Spending an afternoon on Orchard Street in the Lower East Side is one of the best ways to experience downtown Manhattan, especially if you enjoy boutique shopping and stylish cocktail bars. Tucked inside the two Michelin keys Nine Orchard Hotel, the Swan Room is one of the most stunning hotel bars in NYC. This intimate cocktail lounge blends vintage glamour with modern luxury, making it a perfect stop for a date night, a dressed up evening out, or a refined cocktail break while exploring the Lower East Side. In this Swan Room NYC review, I’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting including prices, menu highlights and how to fully experience the bar’s elegant atmosphere.
Table of Contents
The Atmosphere Inside the Swan Room NYC
Trying to enter the Swan Room was a bit of an annoyance, as a few other guests and I were confused about where exactly the entrance was. Standing outside what appeared to be the cocktail lounge door, we found it remained locked even after the posted opening time. After realizing we needed to enter through the hotel lobby, we were finally greeted by the Swan Room’s soaring ceilings, large windows, and enchanting décor that immediately set an elegant tone.
Renovated from the bones of a historic bank, the Swan Room at Nine Orchard Hotel transforms the building’s grand architecture into a striking cocktail lounge that perfectly complements the hotel’s refined design. Though the space is smaller than expected, the room feels wonderfully intimate, with plush velvet seating and softly glowing chandeliers casting a warm, ambient light.
What I Ordered at the Swan Room
The Swan Room menu feels less geared toward those looking for a full meal and more toward guests seeking a refined nightcap. While the selection is limited, the dishes I ordered were delicious. The pricing does lean toward the higher end, though that is to be expected given the lounge’s upscale setting and its selection of luxe snacks and desserts. Where the Swan Room truly shines is its cocktail program. The drink menu is extensive, offering plenty of options alongside the Swan Room’s signature Martini Service, designed for groups of three to five people. There is also a rotating seasonal cocktail menu, which is what I ultimately chose from during my visit.
Food
The Caviar Fries were easily the standout of the night. Perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, the fries were elevated by a generous topping of caviar paired with a bright lemon aioli and fragrant rosemary sauce. The combination worked surprisingly well, balancing richness with a subtle citrus lift. I would happily order this addictive dish every time I return to the Swan Room.
Price: $48
The Beef Tartare was savory and smooth, pairing well with the chips. While enjoyable, it was just okay and not particularly memorable for me.
Price: $28
The Burger, made with a dry-aged beef blend, smoked onion aioli, cheddar cheese, red onion, and served with a pickle on the side. This was another standout highlight from the Swan Room. In my opinion, this underrated burger deserves a spot on lists of the best burgers in NYC. Savory, smoky, and absolutely delicious, it’s a dish I’d gladly come back for again.
Price: $21
The Tiramisu was the perfect way to end the meal. Tangy, rich, and airy, this classic dessert balanced the bitterness of espresso with a creamy sweetness that kept me going back for more until the plate was completely empty.
Price: $18
Drinks
The Swan Room’s seasonal Eggnog Special is a festive twist on the classic holiday drink. Creamy, rich, and velvety, it carries warm hints of nutmeg that add a comforting spice to each sip. Smooth and indulgent, it’s a tasty seasonal cocktail that I would happily order again when it’s available.
A nice food friendly champagne I ordered Aubry Premier Cru Brut (NV) is elegant and recommended to have with your meal.
Price per glass: $36
The Takeaway: Is the Swan Room Worth It?
Must-Go rating 4.4 out 5 ⭐
If you’re searching for an intimate, low key cocktail lounge to take someone special or simply looking for a nightcap to end a date the Swan Room is absolutely worth it. Though it is on the pricier side, like many spots on Orchard Street, it still feels like a worthwhile splurge, especially if you’re celebrating something special. Located inside the restored Jarmulowsky Bank building, the Swan Room blends historic elegance with delicious food and an expansive cocktail program. For a refined night out on the Lower East Side, it’s completely worth it.
Exploring more of the Lower East Side and looking for great food and cocktails? Be sure to check out our other reviews, including Double Chicken Please, one of the best cocktail bars NYC has to offer. 929 should also be on your list of speakeasies to try for a fun night out in Midtown Manhattan. Don’t forget to check out our curated playlist to get in the mood for your night out, inspired by my experience at the Swan Room. You can also see our POV of the Swan Room below.
@theblot.org NYC cocktail night at Swan Room 🦢✨ Stepping inside the iconic Swan Room at Nine Orchard on the Lower East Side for an unforgettable evening of cocktails, vintage glamour, and intimate lounge vibes. From the historic interiors to the perfectly balanced drinks, this hidden gem bar in Manhattan is a must-visit for date night, girls’ night, or a classy NYC night out. #swanroom #nycfood #lowereastside #caviar #tiramisu ♬ original sound – 𝘮𝘢𝘹𝘪𝘴𝘢𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘴 ♫
