From the minute you walk out onto The Lookup Rooftop, you feel like you’ve entered an oasis, a very comfortable cosmopolitan one with hues of the tropics. It’s not your typical rooftop as it doesn’t pretend to transport you to a Caribbean island or try so hard to impress. It’s impressive on its own, especially with the reason for the name – the views. From everywhere on The Lookup Rooftop, you have an incredible angle of the greatest icon in New York’s skyline, The Empire State Building (ESB). There are also views of Macy’s, 1 Penn Plaza and more. But it’s the ESB that really stands out as the hero here.
The cocktails, wine, beer and drinks offerings are robust, and well crafted. I had the Gin Basil Smash (gin, fresh lemon juice, simple, fresh basil) and the Espresso Martini (Plantation Coconut Rum, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Ground Espresso, Simple Syrup) while my wife Kylie had The Classic (Prosecco, Aperol, Soda Water). I spoke to a few other guests who ordered the frozen Painkiller (Tequila, Mezcal, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, Coconut) and the Southside (Vodka, Fresh Lime Juice, Simple, Fresh Mint), both of whom were blown away by the quality. There are also non-alcoholic offerings that including St. Agrestis’ Phony Negroni and Phony Espresso Negroni.
The food menu is purposefully small, but don’t let that deceive you. They have choices for every palate and they’re DELISH. I had the Hamptons Lobster Roll (Lobster Salad, Meyer Lemon, Celery, Chives and Clarified Butter). Kylie ordered the Guac & Chips (Smashed Avocado, Pico De Gallo, Cilantro, Scallion with Salsa Verde). We also ordered the Old Bay Popcorn (Chili Oil, Old Bay Seasoning) which has a nice little kick to it. From what I could tell, everyone around me was loving their food and if what we ate is any indication of the rest of the fare, you’re in for a real treat.
The venue is pretty spread out with tons of seating as well as private event areas. It’s perfect for that celebration you want to have outdoors with the greatest city in the world as your backdrop. The music is loud enough to entertain, but not overpower and you can actually hear the person you’re speaking with (unless of course you’re on that awkward blind date and don’t want to actually hear them)! Though, knowing the team behind this venue, I have no doubt if the occasion called for it, they’d be more than happy to accommodate a deafening experience.
It’s also important to note that while the venue is on a roof, it’s somewhat protected by the buildings around it, so you don’t have to worry about it being too windy. We went when it was a fairly windy day outside on the street, but it was simply breezy at The Lookup Rooftop. For those concerned about their hair, well, you can use less hairspray and gel as the wind won’t ruin the coif, so to speak. In other words, on those warm summer nights, you’ll get a decent breeze to keep you cooler without feeling like you’re in a wind tunnel!
Despite my knowing the owners, I will always tell it like it is. The fact of the matter is that The Lookup Rooftop at the Kixby Hotel is a brilliantly divine refuge that I will go to time and time again – especially for those cocktails with a stunning view. To learn more, please visit thelookuprooftop.com
A Bite at Black Tap
After hanging at The Lookup Rooftop, we headed downstairs to Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer. You don’t just eat at Black Tap—you experience it. From the second you walk in, you just know you’re in for something special. It’s loud, unapologetically fun, and totally New York, with street-art walls, booming playlists, and the kind of infectious energy that brings you back to the truth of why this city never sleeps.
Black Tap isn’t your average burger joint — it’s a love letter to YUMMO and indulgance. My go-to? The Wagyu Steakhouse Burger: a half-pound wagyu patty stacked with crispy onions, pepper jack cheese (though I have them hold the cheese) drizzled in A1 steak sauce with roasted garlic mayo – of course I added the bacon. Paired with a pile of perfectly golden fries, it’s the kind of meal that silences the table in all the right ways.
And then there’s the CrazyShakes – half dessert, half art installation, and all Instagram-worthy. But more than that, they’re delicious. It’s not just about the flash—it’s substance and style. I had the Brooklyn Blackout—a towering tribute to chocolate with brownies, fudge, and enough whipped cream to make you grin like a kid at a carnival.
What I love most about Black Tap is its commitment to fun without sacrificing quality. The burger menu is gourmet, the beer list is legit (local crafts and international standouts), and the vibes are unmatched. Whether you’re with friends, on a casual date, or flying solo at the bar, there’s something perfectly New York about this joint!
Black Tap is what happens when NYC street flair meets culinary confidence. It’s bold, brash, a little wild—and absolutely worth the calories. For menus, locations, and delicious shake dreams come true, visit blacktap.com