New York has no shortage of cocktail bars, but Scarlet Lounge on the Upper West Side is making a convincing case that a great night out needs more than an overpriced martini and a playlist borrowed from a hotel lobby.
Located at 468 Amsterdam Avenue near West 83rd Street, Scarlet Lounge brings a seductive Art Deco aesthetic, crimson hues, gold accents, and a touch of vintage glamour to Manhattan’s neighborhood bar scene. The lounge was co-founded by The Sopranos and The White Lotus actor Michael Imperioli and his wife, Victoria Imperioli, alongside restaurateur Jeremy Wladis.
In other words, this isn’t your average neighborhood watering hole. It’s the kind of place where the lighting is flattering, the cocktails are conversation starters, and staying for just one drink is an ambitious plan.
Cocktails With a Little Main-Character Energy
Scarlet’s drinks menu mixes classic cocktail craftsmanship with creative signatures. The White Lotus cocktail, a playful nod to Imperioli’s television credits, combines rum, pineapple, yuzu, coconut sugar, and Champagne. Other offerings include the Pisco Pink Panther and familiar favorites such as the French 75.
For those who prefer a little something to accompany their drinks, the lounge also offers elevated bites, including lollipop lamb chops and foie gras torchon. Because sometimes a cocktail deserves a supporting cast.
A Little Old Hollywood, a Lot of Upper West Side
Scarlet’s appeal lies in its intimate atmosphere and vintage-inspired interiors. Rather than leaning on a gimmicky speakeasy concept, the space embraces period-inspired design and sophisticated, moody styling.
It’s a natural choice for date night, a stylish catch-up with friends, or a pre-dinner drink that threatens to become the main event.
Scarlet Lounge currently operates evenings, staying open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
For anyone searching for the best cocktail bars on the Upper West Side, Scarlet offers a little drama, plenty of personality, and a reminder that sometimes the best New York nights happen just around the corner.
