The staff warmly greeted me as I arrived for a tasting at the Blue Bar that featured the iconic Algonquin’s new menu, which debuted at the beginning of the year. It’s available all day from 3 to 10 pm.

While waiting for my dining partner, I chatted with Melvin Agui, one of the managers. He described the new items as a balance between nostalgia and contemporary flavors, with fewer offerings.

We started with tasty cocktails. I sipped their Old Fashioned with 1792 small batch bourbon. My dining partner had their Linger on, made with Lalo Tequila, Grand Marnier, ginger, and lime ($25 each).

We started with the highly recommended guacamole, topped with lots of lump crab meat in a citrus vinaigrette and garnished with chips ($24). We also tried their house 8 fried falafel balls, drizzled with tahini sauce, chili oil, and crisp leeks ($21).

We loved their spicy Thai fried chicken with a sweet chile sauce, topped with fried peanuts ($29). Their signature angus beef burger came topped with aged cheddar, pickles and Dijonnaise on a brioche bun with crispy fries ($34). It was cooked as requested.

We also enjoyed their lamb ribs with miso-glazed eggplant and a pomegranate glaze ($34). We found them a tad salty.

After that, we still had room for a few bites of their “encore” dessert ($26), which included chocolate chip ice cream sliders, Junior’s original cheesecake and apple crumb cake. We took home leftovers (of course) and an Espresso Martini ($25).

I highly recommend a stop at Blue Bar; the location is great for pre- or post-theatre.

Blue Bar
The Algonquin Hotel Times Square
Autograph Collection
59 W 44th Street
New York, NY, 10036