NY Barfly : Review: The Rink Bar at Rockefeller Center

Barfly often wonders what Greek God we most relate to. Of course, the easy answer is all of them. In fact, we are wearing an olive-leaf crown at this very moment. When the patron at a neighboring barstool referred to our deity-chapeau as “ungodly”, we’re quite sure they meant it as an affirmation (i.e. “ungodly”).

We were sipping cocktails the other day and a more specific answer hit us - like sunlight reflected in a gigantic, near naked gold leaf statue. Prometheus et Barfly, Barfly et Prometheus. He brought fire to human kind, and the higher-ups were none too pleased. As punishment, Zeus bound him to a rock and a vulture pecked his liver out every day for eternity.

Indeed, how familiar. We bring fire to the mortals every day – blog fire. Our illuminations are rewarded with a vulture pecking out our liver every day, piece by piece. In our myth, the role of vulture is played by a martini.

It’s nice to finally have some company, and The Rink Bar at Rockefeller Center is a heavenly place for us to commiserate with good old P-funk about the perils of trying to help mortals. The folks convert the ice rink into a haven of summer cocktails, so you can get up close to the glistening statue and raise your glass (watch that flying bits of liver do not land in your cup).

The mortals who make their way here are in for some treats. When you look above you, the Art Deco buildings seem to stretch into paradise. And when you look down, you’ll be greeted by the glow of a decadent summer cocktail. Believe us; a bottle of champagne with a bendy-straw in it sure beats Hades (though the river Styx comes in a close second).

The Rink Bar – Rockefeller Center - 7 Days a Week During the Summer

Drinking on a converted ice rink – 4 olives – It’s mildly thrilling. At any moment, that Zamboni machine can appear and start hacking off arms.

Countless jokes about 30 Rock and Tracy Jordan – 1 olive – We don’t understand what these people are talking about. Wasn’t the Mary Tyler Moore Show cancelled years ago?

Traditional Deity Garb – 5 Olives – You know you love our toga and lightning bolt sideburns.

Sipping a martini amongst Gods – 5 olives – Don’t feel too bad for Prometheus. He might have his liver brutally savaged every day, but at least he never has to leave the party!