The Round Table

Our Round Table restaurant earned its name from the early dedication of a group of writers, artists and theatrical elite who met at a party in the Pergola Room during the summer of 1919. Soon to become known as "The Vicious Circle", this group of unique characters continued to have lunch every day at the same table for the next 10 years.

The group included Dorothy Parker, Franklin Adams, Robert Benchley, Harold Ross, Robert Sherwood, Alexander Woollcott, George Kaufman, Heywood Broun, Marc Connelly and Edna Ferber.

As years progressed, many in the group worked together and their creativity was inspired and challenged by their association.

The Resident Cat

Since 1923, The Algonquin Hotel has been home to a cat. Billy, the first feline to inhabit the hotel, lived here for 15 years. Oddly enough it was just two days after his passing when a stray cat wandered into the property.  Frank Case adopted him and named him "Hamlet" in honor of famed resident John Barrymore and what he described as his "greatest stage role". A lineage of cats resulted that included eight "Hamlets", and three "Matildas". After 40 years "Hamlet" is again the cat in residence.

The Blue Bar

As the end of Prohibition came in 1933, so too, did The Blue Bar. Evolving out of what was once a stable and referred to as The Annex, our bartenders have been delighting thirsty revelers in Manhattan ever since. The Algonquin's rich history comes to life with the legendary stories that propel over perfectly poured cocktails in one of New York City's iconic drinking destinations.

Dorothy Parker

One of the founding members of the Algonquin Round Table, Dorothy Parker began her career as a theater critic working for Vogue and Vanity Fair. Known for her sharp and witty phrases, her affiliation with The Round Table helped grow her fame and daily newspapers were publishing her phrases. She became known for short stories, poems and screenplays.