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The Skylark
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
The Skylark
8.2
A skyline-forward cocktail lounge built for big-date energy: dark, sleek, and designed to make your first round feel like an occasion. Treat the food as elevated bar bites—order a tight set of shareables, keep the pacing slow, and let the views do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Tacos, Crispy Chicken Sliders, Herb Dusted Fries
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A high-rise lounge where cocktails and skyline views lead the experience.
Who should go: Couples who prioritize ambiance and drinks.
When to visit: Weeknights at sunset for best vibe.
What to order: Tuna tacos, chicken sliders, herb-dusted fries.
Insider tip: Reserve early—walk-ins get squeezed into bar spots.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is extremely limited; paid garages nearby are the practical option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Dressy cocktail attire recommended. Jackets, heels, and polished looks fit best; casual wear may feel underdressed.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud—conversation is possible but this is a vibes-forward room, not a quiet dinner.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation, longer at sunset.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this is an evening cocktail lounge.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several shareable sides and snacks work, though it’s not a food-driven menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—best treated as a cocktails-first visit with minimal food expectations.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some small plates and snacks can be accommodated, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want instant atmosphere and a sense of occasion. It’s ideal for drinks-focused dates where the view does the icebreaking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on quieter weeknights, but expect bar or standing spots. Reservations are strongly recommended for tables and peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adults-only cocktail environment designed for nightlife and date energy.
Best For
Better for: Skyline views, dramatic ambiance, and cocktail-led dates where atmosphere matters more than food depth.
Skip if: You want a full dinner, quieter conversation, or strong value—choose a restaurant-first rooftop or romantic dining room instead.
The Skylark
8.5
A skyline-forward lounge that turns drinks into an occasion—dark, sleek, and engineered for that first-round “wow.” Treat the food as elevated bar support: a tight set of shareables, slow pacing, and a view-led night. It’s at its best when you reserve and let the room do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature cocktails, Sliders (when you need something substantial), Fries or one salty shareable
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Big Midtown skyline views paired with a serious cocktail lounge vibe.
Who should go: Couples and celebrators who prioritize ambiance.
When to visit: Weeknights near sunset for the best glow.
What to order: Two signature cocktails; one shareable; one salty side.
Insider tip: Reserve—walk-ins often end up standing at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby commercial garages within 1–2 blocks; street parking is limited and difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Dressy casual to cocktail attire—jeans are acceptable, but most guests lean polished for the room and photos.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively—conversation is possible at tables, but the bar area gets loud as the night builds.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Closed for lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward shareables and sides; enough for light dining.
Vegan options: Limited—one or two items can be adapted; best for drinks-first visits.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some naturally gluten-free small plates; staff can guide, but this is not a dedicated GF kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—excellent if you want instant impact. The views and cocktails carry the night, reducing pressure, but it’s better for confident conversation than quiet intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on slower weeknights early, but expect bar standing or a long wait otherwise. Reserving is the difference between a relaxed table and a compromised experience.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adults-focused cocktail lounge with a late-night crowd and no kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Skyline views, cocktail-driven dates, celebrations where ambiance matters more than a full dinner.
Skip if: You want a quiet, food-led fine-dining meal or need substantial entrées—choose a restaurant-first venue instead.
The Skylark
8.4
A polished rooftop lounge where the skyline view and music-driven mood are the main event. The strongest play is a tight order of cocktails plus a few shareable plates—enough to anchor the night without turning it into a full dinner commitment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna tacos, Butternut risotto fritters, Borracho Amigo cocktail
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A high-floor lounge vibe with skyline views and a dress-up feel.
Who should go: Couples and small groups chasing a rooftop ‘scene.’
When to visit: Weeknights or early reservations to avoid a standing-room night.
What to order: Two cocktails; tuna tacos; one shareable hot plate.
Insider tip: Reserve—most prime tables are locked to bookings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby garages on W 39th–41st St typically run $30–$45 evenings; street parking is very limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Dressy casual to upscale. Think cocktail attire—heels, polished sneakers, button-downs, blazers. Athletic wear and overly casual outfits can get flagged at the door.
Noise level: Loud. Music-forward lounge energy—conversation is possible but not intimate once the room fills.
Weekend wait: 45–90 minutes without a reservation; tables are rarely available after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—operates as an evening rooftop lounge.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—small plates and sides can be combined into a light order.
Vegan options: Very limited—best for drinks-first visits rather than food-focused plans.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free shareables available; staff can guide, but no dedicated menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want atmosphere over intimacy. The views, music, and cocktails do the heavy lifting, but it’s better for confident conversation than deep talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes early on weeknights, but expect standing-room-only later. Reservations control most seating, especially prime skyline tables.
Is it kid-friendly? No. This is an adult-oriented rooftop lounge geared toward nightlife and cocktails; not suitable for children.
Best For
Better for: Skyline-driven cocktail nights, dress-up energy, and music-forward rooftop lounging compared to quieter, food-led rooftops.
Skip if: You want a full dinner, quiet conversation, or broad dietary accommodations—choose a restaurant-focused rooftop or a calmer lounge instead.
The Skylark
8.6
A high-floor cocktail lounge that trades on skyline drama and a dress-up buzz without turning into a club. The move is reservation-first, cocktails-forward, and a tight set of shareable plates that won’t slow the room’s momentum.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna tacos, Truffle fries, Signature cocktail round
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A polished rooftop lounge with big Midtown skyline sightlines.
Who should go: Couples and small groups chasing a rooftop scene.
When to visit: Weeknights at sunset with a reservation.
What to order: Two cocktails; tuna tacos; one salty shareable.
Insider tip: Book ahead—prime tables rarely go to walk-ins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Nearby paid garages on W 39th–40th St; street parking is extremely limited after 6pm.
Dress code: Dressy-casual to upscale. Heels, cocktail dresses, and tailored jackets feel at home; casual sneakers and shorts feel out of place.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud. You can talk at the table, but expect music-driven energy rather than hushed conversation.
Weekend wait: 60–90 minutes without a reservation; reservations are strongly advised.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a few vegetable-forward small plates and sides work well.
Vegan options: Very limited – best for drinks with light customization rather than a full meal.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free small plates; staff can guide, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you want instant atmosphere. The views and polished vibe do the ice-breaking for you, but it’s best if both people are comfortable with a lively, see-and-be-seen setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on slower weeknights early in the evening, but prime view tables are almost always reserved. Walk-ins should expect bar or standing options.
Is it kid-friendly? No. This is an adults-only-feeling cocktail lounge geared toward dates, groups, and nightlife energy.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-driven nights with skyline drama, a fashionable crowd, and a refined rooftop mood that avoids full club chaos.
Skip if: You want a relaxed dinner, substantial food, or a quiet place to catch up—choose a restaurant-first rooftop or a lower-energy lounge instead.