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Tue / Jan 26
Party Earth Review Perched on the twelfth floor of the elegant Empire Hotel – home to one of the main characters on the TV show Gossip Girl – is the exclusive Rooftop Bar and Lounge, an upscale nightspot where pumping DJ music sets a sexy... ... read full review
The Empire Hotel
44 West 63rd Street, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10023
1: 66th Street-Lincoln Center-Broadway
212-956-3313
Su–M 5pm–midnight, Tu–W 5pm–2am, Th–Sa 5pm–4am
Upper West Side, New York –
Perched on the twelfth floor of the elegant Empire Hotel – home to one of the main characters on the TV show Gossip Girl – is the exclusive Rooftop Bar and Lounge, an upscale nightspot where pumping DJ music sets a sexy tone for the stiletto-wearing cosmopolitan set sprawled on the leather banquettes.
Consisting of both indoor and outdoor spaces, the main penthouse area features a sleek décor of browns and blacks lit up just enough by the floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as eye-catching details like the row of unusual gold lighting fixtures and a stainless steel bar with a stenciled black bubble motif.
One of the coolest hangouts in town, weekdays see sophisticated young professionals stopping in to sip drinks by candlelight, while the weekends bring in a slightly more party-oriented crowd of twenty-something urbanites looking to mingle and dance.
For a relaxing break, guests can wander out to the West Terrace – one of the two outdoor spaces – whose retractable glass roof makes it a great year-round spot for lounging on beige banquettes to enjoy the views of Lincoln Center and the Upper West Side. A working fireplace, potted palms, and candlelit cocktail tables combine to create a seductive vibe for lovers lingering over cocktails.
The East Terrace offers yet another laid-back space, where ivied white trellises, flickering lanterns, and little loveseats – all bathed in the neon glow of the famous Hotel Empire sign – create a whimsical garden environment.
Inside or out, the Rooftop Bar is the perfect enclave for patrons looking to rub elbows with the socialites or simply savor the view and a bit of conversation with friends in a chic and sexy atmosphere.
Stylish young professionals, corporate types, and socialites, mid-20s to 30s. Older crowd on Sundays and Mondays. Occasional celebs.
A DJ plays mostly club and popular dance music Wednesdays through Saturdays starting around 9pm. Live jazz on Mondays and Tuesdays 6:30–9:30pm.
Bar menu designed by chef Ed Brown includes fried calamari, coconut shrimp, and cheese plates and is available Su–W 5–11pm and Th–Sa 5pm–midnight.
The Pool Deck and glass-enclosed pool with retractable roof is open to hotel guests only, but may be available for private events.
Menu $11–$24. Beer $7–$8, wine $12–$18, cocktails $16, bottles $300+.
Trendy/dressy. Collared shirts, stylish tops, dresses, heels. Dress code: no jeans, sneakers, or t-shirts.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights for the biggest crowds, or any day of the week for the sunset.
The well-reputed Bar Boulud (1900 Broadway) is a good choice for dinner before drinks at Empire.
The Empire Hotel Rooftop User Reviews