There were people sitting at the bar last night when we went for dinner. When you get off the elevator, there were 2 CM’s there asking for your reservation time and name. You have to get thru them to get to the bar, restaurant and terrace. Not sure if they would let you thru without a reservation.
We have been to the bar twice if I recall correctly since Covid. Only about 4 chairs at the bar top. No food served there. I think a seat at the bar might give you access to the patio to look around - A-La Cali grill. But not really sure you could take your drink out and “hang out”.
When we ate there for dinner, we were also asked as soon as we got off elevator, our name for the reservation. There was no one sitting at the bar. The night we were there, It looked to us like it was just used as a service bar for the servers.