aston Martin.
Hey Karen!
Thanks – glad you like it.
I actually do have one. Does a Matchbox car count? 😉
Great decor, I love that it looks like a library. My husband would be all over this place, he loves cigars. He is convinced that we need to build a walk in humidor 🙂
Hey Foodie!
Most people do say it looks library-like. It does which gives it a great look.
I agree with your husband and offer my blessing to start tearing down some walls to fit in that walk in humidor!
Quite interesting seeing you emerge from incognito, Bond. This place looks fabulous and I do quite like these classy old throwbacks with dress codes and elegant cocktails, seems like a must visit.
Hey Peggy!
I am an International Man of Mystery with a license to kill!
I agree – it’s nice to dress up and relax in a class once in a while. Just wish I was wealthy enough to do it more often!
This reminds me of Bourbon and Branch in San Francisco! I think I’ve mentioned them before in a previous comment as well. Anyway, this place looks awesome.
xoxo,
Jules of Canines & Couture
http://www.caninesandcouture.com
Hey Jules!
It probably is very similar! Love spots that look like this. Sometimes we need a touch of class in our partying!
This place looks fun. My only concern is do you leave smelling like a huge cigar? It is nice to see a place where men have to dress a little nicer than the usual pub.
I love the library feel.
Hey Holli!
Yeah, there is no avoiding the cigar smell. At least it is a dressier spot. Nice change of pace once in a while.
Just go home and Febeeze afterwards! 🙂
I’ve always been a fan of that old library decor! This place sounds too fancy for me, but maybe I could hide out in the corner behind a book–and cocktail, of course.
Hey Coleen!
I am sure you might hide out behind a few cocktails if here! It does have a cool library feel to it. If it was in a wealthy person’s home! With servants! 🙂
I love places like that. I like my martinis dry.
Hey Becca!
Thanks for dropping by my blog! I like these places too. Plus, they make a nice cocktail!
I actually like mine dirty. 😉
The library décor sounds fantastic! Right up my alley, if a bit extravagant. My only concern? That the cigar smoke would drive me right back out the door. 😉
Hey Kitt!
It does have a very cool look to it. As with any cigar bar it does tend to get a bit smokey.
Why do thoughts of Bill Clinton, a cigar, and Monica Lewinsky come to mind? 😉
This place sounds very swag! I wish I liked cigars.
Hey Holly!
It is totally swag! If not a cigar person might not be your kind of place to hang at.
I love this place. I have been to so few of the places you blog about, that I feel special when you post one I’ve actually been to.
Hey Jill!
Well, aren’t you a special pile of sunshine! Glad you approved of this one. It’s a nice place!
It looks like a classy place, I better get my tux.
I suspect the prices might scare a few off though. That is a I suppose a good thing as it keeps the place more exclusive. With such great waitress service I’m sure it is good value for money.
Hey Guy!
It’s definitely a more snazzy joint!
That looks like a very nice classy place to go. Do you eat out every single night? When I used to live in Kingston, N.J. my father used to take me out to dinner at this restaurant on Route 1 that looked like a library. It was big and had a whole lot of books. It was so long ago, so I can’t remember the name of it.
Hey Susana!
We do go out a lot here for sure! I love these kinds of places now and then. I really need to stop going out so much!