THE ROOF - New York, New York

Jack Liufu

Headline: for sure a top-tier rooftop in NYC, amazing views, good service, places to sit, blankets when it was cold, nice cocktails — we had a $75 per person minimum

Details: I pride myself on knowing my rooftops and I’ve explored dozens of them through Manhattan. This one definitely stands towards the top — it covers two sides of the building, with views of the One World Trade Center and also the Empire State. It’s a covered roof, but with no weird glass barriers that block or impede the view. There’s good seating, but it’s not a free rooftop ($75 minimum) so brace for that. I made a reservation request around 12pm on a Sunday, and I got an email with the confirmation around 5pm. Honestly not much more to say other than: come! It’s a great rooftop. Our server was lovely, they gave us complimentary blankets because it was a bit chilly. The music was actually quite good and not too loud so you could actually talk. It’s just that there’s seating and it’s comfortable — makes it a great rooftop experience. And you know what: the chips and guac was great too.

Anjo C

We booked a reservation here to welcome our friends to NY which they have a minimum spend. Our favorite was the drink called 'Unhinged'; it was perfect, and the snacks were good too. However, we were sometimes very annoyed when people crossed over our table to stand by the balcony. There was a guy and two girls who asked if they could use one chair to sit for a second, and we were like, ‘Okay, that’s fine,’ but then he took another chair and lifted it over my head, which I wasn’t okay with because we paid for the table and they didn’t really care. However, thanks to our server Demitria, who helped us a lot by getting the people out of our table and recommending perfect drinks and shots.

Also, we think they should communicate better with other staff. There was one girl who they told us was still training. She was telling us to move out of the table because other people had made a reservation, and when we asked for the check, she told us twice that they had already given the credit card back. Luckily, our server found it.

Julia

This rooftop bar offers absolutely stunning skyline views, and its elegant and clean ambiance, adorned with beautiful greenery, creates a delightful setting, especially during sunset. However, I must mention that the beer prices were quite steep at $15 per drink, which could be a downside for some. Additionally, our group had a bit of a mixed experience. We arrived a little early and were smoothly let in without any issues. But when our friends arrived at around 6:30, they were unexpectedly hit with a surprise policy – a $125 fee for all gentlemen or an expensive table option. We were under the impression that it was a walk-in place, so this came as quite a shock. Despite the breathtaking views and lovely ambiance, the unexpected pricing structure for larger groups might be something to consider before planning a visit with friends.

Caryl J

Very long wait and space is very small. Offers nice views, however it's not worth the wait.

tariq atiq

I was very excited to try this place out with my wife , as u go in you have to go upstairs and to the left will be the rest rooms and the elevators . Unknown to me and my wife we took the wrong elevator to the wrong floor as we were trying to reach the event at the rooftop that we had invitations for , instead we made it 1 floor below the event because the elevator tops out at that floor so we got off and headed to the balcony , un known to us that floor is off limits to guest . My wife enjoyed the view and decided to take pictures of the views etc . As we are heading out to try to reach the event a BAR TENDER . comes from some stairs on the right and tells us we cant be there rudely with an attitude . He looked at us in disgust as if we were beneath his level ? I explained to him where we were going and what happened and he said i needed to go back down to the lobby and security will unlock the other elevator that will leave me at the event . To then i responded “ so you are not security ? What are you doing kicking us out ? Did security send you ? “ and he goes “ no , not security and no one sent me . I just knew you didn’t belong here and you must leave lets go “ I calmly agreed and started to exit and my wife and when we look behind us this guy is literally extorting us out to the elevator . When i tell security down stairs what happened they said he has no right to do that or treat u like that , it was a mistake happens a lot here . I share this because that man ruined my evening and made me and my wife feel uncomfortable and un welcomed . I hope management gets rid of him .

Julia Puckett

great terrace with amazing views! only downside was that we went with the impression there was a “sunset happy hour” per their website but upon arrival no happy hour. drinks end up being $25-30 each with tip and are served in plastic cups. yes you’re paying for the view but the plastic cheapens the bar aspect.

Emer Foley

The view is the draw here, the menu isn’t worth the price they’re charging, though we had an excellent time and you can’t fault the atmosphere

Jennie Ienzer

The hostess was very impolite and made us move tables. We were seated at a table without a reservation notice and are guests at the hotel.
She asked us to move since someone gave her an envelope with money.
She should be trained in customer relations. Our first impression of our stay at the Public is not positive. We will look for a new hotel for our next visit.