Great bar & restaurant ideas around West 55th St

We are staying at The Blakely Hotel on West 55th Street and would like any recommendations for lively/fun bars and good restaurants in easy access around there. No specific food requirements, just good food with a fun and happy atmosphere.

Thanks in advance for your usual great ideas and tips everyone!

Great bar %26amp; restaurant ideas around West 55th St

I would try these places some are mixed reviews and they are all differnt types of places.1- HOURGLASS TAVERN-373 west 46th street 2-The MODERN 9 west 53rd street, this might not be too lively.3- Rosa Mexico 61 coloumbus ave this place alittle $$$.I do not know if close enough for you. Hope this helps Enjoy !

Great bar %26amp; restaurant ideas around West 55th St

I like the Iguana Bar on W54th (near 6th ave if memory serves). Love their mojitos.

La Vineria, 19 W 55th Street, between 5 %26amp; 6th is a great little Italian place. Its not too expensive, cosy and the food is yummy!

Town in the Chambers Hotel is excellent.

I havent been yet, but Menchanko-Tei, the ramen place on W55 just got a good write up somewhere I trust (I actually have it on a post-it note on my desk), but dont remember where I read it! Passed by the other day and the line lead me to believe its worth a try...

Also, China Grill at 52nd and 6th is great. Very lively/fun and the food is excellent.

Bar Americain - a Bobby Flay spot on 52nd? just west of 6th. It may be 51st. His take on bistro food. Midling celebs are usually there at lunch.

Utsav on 46th off 6th is excellent, Indian buffet lunch. Get there early or the line is long.

A few ideas:

Basso 56, on 56th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue. I haven%26#39;t been to it since it moved uptown, but I loved it when it was Basso Est. They moved uptown to a larger location. http://www.basso56.com/home.html

There is also Rue 57, on 57th Street and 6th Avenue. http://rue57.com/site05/index.html

Finally, you%26#39;re close to the famous Carnegie Deli. Definitely lively, and very good pastrami and cheesecake. http://carnegiedeli.com/

If you want a great view of Central Park you should check out the loungey Stone Rose Lounge, it%26#39;s pretty pricey though but I%26#39;m not sure if by lively/fun you mean atmospheric, too. This place is great if you want to get great cocktails and enjoy fantastic vantage points.

You should check out the Karaoke at Japas 55 at Japanese Karaoke bar that is pretty lively and fun. 253 W 55th St Frnt

Divine Bar on 236 W 54th St is great for tapas and wine.

Hope that helps!

Yeah, Iguana%26#39;s great! Definitely lively, fun, completely unpretentions and un-touristy! There%26#39;s also a nightclub downstairs.

Thanks again everyone - this has ben fantastic help!