The National Bar & Dining Rooms
EST. 2012
557 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022, United States

The National Bar & Dining Rooms
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The National has both a welcoming and refined feel.
The National's all-occasion modern bistro modeled after the celebrated grand cafés in Europe is both residential and metropolitan in design and displays thoughtful details such as antiqued mirrors, a bronze spiral staircase, distressed peacock blue and chocolate leather banquettes, classic marble table tops, and black and white glazed-tile flooring.
The Lowdown
Type
Bar / Club / LoungeRestaurant / Private Dining
Views
Street
Style
Casual
Classic
Urban
Best type of Celebrations
Bachelor / Bachelorette Party
Birthday Party
Bridal Shower
Corporate Event
Dinner Party
Product Launch
Family Reunion
Holiday Party
Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Reception
Social Event
Wedding Reception
Anniversary
Engagement Party

Venue Setting

The National Bar & Dining Rooms is Chef Geoffrey Zakarian’s vision of a go-to restaurant in New York City’s Midtown Neighborhood, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, seven days a week.

Conveniently located on the East Side of The City within walking distance to the United Nations, many major business hubs, Grand Central Terminal and more.

Inspired by the grand cafés of Europe and classic American dining rooms, The National has both a welcoming and refined feel, a welcoming respite from the bustling atmosphere of the area.

The menu at The National offers Zakarian's signature Modern American cuisine - a style of cooking that has earned him critical acclaim. Zakarian’s cuisine is fresh and accessible, concentrating on the freshest seasonal ingredients prepared with classic techniques.

The National is located at The Benjamin, a restored 1927 Emery Roth hotel, an architectural landmark of the Beaux-Arts style and a fitting complement to the restaurant’s refined style, café culture, and eclectic interior design.

Private Dining Rooms are accessible from a bronze spiral staircase and accommodate seated dining for up to 80 and cocktail receptions for up to 150.

Capacity

Seated
80
Buffet
N/A
Standing
150
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price range

Does this include catering fees?

Yes

Estimated price per head

from $75 to $250

Insurance

Additional Insurance Is Not Required To Host An Event Here

Connect
Call Venue
Event Logistics and Amenities
(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)
Celebrations hosted here since
2012
Curfew
2 AM
Venue spaces
Indoor Venue Space Only
Catering
Client Must Use The Catering Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Corkage/Bottle Fee – You Can Bring Your Own Alcohol For A Fee
Licensed Server Is Required
Music
Indoors Only
Smoking
Non-smoking Venue
Accommodations
The Benjamin Hotel features 209 room accommodations including 98 One-Bedroom Suites.
Handicap Accessible
Yes
Amenities
  • Valet Parking
  • Wifi
  • Dining Chairs
  • Dining Tables
Venue Features
The scene:
Chef Geoffrey Zakarian brings his vision of a contemporary New York grand café to life at The National Bar & Dining Rooms. Housed in the same 1927 Emery Roth-designed building as The Benjamin Hotel, the restaurant create an ambiance of refined style with a café culture and eclectic interior design.
Design:
The National's all-occasion modern bistro modeled after the celebrated grand cafés in Europe is both residential and metropolitan in design and displays thoughtful details such as antiqued mirrors, a bronze spiral staircase, distressed peacock blue and chocolate leather banquettes, classic marble table tops, and black and white glazed-tile flooring.
Standout venue features:
The National provides street access from Lexington Avenue. Five private Dining Rooms are located on the second floor.
Awards & Notables
Awards, recognitions, or noteworthy achievements associated with the venue.
THE NEW POTATO - Where To Get Breakfast in Midtown

NEW YORK TIMES - An Updated Sifty Fifty
Celebration Locations
This section outlines the various spaces available within the venue for different types of events.
The Corner Room
An intimate space with frosted glass French doors and a clustered teardrop chandelier. Our preferred event space for receptions, dinners, relaxed social gatherings, small wedding ceremonies or top-level meetings. Accessible from The Benjamin Hotel and Staircase from The National Restaurant.
View: Lexington Avenue
Max capacity: 75
Price range: $1,200 - $2,500
The National
Buy-out of the Restaurant Available
View: Lexington Avenue
Max capacity: 200
Price range: 20,000 - 35,000
The Lexington Room
Inspired by the Industrial Age and awash with natural light from its stunning arched windows. Ideal for seated private dinners, presentations, small boardroom meetings, conferences, training sessions and cocktail receptions.
View: Lexington Avenue
Max capacity: 140
Price range: $1,200 - $2,500
Venue matched with reports
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Weddings
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Your Guide to New York City's Food Scene This Winter
New York is a culinary destination and the scene changes seemingly by the day. Manhattan alone holds a plethora of ever-changing, mouth-watering restaurants sure to make your head and taste buds spin. But where to begin? What are the most noteworthy, tried-and-true or by-the-minute spots you absolutely have to try out? In a city booming with acclaimed dining options, we've narrowed it down to this curated list so you can tackle NYC's finest this winter.  ​From buzzing pizza joints and celeb hang outs to healthy cafes and new twists on old favorites, this list will make sure you don’t go hungry during the long, hard NYC winter.
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The National Bar & Dining Rooms
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