Bar Brief: The Rum House

With its historic play houses and constant pulsing energy of tourists and art-lovers alike, the NYC Theater District evokes all the charm of a bygone era.  And just as its theaters are renowned, so are its locations for libations.  The Rum House is one such institution.

Mostly rum. Like a house of rum.

• Location: Theater District
• Designation: cocktail lounge
• Whisky selection <20, standard fare with a few rares
• Standard high prices for Manhattan

The whiskies are mostly down there.

Just like that classic style synonymous with Broadway, The Rum House eschews a 1930s cocktail lounge vibe.  From the neon signs out front, to the piano tucked into the corner of the dimly lit room, you would swear you'd gone back in time as you walk through their doors.  As per their namesake, the focus here is on rum and cocktails that celebrate the cane sugar spirit.  The whisky selection is limited, but the cocktails and drams we were offered celebrated them quite nicely, albeit with prices that reflect the opulence of the area.

A decent dram. They have solid whisky cocktails as well.

For a night out on the town in Midtown Manhattan, The Rum House provides a window into the past of Manhattan that many long for.  The bustling region, all too typical high prices for the borough and a lack of extensive whiskies may deter you from making this a regular haunt, but it's definitely worth checking out if you're coming from a show.

Rating: recommend x3.

"The Rum House wasn't a whisky-focused bar, but it was still a cool spot.  Definitely worth stopping in for a drink if you're on your way to or from a Broadway show!"  - Evan

"Great art deco/Miami themed cocktail bar in Times Square.  Dark and candle lit with lots of hard wood.  I really liked that every cocktail in the menu came with at least 2 spirit options, regular and premium.  Definitely more of a cocktail bar than a whiskey bar, but an awesome bar none the less.  Would be a good place to go on a date.  On the pricey side but no unreasonable given the area."  - Greg

"I'll say it again: it's not designed as a whisky bar. But you'll feel perfectly at home with a dram there, and unique feel make this a must-visit to me."  - Quinn 

Website: http://therumhousenyc.com/

Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-rum-house-new-york
Get to there: The Rum House, West 47th St, New York, NY