Highbar

I came here for a private holiday party, and the sound of a rooftop bar in the Times Square/​Theatre district area sounded pretty neat. Sigh.
So there we went, through the hotel lobby (I want to say it was the Hilton Garden Inn, but can’t quite remember), up the elevators, then up 2 flights of stairs, through a hallway, then up one more flight of stairs. Something like that. Either way, it was a maze just to get there. And we didn’t even head onto the actual rooftop… it was winter.
The bar seemed to be separated into 2 sections, where I preferred the secondary bar (or what I call the secondary bar), which is the one that is closer to the outside area. The view was pretty nice, despite it being winter and not being able to go outside, and this particular area was pretty spacious with a good amount of seating.
The main bar, the bar that we first walked into when we got upstairs, was like any old bar, but also the most crowded. Definitely not the place to have casual drinks and sit down when there are massive amounts of people in this one space. Even a small movement for a hug between friends can cause someone’s drink to fall on someone else.
Not a good look.
Aside from that, there really isn’t anything spectacularly memorable about the place. I can’t comment on the pricing of drinks since it was a holiday affair and the drinks were free. But I wouldn’t necessarily find myself going back. Just knowing that this rooftop bar exists is good enough for me, as I’ll keep the address to memory should I find myself in the Times Square/​Theatre District area with friens who want to go to a rooftop bar.
And honestly, if that ever happens, these friends would more than likely be tourists.

This is another rooftop bar that I’ve been to. When I went to this place it was somewhat spontaneous. My friend and I had dinner in the area and we were looking for a lounge or possibly a place to go dancing. We both have heard of the place before so we decided to check it out.
Atmosphere & Appearance: 4.5 stars. The space is sort of divided into sections. There’s the area with the duvets and if you go there early I suppose it’s cool to lounge around with a group of friends but when we went it was late and couples were making out while people stand around each duvet. Yea, that was strange. Then there’s the section with lounge chairs and also a dance floor area. The view isn’t particularly spectacular but the DJ was good and depending on the crowd you’ll have fun people watching. Or spontaneously dancing, like my friend and I did.
Drinks: 3.5 stars. Fairly standard martinis for fairly standard prices.
Accessibility: 3 stars. How to get there is confusing. The entrance is on the side of the building. There is a bouncer so that helps identify the place. When you get through the door you then go through a long corridor and eventually gets to the elevator that takes you to the rooftop. It’ll feel like you’re going through a back stage or a warehouse but it looks nicer once you get to the actual bar.
My suggestion: if you’re looking to party and dance on a rooftop, check this place out.

I was here for NYE with friends for an open bar. The dance floor is small, especially for the winter. I understand this is a roof top, but their outdoor heaters do nothing for the cold weather. Even sitting under one of them, you cannot feel any warmth! Maybe I will come back in the summer to see if it’s better in the warmer weather, but it’s a little crowded for my liking. Wasn’t in love with this place. The open bar only had two bartenders and they worked really fast, so there wasn’t much wait even with a lot of people there… but other than drinking and spending time with friends, I was a little bored. I expected more from the venue. For a rooftop bar, there isn’t too much of a view… which was a little disappointing!

I went here for a corporate holiday party so my feedback is based solely on that experience.
The décor is good (I prefer the downstairs lounge) and I can see this being a great event space if your company can foot the bill. I don’t know if I’d come on my own though.

Really. Bad.
I wanted to like this place because it’s a block away from my apartment and boasts a «rooftop lounge» and looked so fancy from the website. My roommate and I brought a group of friends here and it was a huge disappointment.
First, the bouncer called backup to check my friend’s ID. He is from Washington, so has a Washington state ID, and they were convinced it was fake. It’s not. It’s SO CLEARLY not it was ridiculous. After 20 or so minutes of that ordeal he made it up the elevator and joined us. Even though he got held up they wouldn’t let me stay with him but hustled us up like a pack of rabbits. Ugh.
The rooftop lounge is TINY. Absolutely TINY. The music selection is poor and the seats are all arranged awkwardly around the dance floor so people can’t really move, dance, OR talk. Nice.
$ 8 for a Stella??? I don’t think so.
They have a non-​heated outdoor deck, but that’s very small as well. The view is OK, but not worth the price or the terrible service.
Never coming here again.

