Happy Hour At The Empire Rooftop Bar

Go HERE for more photos by Mark Iantosca, and tag yourself and your friends!

True to form to the iconic Empire Hotel's signature class and panache, happy hour at the chic rooftop bar and lounge was a classy affair. Lauded as one of the best of NY's rooftop bars, The Empire Hotel's haven in the sky has unmissable views of the Lincoln Center and Upper West Side skyline.-

Young professionals kicked back and relaxed at the rooftop's sleek, minimalistic lounge, complete with dark leather banquettes, panoramic windows, and lacquered cherry-wood floors. As the night began, ties were loosened, and people started to trickle out the lush-green, garden-esque deck. Guests lounged on the comfortable bright-orange sofas, while tasting the choice selection of bar eats from Ed's Chowder House (hello, tuna sliders!) and signature cocktails (we wouldn't say no to a 'Pineapple Express'). In the later hours, celebrity DJ's spun tunes, and the atmosphere picked up a bit, turning into a fully-fledged dance party.

When the last of the sunlight finally faded, the hotel's iconic red neon sign lit up, and surrounded by the scattered bright lights of the city, the view was definitely worth the wait. As they say, it was a night under the stars (romantic!)...except at vertiginous heights.

The rooftop bar is open every day of the week, with live entertainment to boot. Happy hour starts at 5 pm, so no excuses!