Ava Penthouse Lounge

(212) 956-7020

210 W 55th St (Penthouse) (Between Broadway and 7th Avenue)
New York, NY 10019 40.764384 -73.981348

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Neighborhoods: Clinton, Midtown

Years in business

Established in 2002

Hours:

Daily 5pm-4am

Last updated 1.12.12

Category:

Bars & Pubs, Bars & Clubs, Lounges

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Bar & Club Special Features:

Specialty Cocktails, Outdoor Seating

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Ava Penthouse Lounge

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Most people impulsively race for the windows at this retro-licious duplex lounge atop the Dream Hotel. A view to the south overlooks the "Late Show" studios, and across the way, high-rise terraces swaying with singles who party this way every night. A stylin' DJ-spun scene that could easily become pretentious--with a roped-off sidewalk and "Reserved" signs on tables--is instead warm and inviting, with low striped banquettes and modern wood paneling. Giggling tourists bring an out-of-town sweetness, while tough guys in suits will help ladies score a seat. When the weather is fine, the upstairs…

Editor's Tips

What to Drink:
Ask for the Key lime martini--a $13 knockout.
Know Before You Go:
If your heart is set on the terrace, call ahead to make sure a private party hasn't reserved it.
What to Drink:
A complete menu of specialty cocktails like the Key Lime Martini and Harvey Wallbanger (Absolut Citron, Absolut Mandarin, OJ and Gallian liqueur) are available.
Know Before You Go:
If your heart is set on the terrace, call ahead to make sure it hasn't been reserved for a private party.
Food Served:
An upscale assortment of appetizers, small plates, sandwiches and salads are served.
ambiance
90.27999877929688% positive
  1. “Awesome space conveniently located near Times Sqaure with a spectacular view of the city.”
  2. “Lots of nooks and crannies, the views are outstanding (bring binoculars!)”
  3. “loved the decor inside- great lighting and colors, perfect for a date.”
  4. “City views, DJ parked and spinning, bartenders cool.”
  5. “This place has great views, a nice breeze, and beautiful people.”
  6. “Very nice place great view”
  7. “don't know if the view is magnificent, or the drinks fantastic , but I do know this place has got way too much attitude.”
  8. “This place was romantic and hopping at the same time.”
  9. “Except for the views, which we all agreed we've seen better in the city, the bartenders couldnt even pull a decent martini together.”
  10. “Not a fun scene.”
  11. “It's a good place to take a member of the opposite sex when trying to impress, but if you're just looking to meet someone and have some fun, there's better options.”
  12. “The view is nice.”
  13. “Admittedly, the place does have nice views and interior, but nothing spectacular.”
  14. “From the moment you the elevator doors open, you startle at the backdrop of city buildings bustling in the nighttime sky with a great view of the bright lights of Time Square.”
  15. “Went here for a friend's birthday on Saturday night, 6/14 and while we were all impressed with the views, we were not impressed by the rude bouncers and their nasty attitudes.”
  16. “good decor.”
  17. “It's got a great view, nice decor, and none of the hassles that you normally are greeted with.”
  18. “Excellent view of Times Square.”
  19. “The atmosphere and view was fantastic and the music was great!”
  20. “It is very trendy and the views are amazing.”
  21. “The view there of TimesSquare is amazing.”
  22. “decent view.”
  23. “Friendly, accommodating staff, awesome view, great music mix, giving a "downtown" vibe to a midtown swanky joint soon to be "A" listed.”
  24. “It's on the roof of the Majestic hotel, the music was great, the view was great.”
  25. “Great space with awesome views.”
  26. “The views are fantastic and we really felt very S*x and the City ish (there were 4 of us!)”
  27. “The decor is a pathetic attempt at hip, using the cheesiest materials and awful uncomfortable furniture that was tired and sorry looking.”
  28. “There's no cover, no bouncer giving you attitude yet you get great ambience decent music and spectacular views no matter where you are.”
  29. “view is nice, but this place is overrated.”
