Empire Hotel Rooftop Pool

The Empire Rooftop Bar offers one of the best vibes in the city. The ambiance is chic yet comfortable, with great views and a lively atmosphere—perfect for a night out with friends or a date. The cocktails are well-made, the staff is friendly, and the music adds just the right energy without being overwhelming. Whether you’re a Gossip Girl fan or just looking for a stylish rooftop experience, the Empire doesn’t disappoint. Definitely worth a visit!

Looking for a brunch or cocktail with a view, this rooftop Bar on top of the Empire Hotel in Upper West Side of Manhattan is very cool. Cool. There are two different bars that serve patrons. One outdoor eating area that has umbrellas for shade and a nice faux Garden feel. There's also or sitting for dining and overlooking the vast buildings of upper Manhattan. As much as I like the atmosphere, the drink prices for cocktails were about $21 for cocktails and $19 for a glass of wine; a little bit on the high side, but if you want a sophisticated bar and restaurant sometimes the prices are reflective of the atmosphere. I would definitely consider coming back here again.

I love this place. I usually come multiple times in the summer but went this weekend in November and it was still great. The seating is plentiful - lots of comfortable couches and loveseats and chairs all over the bar area inside and really comfortable seating options on both rooftop areas. One of the outdoor rooftop areas is open in the winter and heated. Extensive bar menu and more limited food menu. Good views up and down Broadway and of Lincoln Center across the street. And the staff is incredibly helpful and always friendly (special shout-out to Jez (sp?) who was my AWESOME server this weekend!).

Great lounge with loads of comfy seats and views from the 12th floor. We had most of the food on the menu and it was all pretty good. The bao buns and the baby back ribs were probably the standouts - the ribs were great.

Got to the hotel and my partner was refused to go in after paying and booking out tickets because he hadn’t had physical ID as it didn’t say to bring physical ID even when we’re in our mid 20s and no refund either !!

We went two different times in two weeks. The hostesses were VERY rude both times. The drinks were watered-down BOTH times! They were so bad we actually had to send our drinks back! We left with a horrible experience and will never come back again.

The pool is impossible to get to and is super tiny and filled with kids peeing in the pool. It’s a total ghetto experience. The hotel itself is disgusting, I was supposed to be there for a week and left overnight. The rooms were gross. The carpet is sticky and everything is gross and old. Stay way.

Place has been revamped since I last visited years ago when this place was a club. Bar moved to the inner wall (great views now). Drinks and food were good also. Pleasant atmosphere as a lounge.