I’m being nice by giving you 2 stars for Nice DECOR and Great DJ !
There’s sooo many Rooftop parties around the NYC Area. I’ve heard a lot about this place.
Hidden entrance that makes you walk about 50 steps to reach the Elevator and go UP.
Love LOVE the décor. Seats everywhere, Comfy, white and sexy!
DJ spinning in the middle of the area. Nice view from the rooftop.
Everyone dresses to impress in here. Very Stylish, Good looking people. Also Friendly, not Stuck-​Ups. (not sure if it’s like that every week).
I did not like the drinks. Ordered a Gin Tonic and it tasted like vodka soda (Or even Worst!) I went back and still gave me the SAME Awful drink! for $ 16.00 that I didn’t get to enjoy it.
Another thing I don’t like is that there’s only ONE ELEVATOR, so the waiting was pretty long to go up or down.
SMH…

Seems like many Unilocalers think Highbar
is actually rather subpar.
It’s certainly not better than Empire,
but it’s really not that dire.
On a cool summer’s night,
the atmosphere feels pretty right.
Presence of beds make the place a little weird,
but oh well, I guess some people are tired.
The alcohol might be a bit strong,
causing a classmate to end the night wrong.
I didn’t think their drinks were any different,
but that might just be because of my alcohol-​sustaining talent.

I think that any place that has large, cushy Moroccan style beds and lounge chairs set up on a root top in Manhattan is kind of a nice place to be. I enjoy reclining on soft pillows, watching flowy curtains billowing in the wind and listening to some fun House music on a Friday night.
Though there was a short line at High Bar on Friday night around 11:30, after I went up the elevator (accessed via the entrance on 48^th Street), I realized that the crowds really weren’t at all out of hand. Maybe that’s because the guy at the door turned away any group of guys who arrived looking somewhat clueless. The guys in front of me were asked how much money they were going to spend on bottles. Apparently they didn’t give the right answer because they all walked away with their tails between their legs. I wonder where they ended up cause there aren’t too many places comparable to High Bar in this hood.
Anyway, on the roof there was a lot of space and it was easy to find space to cuddle up on a bed or giant cushion and take in the night. It was also a nice luxury to know that you don’t have to buy a bottle in order to sit down and chill.
DJ Octavian was spinning this past Friday and he did a great job. It was obvious by his fervent dancing that he’s passionate about his music and I think this rubbed off on the crowd. It was also pretty hysterical to hear him respond to patrons when they approached him with requests for hip hop. Octavian would say: «I am from Europe; I don’t have hip hop.» haha… So that explains what the beats were like, though he did break down at the end of the night when he played Jay-Z’s «Empire State of Mind.» But it only happened once.
I think this is a good place to go if you’re looking for a semi-​scene that’s pretty approachable. it’s got something for everyone since there’s space to dance, drink, chill and enjoy a summer night. Just don’t expect any hip hop…

There is no reason nor rule that all rooftop bars should be located in nice locations. Highbar is a gem to be found in Hell’s Kitchen! I would never have thought that such an area would have a great venue with nice views.
One great drawback is that it’s a rather small space, so the line to get in is extremely long, and the bouncers are not very nice. I co-​organized a 300+ summer party, and it was unfortunate that some people could not get in! However, it was all resolved in the end eventually, and it appears that it was all great fun. I didn’t know we’d get 300 people, more like half that size, so the number was a bit unexpected.
Highbar is nice but I’m only returning here if it’s a rather small intimate party.
Bouncer service needs vast improvement — their attitude needs to go!

Highbar is a nice theater district rooftop bar.
I was a little skeptical approaching the venue. Only the 16^th floor, and atop a Hilton hotel?
It’s a little tricky, but the entrance is actually on W 48^th St, not on 8^th Ave, and not on W 49^th St. Just around the corner from Pigalle, you see the black awning and the bouncer. After entering you walk down a corridor to an elevator then rise up to the 16^th floor.
As I entered the open courtyard, I was impressed at how nice the view was. The sun was still out and felt good reflecting down on me.
The drink prices are high here (what would you expect from HIGHbar?). Bottled beer is $ 8 even during happy hours. They do serve burgers, hot dogs, and other foods for prices cheaper than a price of beer though. They have a flat grill to the right of the bar.
The bartenders wear all white and it reminds me of one of those «I’m on a boat» hip hop videos, especially with the canvas (?) canopied couches.
The venue is small, so if you don’t arrive early, you’ll end up waiting. Some places still obey fire codes, you know?

