We've almost beaten winter into submission and now it's time to start looking ahead to the carefree rooftop imbibing we deserve. The latest in mile high dining comes courtesy of the Hyatt Times Square, which opened its new rooftop lounge Bar 54 a few weeks ago. Located on the 54th floor, naturally, the bar claims to be the city's highest rooftop lounge—with the vista to prove it.
The furnishings suffer a bit from Hotel Bar syndrome, but who cares when all eyes are going to be focused on these stellar views? The bar offers stunning southern exposure—you can peep 1 WTC if you squint—plus the Chrysler Building to the east. Come sunset, you can just see the Hudson River peeking between the skyscrapers with a decent view of the skyline to boot.
Sweeping skyline views don't come cheap, though. House cocktails set you back a cool $23; glasses of wine are a "bargain" at $13. Oh, and that'll be $11 for that Amstel Light, pal. Group boozing for parties of three or four mean special punches ($115) like the Green Subarmine with Pimm's, Tanqueray and Green Chartreuse flavored with ginger, lemon, cucumber and soda; or Rose's Turn with Aylesbury Duck Vodka, Lillet Rose and Creme de Cassis with maraschino, lemon, grapefruit and champagne.
Drinks are priced on the high end, to be sure, but that's par for the course when it comes to hotel drinking. Plus, the drinks are crafted by Clover Club owner Julie Reiner and served by a hirsute hipster—no dicey subway trip required! Certainly worth it to splurge on one drink, share a Charcuterie Plate ($24) and soak in the evening rays sparkling off the buildings.
Bar 54 is located inside the Hyatt Times Square at 135 West 45th on the 54th Floor, (646) 364-1234; open daily from 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. (Sunday through Thursday) and 2 a.m. (Friday and Saturday)