  30. “The view is beautiful but the service is horrendous, they must only hire people who were shunned as outcasts in high school.”
  31. “the view from the the lounge is amazing.”
  32. “The view was admitedly nice, but it wasn't worth the constant barrage from the help, first informing us that we'd probably be asked to move when other parties came, then asked twice in 15 minutes if we needed another drink.”
  33. “Nice furniture, very pretty plants and a great view.”
  34. “The view is amazing but not worth being treated like we were.”
  35. “nice view, but bad attitude”
  36. “Cozy decor (loungy libraryish) and the view from the terrace is divine!”
dessert
0.0% positive
  1. “THEN when the cake came out, this supposed to be upscale establishment in Manhattan brought the very expensive cake out on throw away picnic saucers and plastic forks!”
drinks
44.43999767303467% positive
  1. “uncomfortable seats,very small place,expensive drinks, really nothing special,dont waste your time”
  2. “mean, the hotel in which this bar is located used to be a Best Western.”
  3. “If you want to be treated poorly by staff at a bar, there are many lesser expensive places you can choose from.”
  4. “The drinks are good, although a bit expensive.”
  5. “However, the drinks suck!”
  6. “We got there really early - 6pm - for a quick drink and had to put up with ridiculous attitude.”
  7. “(No thanks, I think the full drinks should have said it all.)”
  8. “don't know if the view is magnificent, or the drinks fantastic , but I do know this place has got way too much attitude.”
  9. “The view was admitedly nice, but it wasn't worth the constant barrage from the help, first informing us that we'd probably be asked to move when other parties came, then asked twice in 15 minutes if we needed another drink.”
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. “Liked the fact that if so inclined, the terrace was open for fresh air.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “It's a good place to take a member of the opposite sex when trying to impress, but if you're just looking to meet someone and have some fun, there's better options.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “This is definitely a great place to bring a date, or just to chill with a group of friends.”
  2. “It's a good place to take a member of the opposite sex when trying to impress, but if you're just looking to meet someone and have some fun, there's better options.”
  3. “Ava has great potential but I'm not sure if it will ever live up to it as the place has been around for a little while now, but still hasn't really caught on.”
  4. “view is nice, but this place is overrated.”
  5. “Ava is a good place to meet up with a group of friends.”
  6. “BUT i think it could be a good place for happy hour, not night out”
  7. “am not sure what some of these people are talking about but it's a nice place.”
  8. “Very nice place great view”
  9. “It's a nice place to hang every once in a while or for a special occasion, but that's it.”
  10. “It's great place for a date, and the music gets good after 11.”
  11. “This is also a good place to take people who are visiting or to throw a party (I've had 2 parties here and so far, I've not had any problems).”
service
67.56999969482422% positive
  1. “The door staff and waitresses are very polite and affable.”
  2. “All of this plus the friendly staff made my birthday memorable!”
  3. “am not sure what some of these people are talking about but it's a nice place.”
  4. “will not get into all the details but the service at the rooftop lounge is awful.”
  5. “The employees are rude and have no reason to be.”
  6. “good service.”
  7. “If you want to be treated poorly by staff at a bar, there are many lesser expensive places you can choose from.”
  8. “This is also a good place to take people who are visiting or to throw a party (I've had 2 parties here and so far, I've not had any problems).”
  9. “The staff was amazing, kind, and helpful.”
  10. “Drinks were good, fairly priced & the service was good.”
  11. “Worst of all are the employees.”
  12. “We sat down at one of the couches along the wall and were greated by a very friendly waitress.”
  13. “Rude Bouncers, horrible service, air condition broken, no space to breath or dance”
