With brisk Fall weather kicking into high gear and the frosty temps of Winter right around the corner, New York foodies are on the lookout for dining options that combine the best of both worlds, a warm, cozy ambiance and the great outdoors.
Well, as the song goes, " east side, west side, all around the town", there is no shortage of glamorous rooftop lounges and restaurants in Manhattan, where the drinks are stiff, the bar bites delicious and the view is simply spectacular.
As always, the hospitality industry is dedicated to keeping you as safe as possible during these rocky times we are living in.
So, don't hesitate to make plans with your love or a group of friends and treat yourself to a night out on the town.
There's never been a better time than now to recapture the spirit that made New York the fabled city that never sleeps and the dining and entertainment capital of the world.
Upstairs at the Kimberly - Midtown East
When you take the express elevator from street level up to the gorgeous penthouse, thirty stories above Manhattan, you'll be transported to a glitzy and glam ambiance that will knock your socks off.
Indulgence is always in style in this year-round, glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled oasis which is located at the stylish Kimberly Hotel.
Like something out of a Hollywood movie, the spacious rooftop is home to a stunning, hand-cut bronze bar, Ivy-covered walls, Venetian murals and strings of incandescent light bulbs that seem to float overhead.
Forget the boring outdoor lounge furniture that is oh so typical of most rooftop bars.
The furnishings at Upstairs at the Kimberly have been carefully curated by Pentasia Designs from renowned houses such as B & B Italia, as well as lush, tufted banquette seating from Esquire.
The star of the show is a picture-perfect view of the iconic Chrysler Building. Be ready to get those smartphones out for a wonderful selfie opportunity.
This is a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that makes for an unforgettable evening.
Specialty cocktails include a seductive selection of Martini including the Blood Orange, a blend of Patron Silver Tequila, Orange Liquor, lime juice and agave syrup and the Pear-Tini, made with Grey Goose pear, Elderflower, lemon juice and pear nectar.
Other liquid temptations range from the Botanical Highball, (Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose, lime juice, a splash of grapefruit juice and Maraschino cherries), to a refreshing Cucumber and Mint Collins with simple syrup and seltzer water.
The bar here doesn't pour a bad drink. That having been said, though, the must-try signature cocktail is The Chrysler.
This classic and timeless concoction is made with Champagne, honey, Hennessey Cognac together with fresh lemon and lime juice. You will certainly want to order more than one!
Executive chef Humberto Corona has come up with a delectable menu of small plates that are big on flavor.
Using organic ingredients whenever possible, the chef and his team support local farmers, so you know that everything is fresh.
Two can't miss dishes are the juicy steak skewers, topped with Chimichurri and almond and pepper sauce and the king salmon tartare. Dressed with ginger, sesame seeds and oyster sauce, the salmon is accompanied by a chunk of grilled bread.
In addition to the cheddar and pickle topped Kobe beef sliders, the menu offers options such as the Upstairs Pizza with your choice of prosciutto and spinach or roasted cauliflower.
While whispering sweet nothings to your love over a cocktail, make sure to end your
a meal with a sweet treat like the chocolate molten cake that's accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
You most definitely won't go hungry here!
Location and Hours
The Kimberly Hotel
Penthouse level
145 East 50th Street
New York, N.Y. 10022
(212) 888-1220
Hours
Monday to Thursday 5 PM to 11 PM
Friday 5 PM to 1 AM
Saturday 11 AM to 1 AM
Sunday 11 AM to 11 PM
Haven Rooftop - Midtown West
Located atop the Sanctuary Hotel, Haven Rooftop has a very cool, hip ski lodge type of ambiance. But let's be quite clear; this is NOT your parents' ski lodge in the Catskills if you know what we mean!
The heated, glass-enclosed lounge is cozy beyond belief, making it the perfect place for a date or a romantic rendezvous with your spouse. And, did we mention that there are candles on each table?
