So many people dream of coming to New York City at least once in their lives. And so many people want to see the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the oldest Macy’s department store in the US, Grand Central Station, the Brooklyn Bridge, and, the most iconic NYC landmark, featured in movies, TV, and artwork, the Empire State Building. Visitors in NYC line up for hours to get to the top and they still can’t get enough of it! Some visitors even look for restaurants with a view of the Empire State Building, reliving scenes from iconic movies, including An Affair to Remember. Check out these hotels with parking and hotels near the Empire State Building that you can book during your trip. Which restaurant will you visit? Keep reading for our list of top restaurants with a view of the Empire State Building.
Upcoming events at the Empire State Building:
- Witness the unforgettable Fourth of July celebrations from the Empire State Building. Every year, the building has a special viewing party where guests get to watch the Macy's fireworks go off from the open-air 86th Floor Observatory. Food and drinks are also supplied.
- If you're in the mood to test your endurance, I recommend participating in the annual Empire State Building Run-Up, where you'll have to climb 1,576 steps to reach the building's 86th Floor Observatory. The race is organized in October.
About the Empire State Building
The famous Empire State Building is 1,250 feet (381 meters) tall, making it the fourth tallest building in the United States. Apart from being featured in the now iconic song, Empire State of Mind, the building has also been seen in many movies and TV shows and is said to be the most photographed building in the world. Visitors flock to the building to admire panoramic views of the city from its open-air observatory on the 86th floor.
Tips for visiting:
- Buy tickets online on the Empire State Building's official website for a hassle-free experience. You'll also find other perks such as tickets to see the fireworks for the Fourth of July celebration.
- To avoid crowds, visit the building between 12pm and 2pm.
Recommended tours:
Restaurants with views of the Empire State Building
1. Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to dine at a restaurant that not only gives you amazing views of the Empire State Building, but the rest of the city as well, book a table at Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room. Located on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center, it offers unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, as well as the Empire State Building.
Guests should keep in mind that the restaurant is only open for private events.
Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room
Address: Rainbow Room, 30 Rockefeller Plz, Fl 65, Midtown West, New York, NY 10112
Website: Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room
Opening Hours: Open for private events only
Reservation required: Yes
What guests are saying about the restaurant and view:
“Feels like the most New York thing to do ever (whatever that means) amazing views on side of the manhatten skyline and the Empire State and central park the other. We booked a table at BarSixtyFive around 8 weeks prior and really enjoyed a couple of drinks and the meat sharing platter (its huge).” - by Google reviewer, Andrew Isted
2. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Good morning NYC . . #230fifth #230fifthrooftop #nycrooftops #nyrooftopbars #outdoorbars
Posted by 230 Fifth: Best Heated Rooftop Bar/Club/Restaurant In NYC on Tuesday, November 8, 2022
If you’re looking for a rooftop bar with a view of the Empire State Building with a luxe atmosphere, visit 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar. Reservations are not necessary, but if you want to secure the igloo for you and your companions, make a booking. Do note, that all reservations have a minimum spend, must be prepaid, and there is also a dress code. If you want a lighter atmosphere during your stay, check out the Brunch Buffet during the weekends.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
Address: 230 5th Ave, Ste 1018 b/t 26th St & 27th St , New York, NY 10001
Website: 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
Opening Hours: Mon - Thu: 2pm - 1am; Fri: 2pm - 3am; Sat: 11:30am - 4am; Sun: 11:30am - 1am
Must eat: Cheese platter, The Impossible Burger, chocolate/caramel mini pancakes, steak frites. View the menu here.
Reservation required: No
What guests are saying about the restaurant and view:
“The views from the rooftop are simply stunning, offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Flatiron Building. You can also see the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades…” - by Google reviewer, Benjie Ventura
New York City Tour Guide
Hiram Jacobs
I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Canada's largest cities and Australia's most popular cities, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, and San Francisco. During my international travels, I participa... Read more
Tours by Hiram
New York City Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of... Read more
Tours by Stephanie
3. Top of the Strand
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Votes as one the top 10 rooftop bars in the world by Premier Traveler Magazine, Top of the Strand Rooftop is open every day, from 5 am to midnight, with a DJ providing live music Thursdays to Saturdays, from 7 pm to 11 pm. Located on the 21st floor of the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse Hotel, they offer amazing views of the Manhattan Skyline, year round. This is definitely a great place to bring your partner or spouse for some quiet, intimate time with each other.
Top of the Strand
Address: 33 W 37th St, Fl 21, b/t Avenue Of The Americas & 5th Ave, Midtown West, New York, NY 10018
Website: Top of the Strand
Opening Hours: Wed - Sat: 5pm - 12am (closed Sun - Tue)
Must eat: View the menu here.
Reservation required: No
What guests are saying about the restaurant and view:
“Great view of the Empire State Building! We reserved a table at this place for the view, stayed for the drinks and the experience…” - by Google reviewer, Atanas Petrov
4. ART NoMad
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to just chill, enjoy your drink, and soak up the views of NYC, then climb up to ART NoMad in Arlo Nomad Hotel. Their creative cocktails are named after songs and include options such as Never Gonna Give You Up, which is also the name of the famous song by singer Rick Astley, and Super Freak, Rick James’ 1981 hit. Or, if you prefer, you can also spend time on the rooftop with a glass of wine or a bottle of beer.