I guess I’m a little biased because I’m friends with a guy at the door who I think one Unilocal reviewer called an «arrogant douche in a fugly green shirt.» He didn’t let her boyfriend or his friends in. Perhaps they were fugly.
They are definitely aiming for a beautiful people thing here. I could care less and you should too. A drink at sunset outdoors and some inspired DJ action can be had here– that’s all that matters.
I was whisked by a cute insider friend down the where-​the-​F-​are-​you-​taking-​me dark hallway that leads to the elevator. If I was alone I would have wondered if I made a wrong turn to the service elevator. Be prepared.
Come here for the great penthouse patio and occasional late happy hour snacks. The crowd is mixed– 20 to young 30 somethings drinking $ 15 drinks. The DJ got better as we drained the bottle of tequila my pal ordered for us and stashed behind the bar. Otherwise, the DJ was not all that.
It was a fun night in the end but the place still seems to be searching for its own rhythm. It’s a nice place to host a small event, I’d say, or just to come around sunset but don’t stay too long.
Look around the corner on 48^th for a door and some ropes to find the place. It’s hard to spot as the owners try their best to keep out the «fuglies.»

Dear Arrogant Douchebag Brit in the fugly green shirt at the door,
I was having a grand old time at your rooftop bar. Your massive, fluffy white couches and covered cabanas serve as the perfect setting to watch a beautiful NYC skyline.
Too bad you had to ruin my entire night and mood by not letting my boyfriend and his friend (who were running late) into your snotty, overrated bar. It was already 12:00AM on a effing THURSDAY night. Over half of the people already trickled out. Why you had to pull a huge euro-​trash power trip is way beyond me.
Don’t think you and your bar are by any means classy or posh. The entrance hallway looks like the gateway to a staten island landfill, oh and it definitely smelled like rotten dog food while I was walking to the elevator.
Guys, this place is a hit or miss. Come early, come with a lot of girls, expect truly gorgeous skyline view and cushy cabanas but also pompous attitudes and sky-​high drink prices.

Once you get past the slightly intimidating black-​walled and windy hallway and make it up the elevator, the view and décor are quite attractive.
Last wednesday, the lady dj delivered a mean set full of funkily remixed classics and new (and hot) songs. Cooincidentally, Tori Spelling was hosting her book launch. The crowd (a mix of partiers and afterwork suits) was super laid back and attractive and the waitresses were also having a great time, dancing to the hot beats while serving drinks. Lots of people dancing, drinking and enjoying life on a beautiful, balmy night in NYC.
The only gripe for me was the unisex bathroom. There was no attendant in the vicinity and the area was rather unkempt

I am quite surprised by my fellow Unilocalers complaining about the drink prices in this place. I’m sorry to say, but how could you go to a rooftop bar/​lounge rite by Time Square and expect it to NOT be expensive?! I just think that’s a bit unrealistic…
I went here this past Saturday for an event thrown by Gotham Magazine for Alex Rodriguez, who actually showed up and hung out for like 20 minutes before he left. The drinks I’m sure are expensive, but since I was here for a private event, that meant that the bar was open, like, REALLY open! You could get whatever you wanted, top shelf (or bottom, if you were so inclined for some stupid reason) anything for what seemed like an eternity. Needless to say, I was quite drunk by the end of this grand party.
I actually like the dark hallway leading to the elevator to take you to the place. I think it adds to the idea that you’re going to a place thats a bit exclusive, I think it’s cool. My friend and I got there around 6:30, just in time to catch a great sunset and have some delicious cokktails. The décor is great, I love the cabanas and the seating areas. Plus the DJ was playing some good tunes, and it was easy to get a drink despite the place being on the full side after a while. The bartenders were very quikk with the drink making and they didn’t require you having to explain to them how to make something… that was a plus…
The views could be a bit better, and the crowd was a bit pretentious (maybe not as bad as on a regular nite) but I think the place is great, and I’ll be coming by here for sunset drinks whenever I can this summer…

Love the fact that this has a rooftop lounge. The décor is really nice — variety w/​bar area, lounge area, high tables, beds even.
However I cannot justify the incredibly expensive drinks. And the crowd that looks overly made up and over dressed. Nice lounge/​bar but not my scene.

