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Castell Rooftop Lounge
Master Critic Review
Castell Rooftop Lounge
8.2
A Times Square-adjacent rooftop that plays it cooler than the location suggests—cocktail-lounge energy, comfortable seating, and enough skyline to justify a second round. It works best as a focused happy-hour stop: order a strong classic, add one savory bite, and leave before it turns into a full evening destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Old Fashioned, Dry-aged beef sliders, Artisanal meat & cheeses
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A calmer rooftop lounge feel in the middle of Midtown chaos.
Who should go: Cocktail-first happy hour people who hate tourist traps.
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for happy hour value.
What to order: Old Fashioned, sliders, a frozen cocktail.
Insider tip: Order two drinks at once if the bar’s busy—round trips waste the best light.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; nearby paid garages on W 38th–40th St ($25–$40 evenings). Street parking is limited and unreliable after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but rooftop-appropriate outfits play better than ultra-casual.
Noise level: Moderate—lounge music and crowd buzz, but conversation is still easy early in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes after 6pm without a reservation; faster turnover earlier.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an afternoon-to-evening cocktail lounge.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—limited bar bites like fries, sliders without meat, and snack-style plates.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with simple modifications; not a menu focus.
Gluten-free options: Limited—drinks are easiest; food options may require staff confirmation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for after-work drinks. The rooftop setting feels special without being loud or chaotic, which keeps conversation comfortable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays before 6pm. Later in the evening or on weekends, expect a wait or standing-room priority unless you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adult-focused cocktail lounge. Best for 21+ crowds; no kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Calmer rooftop happy hours with real seating and classic cocktails, especially for people who want skyline views without a party-club scene.
Skip if: You want a full dinner menu, high-energy nightlife, or a late-night DJ atmosphere—other Midtown rooftops lean harder into that.
Hours
Monday4pm - 12am
Tuesday4pm - 12am
Wednesday4pm - 12am
Thursday4pm - 12am
Friday4pm - 1am
Saturday4pm - 12am
Sunday4pm - 10pm