More than a decade ago, when my friend said,  “Let’s meet at Campbell’s Apartment,” I wondered whether I had met his friend Campbell!

Now I know that the cocktail lounge in the Southwestern corner of the Grand Central Terminal oozes history, being the former office of financier John W. Campbell — a New York Central Railroad board member. It was also a music recital hall.

Follow signs to the apartment up a staircase from the terminal’s balcony to get there. Notice how the expansive high-ceiling lounge showcases 13th-century Florentine-inspired design, including a bank of century-old leaded glass windows, 25-foot hand-painted ceilings and an impressive stone fireplace.

I liked my Old Fashioned ($22) made with Old Forester bourbon, demerara sugar, angostura bitters and Regan’s orange bitters, while my dining partner enjoyed the spritz made with St. Germain, Ruffino prosecco and topped with Q Club soda ($20). I recommend both.

Having time to relax before heading to Les Dames d’Escoffier New York‘s The Next Big Sip on Sustainability in the Wine Industry, held across the way at the Cornell Club, we ordered nibbles.

I recommend the potted meatball sliders on potato buns ($20 for three). We could have eaten another order, but instead, we tried their pretzel bites with Dijon mustard and beer cheese dip ($10).

Make a reservation or join the 4-deep standing at the bar. Whichever, do go.

Campbell’s Apartment
Grand Central Terminal
15 Vanderbilt Ave,
New York, NY 10017
(917) 209-3440
thecampbellnyc.com