There are lots of rooftop bars in New York City. Some would get your attention having the relatively close-up views of the Empire State Building, while others give you another perspective of this grand city. When it comes to Ophelia Lounge at the Beekman Tower from Merchants Hospitality and Public Agenda, it’s a very chic setting with amazing views of Long Island City and the eastern end of Midtown. You’re greeted with soaring 30-foot ceilings and a 24-foot-long pewter bar when you step off the elevator. Vintage lighting and 13-foot windows showcase 360-degree views, while the maroon and red-velvet decor hint at the building’s historic past. A circular open-air terrace wraps around the indoor space, allowing for take-your-breath-away views come the onset of spring.
Mixologist Amir Babayoff, formerly of Barley & Grain, has recreated classic cocktails and added his own, like the Purple Tuxedo, a lovely lavender hued cocktail based on gin, aquavit, and absinthe with plum bitters. (For the little details, the drink also has fine gold flecks reflecting in the light.) Despite the pretty color, the drink is potent and isn’t shy with the alcohol. The Far East Side is a refreshing, bright and pleasantly acidic drink based on shiso infused shochu, gin, yuzu juice, and yellow chartreuse. We also had a fruity but not too sweet The Flapper. It’s a red grapefruit shade cocktail based on vodka, Di Saronno, lemon, pineapple and topped off with Moët & Chandon Champagne for effervescence.
The food, from Executive Chef Stephen Putnam, formerly of Bergdorf Goodman’s BG restaurant, features small bite plates. The seared Hudson Valley foie gras with sweet dried cherries was indulgently creamy. The sliders topped with caramelized shallots and spicy mayonnaise were tasty on its own but I’ve gilded the lily when I’ve halved the slice of foie gras and placed on my slider. That was delicious! For something a little more substantial, the beef tenderloin with a potato crisp was very good and cooked to a rosy pink medium-rare in the center.
I will definitely come back for sure around the spring and summer seasons, you’ll find me on their terrace with a superbly made drink in hand and taking in the views.
To view more photos of this visit, please view the gallery below or CLICK HERE for the photo set:
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Ophelia Lounge
Website
3 Mitchell Place
26th Floor
New York, NY 1001
