Eating on the Rooftops of New York

I’m not a native of New York City, but when I do visit I try to find the experiences that you just can’t have anywhere else. There are so many restaurants in NYC, though, that it’s hard to even know where to start. You can find cuisine from literally every corner of the globe somewhere in this city, and there are plenty of fine-dining and casual choices that will suit your mood or your budget.

This time around, though, I had heard a lot about the trendy rooftop bars and restaurants in New York and was interested in giving them a try. After all, the famous New York skyline is something that no visitor should miss seeing. I eventually ended up at 230 Fifth – a restaurant, bar, and nightclub that catered to a range of different people.

The atmosphere of this establishment was very energetic, which was surprising since it wasn’t even a weekend. Aside from that, though, one of the first things I noticed was the size – it is much larger than most other clubs I’ve been to, and it had indoor and outdoor areas for eating, drinking, and general socializing.

Of course, 230 Fifth is famous for that outdoor, rooftop area, and they do everything they can to make sure it’s a nice, comfortable experience all year long. When I went there the weather was very pleasant, but when things turn cold the club breaks out its famous warm robes that have been described as something in between a Snuggie and the latest Jedi fashions. Still, they apparently get the job done.

The view from this vantage point is nothing less than spectacular. The skyline includes the Empire State Building and there really is no better place to relax and enjoy a good drink and a few items off the menu.

And how was the food? I only sampled a couple dishes, but on the whole I was impressed. The prices for the drinks and the food were about what you would expect for an upscale establishment like this – which is to say it was a little pricey, but it was consistent with the quality and the atmosphere of the club. Food is served every day of the week, all year long, from 4:00PM to 4:00AM. Only at restaurants in NYC will you be able to get chicken wings in Malaysian oyster barbecue sauce at three in the morning.

On my visit I started off with the Romli Sliders – spiced beef hamburger sliders that had some kind of chili sauce, pickled cucumbers, and a few other ingredients. According to the menu these were some popular dish from Kuala Lumpur, which didn’t actually mean a lot to me, but I did find that the little burgers were really quite good.

I followed that up with the Curried Smoked Salmon Salad, not because I’m watching my weight so much as I’m a sucker for anything curried (and, to be honest, because it was on the cheaper end of the menu). It was a little different from what I expected, but in a good way. It was definitely a unique flavor, but I would recommend it to others.

Between the atmosphere, the food, and the view, this is one of the clubs in NYC you really shouldn’t miss. Whether you are just going there for a quiet drink or a full meal, this is definitely an experience unlike any other.

230 Fifth Rooftop Garden Bar and Restaurant
Phone  (212) 725-4300 ‎
230 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10001