Top of the Rock Restaurant in NY
The highest open-air terrace bar in New York is at Bar Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center. Are you up for a visit after climbing to the Top of the Rock?
Interior views of the Top of the Rock restaurant. | ©Phil Dolby
When climbing New York's skyscraper observatories, such as the Top of the Rock, it often happens that we are so taken with the views that the time up there becomes short and we always want more.
Fortunately, inside the skyscraper and very close to this viewpoint is located Bar Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room, one of the best rooftops in New York where you can continue enjoying the New York skyline for a while longer from its spectacular terrace with a cocktail in hand and having a snack. Is it a great plan or not? Keep reading because I tell you how to book your place here!
1. Where can I dine at the Top of the Rock?
A few floors below where the Top of the Rock observatory is located, on the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, you will find the legendary Rainbow Room restaurant with its rooftop bar and lounge Bar Sixty-Five, both with some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline to enjoy with a drink in hand in a more relaxing and less crowded way than up from the Top of the Rock observation deck.
Although both are on the same floor, the Rainbow Room restaurant seems intended for private events while its rooftop bar and lounge Bar Sixty-Five is open to all visitors to enjoy a casual evening with friends, sipping delicious cocktails with views of the New York skyline in the background.
Do I have to reserve a table to go to the Sixty-Five Bar?
My advice is to reserve your table in advance through the Rockefeller Center website or the
Rockefeller Center or Open Table website to secure one at the Sixty-Five Bar if you prefer to be seated during your visit, especially in the outdoor bar area to take in the cityscape.
Bar Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room is the highest outdoor terrace bar in New York, so the views of the city from this location are tremendously popular and you'll find plenty of people there. In case you don't get a reservation, don't worry, as you are still welcome at Bar Sixty-Five and can stand at the bar while you have a drink.
2. What to eat at the Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room Bar?
In the menu of the Sixty-Five Bar you will find American bistro dishes, modern and with a fun touch. It is not too extensive, which is great for not falling into a sea of doubts when choosing and thus decide more quickly the dish you are going to order.
There is an abundance of charcuterie and cheese dishes, seafood and meats that you can accompany with an extensive drinks menu full of red, rosé and white wines, craft beers, champagne and, of course, spectacular cocktails.
Within the Sixty-Five Bar menu I recommend you try the "Sixty-Five Burger" and for dessert the "Big Apple Cheesecake". All accompanied by one of the bar's famous cocktails such as the "Mermaid Lagoon, Gin Fizz" or the "Cucumba Rumba, Mezcal Sour".
3. How much does it cost to dine at the Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room Bar at the Top of the Rock?
Depending on the dishes and drinks you order at the bar, the experience can cost you from approximately $31 to $50. However, the Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room Bar has a prix fixe menu that is $65 per person (2-course) and $75 per person (3-course).
Lunch or dinner at Bar Sixty-Five is not cheap compared to other restaurants in town. But, truth be told, not all restaurants have the beautiful views of Manhattan that this rooftop bar and lounge at 30 Rockefeller Plaza does.
Looking at the glass half full, this is an excellent occasion to enjoy a fine dining menu at Rockefeller Center while watching the New York City skyline at sunset.
A top experience like this ultimately comes at a price but it is so worth it, that if you decide to eat at the Sixty-Five Bar you will gladly pay for it and take home a great souvenir of this unique day in Midtown Manhattan.
4. What time does the Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room Bar open?
The bar hours are different from the hours at the Top of the Rock observation deck. The Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room Bar is open from 5 PM to 11 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays while on Sundays and Mondays it is open from 4 PM to 10 PM. On Saturdays it is open from 4 PM to 1 AM.
When do I go for a drink at the Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room Bar?
If you plan to enter the Sixty-Five Bar after climbing to the Top of the Rock, my recommendation is to first go to watch the sunset from the observatory to enjoy the views and take lots of pictures and videos of the sunset, a very special and romantic moment of the day.
Then, when the sun goes down, go up to the Top of the Rock at night or go down to the 65th floor of 30 Rockefeller Plaza to enjoy a drink with your companion. This time from the open-air terrace of the Sixty-Five Bar with the stunning illuminated New York night skyline in the background - you'll have a picture-perfect view from here!
