The Stinger Cocktail Bar and Kitchen at the InterContinental Times Square has managed something rather remarkable – creating a hotel bar that doesn’t feel like a hotel bar. This sleek cocktail den tucked away on 44th Street offers a genuine respite from the Times Square chaos just steps away, striking that perfect balance between sophisticated and approachable.

What makes this place worth visiting is the surprising marriage of craft cocktails and their unique honey-forward approach. With rooftop beehives supplying their signature ingredient, drinks like their Stinger Sour or Honey Collins offer subtle sweetness and complexity that elevates them beyond typical Midtown fare. The cocktail program, designed by mixologist Jadis Marcial, incorporates seasonal infusions and house-made syrups that showcase their rooftop honey in creative ways.

The food menu complements the drinks perfectly – small plates designed for sharing and substantial enough to constitute a meal if you’re lingering. Their flatbreads and charcuterie boards make perfect companions to the cocktail program, while more substantial offerings satisfy pre-theater diners in a hurry.

What ultimately sets The Stinger apart from countless other Midtown bars is its genuine commitment to quality and atmosphere. Low lighting, comfortable seating arranged for conversation, and staff who strike that perfect balance between attentive and relaxed create an experience that feels like a genuine escape. It’s the rare Times Square establishment that actual New Yorkers might willingly visit, even without out-of-town guests to entertain.