Connie Cocktail Lounge — Restaurant in New York

Let it be known, the TWA terminal by Eero Saarinen is a masterpiece of Midcentury architecture. Just outside of the terminal building is this cute little plane lovingly named “Connie”. Inside Connie is where this cocktail bar is, and sadly where the experience dies.

Online you’ll see pictures of rich red textured banquettes, an aviation inspired white interior and upholstered airline seating surrounded by those dreamy white Saarinen Tuilip side tables. Even pictured in their promotional photos is a martini glass; frosted, poured and placed along a table in the banquette. (I’ve attached this false promotional photo to my review).

The reality? Worn and stained red seating, bubbling paint, and those poor airline seats with all the upholstery rubbed away. As we passed the only other three quiet patrons, we approached a “bar” in the very back that more resembled a disorganized chintzy snack closet. The one “bartender” ignored us twice when we said hello. When we mentioned a reservation, he turned the point of sale screen around and told US to search for our own reservation.

The menu? A QR code. Not a horrible choice, yet very much another missed opportunity. I ordered a martini - I saw it online in the frosted glass promo photo. How could a 1960’s themed aviation bar screw up a martini? I’ll tell you how; by pouring an unequal measure of vodka and vermouth in a PLASTIC ROUND GLASS, throwing in days old olives, and then scooping ICE into it. $19.

When we asked where we should sit the man just motioned towards the tables. We sat awkwardly for 15 minutes in the worn airline seats; attempting to find the positive.

It’s a shame; clearly they put a great deal of effort into the restoration of this little airplane, yet after 6 years this experience has been whittled down to plastic glasses, overpriced “cocktails” and an attitude that says “if this airplane bar crashed it might at least warrant an...

I'd like first of all to say all my love for the TWA hotel. What you have done is truly amazing and a unique experience to walk through this amazing hotel. I've been a regular client for several years now and I enjoy every aspect of it.

Unfortunately, I'm writing this review today to complain about the experience and the service I received visiting the hotel on 11/26/23. I went to the airplane bar around 4pm, after the opening and ordered a cocktail. I wanted the fancier plastic cup that was an extra $4 but the waitress did not tell me that I had to pay more for it. So, after paying the $20 for my cocktail, I kindly asked if I could get the drink and pay the extra $4. She said, in a very rude and condescending way, that it was not possible. I asked why, and requested that she would just pour the drink into the other cup and make me pay for it, which she refused to do without even explaining to me why. She looked at me with disdain and I felt really disrespected by her unprofessional behaviour. She giggled at me several times. Maybe because I was wearing a 1960 outfit. I felt really humiliated. It's truly a shame that the hospitality and service quality don't reflect the price of the cocktail and the beauty of the location. Plus, serving a $20 drink into a cheap plastic cup is very lazy and inappropriate. I left the place frustrated and really felt like I was poorly treated. Hopefully someone can speak to this young lady and the management up their standard for the...

10/10 for uniqueness. Circle around to the left from the main entrance, head outside and under the elevated tube that goes to the wing there — and you’ll be at the Connie.

Inside is a lovingly restored (but not lovingly maintained) rust-bucket from a bygone era and I say that with utmost respect. This plane bar like the rest of the TWA hotel is oozing with period charm, but it’s beginning to show its age and losing the battle with rust that appears largely unmitigated.

Could use more upkeep to avoid feeling tired…. But what remains is really special still. Most people will never have been inside an aircraft like this, and you can freely walk around its landing gear and propellers which feels oddly special if you know anything about planes. You can’t just do this around any commercial aircraft usually.

The drinks are pricey, you’ll intrude on someone’s selfie just by existing here, and the whole place is tilted to the rear by a few degrees which feels odd and slightly uncomfortable from the side benches.

Come for a bit, it’s quirky and ultra unique - wish it was kept up better. Definitely a cool backdrop for the weddings that often occur...