Castell Rooftop Lounge runs a Monday–Friday 4–6pm happy hour — reduced cocktails, martinis, wine, and beer — 21 floors up at the AC Hotel near Times Square, with skyline views and a working fireplace.
The window is Monday–Friday, 4–6pm: a recent menu ran $12 classic cocktails, $10 select wines, and $6 select beer, with $9 mini-martinis — the martini program is the whole identity here. Pricing rotates seasonally, so the exact numbers shift, but this is the window where Castell’s martinis are priced like you’d actually order two. Add small plates and a 21st-floor terrace, and it’s a rare rooftop deal in the Theater District.
Castell Rooftop Lounge: A Times Square Happy Hour With Views
Castell is the 21st-floor rooftop lounge atop the AC Hotel near Times Square — a 1960s-style cocktail room built around the martini, with a working fireplace, an all-season covered terrace, and skyline views toward the Empire State Building. Its Monday–Friday 4–6pm happy hour is the window to drink up here without the full sticker shock.
About Castell
Open since 2018 on the 21st floor of the AC Hotel New York Times Square, Castell recaptures the spirit of a classic cocktail lounge in a contemporary, 1960s-leaning setting — geometric design, a luxe granite bar, jewel-tone seating, and abstract art. It blends an indoor fireplace lounge with an open-air, glass-enclosed-in-winter terrace, all wrapped in city views. The menu is martini-forward (classic and modern), backed by tapas, small plates, and flatbreads built to share. It’s a 21+ room; walk-ins welcome, reservations via OpenTable.
The Happy Hour in Detail
Monday–Friday, 4–6pm (pricing rotates seasonally):
- $12 classic cocktails and $9 mini-martinis — the martini program is the draw
- $10 select wines
- $6 select beer
The exact prices shift with the seasonal menu, so confirm on arrival, but the martinis are the reason — this is when they’re priced for a second round. Earlier in the evening is calmer; the weekend brings the energy.
What to Order
A martini, full stop — it’s the house specialty, classic or modern. Regulars call out the Night Cap and the Honey I’m Home cocktails, and the seasonal Passion Fruit Sangria when it’s on. For food, the sliders, the crispy sea-salt potatoes, and the flatbreads are the shareable picks; portions are solid.
The Space & Vibe
Sophisticated but comfortable — cozy by the fireplace inside, breezy on the terrace, with skyline views and live jazz nights that keep it from feeling like a hotel bar. The music stays moderate enough to talk over early; later evenings and weekends get livelier. Smart-casual attire fits the room. It works for a date, a celebration, or a pre-show drink without trying too hard.
The Times Square Angle
260 West 40th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues) on the Garment District / Times Square edge, with the elevator straight up from the AC Hotel lobby. The A/C/E at 42nd–Port Authority and the Times Square–42nd Street hub are both a short walk, and it’s about five minutes from Madison Square Garden — ideal for a pre-theater or pre-MSG drink.
Who Castell Rooftop Lounge Is For
| Occasion | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Skyline views | A 21st-floor terrace with Empire State views, all-season |
| Martinis | The house identity — classic and modern, priced to order two at HH |
| Pre-theater drinks | Five minutes from MSG and steps from Broadway |
| A fireside date | An indoor fireplace lounge and a covered terrace for any weather |
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Castell Rooftop Lounge FAQ
Does Castell have a happy hour?
Yes — Monday–Friday, 4–6pm. A recent menu ran $12 classic cocktails, $10 select wines, $6 select beer, and $9 mini-martinis. Pricing rotates seasonally, so confirm the current numbers on arrival.
Where is Castell Rooftop Lounge?
On the 21st floor of the AC Hotel New York Times Square, at 260 West 40th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Take the elevator up from the hotel lobby; the Times Square and Port Authority stations are close.
What should I order?
A martini — it’s the specialty. Regulars like the Night Cap and Honey I’m Home cocktails; for food, the sliders, crispy sea-salt potatoes, and flatbreads.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes — an open-air terrace that’s glass-enclosed and heated in colder months, plus an indoor fireplace lounge. Outdoor space can be limited by weather or private events, so check when booking.
Happy hour (Mon–Fri 4–6pm) confirmed via the venue’s own FAQ and multiple listings, including Happy Hour NYC’s rooftop guide; prices rotate seasonally so they’re flagged. Phone numbers conflict across listings and the Google price tier is unreliable for a rooftop — both omitted. Last checked June 2026.