A romantic rooftop bar located off Lexington Avenue, Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel NYC, is an ideal first state spot with a stunning view of the Chrysler Building.
On a warm summer NYC night, this rooftop was packed by 7 pm. You definitely want to make reservations for a table.
Also a very happening place to meet people.
Complimentary Popcorn
Truffled flavored popcorn - so delicious. Loved it, and a good way to start the evening.
Cocktails
Cilantro Sol (left): Tequila based medley of cilantro, ginger, pineapple, chili pepper, and fresh lime. Slightly diluted, flavorful, but not spicy. drink. Overall, decent.
Electrolyte (right-left): A vodka watermelon drink perfect for summer and flavored with pineapple and lemon. This drink was even more diluted than the Cilantro Sol. I wasn't able to detect much flavor.
Riesling White Wine, Reichsgraf Von Kesseltatt, Germany 2011 (right-right): Delicious! A favorite.
Savory Appetizers
Kobe Burger Sliders: Prepared with wagyu beef, cheddar, lettuce, tomato & pickle. Phenomenal bugers! Juicy and tender meat. The sauce was incredible. The burgers were too small, but so worth it. A favorite!
Baby Golden & Red Beet Salad (top): Beet salad combined with candied walnuts and whipped goat cheese. I did enjoy the whipped goat cheese, but it wasn't tart enough. Additionally, there was a lot of liquid in this dish. Just average.
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare (bottom): The tartare was topped over spicy flavorful avocado and came with a side of chips that tasted like potato chips, literally. A total waste of money.
Truffled Mac and Cheese: The one dish I was really looking forward to, I love truffle in just about anything. Unfortunately, the truffle flavor was seriously lacking, and instead there was a prominent flavor of nutmeg. Having said that, the dish did arrive bubbling hot, and was creamy and cheesy, I wish there was more truffle and less nutmeg.
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel
COST: $$$
CUISINE: Lounge/Rooftop
FAVORITES: Riesling White Wine | Kobe Burger Sliders
VERDICT: 3.5 / 5
The food and drinks at Upstairs did not wow me by any means, but what you're getting here is a romantic rooftop with an unbeatable view of the Chrysler building. At $18 a cocktail, I was surprised the drinks were watered down. What you're paying for here is a romantic setting, happening crowd, and view. Should you decide to hangout at this lovely rooftop, stick to wine, and definitely get those Kobe Burger Sliders. Lastly, I noticed many folks ordered the Crispy French Fries which may be the way to go. With that being said, Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel NYC is a great first date spot for an intimate evening.
Food: Average | Drinks: Average | Décor: Romantic/Dressy/Fun | Service: Slight Attitude | Value: Pricey
LOCATION
145 E 50th St. - 31st Floor, New York, NY
(midtown east)
What's your favorite rooftop bar in Manhattan?
Kate says
Loving those sliders. What a pretty rooftop!
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks.. those sliders are memorable. 🙂
Susan says
Such a beautiful rooftop. I have to check this place out. Great post.
honeywhatscooking says
Thanks Susan. Very romantic rooftop.. worth the visit.