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Spyglass Rooftop Bar
Master Critic Review
Spyglass Rooftop Bar
7.8
A smaller, more contained rooftop atop the Archer Hotel, prized for its Empire State Building sightline rather than a sprawling party layout. Best as a quick-stop rooftop: one round of cocktails, one or two snacks, and out—especially on crowded nights when space and pacing tighten up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charred shishito peppers, Mac 'n' cheese croquettes, Archer's Manhattan
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A compact rooftop with an unusually direct Empire State view.
Who should go: Pairs or trios who want one strong rooftop round.
When to visit: Early evening before it turns into tight quarters.
What to order: A Manhattan; shishito peppers; one fried snack.
Insider tip: Skip large groups—2–3 people fits the space best.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; nearby garages on W 38th–39th St ($25–$35 evenings). Street parking is very limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual. Jeans are fine, but lean polished—especially at night.
Noise level: Moderate early, louder later—conversation-friendly before peak, tougher once it fills up.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for small groups without a reservation, longer during peak sunset hours.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this is primarily an evening rooftop.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several bar-friendly options like vegetable snacks and small plates.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with simple modifications, but not a focus.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free snack options; cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—for a short, high-impact first stop. The Empire State Building view creates instant atmosphere, but the tight space makes it better for one round than a long night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes. Early evenings and smaller groups have the best odds. Expect standing-room or bar spots during peak weekend hours.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adults-only rooftop bar with a cocktail-driven focus.
Best For
Better for: A quick rooftop cocktail with a direct Empire State Building sightline and a more intimate, hidden-gem feel.
Skip if: You want space to linger, a full dinner, or room for larger groups—bigger Midtown rooftops will feel more comfortable.