Spyglass Rooftop Bar: The Garment District Roof With the Empire State Building Next Door
Spyglass is the rooftop on the 22nd floor of the Archer Hotel at 47 West 38th Street, between Fifth and Sixth, and it exists for one reason: the Empire State Building is right there, close enough to feel like a neighbor. The verdict: the view is real and the prices know it. Bring visitors, not your budget.
What to Expect
There’s no happy hour on the roof. The hotel sends happy-hour traffic downstairs to its lobby bar. Up here, craft cocktails like The Redemption and the Tiramisu Martini run $21–22, a glass of Bravium pinot noir is $18, and the cheapest drink on the list is a $9 Warsteiner. Reservations are recommended, and evenings are 21+.
The Room
Panoramic Midtown views with the Empire State Building filling the frame. Part of the roof is fully covered, so it stays open in bad weather and through the winter, which is more than most rooftops can say.
The Food
Shareables and pizza. Pommes frites are $11, Empire wings $20, a Spyglass burger $26, and the prosciutto and fig pizza $22. Dessert leans indulgent, with a $20 caramel bourbon shake.
Brunch
Weekend brunch runs Saturday and Sunday, 11am–3pm, and it’s the one time the roof is open to all ages.
Who Spyglass Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Impressing visitors | The Empire State Building, at arm’s length |
| A rooftop in February | Covered sections keep it open year-round |
| Brunch with a view | Weekends 11am–3pm, all ages |