This Swanky Cocktail Haven in Midtown Manhattan Hosts the USA’s Largest Vermouth Collection

Amid Midtown Manhattan’s acclaimed tourist attractions, such as Times Square and Broadway, guests yearning for a break from the commotion can find serenity at Civilian Hotel’s secluded second-floor lounge—the Rosevale Cocktail Room.

Walking up the grand staircase, enveloped by a red show curtain, leads to the sumptuous imbibing space. The sprawling venue includes a front bar area, a private Blue Room surrounded by genuine Broadway memorabilia and royal blue decor, and an inviting outdoor terrace for a refreshing escape from the cityscape. Inside its main lounge, soaring ceilings dressed in exposed red brick walls and intimate seating corners swathed in plush velvet fabric provide the perfect backdrop for lingering conversations that extend well into the evening.

Enhanced by subtle, low-lit overhead lighting, the recessed bar proudly showcases an extensive vermouth selection boasting over 150 labels—the most expansive in America. Why vermouth, you may ask? In keeping with the theme of honoring artists and performers at the Civilian Hotel and Rosevale Kitchen + Cocktail Room, the flavored wine boasts a rich history embraced by both writers and royalty, often acting as a liquid muse, fostering engaging philosophical discussions.

Guests have the unique opportunity to indulge in one of the eight tasting flight experiences offered, spanning from the “Founding Fathers”—a flight featuring classic vermouths like Noilly Prat Original Dry and Carpano Antica Formula—to the “Old World vs New World”—a flight that juxtaposes original and innovative flavors, including M&R Rubino VDT to Comoz Blanc. Complemented by savory and sweet food bites accompanying each one-ounce tasting flight, this offers the optimal way to immerse your taste buds in the realm of aromatic botanical wines.

If none of their extra dry to amber or rosé vermouths pique your interest, fear not—there’s a medley of cocktails for you to choose from instead. We suggest indulging in their signature Rosevale Irish Coffee, comprising Teeling small batch Irish whiskey, apple brandy, illy coffee, cider donut cream, cacao, and a winter diorama. Crafted for two, this concoction is expertly brewed before your eyes by one of their skilled bartenders, contributing to the captivating stage-performance ambiance. 

By seamlessly blending mixology and artistry in its design and unique libation offerings, the Rosevale Cocktail Room offers guests a culturally enriching experience that diverges from the typical attractions of Midtown Manhattan.

Top Takeaways

Location: Hell’s Kitchen (Theater District), New York City

Address: 305 W 48th St 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10036

Cuisine: Contemporary American

Price Point: $$

Takes Reservations: Yes – OpenTable

The vibe: A sophisticated cocktail room nestled in the heart of Midtown NYC’s Theater District, offering seclusion from the hustle and bustle while remaining connected to its Broadway roots.

Our favorite thing on the menu: While the vermouth-tasting experience is undoubtedly worth trying, our favorite cocktail was the hallmark Rosevale Irish Coffee, where the bartender blends the drink right in front of the table and garnishes the drink with Hershey’s chocolate shavings by grating a giant Hershey’s kiss.

The attire: Smart Casual

Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 PM until 12 AM and Friday through Saturday from 5 PM until 2 AM.