Mandarin Oriental Lobby Lounge

If you want to feel like you are completely away from the crowds of New York City and want an amazing view of Central Park try the Mandarin Oriental lobby lounge.

Be prepared though cocktails are very pricey, meaning some can cost you over $20, which is expensive even for New York City.

The wine list is expansive including whites from California, Germany and France and Reds from Italy, Oregon and California. Glasses range from $15-$24.  

Summer cocktails include a Momosa made with prosecco, cointreau, & blood orange juice or the The Baby Buddha made with Hendricks gin, muddled cucumber, cilantro, lemon juice and sparkling sake ($19).

For those who want sake, choose from Harushika Tokimeki Sparkling Sake, Happo Junmai light and fresh with notes of lemon, apples and pear ($10) or Asumi Sanka Mountain Flowers Junmai Daiginjo with complex aromas of flowers, fruits and herbs ($19).

Enjoy some fun wasabi encrusted peanuts for free along with olives and candied almonds. 

Try the trio burgers bacon-cheddar, caramelized onion-gruyere, and wild mushroom-blue with a side of barberi sauce, honey mustard aioli, mango ketchup and house made parmesan fries ($28) or get the grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, avocado, basil mayonnaise and house made parmesan fries ($23) or if you're eating healthy try the steamed red snapper with coconut lemongrass infused broth, Asian herbs and island spices ($26).

Another seafood option is the Open Face Lobster BLT-- poached lobster, shrimp, toasted brioche, bacon, avocado, tomatoes, arugula, yuzu aioli and olive oil chips ($32).

It's perfect for an extravagant afternoon tea service ($28) on a rainy day.  Try a selection of traditional treats and sweets accompanied by some delicious devon creme and marmalade. The tea service is available daily from 2:30-4:30pm.

Unique teas include chamomile flowers, organic peppermint leave, mountain berry, lemon verbena, jasmine pearl, mandarin blossom, lychee green, mandarin oolong, imperial early grey, imperial English Breakfast and classic orange pekoe.

The apple pie ($12) was amazing but is small so if you are a dessert person, make sure you keep that in mind. Others desserts include a vanilla ginger creme brulee or the tropical pineapple cheesecake with whipped cream and passion sauce. 

For a real treat try the Jacques Torres hot chocolate ($8).

- by Danielle Sonnenberg, New York Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Danielle Sonnenberg

Danielle Sonnenberg is a freelance writer living in New York City. She is passionate about stories and asking questions. She has written for several publications including the New York Post, TheStreet.com, Lifestyles Magazine, and Minyanville.com To view more of her work please go to, Her website is www.daniellesonnenberg.com