Some people announce the arrival of a "speakeasy" so loudly it's about as secret as a Kardashian marriage. But then there's David Rabin and his crew, who have done basically the opposite. Tucked away in an office building back entrance (seriously, you expect a sign that says "deliveries only"), the industrial hallway down to the elevator for this fantastic rooftop bar may be in midtown but yet it couldn't more cool. An elevator leads to a series of sleek corridors and reception up to stellar views of Manhattan in what is decorated as the best living you'll never have. It feels authentically secret in all the right ways. When they took over this spot, the level did not in fact exist, and they built the floor from scratch so the bar was not constrained by existing window bones. So the owners put in as much of a vantage point as possible and the result is stunning. A bar staff with a long history of making drinks with this team (we think we've known Sean for 15 years?) means that cocktails do not get the short shrift here. There's nibbles to match such as little burgers and adorable cocktail franks, and our favourite, mac and cheese "cakes".

$$

terms of use
© Copyright 1998-2024 Hipguide