Jonghan L.
Yelp
Few words that describe the Lookup - lowkey, chill, fantastic drinks, phenomenal people, and great vibes. I came searching around the area that would be willing to host my birthday party on a Saturday, and the Lookup was definitely on the radar. I am so glad that I pulled a trigger, and super happy with the experience hosting my ~75+ person birthday party there.
*Disclaimer: Came here hosting a ~75 person birthday party, so the bar and the management team cut us a few specials and some drinks were comped.
SHOUTOUTS:
Staff at the Lookup - Austin, Alexandra, Nick, Adrienne, and everyone else, you guys were AMAZING. Definitely made my birthday incredible, and I hoped you guys had a wonderful night celebrating with me. I believe great people deserve great happenings, and you guys were beyond GREAT ;).
AMBIANCE:
This is where its A+ for me. Unlike alot of rooftops around the Ktown area, this spot isn't as well known which is probably good for a reason. Its lowkey, not crowded, and the crowd screams responsible yuppies who want to have a chill night with friends and family. Music wasn't loud, and played a mix of EDM/House/Top 40. So easy to have a conversation here. Even with my entire party there, it never felt loud at any point.
The rooftop isn't as tall as say the Monarch Rooftop, Cloud Social, or Arlo Nomad for instance. But it has one stunning view of the Empire state building, and what those places don't have is that being at the Lookup feels less stressful compared to those places. Especially Monarch, and boy is that place loud and have a terrible ambiance.
Lots of open spaces, sofas, tables, and couches for people to sit around and relax in.
Location is fantastic. Its so conveniently located and just a couple minute walk away from 34th-Herald Square and 42nd-Times Square. You can't beat its location.
PROS:
Drinks were so spectacularly well made! The ones I got to try of the night included the Rye old fashioned, #2 (think a spicy twist of a Paloma cocktail) and the Rose Sangria. Friends also bought a few tequila, petron, shots. Favorites were definitely the Rye old fashioned - it was really strong, the bitters added a great depth of flavor, and that orange peel made the drink have an ultimate citrusy kick to it.
Rose sangria was also phenomenal. They served it in a giant pineapple case, which was probably good for 30 or so drinks. There were hints of pineapple in the drink which I totally dig. It wasn't too fruity, and the drink was also really strong (I'm sensing a theme with the drinks here hmm... lol)
As for the shots - well they did their job. Cocktails were standard priced for Manhattan drinks (~$15 per)
OVERALL:
I don't have words on how fantastic this spot was for my birthday. SUPER grateful to the entire Lookup team, you guys were fantastic, and I hoped to see you guys again!