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Refinery Rooftop
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Refinery Rooftop
7.9
A stylish rooftop with strong photo-and-view payoff—best for a romantic drink-first plan where food supports the night, not the other way around. Stick to crowd-pleasing shareables and one entrée; the setting is the headline, and the best dates here keep it light and moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brick Chicken, Truffle Bianca Flatbread, Brunch Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A rooftop scene where views and design drive the date-night appeal.
Who should go: Couples who want cocktails with skyline energy.
When to visit: Sunset for drinks, then a late bite.
What to order: Brick chicken, truffle flatbread, brunch burger.
Insider tip: Lead with cocktails—treat dinner as a supporting act.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Nearby garages in the Garment District are available but pricey; street parking is very limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished—especially at night.
Noise level: Moderate to loud. Conversation is possible, but expect music and crowd energy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially around sunset.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; more relaxed daytime flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several shareables and lighter mains work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-forward sides or modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free items and modifiable dishes; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if drinks and atmosphere matter more than a long sit-down meal. The views create instant momentum, which helps ease first-date pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends are tough. Walk-ins usually end up waiting or standing; reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. This is an adult-leaning rooftop with a cocktail-driven scene; better suited for teens and up, if at all.
Best For
Better for: Skyline views, rooftop ambiance, and photo-ready date energy compared to standard Midtown lounges.
Skip if: You want a food-first dining experience, quiet conversation, or a relaxed, linger-all-night dinner—choose a traditional restaurant instead.
Refinery Rooftop
8.3
Vibes:
Rooftop Views Revelry
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Trendy Table Hotspots
A stylish rooftop where the view-and-design payoff is the headline, and the menu is best treated as a supporting cast. The winning move is drinks first, then a curated order of crowd-pleasing plates that won’t bog down the night. Ideal for birthdays and date nights when you want energy without a club scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brick chicken, Truffle flatbread, One signature cocktail
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A rooftop built for photos, cocktails, and celebratory momentum.
Who should go: Groups and couples who want skyline energy.
When to visit: Sunset for drinks, then a late bite.
What to order: Brick chicken; truffle flatbread; a signature cocktail.
Insider tip: Keep the order tight—over-ordering slows the whole vibe.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; nearby paid garages are the practical option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if styled well; many guests lean cocktail-attire for photos.
Noise level: Lively. Conversation is possible but expect background buzz, especially near sunset.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation, longer around sunset.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily an evening rooftop destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several shareables and sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of adaptable plates; ask the server.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free items, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want energy and atmosphere to carry the night. It’s less intimate than a quiet dining room but great for breaking the ice over cocktails.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights, but weekends are tough. Walk-ins often wait or end up at high-tops or bar areas.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. Best for adults; the vibe, pricing, and late-night energy skew toward celebrations and dates.
Best For
Better for: Skyline views, birthday energy, and photo-ready cocktails without a nightclub feel.
Skip if: You’re prioritizing food quality, quiet conversation, or a long sit-down dinner — choose a restaurant-first venue instead.
Refinery Rooftop
8.7
A year-round rooftop with a retractable roof and a close-up Empire State Building backdrop—built for groups who want a real “night out” without club chaos. The food is best treated as polished bar fare (flatbreads, tacos, fried snacks) that keeps the table moving while the cocktail program does the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
White-truffle flatbread, Tuna tacos, Frozen Eggnog cocktail (seasonal)
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A true all-seasons rooftop with Empire State Building views and big-room energy.
Who should go: After-work groups and celebrators who want a rooftop table.
When to visit: Weeknights pre-8pm for the smoothest entry and service.
What to order: Truffle flatbread; tuna tacos; one signature cocktail round.
Insider tip: Order food early, then switch to drinks—kitchens slow at peak.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Limited street parking; garages nearby on W 38th–39th St typically $25–$40 evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Nice jeans are fine, but groups tend to look polished—no gym shorts or flip-flops.
Noise level: Loud at peak. Conversation is possible early, but expect high-energy, music-forward volume after 8pm.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening and after-work destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – flatbreads, salads, and shareable sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of adaptable items; best to ask server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some naturally gluten-free small plates, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for confident, social first dates than intimate ones. The view and energy create instant momentum, but it’s loud and group-oriented at peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Arrive before 7pm on weeknights or right at opening on weekends for the best chance; later arrivals should expect a wait or standing space.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. This is an adult, cocktail-driven rooftop. Teens might be fine early, but it’s not designed for children or families.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, after-work celebrations, and all-season rooftop hangs with a true skyline payoff.
Skip if: You want a quiet, food-driven meal or an intimate conversation-heavy night—choose a calmer rooftop or traditional restaurant instead.
