Much like bagels, thin-crust pizza, and the Yankees, The Plaza hotel (a Historic Hotel of America) is an iconic symbol of our nation’s largest city. It was the site of Truman Capote’s legendary Black and White Ball, and the setting for the confrontation between Jay Gatsby and Tom Buchanan over Daisy Buchanan’s love in The Great Gatsby. And, of course, it is maybe best known as the permanent residence of the mischievous six-year-old Eloise. It’s also a designated National Historic Landmark, the only hotel in New York to hold this distinction.

The Champagne Bar, located above the check-in area in The Plaza's lobby, is one of the most accessible ways to experience this piece of NYC glamour. Patrons are greeted with high gilt ceilings and chandeliers as soon as they walk in, as well as a selection of dozens of varieties of Champagne and sparkling wine. Most are of the authentic French persuasion, but if you’d like to try some California Brut or Italian Prosecco, they’ve got you covered there, too.

The location of the present-day bar echoes that of the Champagne Porch, a seasonal outdoor restaurant that occupied the space when the hotel originally opened, in 1907. The hotel was closed for a $400 million renovation between May of 2005 and March of 2008, and an additional $17 million update to the Champagne Bar in 2014 ensured that it would look its finest well into the 21st century.

The view from the Champagne Bar can’t be beat—patrons can take in Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain as they sip Champagne cocktails and sample caviar. Bites at the bar include a classy take on the Philly Cheesesteak and a very fancy egg sandwich.

Whether you’re a Champagne aficionado or you’d just like to indulge your blue blood fantasies for the evening, here are a few things you should know before patronizing the Champagne Bar:

Location: The Plaza, 768 5th Ave., New York, NY 10019

Hours: Daily, 7 a.m.–11 p.m.

You’re Having: The Palm Court Burger and a glass of Veuve Cliquot.

Best Yelp Review: "The Plaza may be aging, but she is aging gracefully, and the service was impeccable. This is a great place to hide for drinks!"