  14. “The service at the lounge and especially the adjacent hotel was appallingly awful; they were obnoxious and had tons of attitude.”
  15. “Mixed crowd gay, straight, natives, B&Ts. Great service.”
  16. “More importantly, excellent service!”
  17. “The staff from the door downstairs to the bouncers upstairs were moderately polite.”
  18. “felt bad people freezing outside to get in, just to find the "books" in the "library-esque" area are just painted on the wall (!”
  19. “The staff was very attentive and not overly annoying asking if you needed something evey 5 minutes.”
  20. “The main reason I wouldn't recommend this place is the service, starting with the bouncers and ending with the waitresses.”
  21. “The bouncers were incredibly rude and unprofessional.”
  22. “bouncers kicked out some of our party but the manager was cool and let them back in.”
  23. “This place has great views, a nice breeze, and beautiful people.”
  24. “Not a bad place but the doormen are uptight and not friendly.”
  25. “The guy who runs these bars is a down-to-earth Irishman who has created a stylish environment with a friendly, unpretentious vibe.”
  26. “The place has never been overcrowded (reservations are recommended) and the staff and patrons were friendly.”
  27. “Not pretentious at all, nice staff and good music, prices are high but expected.”
  28. “However, the place is never that full and there is a lack of opportunity to meet people.”
  29. “But if there are many people there, its a horrible nightmare, you are on top of each other.”
  30. “Went here for a friend's birthday on Saturday night, 6/14 and while we were all impressed with the views, we were not impressed by the rude bouncers and their nasty attitudes.”
  31. “The view is beautiful but the service is horrendous, they must only hire people who were shunned as outcasts in high school.”
  32. “City views, DJ parked and spinning, bartenders cool.”
  33. “Doormen did not honor or care about a group reservations and the establishment's staff members were snippy to guests of the party.”
  34. “had my birthday party there for about 60 people and I can't explain how friendly and accommodating the manager/staff was!”
  35. “Except for the views, which we all agreed we've seen better in the city, the bartenders couldnt even pull a decent martini together.”
  36. “Friendly, accommodating staff, awesome view, great music mix, giving a "downtown" vibe to a midtown swanky joint soon to be "A" listed.”
  37. “The waitstaff was friendly, bottles flowed freely, the music was decent.”
value
60.0% positive
  1. “The crowd is also pretty decent and the prices are average.”
  2. “THEN when the cake came out, this supposed to be upscale establishment in Manhattan brought the very expensive cake out on throw away picnic saucers and plastic forks!”
  3. “If you want to be treated poorly by staff at a bar, there are many lesser expensive places you can choose from.”
  4. “Not pretentious at all, nice staff and good music, prices are high but expected.”
  5. “The view was admitedly nice, but it wasn't worth the constant barrage from the help, first informing us that we'd probably be asked to move when other parties came, then asked twice in 15 minutes if we needed another drink.”
  6. “Dont bother going, spend your money elsewhere.”
  7. “uncomfortable seats,very small place,expensive drinks, really nothing special,dont waste your time”
  8. “The drinks are good, although a bit expensive.”
  9. “The view is amazing but not worth being treated like we were.”
  10. “The prices didn't bother me because it's Manhattan.”
wait time
40.0% positive
  1. “waiting another 18 minutes to settle the bill which arrived as a flat fee.”
  2. “We got there really early - 6pm - for a quick drink and had to put up with ridiculous attitude.”
  3. “The staff was very attentive and not overly annoying asking if you needed something evey 5 minutes.”
  4. “There was a terrible smell from the minute that I first walked in to the main room that was clearly overly packed and not properly air-conditioned.”
  5. “The view was admitedly nice, but it wasn't worth the constant barrage from the help, first informing us that we'd probably be asked to move when other parties came, then asked twice in 15 minutes if we needed another drink.”
3 Star Rating: Average

