(212) 757-7925

251 W 48th St
New York, NY 10036 40.7607 -73.9858

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Neighborhoods: Theater District - Times Square, Midtown

Years in business

Established in 2003

Last updated 1.24.11

Category:

Singles Bars, Bars & Clubs, Parking Stations & Garages, Lounges

Bar & Club Special Features:

After Work, Outdoor Seating

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About HighBar NYC

Featured Review

Lucy Blatter

Contributor

Don't let the rundown entrance, old elevator or surly bouncer keep you from enjoying this urban bar and bi-level lounge, located on the penthouse floor of an unremarkable midtown building. Half indoors and half outdoors, the airy space features a patio with bar and grill, sleek wooden furniture and comfy canopied daybeds (generally reserved for the bottle service crowd). A large, enclosable room (with retractable roof) has plenty of banquettes and private nooks where beautiful New Yorkers and tourists alike can take in the breeze--and the scene. – – Hits: A plethora of standing…

Editor's Tips

Fun Fact:
The owner of Highbar, Greg Brier, also owns Aspen and the nearby hot spots D'Or and Amalia, both located in the Dream Hotel.
Food Served:
Grilled burgers, hot dogs and cold crudite are available.
What to Drink:
Choose from a rotating selection of frozen drinks, or stick to the menu of 30-odd specialty cocktails like the mint julep, pisco sour or elderflower lime rickey. Still thirsty? Try the Drunken Watermelon--a scooped out melon rind, filled with the liquor of your choice.
ambiance
83.33000183105469% positive
  1. “The decor is beyond spectacular and the over ambiance is perfect to spend an entire evening with friends or meet new ones.”
  2. “Having worked in the service industry for years I could tell there was an uncommon sense of cohesiveness that made the space feel comfortable.”
  3. “but the atmosphere, the people and great service.”
  4. “Unfortunately due to the awful management and DJ being so rude, what should have been a fun addition to my bachelorette party festivities basically turned a good night into a disaster!”
  5. “Comfortable places to sit (cabanas) and a beautiful view.”
  6. “This is the worst place to buy a drink in NYC, over priced, rude staff, and the view and music is not great”
  7. “There's seating under a canopy in comfortable banquets, at a raised tabletop on bar stools outdoors, and at several large cabanas outdoors.”
  8. “However, as previous commenters mentioned $16 dollar drinks is a little much-this isn't Gansevoort in the Meatpacking on friday night or 230 Fifth with views that are truly impressive.”
  9. “journey to the rooftop added to the mystic of being "in" on the best new secret in the heart of Manhattan - complete with beautiful people and beautiful decor”
  10. “The atmosphere was laid-back, the staff was nice and accommodating and the space was perfect.”
  11. “The ambiance was incredible.”
  12. “There was one really large cabana which could be really fun for a big group of friends.”
  13. “cocktails were fun and, of course , we topped the night off toasting champagne against a fabulous view.”
  14. “Great views from there and wonderful breeze.”
  15. “The place itself is set-up pretty well and the view is good, not great.”
  16. “The decor is hideously purple and the view is not even as good as any Upper East Side apartment.”
  17. “The girls are hot the views are great and the beats are tight, what more can you want during the summertime.”
  18. “Everything is great from the drinks, decor, food and the crowd!”
drinks
50.0% positive
  1. “cocktails were fun and, of course , we topped the night off toasting champagne against a fabulous view.”
  2. “There's seating under a canopy in comfortable banquets, at a raised tabletop on bar stools outdoors, and at several large cabanas outdoors.”
  3. “liked the bar that is near the ledge to the right of the grill.”
  4. “The drinks were good, but at $16 a pop they ought to be.”
  5. “The only drink I had before I left was the worst mojito I ever had (also the most expensive...)”
  6. “The bar design is just ok, comparing to other beautiful and elegant rooftop bars in NYC.”
  7. “Everything is great from the drinks, decor, food and the crowd!”
  8. “I'm not surprised that this horrible bar got only one star from most reviews.”
  9. “The drinks are slightly overpriced, but the signature martinis are tasty.”
  10. “However, as previous commenters mentioned $16 dollar drinks is a little much-this isn't Gansevoort in the Meatpacking on friday night or 230 Fifth with views that are truly impressive.”
  11. “This is the worst place to buy a drink in NYC, over priced, rude staff, and the view and music is not great”
  12. “The irony is that we would have been terrific customers for them to have inside - we might have enjoyed their absurdly priced drinks, etc, and we certainly would have been happy to share any positive experience with friends to provide them with future bus”
  13. “The place is small, the drink prices are ridiculous and the vibe is pretentious.”
  14. “The drinks are expensive.”
  15. “This bar/lounge whatever they want to call it is the most prenticious place in nyc 1st thing the bouncer is full of himself and so is the manager if you dont have a "certain look" aka look like euro trash you can't get in seriously i saw people that could”
  16. “Hideous entrance, Horrible service and Over priced drinks!”
