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Dear Irving on Hudson
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Dear Irving on Hudson
8.3
A cocktail-first rooftop with “seating station” pockets that make the room feel more intimate than most Midtown rooftops. Come for the drinks and the view, then snack smart—classic luxury-bar bites that keep it feeling like a full experience without over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster roll, Mushroom croquettes, Bartender's choice cocktail
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A rooftop built around cocktails with semi-private-feeling seating pockets.
Who should go: Date nights and cocktail people who want views.
When to visit: Golden hour for the best skyline payoff.
What to order: Bartender’s choice cocktail; lobster roll; croquettes.
Insider tip: Ask for a balcony-adjacent seat—views improve dramatically.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby garages on W 40th–41st Streets; expect $35–$45 evenings. Street parking is very limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine if polished; heels, dress shirts, and cocktail attire fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — music-driven, but conversation is possible when seated.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; longer near sunset.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — rooftop bar, evenings-focused.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — small plates and sides can be ordered vegetarian with minor adjustments.
Vegan options: Limited — a few snackable options; not a full vegan-friendly menu.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free bar bites; staff can guide but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s a strong first-date pick if cocktails and ambiance matter. The semi-private seating pockets create intimacy without feeling isolating, and the menu encourages light sharing rather than awkward full meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but it’s risky on weekends. Walk-ins may get bar or standing spots; reservations are the best way to secure seated views, especially around golden hour.
Is it kid-friendly? No — this is a 21+ cocktail-focused rooftop with no kid amenities and a late-evening crowd.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail quality, intimate seating layouts, and a polished date-night feel compared to louder, clubbier Midtown rooftops.
Skip if: You want a full dinner menu, lower prices, or a high-energy party scene — consider larger, more casual rooftops instead.
Dear Irving on Hudson
8.0
A cocktail-first rooftop with semi-private seating pockets that make it feel more curated than most Midtown rooftops. The best experience is a focused one: one strong round, one snack, and a seat positioned for the view.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bartender’s choice cocktail, Lobster roll, Croquettes
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A rooftop built around cocktails with intimate-feeling seating zones.
Who should go: Dates and cocktail people chasing skyline views.
When to visit: Golden hour for the best payoff.
What to order: Bartender’s choice; lobster roll; croquettes.
Insider tip: Ask for a balcony-adjacent seat—views jump noticeably.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet. Nearby Midtown garages are available but expensive; street parking is limited and unreliable, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine if polished; rooftop-date attire fits best.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. You can hold a conversation, but expect background music and crowd buzz at peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, longer around sunset.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — this is an evening-focused rooftop bar, not a lunch spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a few bar-friendly small plates and sides work for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with simple snacks or modifications, but not a strength.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options available; best to confirm with the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — especially if you want a polished, low-pressure setting. The seating pockets and cocktail focus encourage conversation without committing to a full dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early, but sunset and weekends are reservation-driven. Walk-ins often end up standing.
Is it kid-friendly? No. This is a cocktail-first rooftop designed for adults; it’s best suited for 21+ guests.
Best For
Better for: More intimate, curated seating and a calmer cocktail experience than most Midtown rooftops.
Skip if: You want a high-energy party rooftop, a full dinner menu, or guaranteed walk-in seating at peak times.