02/04/12

Can't Beat the View or the Service

by cityneversleeps at Citysearch

I was entertaining out of town clients and had a party of about 20. I thought they would love the view of the city here. It really is amazing.

When my clients saw the ropes in front and the line, they got worried, but it had all been taken care of. We were on the list and walked right in.

We had a perfect table to see the panoramic rooftop view. We were comped a bottle of Stoli Vodka with Redbull and Orange Juice to mix. Thanks to AccessGotham I had a very successful night. Their service is free too.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/19/10

Decent place but not my scene

by lhoopie at Citysearch

Went here for a joint birthday party so they reserved a table- there weren't any minimums or bottle service, the prices were probably typical of the area, I wasn't shocked but I wasn't thrilled. The staff was fine, waitress was pretty good. I think the dress code is dressier than I usually like but I know some go for that. The roof was awesome but too crowded when i was there but we were able to find some standing room before going back to our table in the main area. It got very crowded after 11 or so- maybe 12. The DJ wasn't anything amazing but we all danced and had a good time. They ran separte tabs for us but asked us to go in on tabs in groups- which I understand and we were all OK with it. Overall I had a good time and I'd go back again without a problem.

  • Pros: Decent service & music, view
  • Cons: food stopped too early/bad selection, drinks little pricey
1 Star Rating: Poor

07/11/10

VERY Disrespectful

by Legacy3000 at Citysearch

We went here to celebrate a friend's b-day party. Though he pre-paid for bottle service and a reservation for 10 people, we were treated like scum at the door. Six of us guys got to the door where the black bald dude stated, "I don't care, I'm not letting 6 guys up stairs."

My buddy whose bday reservation it was asked what the problem was and what does it matter? After asking to speak with the so called manager, some short hobit looking fat loser; He tried to change stories by saying we already have people upstairs and are past our 10 limit.He then rudely stated "How about I just Void your reservation and you can go elsewhere!" The nerve of these bastards. I begged my friend to lets just go, but since he already had 2 people upstairs (g/f) and they have his credit card info, he thought it was best to work it out. Long story short, one of his friends left to go home, two snuck in and the rest got on the standard line. WTF is the point of a reservation? Screw this place. Did I mention the elevators were broken and we were stuck in it traveling btwn floors for 20 minutes? Yeeeeah. Negative 9000 Stars.

  • Pros: we eventually got in
  • Cons: Doormen, prices, service, elevators
3 Star Rating: Average

06/28/10

Good View

by Athena Chang , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

Came here for a Networking/Happy Hour private event. One thing I was a bit taken back is that they did not have a happy hour special.

But overall, it is another good roof top bar in Manhattan. It has a nice view of the city and the terrace has seating areas as well. Drinks here are pricey as you may have expected due to its location and rooftop setting. I think it is a good date spot or for social events.

1 Star Rating: Poor

12/04/09

RUDE AND UNETHICAL

by almedina09 at Citysearch

I had the misfortune to entertain business prospects there, we were treated the worse i have ever experienced...even though the place was literally empty at 11 pm on a Wednesday, we were constantly asked to move and were told all tables were reserved even one which was occupied and the ones occupying it invited us over and left a bit later. a waitress came and asked us to move again.

We paid and left a cash tip and later i found they had charged me tip again even though i had hand written the amount and signed. From the bouncers to the ugly waitresses they were synchronized to be obnoxious and rude.

They advertise a view nobody can enjoy . I wonder how they stay in business

  • Pros: none
  • Cons: the people that work there

The Details on Ava Penthouse Lounge

Place Categories:

  • great view
  • good place
  • friendly door staff
  • worst small place
  • good service
  • good drinks
  • divine cozy decor
  • pretty decent crowd
  • rude bouncers
  • loved ava lounge
  • very friendly waitresses
  • ridiculous attitude
  • great space
  • amazing roof
  • bitter patron
  • beautiful people
  • rude employees
  • great spectacular views
  • awful furniture
  • great rooftop
  • accommodating managerstaff
  • best western
  • great key lime martini
  • great ambience decent music
  • really uncomfortable seats

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