Empire Rooftop @ Empire Hotel

For a lively rooftop party vibe, Saturday or Sunday (and evenings around Lincoln Center events) is ideal. For a quieter, more conversational visit and easier seating, choose a weekday, Monday or Tuesday evenings and weekday happy hours are commonly recommended by guests. For the Gossip Girl brunch experience, check availability (often weekend-focused) and book ahead.

The rooftop is open daily with late hours: Mon–Tue 11:00 AM–12:00 AM; Wed–Sat 11:00 AM–1:00 AM; Sun 11:00 AM–11:30 PM. Hours can vary seasonally or for special events, so it’s a good idea to check the website or call if you have a late-night plan.

Portions are mostly small-plate or shareable-style, the rooftop is set up for cocktails and nibbleable dishes rather than large entrees. Guests commonly recommend ordering a few apps or one of the sharing platters (Taco Platter, Empire Platter) for a group; some guests found individual entrees or specialty items on the pricier side and a few said portions felt small. If you want a fuller meal, choose a sharing platter or combine a couple of handhelds and sides.

Stylish, lively and quintessentially rooftop, the space is chic and offers stunning skyline views with a relaxed, cocktail-lounge energy. Guests describe a warm, elegant interior and great photo ops (Gossip Girl fans love it). Expect upbeat music (sometimes quite loud), approachable service, and a social scene that’s perfect for cocktails and sharing plates. If you want quieter conversation, ask for indoor seating or an earlier reservation.

Yes, the rooftop accepts reservations and guests report the team can be flexible with seating requests, occasion arrangements and some dietary accommodations. Because seating is lounge-style and accessibility can vary (elevators sometimes out of service), call ahead to request terrace seating, quieter tables, accessibility help, or to note allergies and special celebrations. For themed experiences (Gossip Girl) or larger groups, book early and confirm details directly.

For views and a more relaxed vibe, visit at sunset or during weekday happy hour or early evening, guests often call it perfect before or after Lincoln Center shows. Weekends and late nights are lively and can be loud (great for a party mood), while weekday afternoons and early evenings tend to be quieter. For the Gossip Girl brunch/experience, check weekend availability and book in advance.

Business casual is the requested dress code. Guests tend to dress smartly, especially for pre- or post-performance evenings at Lincoln Center, so consider a neat, elevated-casual look for a better fit with the rooftop’s stylish atmosphere.

Reservations are recommended and the rooftop is often busy for weekend evenings and theatre nights; guests report the team is flexible with changing reservations. The reviews don’t specifically mention a formal waiting-list system, so your best bet is to reserve in advance and call the restaurant if you're running late or want to be added to a standby list for walk-ins.

Busiest: weekend evenings, late nights and pre/post-Lincoln Center performance times, expect lively crowds and louder music. Quietest: weekday afternoons, early evenings and weekday happy hours tend to be calmer and better for conversation. If you prefer a low-key visit, aim for weekday early evening or a midweek lunch/afternoon slot.

Yes, Empire Rooftop is a very strong date-night choice thanks to its spectacular city views, creative cocktails and a chic, casual-elegant vibe. Guests frequently praise the rooftop’s sunset skyline and standout cocktails (the XOXO/Gossip Girl drink is popular). Expect lounge-style seating, shareable small plates and a lively atmosphere; music can get loud on weekend nights so ask for indoor seating or an early reservation if you want to talk. Dress business casual and consider booking around Lincoln Center showtimes for an especially memorable evening.

The rooftop operates late most nights and has been open for holiday evenings in guest reports (New Year’s Eve and other event nights), but holiday hours aren’t posted specifically. Because hours and special-event closures can change, call or check the website before a public-holiday visit to confirm opening times and menu availability.

Yes, Empire Rooftop has seasonal outdoor seating: an East Terrace (open-air), a West Terrace with a retractable roof and a Sun Deck. Many guests enjoy dining or drinking outside for the skyline views and sunset photos; if outdoor seating is a priority, request it when you make your reservation as availability can change with weather and private events.