If you’re feeling brave, go on the Sky Walk, a glass floor with the city under it.
ART NoMad
Address: 11 East 31st Street, New York, NY 10016
Website: ART NoMad
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 4pm - 11pm; Sat - Sun: 2pm - 11pm
Must eat & drink: Never Gonna Give You Up, charcuterie plate, nomad dog, Let’s Groove. View the menu here.
Reservation required: No
What guests are saying about the restaurant and view:
“One of the coolest, more underrated rooftops in NYC. I especially love it cause you get a great view of the Empire State Building and sunsets here are absolutely beautiful…” - by Google reviewer, Vignesh Theetharappan
5. Balcon Rooftop Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This lovely rooftop gem in Midtown Manhattan is a good place for everyone, whether you’re an omnivore or a vegan, if you drink cocktails or beer. Balcon Rooftop Bar, on top of the Marmara Park Ave, has gorgeous views of the Empire State Building and the rest of the Manhattan skyline. Happy hours are every day from 4pm to 7pm. And if you want appetizers to go with your drinks, they offer Shrimp canapé, smoked salmon canapé, mix canapés plate, hot dogs, and more.
Balcon Rooftop Bar
Address: 114 E 32ND St. New York, NY 10016
Website: Balcon Rooftop Bar
Opening Hours: 4pm to 12am (daily)
Must eat: Mix canapés plate, hot dogs, caesar salad. View the menu here.
Reservation required: Not specified
6. Spyglass Rooftop Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Located on the 22nd floor of the Archer Hotel, the Spyglass Rooftop Bar is open all year round when you want to enjoy your drinks with the best NYC city views, including the Empire State Building. The whole place is inspired by the movie “Rear Window”, where the customers get to be voyeurs, spying on the city below. It’s a great place to catch up with friends and colleagues, before grabbing dinner.
Spyglass Rooftop Bar
Address: 47 W 38th St, Fl 22, Midtown West, New York, NY 10018
Website: Spyglass Rooftop Bar
Opening Hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 12am; Sun: 3pm - 10pm; Brunch (Sat - Sun): 11am - 3pm
Must eat: Ritz calamari, ratatouille + burrata stack, tuna tartare, Warsteiner cheese fondue, salted caramel bourbon shake. View the menu here.
Reservation required: No
What guests are saying about the restaurant and view:
“Great drinks, unobstructed views of Empire state building and not too loud music…” - by Google reviewer, HANE Xxxx
7. Castell
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Castell Rooftop Bar has both an indoor cocktail lounge and an outdoor backyard garden lounge, depending on your mood. Whether you stay inside or outside, you’ll get amazing skyline views of the city, while sipping on your cocktail or wine. Their signature drink is the classic martini. If you’re not feeling into martinis, there’s wine, sherry, or beer. And, if you don’t drink, they also offer non-alcoholic drinks and a small plates menu.
Castell
Address: 260 W 40th St, Fl 21, b/t 7th Ave & 8th Ave, Midtown West, Theater District, New York, NY 10018
Website: Castell
Opening Hours: Sun: 4pm - 10pm; Mon - Thu: 4pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 12am
Must eat: Castell Caesar salad, four cheese grilled cheese, Thai chicken skewer, warm chocolate chunk cookie sundae. View the menu here.
Reservation required: Not specified
What guests are saying about the restaurant and view:
“Great rooftop bar with large fireplace/bar area indoors and space heaters for the balcony outdoors. Views of the Empire State Building and great drinks.” - by Google reviewer, Daniel Seiter
Restaurant near the Empire State Building
8. St. Cloud
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to be in the heart of the action in NYC and Manhattan, then St. Cloud Rooftop Bar, on the top of the Knickerbocker Hotel, is where you need to be. You can sit inside the indoor lounge area or outdoors, if it’s not too cold, and lounge in one of the plush corner Skypods. Enjoy your drinks and tapas while you watch the day pass by and stare at the magnificent famous buildings around the city. Be sure to check out their events schedule beforehand, so you can take advantage of wine tastings and pairings.
St. Cloud
Address: 6 Times Square, b/t 7th Ave & Broadway, Theater District, Midtown West, New York, NY 10036
Website: St. Cloud
Opening hours: 4pm to 11pm (daily)
Must eat: Braised short rib empanadas, mini Knick cheeseburgers, the Knick cookie plate. View the menu here.
Reservation required: Not specified
Empire State Building in your mind
It may be a very popular attraction and can get crowded but the Empire State Building has a certain charm that makes you want to come back to it again and again. It forms part of the various cool neighborhoods that make up the city. With the combination of great department stores and shopping spots, you’re in for a treat visiting the Empire State Building. But sometimes we want to see the building itself and not the view from the top. In that case, these restaurants with a view of the Empire State Building are the best places to visit. Which one is your favorite?
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