(212) 481-1999

303 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10016 40.7486 -73.978

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: Murray Hill, Midtown

RAREBARANDGRILL.COM

Last updated 3.23.11

Category:

Restaurants, Neighborhood Bars, Singles Bars

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, MasterCard

Bar & Pub Special Features:

Happy Hour

Bar & Club Special Features:

After Work, Outdoor Seating

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Rare View

Featured Review

Karen Hudes

Contributor

The Scene – The garden-party atmosphere on this 16th-floor deck of the Shelburne Murray Hill lends a breezy mood to after-work drinks. A mix of business casual and just plain casual guests unwind on the brick patio, seated beside palm fronds and hibiscus, reclining on pillowy beds or gathering in animated groups by the outdoor bar. – – The Draw – Stunning views of the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building, both only blocks away, are the spot's most distinctive perk, adding a charge of exhilaration to the outdoor festivities. Less notable is the drink list, which…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
The bar does not serve food. For a bite, try the Rare Bar & Grill--popular for its burgers--on the ground floor.
Look Good:
There's no formal dress code, but be sure to see the lobby attendant to get your hand stamped before taking the elevator up.
ambiance
72.22000122070312% positive
  1. “the Drinks are way overpriced ($26 for 2 Mojito[s]). You feel like your at a college frat party, when they stamp your hand to get in the elevator. I'd say they need to open a second bar on the other side of the roof the wait was just long enough when I h”
  2. “nice view”
  3. “Great view, but most important great people.”
  4. “This is a great place to take out of towners -- with an amazing skyline view.”
  5. “The bouncers can be annoying, and seem a little unnecessary for such a small place, but once you make it up there, it's a nice atmosphere.”
  6. “The view is nice, but the tall fences take away from it a little, I guess it's a NYS law b/c all the roof tops have them.”
drinks
58.33000183105469% positive
  1. “the Drinks are way overpriced ($26 for 2 Mojito[s]). You feel like your at a college frat party, when they stamp your hand to get in the elevator. I'd say they need to open a second bar on the other side of the roof the wait was just long enough when I h”
  2. “large roof deck for warm evening cocktails.”
  3. “While the drinks were strong and a good size, the actual rooftop wasn't nice enough to warrant the $15 pricetag.”
  4. “The staff was very friendly, drinks were fine, but since still early in the summer.”
  5. “There is no diplomatic way to put it, from the thuggish "bouncers" who stamp your hand in the lobby and the awful, awful music (imagine Carrot Top's Ipod on random being played loudly) to the overpriced drinks ($15 martinis, $9 beers) and slow service, th”
  6. “Given the number of rooftops in New York, don't waste your time with this one unless you like paying $13 for an okay drink and a huge dose of harassment.”
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. “The only downfall was that there was no food available or even allowd- Other than that I would definately recommend this place for anyone who wants a real taste of the manhattan scene!”
  2. “The food was real good and the service was great!”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “This is a great place to take out of towners -- with an amazing skyline view.”
  2. “This is a great place to spend a summer night.”
service
75.0% positive
  1. “The food was real good and the service was great!”
  2. “Great view, but most important great people.”
  3. “There is no diplomatic way to put it, from the thuggish "bouncers" who stamp your hand in the lobby and the awful, awful music (imagine Carrot Top's Ipod on random being played loudly) to the overpriced drinks ($15 martinis, $9 beers) and slow service, th”
  4. “The staff was very friendly, drinks were fine, but since still early in the summer.”
value
33.3299994468689% positive
  1. “We decided on mojitos ( a little pricey- but worth it), and just enjoyed the scenery, the music ( the speakers could be upgraded a bit) and of course, the conversation.”
  2. “Drinks a bit expensive, but the same as any hotel around town.”
  3. “the Drinks are way overpriced ($26 for 2 Mojito[s]). You feel like your at a college frat party, when they stamp your hand to get in the elevator. I'd say they need to open a second bar on the other side of the roof the wait was just long enough when I h”
  4. “Drinks are a little pricey, but again, NYC.”
  5. “Given the number of rooftops in New York, don't waste your time with this one unless you like paying $13 for an okay drink and a huge dose of harassment.”
  6. “There is no diplomatic way to put it, from the thuggish "bouncers" who stamp your hand in the lobby and the awful, awful music (imagine Carrot Top's Ipod on random being played loudly) to the overpriced drinks ($15 martinis, $9 beers) and slow service, th”
wait time
0.0% positive
  1. “the Drinks are way overpriced ($26 for 2 Mojito[s]). You feel like your at a college frat party, when they stamp your hand to get in the elevator. I'd say they need to open a second bar on the other side of the roof the wait was just long enough when I h”
  2. “There is no diplomatic way to put it, from the thuggish "bouncers" who stamp your hand in the lobby and the awful, awful music (imagine Carrot Top's Ipod on random being played loudly) to the overpriced drinks ($15 martinis, $9 beers) and slow service, th”
3 Star Rating: Average

