Reviews & Ratings for The Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar and Lounge

09/24/11

The only diversity is different blends of old and ugly

by Hotjamm

to anyone who thinks the days of Jim crow are over empire rooftop has it right here in NYC. Even though I was accompanied by two beautiful ladies , I guess the doormen interpret no hoodies and tims as no black ppl which meant " they were filled to capacity" of course that changed when I told them bottle service please! I wish I could I have said it was worth the money but mediocre dj average and often old looking patrons made me believe the empire is all hype or a party for those who just wanna be away from minorities! Either way thumbs ugly service average patrons no diversity makes this dig less than a star in review!

12/11/10

Best NYC Rooftop!

by Zackary Stern

During the summer, rooftop bars/clubs are the best. I have been everywhere from HighBar, 230 5th and I must say Empire Rooftop blows the everything away.

Far to often these cool venues tend to have a pretencious attitude, but not Empire. The bartenders make splendid specialty drinks and the DJ plays top 40's and sweet remixes.

If your going on a Friday/Saturday with a large group reach out to AccessGotham, as they can set you up with a guest list and even get your free drinks.

The door girls are very friendly and have a good rapport with them because we get inside instantly!

12/10/10

Rooftop!

by arielle winters

We all had a great time, these is such a cool venue. Drinks are priced well and even better there not watered down!

Thanks AccessGotham for getting me in with no hassles.

06/06/10

Nothing special, Extremely rude staff and bad management

by newyorkcitynewyork

This place is probably the most overrated and worst service spots around. I've been working in the party event scene for a while and this was not worth the hype. I had a friend's birthday party to attend here, but table/bottle service was reserved ahead of time. Even with that there was hassle to get in, party had to grease(pay/tip) the host to get in. Really guys, is this how you operate???

Next a bunch of guests of the party was turned away for really no reason, but they said party was filled to capacity. I guess most roof lounges are like this though, with bad door policies, Gansevoort and 230 5th. So, lesson learned, don't go to places with snobby door policies. Much rather have a good time drinking at the local pub with good friends. So many other places in NYC to hit, stay away from this place.

• Pros: not much happening there, tourist hotel spot
• Cons: staff is rude and will not work with you

08/17/09

Bartender attitude for no reason

Contributor

I have been part of the nightlife scene for many years now. I was glad to see the Empire come back to life and the rooftop looks good. I am also looking to book a spot for my birthday party and figured I would make it one of my options. Music is good, good looking crowd but the bartenders at the end bar are rude and disrespectful for no reason. Twice, I saw a bartender give nasty looks at a guest. I was also called a lurch, which surprised me, only because I was spending my money at the bar and being aware of my surroundings by the bartender. These girls need attitude adjustments. They act like they are in a military camp. Needless to say, I will not have my part there and I do not recommend this place to anyone. Very overrated

09/17/08

Herbie, general manager, is awful

by desiinthehouse

We had a great time in general - good music, good service, good company. However, at the end of night, one of my friends was charged for our drinks but given the WRONG credit card back. Accidents happen - clearly one of the bar-tenders mixed up the credit cards - but what surprised us most was the attitude of the general manager. He not did not apologize - was downright rude, in fact - he threatened to throw out our friends for being "in his face", when, in fact, he was not willing to take responsibility for what had happened. Interestingly, the rest of the staff, including the security guards, were sympathetic towards us. However, Herbie, the general manager, was neither sympathetic nor courteous. Which is a shame, since there is much potential for this site - you would think he would he would at least know when to apologize and to keep clientale happy...I wish the Empire Hotel good luck, particularly if Herbie is in charge...Watch out.

Editorial Review

by Contributor

This luxury hotel features 413 state-of-the-art rooms and a rooftop pool deck even a Hamptons homeowner would envy.