I’m still not so sure how I ended up going to this rooftop-​disaster. Oh! Wait! My friend’s friend was in from out of town, and he wanted to come here because it was outside. Perhaps it was the concierge at his luxurious times square hotel that sent him here.
Regardless, the drinks were strong, the bouncers were nice (gave me a free drink coupon) and the company was interesting (since it was getto fab night). I’m wondering if it’s always this good.
Definitely not a place to bring a date, have a party (unless you rent the entire space and no one else is allowed), or stay too long.
Date Rating: 1
Pick up Scale: 1
Strong Suggestion: If you must… just stay for a little while.

If you’re looking for Highbar based on its street address you may have to do a bit of wandering before you find it as there aren’t identifying numbers outside. Luckily, the velvet rope was in full effect when I turned up last night so I didn’t have any trouble finding the place.
Not sure what Highbar’s like on a normal night, as I was there to attend a Hamptons Undercover launch party last evening. The leggy ladies at the door were efficiently nice and the bloke who gave me a wrist band had a gentle manner.
The route to the elevator is dark, and by that I do not mean «smoky, sexy, noir» dark but rather «dusty and potentially frightening» dark.
Once on the penthouse level, things definitely improved. Bartenders were on their game making it easy for my tall pal to procure me a drink at the bar. We sipped our beverages while taking in the panoramic views. Despite the should to shoulder crowdedness of the space, having the sky above made it feel a lot less claustrophobic.
ONLY IN NEW YORK MOMENT: A Bravo camera crew followed on the stilettoed heels of the cast of The Real Housewives of New York City as they worked the party.
Not sure if I’d come back to Highbar, as the neighborhood’s dreadful. But if I did, I’d make sure to bring a friend with a reliable sense of humor along. You’ve got to be able to laugh at this place.

I wanted so much to like this rooftop bar since there are so few in the city and even fewer that do it right. Much like 230 Fifth in the Flatiron, this place serves up some overpriced drinks with some really snotty service at the bar and door, somehow sporting a posh ambiance and a fantastic view of the city.
If it wasn’t for the fact I walk by the guys at the door every day, I may not have been able to get in … at least not right away. The attitude at full force here, so watch what you say or it might be a long wait. Most VIP door personnel are to recognize a few things — well dressed patrons, desperate folks with bribe money, and plenty of girls. If you’re not one of the aforementioned things above, this place is probably not going to be an option for you.
When the place first opened, most customers were extremely well dressed. Now, they’ve relaxed a bit and now the occasional tourist with a Hawaiian shirt and pot belly sighting is not too uncommon.
The scene and the scenery (read: spectacular view) is what makes this place worth visiting. High Bar could have so much potential if they kept the attitude at the door and did without the little plastic cups (think of the ones that are from the dentist’s office). Even I know the $ 15+ drinks aren’t worth it.
Another tidbit from a local: The lines that form here are also on the same ground that people piss on during the wee hours of the night. The garage that is next to the door houses the garbage for that building. It smells terrible. It’s never a pleasant time to walk through that mess. Need a visual? Just check out the sludge stains on the sidewalk, it’s from broken bags being hauled to the street.

Highbar is a beautiful new rooftop space in midtown west. There is an enclosed bar area, large comfortable lounge, and outdoor cabana area with amazing views. The place gets pretty crowded on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The crowd is a group of wannabe socialites and older business men pretending to be single. Sure the crowd is beautiful, but it is a bit too pretentious for me. The drinks are priced between $ 15 – 18, which is pretty insane. I know they also serve food like hamburger and grilled chicken sliders, raw vegetable and dip platters, and mini-​hot dogs.
Highbar might be worth checking out for the view, but I like 230 Fifth much better, for the crowd and more roomy space. I also think drinks might be a bit cheaper. The food is also more innovative.

The early previews were right: If you get invited to a private party at this place, go. If not, it’ll be douchetastic within days. Highbar is a beautiful rooftop bar that’s far enough away from Times Square to be totally inconvenient, but close enough to Times Square so that it still makes your skin crawl a bit.
It’s bi-​level, so there’s an open-​air upstairs that feels like a well-​decorated greenhouse, and a cool downstairs where everything’s white. The view from both is spectacular. There are loads of fun beds and couches to sprawl on. But when it’s windy, yikes. Skirts not recommended.
It should be said, that as the restaurant blogs recommended, I was here for a private party. Knowing the neighborhood and knowing the crowd that springs for bars with rooftop beds, I probably won’t be back anytime soon. But hey, if it’s your scene…