The Swankiest Commuter Bar Has Reopened in Grand Central

Formerly The Campbell Apartment in Grand Central, The Campbell, now open, had been business tycoon/railroad exec John Campbell’s office — who first leased it from William Kissam Vanderbilt II in the 1920s. After Campbell died in 1957, it was later used as a studio for CBS radio, and eventually housed a police station in the 80s, where those who were arrested were held in what had been the wine room.

Today’s tranquility at the bar is a contrast to last year’s fight for the space between Scott Gerber of the Gerber Group and Mark Grossich. Grossich, who lost the lease after running the bar since 1999, had been negotiating with the MTA to sign a new lease, when he was outbid by Gerber. He lost the court battle when he tried to sue the MTA.

With properties that include Whiskey Blue at 541 Lexington and Kingside at 124 W. 57th Street, Gerber Group pays $1.1 million a year space, Bloomberg reported earlier this year.

Unlike the rules under the previous tenant, at The Campbell, there is no longer a dress code and yes! there’s AC. Look for a three-in-one bar with a main room and a fireplace, a smaller area outside the entrance called The Campbell Palm Court, and the Campbell Terrace, housed in a former taxi stand just outside, the Times reported. Check it out below:

Gary He/Eater NY

Gary He/Eater NY

Gary He

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• The Blonde: Campari, Dolin Rouge, Hendricks gin, Lillet Blanc
• GG Manhattan: Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Carpano Antica and Angostura bitters
• Tuna tartare tacos and raspberry doughnuts