The Bar Room at The Modern
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The Bar Room at The Modern
Make a reservation
About this restaurant
- Good for special occasions
- Great for fine wines
- Good for business meals
Additional information
- Dining styleCasual Elegant
- Price$31 to $50
- CuisinesContemporary American
- Hours of operationLunch Daily 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
- Phone number
- Website
- Payment optionsAMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
- Dress codeBusiness Casual
- Executive chefThomas Allan
- Private party facilitiesThe Modern offers an elegant, light-filled Private Dining Room with views of MoMA's Sculpture Garden, ideal for private events from 30 to 80 guests seated, and full buyouts up to 250 guests standing.
- NeighborhoodMidtown East
- Cross streetBetween 5th and 6th Avenues
- Parking detailsThere is street parking, as well as a public car park across the street from The Modern.
- AdditionalBar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Experiences
Terrace - Outdoor Table
Multiple dates availableEnjoy The Bar Room’s à la carte menu on the outdoor Terrace, with views overlooking MoMA’s Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden. The Terrace is open for the season, serving lunch and dinner, weather permitting.The Bar Room - Indoor Table
May 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026The Bar Room at The Modern offers a lively setting for Executive Chef Thomas Allan’s seasonal, contemporary à la carte cuisine. From signature dishes to a rotating selection of refined plates, the menu balances playful flavors with modern technique. Complemented by an award-winning wine program and a curated selection of cocktails, beer, and spirits.
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Additional information
- Dining styleCasual Elegant
- Price$31 to $50
- CuisinesContemporary American
- Hours of operationLunch Daily 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
- Phone number
- Website
- Payment optionsAMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
- Dress codeBusiness Casual
- Executive chefThomas Allan
- Private party facilitiesThe Modern offers an elegant, light-filled Private Dining Room with views of MoMA's Sculpture Garden, ideal for private events from 30 to 80 guests seated, and full buyouts up to 250 guests standing.
- NeighborhoodMidtown East
- Cross streetBetween 5th and 6th Avenues
- Parking detailsThere is street parking, as well as a public car park across the street from The Modern.
- AdditionalBar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Featured in
August 12, 2024
The Bar Room at The Modern in NYC Museum Restaurant Guide
Spotlight on The Bar Room at The Modern as an affordable entry to MoMA's dining, featuring a two-course lunch prix fixe and a la carte options. No reservations are required, making it a convenient museum-adjacent dining option.
Published in ny.eater.com
July 29, 2024
Caviar hot dogs at The Bar Room at The Modern highlight Eater's Best Dishes of the Week
Featured in Eater's Best Dishes of the Week, The Bar Room at The Modern serves caviar-topped hot dogs. The roundup notes the upscale MoMA setting and a $38 price per order.
Published in ny.eater.com
FAQs
The Bar Room at The Modern is open daily for both lunch and dinner. Lunch is served daily from 11:30 am–2:30 pm, and dinner is served daily from 5:00 pm–9:30 pm. Check the restaurant’s website for any special holiday hours or updates before you go.
Yes, families do dine here, and guests often bring teens or celebrate birthdays with children. The restaurant’s contemporary American menu and casual‑elegant dining make it suitable for family meals, though there’s no menu information indicating a dedicated kids’ menu. For younger children, consider an earlier seating or a private room and call ahead about menu flexibility.
There isn’t a single standout ‘best’ day listed, but for a quieter experience try a weekday (Tuesday–Thursday) lunch or an early dinner. If you’re combining your visit with MoMA, schedule your meal after a museum session, guests specifically recommend lunch or happy hour following exhibits.
The atmosphere is casual‑elegant and smart, polished yet welcoming. Guests frequently praise the vibe, friendly service and warm welcome; many find it a reliable spot for both lunch and dinner. A few guests have noted occasional service lapses or variable dish performance, but overall the space is described as lively, tasteful and well suited for museum visits, date nights, or celebratory meals.
Portions can vary by dish. Guests note the fried chicken is generous, with plenty of fries, while some mains (like certain fish dishes) have been described as modest or a bit sparse in accompaniments. Desserts have received mixed feedback about richness and portion. If you’re sharing plates or planning a multi‑course meal, consider ordering an extra starter or a shared side based on preferences.
Family-friendly seating: yes, guests often dine here with family, teens and for birthday celebrations. There are several seating areas (Bar Room, lounge and a 20-seat marble bar) that offer flexibility for groups. Accessible seating: not specified in the provided information; if you need an accessible table or accommodations, call ahead so the team can advise and reserve an appropriate spot.
The best time depends on your goal: for a lively pre‑ or post‑museum drink, arrive during happy hour (guests praise it as a great spot before MoMA). For a relaxed lunch after visiting the galleries, lunch service gets high marks. If you prefer a quieter experience, choose weekday lunch or an earlier dinner seat rather than peak evening hours.
The provided hours list daily lunch and dinner service, which suggests the restaurant operates every day; however, holiday schedules can vary. To be safe, check the restaurant’s website or call ahead for specific public holiday hours or special service changes.
Yes, The Bar Room at The Modern is a strong date-night choice. Its casual-elegant setting, warm service and a lively marble bar create a polished but relaxed vibe perfect for couples. Located next to MoMA, it’s convenient for pre- or post-museum drinks and dinner. Expect seasonal Contemporary American dishes, an award‑winning wine program and carefully curated cocktails that make for a special evening. Call ahead for a bar seat or a quieter table if you prefer a more intimate spot.
The Bar Room at The Modern offers three main seating areas: The Bar Room dining area, an adjacent lounge, and a vibrant 20‑seat marble bar. Walk-ins are accepted in all three areas, and the restaurant also accommodates private parties. If you have a seating preference (bar, lounge or dining room), mention it when you reserve or call ahead to increase your chances of securing that spot.
The dress code is business casual. Guests typically dress smartly but comfortably, suitable for museum visits, date nights or relaxed celebration dinners. If you’re planning a special occasion, business casual will fit right in.
Yes, you can and should contact the restaurant ahead of time for special requests. The Bar Room accepts reservations (up to 28 days in advance) and hosts private parties, so calling to request specific seating, accommodations for dietary needs, or celebration arrangements is recommended to ensure the team can prepare.
Busiest: around museum hours and early evening, guests mention lively pre‑ or post‑MoMA crowds and busy dinner service. Quietest: weekday lunch or earlier dinner seatings tend to be calmer. If you prefer a low‑key meal, aim for off‑peak times (midweek lunch or an early dinner).
Yes, the restaurant allows private parties and can accommodate private events. For details on room options, capacity and menus for private dining, contact the restaurant directly; they also accept reservations up to 28 days in advance to help plan group events.
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