The elevator to the rooftop was not working. We waited for over 10 minutes for anyone to assist us to get the hotel elevators. Then we had to lug our heavy luggage up 3 flights to get to the rooftop. They were not helpful, would not let us check our bags on the ground floor (we were going immediately to the airport), and really didn't care and even complained that they had to “deal with” us. The server at the top made up for it - she was lovely, quick to get our food. The drinks were overrated.
Keely
Made a reservation prior to our show. Was looking forward to the bar experience and some food but when I arrived the hostess informed that the kitchen was down and did not know when it would be up and running again. We had some drinks and chips and guacamole because that was all they could offer. The drinks were fine but when we'd asked for the bill we noticed another table getting tacos. At no point in time did any of the waitstaff alert us to other “cold” food options we could have had. I am in no rush to return there.
clinora
I always take my visitors up to the Empire Rooftop Bar. The view is great and the food, drinks and service always excellent! The ambience is friendly and casually elegant. The location can't be beat for an Upper Westsider with guests!
Aurelie
Très mauvaise expérience. Réservation faite en famille pour 18h30 car les enfants doivent être partis pour 20h. On arrive pensant être dehors, principe du rooftop. Mais ce n'est pas le cas sou prétexte qu'on ne l'a pas précisé, ce qui n'est pas possible sous open table. On se retrouve à l'intérieur avec une musique à fond, impossible de s'entendre. Des tarifs très élevés, un service très distant. Très déçus.
Gernot
Unsere Tochter, 13J: „Es war sehr toll und hatte Gossip Girl vibes. Habe mich gefühlt wie Blair Waldorf, vor allem als ich neben Chuck‘s Aufsteller stand. Jeder der Gossip Girl geschaut hat sollte sich das nicht entgehen lassen.“
Michael
Nice rooftop. Getting to the rooftop was weird. We had to goto 11th floor and go up stairs. They were using the elevator for something else. The waiters are nice. The ambiance was nice too. Food is good. I tried two drinks from the menu tha I never tried before. Risky I know. Negroni and gossip girl drink. The drinks were not good. Either the drinks themselves were gross or the bartenders are trash. It's possible it was the drinks themselves that were bad. I will go again but will be more careful about drinks.
Charles
Even on a rainy day, the views and vibe from the inside areas are outstanding. We love the shared plate selections and very much appreciated our attentive and efficient server and, in fact, all the staff.
Donna
We loved the Gossip Girl theme for our daughter. I just wish someone would answer the phone, return calls, and fix the elevator
roopali
Cocktails are always good. Mushroom flatbread was delicious, oysters Rockefeller were just ok. Service, vibes, and view are always lovely.
Kurt
Went to have a drink and some appetizers before the opera with my wife and daughter. It was a nice night and we sat outside. The drinks were good as well as the appetizers. Service was ok. However, Empire Hotel you need to clean the cushions on those couches outside as well the wicker chairs. Nice rooftop but the filthy cushions and chairs ruin it. I sat in the wicker chair had black slacks on and when I stood up the dirt was all over my slacks as well as my wife's slacks. They should be cleaned daily and the cushions need a deep clean. Management needs to pay attention to such details. Guess do not want to leave with dirt on them.
Always on point. My favorite go to for brunch. Cocktails are great, service is great and rooftop is the best in NYC.
Melanie
We happened to be there on a gorgeous night, but it was all pretty perfect. The drinks are super pricey, but very nicely done and the food is...fine. The view and overall experience is great and love that it's one of the few rooftop bars you can reserve a table for. Great option for before a Lincoln Center show. Be warned that the line for the elevator can be quite long going back down. Overall, it was a great pick and I'll be there again!
Robert
We were significantly inconvenienced due to elevators serving the restaurant being out of service. We had take hotel elevator to upper floor and walk up 3 sets of stair to a utility entrance to the restaurant . At 85 , with cane, its was not welcome and we had no notice! While it was a lovely day and it is a roof top, views were limited by surrounding buildings. Service was prompt but not friendly Food was average. Shrimp were ample but over cooked. Will not return.
Rhiannon
Service was a bit slow and the server wasn't familiar with opening champagne and it exploded when he popped the cork spilling everywhere. It was Veuve yellow label and there was nothing done for the loss of champagne.
julia
Super posh lounge area...perfect for this time of year. Service was great...custom cocktails were fantastic.