Haven Rooftop attracts a diverse array of local residents together with those who work in the nearby office complexes. The crowd ranges from hipsters and fashionistas
to foodies. Yes, the menu here is THAT good!
One of the biggest drawing cards, however, is Havens' super-sensational Happy Hour.
Taking place Monday through Friday, from three until six PM, Haven happy times features select wines and Prosecco by the glass for only $10. Vodka-based mixed drinks are also available for the same price.
On weekends, you can also take advantage of their one-hour bottomless brunch. The cost is just $24 along with the purchase of any brunch entree.
They have a solid crew of barkeeps who mix up one creative libation after another. Just in time to ward off those winter chills is the Apple Cider Mule, a fortifying blend of Tito's Vodka, ginger beer, cinnamon and , of course, apple cider.
The whimsically named Bubbling Kiss mixes premium Dusse Cognac with Grenadine, lemon juice and Prosecco.
Fruit forward is the Solstice; a cocktail that goes down smoothly any time of the year, with a blend of Prosecco, strawberry puree, peach liqueur and a shot of the always welcome Tito's Vodka.
Ingredients like Cazadores Tequila, hibiscus syrup, Cointreau and agave
lend quite a kick to the Red Shy cocktail.
Now, let's take a deep dive into Haven Rooftop's delightful food menu.
When the night is clear and cold and the trees in Central Park are rocking their Autumn colors, what goes down better than a warm bowl of butternut squash soup?
Small plates include a savory cauliflower steak seasoned with a variety of herbs and the crab and avocado palette.
The entrees are a mix of meat, fish and pasta dishes. The quality and attention to detail is what you would expect to find at a fine dining establishment rather than a lounge. So, come hungry!
The light and fluffy gnocchi are tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce with white truffle oil. Your dish also includes a nice portion of Cremini and Shitake mushrooms.
Seafood lovers will enjoy the pan-seared salmon with a side of garlic spinach. The kitchens' signature dish is the Havenly Chicken. Roasted just right with crispy skin and tender meat that's bursting with juices, the chicken is seasoned with Cajun spices and sided up with Beurre Blanc sauce, mesclun salad and fries.
Location and Hours
132 West 47th Street
New York, N.Y. 10036
(212) 466-9000
Hours
Monday to Friday 3 PM to 11 PM
Saturday 4:30 PM to 11 PM
Sunday 4 PM to 11 PM
230 Fifth Rooftop - Flatiron District
Ever since year-round outdoor dining was okayed by the city in late September, all the talk around town has been about trendsetting, innovative options for outdoor dining from fancy heating systems and mini-tents to bubble-like structures that can enclose an individual table.
The fact is, though; the folks over at 230 Fifth Avenue have been ahead of the curve for some time now when it comes to having one of the best and most colorful winter-proof outdoor dining options.
Get ready to dine and drink in absolute comfort inside the Igloo which is located on one of the largest rooftop gardens in NYC!
Available from now through early May, these comfy and cozy igloos are transparent and heated. Situated around the 230 Fifth Avenue rooftop, these futuristic structures allow for a memorable view of the city.
There are currently seventeen igloos on the premises with more on the way! Fear not; if you arrive and find all of the igloos to be occupied, the management will provide you with a complimentary red robe to keep you warm while you wait. Now, that is way cool.
Each igloo is thoroughly cleaned between seatings and igloos cannot be shared with groups that did not come in together, due to Covid restrictions. Feeling safe and having a blast of a time are NOT mutually exclusive.
230 Fifth has an exceptional menu of small bites and cocktails that can be enjoyed either inside an igloo or at their penthouse luxury lounge.
Beat the cold with one of their magnificent hot chocolate creations. You can go basic with the Virgin Hot Chocolate, ( made with melted chocolate chips ) , or get a little adventurous with the boozy version, which is made with Irish Cream and topped with housemade whipped cream.
You might also want to try the Pumpkin Hot Chocolate, a blend of white chocolate and pumpkin liqueur.
