Broken Shaker

"What It Is: The new rooftop bar on top of the Freehand Hotel in Kips Bay Perfect For: Date Night, Impressing Out-Of-Towners, Outdoor/Patio Situation When we went to go check out Broken Shaker at the Freehand Hotel, there was a line to get inside. But it was warm out, and we had some things to read, so we decided to wait. And, 40 minutes later, we finally made it into the elevator. Was the wait worth it? Yeah, it sort of was. Rooftop bars tend to be crowded, clubby, and overpriced - but Broken Shaker wasn’t too packed, the views were very nice, and it felt less like a typical rooftop bar and more like a big, cool bar that just happened to be on top of a building. It felt like a casual 1970s beach house party in someone’s penthouse apartment, and we’ll most likely be back several times this summer. The Verdict: As annoying as it will inevitably be to get in here, we’ll be coming back to Broken Shaker the next time we feel the need to be on a rooftop. This is going on our Bar Hit List." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, katherine lewin, hillary reinsberg, chris stang, matt tervooren

"We especially like this Gramercy spot (at the top of the Freehand Hotel) because it feels like a big, cool cocktail bar that just happens to be on a rooftop. This place serves great drinks, and it looks like a 1960s tropical-themed lounge. There’s a large indoor space filled with potted plants and wicker furniture, as well as a wraparound patio with lots of tables. The only catch is that you might have to wait in line to get in, but it's not like you have to wear the right shoes in order to get admitted." - bryan kim, neha talreja, kenny yang, molly fitzpatrick

"Broken Shaker, now managed by the hitmakers behind Jac’s on Bond, Pebble Bar, and Ray’s Bar, will continue to operate under its name with new food and design updates. The Wildair founders are consulting on the food menu, which includes items like a jerk chicken sandwich and the Broken Shaker burger. The partnership signifies an ongoing collaboration between the Wildair team and Authentic Hospitality, which already manages several projects at the Freehand Hotel." - Melissa McCart

"Broken Shaker is a hotel bar that’s trying really hard not to be a hotel bar, and it’s mostly successful. Instead of sleek furniture and Old Fashioneds and People Who Mean Business, you’ll find tropical cocktails and a disco ball spinning inside what’s basically an ‘80s tiki hut. The small bar in the back of the Freehand Hotel smells like incense and sounds like spring break, and there will probably be at least one couple trying to recapture the thrill of a vacation fling. Sounds weird, but between the atmosphere, people watching, and decent drinks (which do lean sweet), it makes for a fun date option. At the very least, it’s a good place to stop in for a drink where you won’t spend the entire time staring at your phone." - Veda Kilaru

"Located in the Freehand Hotel at 3 Lexington Ave, Broken Shaker offers guests the chance to imbibe in handcrafted cocktails and small bites, while overlooking the city below. The bartenders here are specialists in infusions, often pairing freshly pressed juices with vibrant herbs, to make drinks like the New Fashioned, made with Bulleit Rye, yuzu lemongrass syrup, and Angostura bitters." - Stacey Leasca