Recently my sister and I met for a delicious lunch at Sarabeth’s on 27th Street and Park Avenue South. It was lots of fun to catch up and enjoy window shopping in New York’s Flatiron District. As we made our way up 27th Street towards Sixth Avenue, a large bronze statue sitting on a bench greeted us as the entrance to a bar named Oscar Wilde. Since Oscar Wilde is one of my sister’s favorite authors/playwrights, we just had to go inside. We were so glad that we did!
Oscar Wilde NYC
Upon entering, you feel as though you stepped into the private parlor of a wealthy Victorian family. All around are beautiful furnishings, artwork, and objects, including 26 antique clocks all set to 1:50, the time of Oscar Wilde’s death.
The bar, at 1118.5 feet, is the longest in New York City. The cocktail menu is fun with drinks such as “50 Shades of Dorian Gray” and “My Bookie’s Wife’s Cocktail,” which is what I ordered and thoroughly enjoyed!
Wilde’s quotations are scattered about the space. It is fun to walk around and look for them like Hidden Mickeys at Disney World!
Some of my favorite Oscar Wilde quotes are:
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.”
“Pleasure without champagne is purely artificial.”
“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”
About Oscar Wilde
Oscar Fingal O’Flahertie Wills Wilde was born on October 16, 1854 in Dublin, Ireland to Sir William Wilde (a doctor) and Jane Wilde (a poet). He was a bright student and studied Roman and Greek history at Oxford University. After Oxford, he moved to London where he became known for his great wit and flamboyant style. The Picture of Dorian Gray, his only novel, was widely condemned by Victorian critics for “immoral content” but it is one of this most acclaimed works. Oscar Wilde was very successful on stage with such comedies as Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892), An Ideal Husband (1895), and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895). Unfortunately, Wilde was imprisoned for two years on charges of “gross indecency” because of his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas. He died of meningitis on November 30, 1900, three years after his release, at the age of 46.
Although I did not order from their dining menu this time, I already plan to return next month for dinner with my girlfriends. Visiting the bar even inspired me to read more of Oscar Wilde’s works. I encourage you to visit this unique and special place if you are ever visiting New York!
OSCAR WILDE
45 WEST 27TH STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10001
(212) 213-3066
OSCARWILDENYC.COM