  17. “The worst roof bar to go in NYC, don't recommend going there.”
  18. “Really cool exterior/interior design, there's a white roof covering the bar and the rest is open with seating areas and high communal tables with barstools.”
  19. “highly pretentious staff and just ok drinks.”
food quality
91.66999816894531% positive
  1. “Everything is great from the drinks, decor, food and the crowd!”
  2. “First off meat head at the door asked where I lived before I was let in, "oh you live right next door in this big building, ok you can come in”
  3. “The drinks are slightly overpriced, but the signature martinis are tasty.”
  4. “like the bbq grill gimmick.”
  5. “didn't have any food but it looked like yummy generic bbq fare; burgers and hot dogs.”
  6. “My group and I had some of the food--Chips and Guacamole and my burger was awesome!”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “It had a beautiful, diverse crowd -- and it seemed like the bouncer was making a special effort to keep it diverse and interesting, not exclusive and snobby.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “went there on a nice summer evening just to check out the place with a friend.”
  2. “Highbar is the best place to party in ny!”
  3. “Really is a very nice place, but I wish there were people who had more in common with me”
  4. “Too bad as this would've been a great place for our company gatherings.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “Unfortunately, I don't think I will be back or recommend this place to anyone after dealing with the staff.”
service
69.56999778747559% positive
  1. “but the atmosphere, the people and great service.”
  2. “Unfortunately due to the awful management and DJ being so rude, what should have been a fun addition to my bachelorette party festivities basically turned a good night into a disaster!”
  3. “Hideous entrance, Horrible service and Over priced drinks!”
  4. “The bartenders are very friendly (the girl in the white shorts) and give fast service.”
  5. “Nice door people DO exist in Manhattan!”
  6. “Having worked in the service industry for years I could tell there was an uncommon sense of cohesiveness that made the space feel comfortable.”
  7. “All I got was a rude stare and a power trip that makes the d*uche bag doorman sleep better at night.”
  8. “Terrible service”
  9. “The staff really knows how to take care of their patrons and the music was great.”
  10. “This is the worst place to buy a drink in NYC, over priced, rude staff, and the view and music is not great”
  11. “journey to the rooftop added to the mystic of being "in" on the best new secret in the heart of Manhattan - complete with beautiful people and beautiful decor”
  12. “The atmosphere was laid-back, the staff was nice and accommodating and the space was perfect.”
  13. “highly pretentious staff and just ok drinks.”
  14. “Nice rooftop but brutal service”
  15. “This bar/lounge whatever they want to call it is the most prenticious place in nyc 1st thing the bouncer is full of himself and so is the manager if you dont have a "certain look" aka look like euro trash you can't get in seriously i saw people that could”
  16. “We rented out the 2nd floor which was perfect for 100 people.”
  17. “Unfortunately, I don't think I will be back or recommend this place to anyone after dealing with the staff.”
  18. “Beware this place if you value decent service.”
  19. “The manager was a big help setting up reservations for us.”
  20. “Really is a very nice place, but I wish there were people who had more in common with me”
  21. “The service was really good no complaints on that side.”
  22. “The people on the phone great at letting me know the flexibility of my package and allowing me to get whatever i want.”
value
58.33000183105469% positive
  1. “The only drink I had before I left was the worst mojito I ever had (also the most expensive...)”
  2. “Feels like they are doing you a favor when letting you in, a few huge males loaded with testosterone are spread along the long way in, one wrong word or move and you are out.”
  3. “The drinks are expensive.”
  4. “The place is small, the drink prices are ridiculous and the vibe is pretentious.”
  5. “If you're used to the prices and lines at clubs in the Meatpacking District or Chelsea it's a pretty cool place to hang out before hitting a club.”
  6. “However, as previous commenters mentioned $16 dollar drinks is a little much-this isn't Gansevoort in the Meatpacking on friday night or 230 Fifth with views that are truly impressive.”
  7. “Beware this place if you value decent service.”
  8. “reserved a section and ended up purchasing two bottles which wasn't too pricey.”
  9. “finally got their attention to ask them if they could lower the temp as we were getting a little hot and she looked at me as if I was asking her to do me a huge favor.”
  10. “For this place, which is targeting expensive clientele, the doorman should be professional and courteous.”
  11. “The drinks are slightly overpriced, but the signature martinis are tasty.”
  12. “This is the worst place to buy a drink in NYC, over priced, rude staff, and the view and music is not great”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “Feels like they are doing you a favor when letting you in, a few huge males loaded with testosterone are spread along the long way in, one wrong word or move and you are out.”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/26/10

