Winter, spring, summer and fall may be the traditional markers of the year — but for many New Yorkers, rooftop bar season triumphs over the rest. What’s better than sipping a sumptuous signature cocktail and taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city from many stories up? Pretty much nothing, which is why Bar 54 just climbed to the top (literally) of our must-visit lounge list.
As the tallest rooftop bar in Times Square with iconic views of Midtown and lower Manhattan from the Chrysler Building to the Hudson River, Bar 54 holds court on the 54th floor of the Hyatt Centric Times Square (135 West 45th St). Boasting an expansive open-air terrace that’s open year-round and fully equipped for spring and summer dining, the in-house team is currently sprucing up the space with new seating, tables and menu items to launch in late April.
But there’s no reason to wait: Bar 54’s inventive and elegant cocktail menu (including rotating monthly specials!) is always in style. Current favorites include the Spring Thyme (a light and bright way to welcome the spring season with Hendricks, strega, lemon, cucumber and thyme syrup) and the Gasolina (which drinks like a “Mexican Iced Coffee” with cinnamon-infused 400 conejos mezcal, cold brew concentrate, half and half, vanilla syrup, dutched chocolate syrup and cayenne dust), but there’s something for even the most discerning palate. Of course, there’s a series of mocktails and a plentiful beer and wine list, plus a small tapas-inspired menu stacked with light bites. A lavish charcuterie board or a roasted butternut squash flatbread, anyone?
The Spring Thyme
Now, Midtown may not be your go-to dining and drinking destination, but don’t discount its convenience or proximity to Broadway’s most iconic theaters. Bar 54 offers the ideal location for pre- or post-show libations, but a special occasion isn’t required to attend. Switch up your date night routine by indulging in a cocktail with a side of Instagram-worthy views (seriously, there’s nothing like this on the Upper West Side!), or host a private or semi-private event (get more information here).
In case you’re not already booking a reservation, reviewers rave about their time at Bar 54.
“The bar is just beautiful and the views are amazing. You can walk out onto a deck for a closer view of the city. The drink I had was the absolute best drink of my visit to NYC,” one ecstatic visitor shared.
“An absolutely amazing experience from beginning to end,” another guest wrote. “The location itself is spectacular with an amazing view of Manhattan, a great ambiance, and a friendly vibe. But where it truly shines is the staff. The bartenders are all very knowledgeable and talented, mine was able to make me a perfect drink just from asking my taste preference and mood.”
In a city filled with options, deciding where to go can pose a challenge. Skip the back and forth and elevate your experience with Bar 54.
Reservations are recommended (via Resy), and guests must be 21+ to enter. Learn more about Bar 54 here.
