The Flatiron Room has long been one of New York’s most iconic whiskey bars, the kind of place where candlelight glints off tumblers and live jazz croons in the background. But now, the Murray Hill location—just a stone’s throw from the Empire State Building—has upped the ante: bringing in Michelin-starred Chef Jiho Kim to helm a new eight-course tasting menu. Dinner and a show, in the truest sense.
Set the Scene
Walking into The Flatiron Room Murray Hill is like time-traveling—mahogany walls, vintage sconces, and shelves stacked with more than a thousand bottles of whiskey whispering old New York stories. A stage tucked in the corner lets the music flirt with the room rather than dominate it. It’s sultry, grown-up, and quintessentially Manhattan. When it comes to date night, this is where lively meets intimate, and both linger long after the last pour.
The Food & Drink
Having experienced the mastery of Chef Jiho Kim before at his crown jewel, Joomak, I knew I was in for a treat. His interpretation of The Flatiron Room’s eight-course tasting menu is where art meets appetite. Plates arrive like little works of art (an aspect I anticipated from my previous visit): oysters crowned with roe and mignonette sparkle on sculptural white dishes, while beef tartare tucks itself into a delicate scallion roll with just the right amount of crunch. A caviar-topped hamachi tartare gleams against buttery toast—luxe but never fussy—while the roasted beet tart with burrata leans into earthiness with jewel-toned precision.
Midway through, the grilled branzino appears with a silky, mushroom-spiked sauce that feels as comforting as it is elevated, while the short rib—braised for 30 hours until it nearly collapses under its own weight—arrives lacquered in a truffle jus that lingers luxuriously on the palate. Even the pasta course, tagliatelle tangled with jalapeño and mushrooms, balances indulgence with a sly kick.
Dessert keeps the performance going with a Key Lime Baba: chef’s selection sorbet, seasonal berries, sweet chervil, almond oat crumble, pink peppercorn, and a sprinkle of Maldon salt. It’s bright and refreshing, the perfect finale to a menu that manages to be both indulgent and playful.
And while the whiskey list is legendary, the cocktail program deserves equal applause. Case in point: the Pizza Martini. New York has no shortage of these novelty riffs, but Flatiron Room’s version is the first I’ve genuinely loved. Olive oil–infused vodka, sun-dried tomato liqueur, and a goat cheese–stuffed charred olive strike the balance of savory and clean—it doesn’t overpower or veer into gimmick, but instead reads as clever, balanced, and surprisingly elegant.
Why Book?
Because “dinner and a show” rarely looks like this anymore. The Flatiron Room Murray Hill isn’t about chasing buzz or TikTok virality—it’s about atmosphere, artistry, and the kind of night out that gives you old New York City nostalgia. Between the live music, whiskey library, and Chef Jiho Kim’s tasting menu, it’s a one-stop shop for romance, celebration, or a chic evening in Manhattan.
Fast Facts
Location: Murray Hill, New York City
Cuisine: Contemporary tasting menu with Japanese and French influences
The vibe: Sultry whiskey lounge meets upscale date-night dining
Pricing: $$$ (Chef’s Tasting Menu at $135 per person)
Take reservations? Yes, via Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: The 30-hour braised short rib with truffle jus—fall-apart tender and deeply indulgent
The attire: Smart casual; think chic date-night polish
Hours: Daily, 5 PM – late
