128 Bar & Bistro – Society of Illustrators

Based on the rising Covid cases in NYC, the Society has decided it is in everyone’s best interest, for safety reasons, to pause food service temporarily. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate these challenging times.

DRINKS
Signature Cocktails – $14 Each

Papercut
Sweet enough to sting!
Absolute Citron, Chamboard, Aperol

Rockwell
Named after the iconic illustrator.
who donated the painting behind the bar.
Maker’s Mark Whisky, Simple Syrup, Lemonade

Kirby
Bursting with Cosmic Energy.
Belvedere Peach, Blueberries, Raspberries, Sour Mix, Club Soda

Marga-Retta Scott
Extra Colorful Margarita on the Rocks.
Patron, Grand Marnier, Sour Mix, Lime juice, Blue Curacao

Eastman
A Long Island Iced Tea from the sewers!
Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Triple Sec, Blue Curacao and sour mix, topped with Midori and Red Cherries

Mignola
Enough to make you think you have the Right hand of Doom.
Sailor Jerry Rum, Vanilla Smirnoff, Coke, Grenadine.

Eisner
A new take inspired by a classic artist.
Drumshanbo Gin, Italicus, Lime Juice, Absinthe, and Club Soda

Schultz
(Non-Alchoholic) – $8
Made to mimic the iconic shirt.
Lemonade, Seedlip Grove Citrus 42, Blueberries

Watterson (Non-Alchoholic) – $8
Resembles the watercolor paintings from a famous Sunday Strip.
Orange juice, Pineapple Juice, Grenadine

Small snacks also available!

Originally built in 1951, the bar was housed in what is now our fourth floor Library. Closed to the public, the lounge area was only open to members and was a place for illustrators and art directors to discuss business. In the 1960s the bar was relocated to the third floor within the Hall of Fame Gallery and welcomed all visitors to the Society, a tradition that continues today.

In 1939, Norman Rockwell gifted the Society with his painting “The Dover Coach”, a large-scale oil painting featuring Christmas travelers created for The Saturday Evening Post, and this famous painting now lives permanently above the bar.

The Society’s Bar is open to the public. Please plan ahead and refer to our safety protocols when visiting the Museum. Members receive a 10% discount on their final bill. Admission tickets required.

128 Bar & Bistro Hours:
Bar Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Bistro Hours: CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

History of the bar and restaurant at the Society of Illustrators

In August 1939, the Society purchased the building and renovations began, converting what was once a stable area into a private club for illustrators and art directors.

By 1952, renovations were made to the Third Floor, creating a private gathering space for members and their guests. A bar was added that sported carvings that once graced Charles Dana Gibson’s dining room sideboard, and was completed with an original Norman Rockwell, gifted to the Society by the artist himself.

Today, visitors to The 128 Bar & Bistro will find a perfect pairing of new and old, with modern touches to classic New York favorites. More recently, the Society has converted the space to display artwork, balancing historic pieces alongside today’s talented newcomers.

Now open to the public, guests are invited to view cutting edge shows featuring the best in illustration, comic, and cartoon art while enjoying our seasonal eats, sweets and sips! And the glorious outdoor patio offers visitors an experience where the space is as fantastic as the art!