Bar with a view?
 

I'm looking for a bar (preferably in Midtown) with a view. So far all I've found are the View in the Marriott and the bar in the Mandarin Oriental. They seem to get mixed reviews. Is there anywhere else I should be considering?

There would probably be 4 of us and we would be happy to eat in the bar if it was OK especially if that'd help secure a window table reservation.

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

One of the midtown treasures happens to be in my neighborhood. A lovely bar with a terrific view is "Top of the Tower" at the Beekman Hotel. It's one block from the East River at 49th and 1st. http://www.affinia.com/NYC-Hotel/Bee..._the_Tower.cfm

"Top of the Tower" looks great for the view. Is it best for drinks (which is what we were originally planning) or should I think about dinner here too?

Go for drinks. There are much better choices to be made for dinner.

BTW, the best dinner-with-a-view is had at the River Cafe, under the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge (an easy cab ride from the Beekman). It's on the formal side, it's very expensive (don't think you're leaving Manhattan prices behind when you cross the Brooklyn Bridge), and it's difficult to score one of the prime window seats (with a wall of windows facing Manhattan, the views are good even if you don't get a window seat), but it's a wonderful restaurant.

Time Out NY gave a few suggestions just a couple weeks ago.

I have never dined at the Top of the Tower but I think it would be more fun for you to dine elsewhere and come to the Top of the Tower later on for drinks. It typically doesn't make the "Time Out NY" lists which for me is a good thing. It keeps the ambiance more intimate IMHO.