Hot cider delights will warm your soul to the max! They include Vodka Apple Cider, Whiskey and Cinnamon Cider and Captain Morgan's Hot Cider. Enough said!
Warm mulled wine and Jamesons' Irish Whiskey and Caramel Coffee are also available.
There are also quite a few specialty cocktails to choose from. One of the most popular drinks is the Raspberry Mojito. Vodka, white rum, muddled mint and fresh raspberries make this a thirst-quenching winner.
Other intriguing choices include a delicious Peach Bellini, the Mango Jalapeno Margarita and the 230 Mai Tai with light rum, coconut rum, Grenadine and pineapple juice.
The food menu is not that extensive. But, you are sure to find something that suits your taste in it.
The beer-battered onion ring tower and house-made fried pickles are appetizer standouts.
230's kitchen excels at several entrees such as the vegetarian ravioli with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and olives, all bathed in a scrumptious garlic cream sauce. The burger, topped with Vermont cheddar is decent but the eggplant Parmesan with melted goat cheese and made from scratch tomato sauce is well worth your time.
Location and Hours
230 Fifth Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10001
(212) 725-4300
Hours
Monday to Thursday 3 PM to 12 AM
Friday 3 PM to 1:30 AM
Saturday 12 PM to 1:30 AM
Sunday 12 PM to 12 AM
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar - Times Square
It's time to come out and play at what has to be the sexiest and most edgy rooftop lounge in the city. It's also one of the most beautiful.
Like so many other rooftop bars and lounges, Magic Hour is located at the top
of a hotel.
With the coronavirus cutting down on tourists coming to the Big Apple, (at least for the time being); it's more important than ever to support our local hotels and their hardworking employees. Even if you don't live in Midtown, make plans to spend some fun time at Magic Hour. It's well worth the walk or subway ride.
Upon gliding through the doors, you really will feel as though you are entering a magical world where time has ceased to exist.
The interior has a chic urban-industrial vibe with wire mesh panels riveted to the ceiling and walls.
There are two strikingly different and totally captivating outdoor spaces. The east side, which overlooks the Empire State Building, has an elegant, oversized topiary garden.
The west end of the outdoor space presents a playful carnival-like ambiance with a mini-putting green, flirty, some might say, naughty animal sculptures and a seating area that revolves around like an old-time carousel. The rabbits, particularly, would feel quite at home at Hugh Hefner's' Playboy Club back in the sixties or seventies.
The cocktail and food menu is as unique as are your surroundings.
One of the most refreshing and delicious drinks you will ever come across is the Slushy Bubbles. Generous pours of Prosecco, Aperol and citrus vodka are served over crushed ice. Feel the chill!
Forgive Me For I Have Ginned lives up to its' name with a nice mix of gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. Another elixir that will capture your fancy is Float My Boat, made with Tequila, caramelized pineapple and jalapeno syrup.
Brunch at Magic Hour is not to be missed. So make those reservations.
You have GOT to start off with a basket of fresh-baked pastries for the table. Selections include a tart cherry scone, blueberry muffin, a flaky croissant and that old-world bakery staple, a cinnamon roll.
Much buzzed about in the neighborhood and on various foodie blogs is the Super Stack Pancakes.
Meant for sharing, these flapjacks come with maple cotton candy, bananas foster, blueberries and an apple compote.
If you are craving something that is more on the savory side, then go for the Egghead on the Roof, a veritable feast of Bacon, egg and cheese on a potato bun, accompanied by hash browns.
There's also an egg white frittata, with zucchini, asparagus and feta cheese that will tempt your appetite.
No matter how your day has been going, a couple of hours spent inside Magic Hour will lift your spirits no end.
Location and Hours
18th floor
The Moxy Hotel
485 Seventh Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10018
(212) 268-0188
Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday to Friday 4 PM to 12 AM
Saturday and Sunday 11:30 Am to 12 AM