For other good times to go to this viewpoint, I advise you to take a look at the post Best time to go up to the Top of the Rock where you will find more suggestions.
What happens if I am late to the restaurant?
If you have reserved a table at the Sixty-Five Bar but you are running a little short of time and are afraid of being a little late, don't worry, they usually keep the reservation for 5 or 10 minutes as a gesture of courtesy. However, if you think you're going to be a little late, it might be best to contact the bar by phone to let them know and try to get them to hold your reservation a little longer.
The Sixty-Five Bar is a very busy rooftop bar where many people want to get a good table from which to enjoy the New York skyline at sunset. For this reason, my advice is to try to be very punctual so that they can serve you and seat you correctly at the agreed time.
5. What is the atmosphere and view of the Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room Bar like?
What is the atmosphere and decor of the bar like?
The atmosphere inside this Rockefeller Center rooftop bar and lounge is calm and relaxed. The bartenders at Sixty-Five Bar are very attentive to customers and their service is very efficient.
As for the bar's décor, it is reminiscent of the Art Deco style that evokes the glamour of times past. An elegant and timeless movement famous for its minimalism and the use of sober colors such as black, gray, silver, gold and white.
In addition, the Sixty-Five Bar is equipped with large windows through which sunlight penetrates to illuminate it naturally during the day. At night the lights that illuminate the place are dim, achieving an intimate and romantic effect.
In short, it is a perfect place to disconnect for a moment from the routine and to let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the surrounding environment while enjoying a delicious cocktail in good company. Either with friends or with someone special.
What are the views of the Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room Bar like?
The views you will have of the New York skyline from this rooftop bar and lounge are quite similar to those from the Top of the Rock, as you can contemplate from its terrace with very good visibility such popular sites as Central Park or the Empire State.
However, in my opinion the views from the Sixty-Five Bar do not replace those from the Top of the Rock but complement them, because the bar does not have the 360-degree views of the Top of the Rock observatory and in winter it is not allowed to go outside.
That's why I recommend you to go up to the Top of the Rock first to see the views of New York in all its splendor and then go to the Sixty-Five Bar to continue enjoying the experience with a drink in your hand and having something to eat. Here is an article about what to see at the Top of the Rock so you can better organize your time.
From Bar Sixty-Five you will be able to see some famous tourist attractions of the city such as:
- Empire State Building
- Upper East Side
- Central Park
- Upper West Side
- Harlem
- And more...
What is the dress code for dining at the Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room Bar?
If you wish to enjoy an evening at the Sixty-Five Bar after visiting the Top of the Rock, you should know that this lounge has a dress code for access.
The etiquette is smart casual, which means that sportswear, shorts, jeans, ripped effect pants, flip-flops or sneakers are not allowed.
This is a restaurant where guests are expected to dress neatly and smartly, in keeping with the aesthetics of the space.
6. Where else can I get a drink at Rockefeller Center?
If you feel like having a drink without leaving Rockefeller Center, inside this complex there are a number of restaurants where you can have a bite to eat before or after visiting the Top of the Rock.
Some examples are the fresh sushi at Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, the artisan bagels at Black Seed Bagels or Fuku' s crispy fried chicken with Asian-American influences, among many others.
You can also check out the best places to eat near Rockefeller Center for other options.
7. How do I get to the Sixty-Five at Rainbow Room Bar?
Taking the subway is the best way to dodge New York traffic and get to the Top of the Rock observation deck quickly and on time, or to dinner at the Sixty-Five Bar if you have a reserved table.
The main subway lines that go to Top of the Rock are:
- 47th-50th Street Rockefeller Center stop (B, D, F and M lines)
- 50th Street stop (line 1)
- 51st Street stop (6 line)
- 49th Street stop (N, Q and R)
Now, if you're not in a hurry and love to walk like me, taking a stroll through Midtown is the most fun and cheapest option to get to this tourist attraction.
Exploring the streets of downtown New York on foot you will discover many places that will catch your attention and the journey will fly by.
However, if you prefer to get to the Top of the Rock by other means of transport I recommend you to read the post How to get to the Top of the Rock where we will see all the alternatives available to you.