$3 Beer and Delicate Nibbles at the Rotunda Every Thursday

Another vodka stinger?

As far as cheap haunts are concerned, the Rotunda at Neiman-Marcus would hardly qualify in anyone’s ledger, however it is one of those places visiting friends and relatives have fond memories of from past trips to the City or who have been told about by name-dropping neighbours just back from a sojourn in the picture of refinement, nibbling tea sandwiches, embedded within the tightly-wound ladies who lunch.

To be honest, it is pretty and mums and aunties adore its little perch over Union Square, under the soft glow of the gilded rotunda of the City of Paris.

In a nod to these unsettling times, the bar and lounge at the Rotunda has made a concession to those who are hard-pressed.  Although no blow-out sale, they now host a happy hour every Thursday from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m.  They have a rotating featured cocktail, which, ringing in at $7 is hardly earth-shattering, but definitely cheap for the venue.  They do, however, also feature a $3 beer special, quaff of the commoners.

There are bar snacks offered as well.  Tid-bits like truffled popcorn, gently roasted nuts (over teakwood perhaps?), and more substantial offerings come in the $2 to $6 range.

Although, the atmosphere be rarefied, the staff is nonetheless  professional and real. Bartender Tom will attend to your every whim and query, and is pretty good with the chit-chat.

The Rotunda at Neiman-Marcus
150 Stockton Street (@ Geary)
Fourth Floor
[Union Square]
Photo from something to be desired.