The Return Of The Iconic Campbell Apartment
With its Gilded Age leanings intact
Though most people associate the cocktail scene of the last decade with unassuming East Village bars, the Campbell Apartment has always been one of the preeminent cocktail bars and ‘speakeasies’ in New York. Despite its location in the hectic Grand Central station, for years it was tucked away, reserved only for those who were in the know. But last July the famous property closed, much to the surprise of New York’s imbibers. Now Gerber Group has brought the space back to life, retaining the things that made it so unique while adding new touches that will appeal to most.
“We wanted to make sure we respected the space but made it current,” says Scott Gerber, CEO of Gerber Group. For starters, it’s no longer a secret. The location of the bar has been made clear, and is welcome to those unfamiliar with the drinking scene. “I don’t want it to be this old curmudgeon-y place where you have to wear a suit and tie; I like to wear jeans and sneakers, people should come here as they feel comfortable being here,” Gerber explains, and from opening night the crowd was far more eclectic than you would expect from a historic venue.
Originally the apartment of financier John Campbell, Gerber Group divided the space into three distinct bars, The Campbell Bar, The Campbell Palm Court, and The Campbell Terrace outdoors. But since it’s a historic property, and the interiors are landmarked (thus many changes can’t be made), the things that guests loved about the Jazz Age style and elegance of the space have been retained. “We knew we were going to have to keep this stuff when we bid, so if we didn’t love it we wouldn’t have bid on it.” Gerber Group, known for famous hotel projects like Kingside at The Viceroy and the Mr. Purple lounge also made sure to modernize the food and drink menu; everything from their Summertime Spice made with Casamigos to their grilled cheese sandwich embodies the comfort the group is known for with the freshest ingredients available.
It’s a nice transition into modern times for such a storied venue, and New Yorkers can breath a sigh of relief that one of their classic, defining cocktail institutions is back doing what it does best.
Campbell Apartment is located on 15 Vanderbilt Avenue