New Years Eve over The NYC Skyline!

by Yalla Balla

Penthouse Loft Party 16 stories above the bustling City, on New Years Eve, need we say more? Expect another unforgettable New Years Eve at Highbar this year; Great views, energetic crowd, 5 hour Premium Open Bar at your service...usually the bouncers and doormen here aren't the sweetest but Pre-sold tickets take them out of the picture! So come on down and show us what you're working with this NYE '11 .

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/14/10

buy your new years eve tickets now!

by nycnyeparties

buy your tickets @ www.nycnyeparties. com

Bright lights, big city, fabulous penthouse loft! It doesn’t get any better than this for New Year’s Eve! Celebrate New Year’s Eve 2011 on top of the world at Manhattan’s premier penthouse rooftop lounge, Highbar. Live the privileged high life with a whole lot of flash at this sleek and sensual urban oasis fashioned after a luxurious penthouse in St. Tropez.

As they would say in the South of France, Bienvenue a Highbar...and what a welcome it is! From the moment the elevator opens onto the breathtaking rooftop penthouse, you'll certainly know you've arrived at one of the most exhilarating parties in NYC for NYE 2011. Located 16 stories above NYC’s bustling streets, the spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan’s sexy cityscape set the perfect backdrop for any occasion – best of all, New Year’s Eve!

Highbar is the creation of Greg Brier, famed restaurateur and nightlife impresario noted for his crowning achievements in fine dining and A-list nightlife establishments in New York City. The interior of Highbar was designed by ICrave, the acclaimed design firm behind STK and West Hollywood’s hotspot Villa. The sexy and sophisticated penthouse loft is decorated with plush lounges accented with natural materials such as slate tiles, teak accents, bamboo, and an abundance of lush plants.

Highbar is the incomparable top party destination for New Year’s Eve 2011 for those seeking a smaller, more intimate yet full throttle atmosphere. Come bid farewell to 2010 with old friends and by the wee hours of 2011, you’ll surely make new ones! Highlights of New Year's Eve 2011 bash include:

Five hour premium open bar (9pm-2am)

A scrumptious selection of delectable hors d’oeuvres (9pm-11:30pm)

Live performance by a world renowned DJ spinning sets of hip hop, dance, 80’s Top 40 and rock from a state of the art sound system

Champagne toast at midnight

Live countdown to NYE 2011

Festive NYE 2011 party favors

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/10/10

Great Rooftop Party!

by arielle winters

I celebrated my birthday at High Bar last year and it was really fun! My guy friends could sit and hang out while the girls (and the guys who wanted to) danced. It was a great mix of a club/ bar scene. I planned my party through AccessGotham so I got right in with no cover! I highly recommend High Bar.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/18/10

Great Venue

by NYhopper

Great crowd, great location!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

11/10/10

Best Upscale Saturday Night in New York City

by Eventige

Saturday Nights at Highbar Rooftop in New York City are hosted by EventigeEvents Elite Event Planning. The high-end promotions group always delivers with a gorgeous crowd, fantastic drink specials and a laid-back door policy, truly giving your Saturday Night a VIP experience. Please feel free to utilize the "Eventige" Guestlist for complimentary and expedited admission starting at 10pm. EventigeEvents Office Number is 646-998-5445

The Details on HighBar NYC

Place Categories:

  • very nice place
  • beautiful view
  • really good service
  • awful dj
  • not recommend worst roof bar
  • comfortable indoor space
  • incredible over ambiance
  • rude staff
  • worst partthis place
  • beautiful door people
  • hideous horrible service
  • great everything
  • recommend definitely
  • full bouncer
  • liked high bar
  • nice outdoor rooftop
  • nice doorman
  • hideous entrance
  • really fun large cabana
  • perfect 2nd floor
  • worst mojito
  • great phone
  • wonderful breeze
  • great music
  • slightly overpriced drinks
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