Dinner and Drinks in New York: A Rooftop Experience
Instead of booking a regular night out for dinner and drinks, experience a moment that feels elevated — the kind of night where the setting does half the work before the first drink even hits the table.
Rooftop dining in New York City turns a simple evening into a memorable night that you won’t stop talking about for the next week.
See where the best rooftop place for dinner and drinks is in New York City and gain some tips on how to make the most of your experience.
Why Rooftop Dinner and Drinks Are Popular in NYC
No other city in America has as many skyscrapers dominating the skyline as New York City. Restaurants and bars have taken advantage of the beautiful, tall views by adding rooftop spots to offer new perspectives on the city.
Locals and visitors alike are naturally drawn to the unique experiences that other cities don’t offer. By staying high above the city streets, you get to witness the city without all the chaos and noise you’d typically get below.
It’s all the energy of New York, but without the congestion, foot traffic, and sirens. On a rooftop, you get a serene look into one of the busiest cities in the world.
What Makes Starchild a Great Rooftop Spot?
Starchild is the best midtown rooftop bar that offers panoramic views of the city year-round.
Our rooftop experience is designed with a retractable roof that shifts the entire atmosphere in seconds. During the summer, you can dine in the open air, but in the winter, you are completely enclosed in transparent glass that still lets you see all New York has to offer.
On top of the unique architecture, we also have a custom built sound system, created to immerse you in the moment. Our weekly events take full advantage and wrap you up in music and movement.
Additionally, our signature drinks and bite offerings will round out your night at Starchild, giving you a complete rooftop experience.
What To Expect From the Dinner Menu
All plates at Starchild are made to share so you can pick something everyone enjoys.
You won’t find traditional bar appetizers, but instead, elevated plates that mimic European menu’s from across the pond.
Dishes like Hamachi Wonton Tacos are made with yuzu ponzu and a touch of serrano heat. And the Spicy Salmon Tartare Cones gives you richness that pair beautifully with the hand-crafted cocktails.
Lastly, the Mezze Tower is a favorite with large groups because of its variety nd size. You’ll get creamy hummus, whipped feta, a warm pita, dried fruits, and nuts.
Signature Cocktails or Drinks To Try
Our cocktails and drink menu are the real star of the venue. Each one is carefully crafted to bring out the New York progressive culture and still please any patron.
The Moonlit Avenues is a refreshing standout, made with voka, elderflower liqueur, and citrus notes, mixed with champagne. It’s a perfect way to start your night as the sun sets over the skyline.
For something with a bit more energy, the Electric Avenue combines coconut tequila, lime, and cucumber. The added yogurt milk gives it a smooth texture that goes down easy.
Large groups should also get themselves a Scorpian Bowl or a Cocktail Tower that is perfect for groups of six to eight people.
Best Occasions for Rooftop Dining
Our menu variety, musical atmosphere, and large space create the perfect combination for occasions of any kind at Starchild.
On date nights, feel the intimacy of the romantic open sky as it surrounds you, while you dance to R&B grooves. Or if you have a special celebration, you can host your own private event by reserving our venue in advance.
Additionally, since we’re located in the Theater District, Starchild is the perfect location to grab some dinner before a Broadway show.
Tips for Planning a Rooftop Night Out in New York
Unless you plan in advance, your night out in New York City can become quickly chaotic. Here are some tips to help you have the best rooftop experience.
- Reserve ahead of time: You never want to be left without a reservation in New York City, especially for weekends and nighttime outings. Reserving your table will secure a spot for you and your group so you don’t have to make last minute plans.
- Plan around sunset: Rooftops are best experienced when the sun is setting and you can witness the change in the sky across all the buildings. Make your table reservation slightly before sunset so you can be a part of the entire transition.
- Arrive early: Arriving slightly before your actual table reservation can help you settle in and grab a pre-dinner drink before your table is ready. It also allows you to make it to your reservation on time.
- Give yourself time: Think about the flow of your night before making all of your plans. You want to give enough time for dinner, drinks, and enjoying the atmosphere before you move on to the next activity.
Locals know that New York is a late city, meaning bars and restaurants stay open much later than in other parts of the country, so plan accordingly.
The Perfect New York Rooftop Experience
At Starchild, every rooftop experience is made perfect, no matter what time of day or year you visit. Our retractable glass roof makes us weatherproof, so you can get skyline views year-round.
Book your table today to experience a New York rooftop night out.