05/22/10

Rare roof experience

by AVR , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

A large roof deck for warm evening cocktails. It does offer the (as advertised) sweeping views of our lovely lower midtown skyline.

A vast expansive space with little alcoves that offer spaces that offer the opportunity for conversation away from the masses.

Weeknight evening find this spot filled with the suited after work crowd. Weekend afternoons into evening offer a more relaxed atmosphere.

Navigating through the crowd can be daunting - knowing which area you are meeting friends ahead of time is helpful.

Pick your spot - and stick with it is my suggestion.

  • Pros: out - of -doors, what else do you need?
  • Cons: give yourself 5 minutes when it's time to leave.
4 Star Rating: Recommended

05/15/09

Nice for a drink after work

by callmezo at Citysearch

Met up with some old and new friends on a Wednesday night after work. The staff was very friendly, drinks were fine, but since still early in the summer... got a bit cool outside early and there were no propane heaters like other venues to sit underneath. I would go back again, once the weather warms up a bit more.

  • Pros: Friendly wait staff
  • Cons: No outside heaters
4 Star Rating: Recommended

08/25/08

Great place for mojitos!!

by hotfungi31 at Citysearch

I stopped by after work with a few friends.... It wasnt too crowded at that point, and our waitress was very prompt and friendly. We decided on mojitos ( a little pricey- but worth it), and just enjoyed the scenery, the music ( the speakers could be upgraded a bit) and of course, the conversation. I was also pleased that I was able to purchase a cigar right there on the roof. The only downfall was that there was no food available or even allowd- Other than that I would definately recommend this place for anyone who wants a real taste of the manhattan scene!

  • Pros: Great view of the city- mixed drinks and social scene
  • Cons: no food allowed
3 Star Rating: Average

07/02/08

Cute place to sit outside until the crowds come

by ny2ca at Citysearch

Took a good 20 min to get the elevator ride up/down. When it's less crowded it's easy to get drinks and find a place to hang out. When the crowds come, it feels like there's no place to go and no way to get to a bar or waitress. The view is nice, but the tall fences take away from it a little, I guess it's a NYS law b/c all the roof tops have them. Drinks are a little pricey, but again, NYC.

  • Pros: Being outside
  • Cons: Gets crowded
4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/17/07

Great Views - Good Drinks

by kris1260 at Citysearch

One of the best rooftop bars in Manhattan. There are few places I would rather be on a cool summer dusk. The Sapphire tonic compliments the city skyline perfectly.

  • Pros: Great Views
  • Cons: Sometimes crowded - difficult to access the bar

The Details on Rare View

Place Categories:

  • nice skyline view
  • worst bouncers
  • overpriced drinks
  • great place
  • good music
  • awful music
  • good outdoor space
  • not nice actual rooftop
  • very friendly staff
  • good size
  • great service
  • nice atmosphere
  • cool summer dusk
  • enjoyed of
  • enjoyed scenery
  • good min
  • great people
  • huge dose
  • horrible experience
  • real good food
  • warm evening cocktails
  • best rooftop