Refinery Rooftop
8.2
Vibes:
Rooftop Views Revelry
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
An industrial-chic rooftop built for photo-ready Midtown nights, with a retractable roof that keeps it in play year-round. Treat the menu as support: cocktails first, then a few crowd-pleasing plates that keep the table moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle flatbread, Tuna tacos, Signature cocktail round
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A year-round-feeling rooftop with big-room Midtown energy.
Who should go: Groups celebrating who want a rooftop table.
When to visit: Weeknights pre-8pm for easiest entry.
What to order: A cocktail round; truffle flatbread; tuna tacos.
Insider tip: Keep the order tight—service slows when it’s packed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Multiple nearby garages in the Garment District; expect $25–40 evenings. Street parking is very limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Dressy casual to dressy. Jeans are fine if polished, but most guests lean cocktail-attire for photos.
Noise level: Loud and energetic—conversation is possible at the table, but this is not a quiet rooftop.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation, longer on warm-weather Saturdays.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening rooftop destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—flatbreads, salads, and vegetable-forward small plates work well.
Vegan options: Limited—some salads or sides can be modified, but not a strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited—naturally gluten-free small plates and salads; cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for confident, social first dates than intimate ones. The vibe and views do the work, but it’s loud and busy—great if you want energy, less ideal for deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights early, but weekends are tough. Walk-ins are more realistic for standing drinks or late-night slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. This is an adult, nightlife-leaning rooftop best suited for 21+ groups and celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Large-group celebrations, birthday energy, and photo-driven rooftop nights with year-round reliability thanks to the retractable roof.
Skip if: You want a quiet date, food-first dining, or guaranteed seating without planning—consider smaller or reservation-only rooftops instead.
Refinery Rooftop
8.7
A Garment District rooftop built for after-hours decompression: cocktails first, then shareable "light fare" anchored by burgers and pizzas. It’s at its best for late-night social pacing—one round on arrival, food that won’t slow the table down, and a skyline-facing room that keeps the energy up without turning into a full club.
Must-Try Dishes:
Double Patty Burger, Whacked Up Steak, Shareable pizzas & dips
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Empire State Building-facing rooftop with reliable late-night food support.
Who should go: After-work groups and visitors chasing rooftop energy
When to visit: Fri–Sat late for the liveliest room
What to order: Double Patty Burger, Whacked Up Steak, a pizza tier for sharing
Insider tip: Order food before the kitchen cut-off so the night stays seamless.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages nearby but expensive late night. Rideshare or subway is easiest.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy—jeans are fine, but clean shoes and a put-together look matter.
Noise level: Moderate to loud late night—conversation is possible but expect to lean in during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes Fri–Sat after 9pm without a reservation; earlier evenings are easier.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening and late-night destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pizzas, sides, and shareable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify a pizza or order select sides; not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some items can be adapted, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a casual-first-date vibe. The rooftop views and cocktails create instant atmosphere, but peak late-night noise can make long conversations harder.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early evenings and weeknights are realistic walk-ins; late Fri–Sat nights often mean a wait or standing room until something opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. This is an adult-focused rooftop bar environment, best for 21+ crowds, especially at night.
Best For
Better for: Late-night rooftop energy with actual food support—stronger than cocktail-only rooftops when the group wants to keep drinking without leaving for a meal.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate rooftop or a food-forward dining experience—choose a restaurant-first rooftop instead.
Refinery Rooftop
8.7
A Midtown rooftop that leans into skyline drama and a crowd-ready menu built for cocktails-first ordering. The best move is to treat it like an after-work lounge: a strong first round, one shareable starter, and a clear view seat before it turns into a full-room scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skillet cinnamon rolls, Hummus platter, Truffle fries
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Empire State views with a full bar-and-bites program that suits happy hour pacing.
Who should go: After-work drink crews and visitors chasing skyline views.
When to visit: Weekdays right at open for the best seats.
What to order: Hummus platter, truffle fries, a signature cocktail.
Insider tip: Commit early to one ‘starter + drink’ plan—menu sprawl slows the momentum.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine, but rooftop-appropriate outfits and clean shoes matter.
Noise level: Moderate to loud as the night goes on—easy conversation early, more of a buzz after 6:30pm.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer in good weather.
Weekday lunch: Not a lunch destination; weekday afternoons before happy hour typically have no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several shareable starters and sides work without modification.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 1–2 options or light modifications.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some small plates are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you’re aiming for drinks-first energy. The views create instant atmosphere, but it’s better for confident conversation than deep, quiet talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays if you arrive right at opening. After the first wave, expect a wait or standing-room service.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. It’s best suited for adults; evenings skew cocktail-focused with no kid-oriented menu or setup.
Best For
Better for: Skyline views, social energy, and happy-hour momentum compared to more food-driven rooftops.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, detailed cocktail tasting, or guaranteed seating during peak hours.