The elevator to the rooftop was not working. We waited for over 10 minutes for anyone to assist us to get the hotel elevators. Then we had to lug our heavy luggage up 3 flights to get to the rooftop. They were not helpful, would not let us check our bags on the ground floor (we were going immediately to the airport), and really didn't care and even complained that they had to “deal with” us. The server at the top made up for it - she was lovely, quick to get our food. The drinks were overrated.
Made a reservation prior to our show. Was looking forward to the bar experience and some food but when I arrived the hostess informed that the kitchen was down and did not know when it would be up and running again. We had some drinks and chips and guacamole because that was all they could offer. The drinks were fine but when we'd asked for the bill we noticed another table getting tacos. At no point in time did any of the waitstaff alert us to other “cold” food options we could have had. I am in no rush to return there.
I always take my visitors up to the Empire Rooftop Bar. The view is great and the food, drinks and service always excellent! The ambience is friendly and casually elegant. The location can't be beat for an Upper Westsider with guests!
Très mauvaise expérience. Réservation faite en famille pour 18h30 car les enfants doivent être partis pour 20h. On arrive pensant être dehors, principe du rooftop. Mais ce n'est pas le cas sou prétexte qu'on ne l'a pas précisé, ce qui n'est pas possible sous open table. On se retrouve à l'intérieur avec une musique à fond, impossible de s'entendre. Des tarifs très élevés, un service très distant. Très déçus.
Unsere Tochter, 13J: „Es war sehr toll und hatte Gossip Girl vibes. Habe mich gefühlt wie Blair Waldorf, vor allem als ich neben Chuck‘s Aufsteller stand. Jeder der Gossip Girl geschaut hat sollte sich das nicht entgehen lassen.“
Nice rooftop. Getting to the rooftop was weird. We had to goto 11th floor and go up stairs. They were using the elevator for something else. The waiters are nice. The ambiance was nice too. Food is good. I tried two drinks from the menu tha I never tried before. Risky I know. Negroni and gossip girl drink. The drinks were not good. Either the drinks themselves were gross or the bartenders are trash. It's possible it was the drinks themselves that were bad. I will go again but will be more careful about drinks.
Even on a rainy day, the views and vibe from the inside areas are outstanding. We love the shared plate selections and very much appreciated our attentive and efficient server and, in fact, all the staff.
We loved the Gossip Girl theme for our daughter. I just wish someone would answer the phone, return calls, and fix the elevator
Cocktails are always good. Mushroom flatbread was delicious, oysters Rockefeller were just ok. Service, vibes, and view are always lovely.
Went to have a drink and some appetizers before the opera with my wife and daughter. It was a nice night and we sat outside. The drinks were good as well as the appetizers. Service was ok. However, Empire Hotel you need to clean the cushions on those couches outside as well the wicker chairs. Nice rooftop but the filthy cushions and chairs ruin it. I sat in the wicker chair had black slacks on and when I stood up the dirt was all over my slacks as well as my wife's slacks. They should be cleaned daily and the cushions need a deep clean. Management needs to pay attention to such details. Guess do not want to leave with dirt on them.
Restaurantji Recommends
Always on point. My favorite go to for brunch. Cocktails are great, service is great and rooftop is the best in NYC.
We happened to be there on a gorgeous night, but it was all pretty perfect. The drinks are super pricey, but very nicely done and the food is...fine. The view and overall experience is great and love that it's one of the few rooftop bars you can reserve a table for. Great option for before a Lincoln Center show. Be warned that the line for the elevator can be quite long going back down. Overall, it was a great pick and I'll be there again!
We were significantly inconvenienced due to elevators serving the restaurant being out of service. We had take hotel elevator to upper floor and walk up 3 sets of stair to a utility entrance to the restaurant . At 85 , with cane, its was not welcome and we had no notice! While it was a lovely day and it is a roof top, views were limited by surrounding buildings. Service was prompt but not friendly Food was average. Shrimp were ample but over cooked. Will not return.
Service was a bit slow and the server wasn't familiar with opening champagne and it exploded when he popped the cork spilling everywhere. It was Veuve yellow label and there was nothing done for the loss of champagne.
Super posh lounge area...perfect for this time of year. Service was great...custom cocktails were fantastic.
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