Monday, August 17, 2009

Drop into Grand Central for a taste of the past.

I'll be honest - I have favorites. A lot of them. From bagels to street meat, movie theaters to subway stations, and thai delivery to spots in Central Park, some things are just better than their peers. Grand Central Station Terminal easily takes the cake as my favorite large urban train station. It's not even fair to think that New Jersey and Long Island commuters have to deal with the grossness that is Penn Station while Metro North riders stroll through GC's halls every day. Eck. The GC is beautiful, simple as that.

The 700,000+ sets of eyes that experience GC every day probably breeze by many of the secrets that lay within its walls. Sure you probably know about FDR's secret train entrance to the Waldorf. Maybe you strained your neck to look at the backwards constellations on the ceiling. But have you ever had a drink at Campbell's Apartment?

Not actually an apartment (although talk about a short commute to the subway), I joined a close friend of mine at the Campbell Apartment for a post work drink. I had never heard of the bar and was thrilled to be experiencing something of its kind. Tucked away in the southeast corner of the terminal, the bar's slogan of "drinks from another era" could not be more spot on. Don Draper definitely hung out here.

The bar is named after railroad tycoon John Campbell, who rented the space as an office and entertaining spot in the 1920's. The interior space is dark and luxurious, with the clientele keeping to themselves and their respective conversations (i.e. don't come here looking for a date). Intricate woodwork adorns the 25 foot ceilings and the stained glass windows blur the world outside. When in a space like this, I recommend drinking something classic. The bar's drink list is complicated in ingredients but delicious in taste. Next time you miss your Metro North train I suggest skipping the bagged Bud Light in favor for taking in a drink at Campbell's.

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