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Restaurants & Nightlife

Where to celebrate in NYC

From Champagne bars to rooftop parties, these are the best place to celebrate in the city that never sleeps.

Words by Devorah Lev-Tov

4-minute read

Whether it’s to ring in New Year’s Eve 2024 or celebrate a birthday, new job, or just the weekend, the city that never sleeps has many great places for a special occasion. From soaring rooftops with epic views to Champagne bars bubbling with cheer, the city has many places to be festive. So grab your crew and book a table at one of these hot spots.

 Salon de Ning at the Peninsula New York

The rooftop at the opulent hotel Peninsula New York is home to the ritzy Salon de Ning. With two outdoor terraces plus an intimate interior bar, ample places exist to enjoy the incredible city views. Come wintertime, the East Terrace hosts a magnificent Christmas tree. At the same time, the West Terrace transforms into a luxe winter wonderland, featuring four exclusive, heated domes where guests can enjoy bottle service and privacy amid the lavish setting. The salon is also known for going out on New Year’s Eve with a black tie soirée.

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700 5th Ave Floor 23, New York, NY 10019

Air’s Champagne Parlor

An intimate lounge in the West Village by New York’s resident champagne expert, Ariel Arce, Air’s is an excellent destination for toasting life’s milestones. Aside from a menu of sparkling wines from around the world, the food pairings include caviar service, cheese, charcuterie, oysters, and french fries (the best high-low pairing, in our opinion). The vibe here is joyous, not pretentious, while still feeling appropriately chic. The joyful interiors are filled with greenery, neon accents, and bubble-inspired light fixtures.

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127 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

The Four Horsemen

Wine bars abound in Brooklyn, but this Williamsburg mainstay is our favourite for celebrations. Co-owned by LCD Soundsystem frontman James Murphy, the music is always on point, with a cheerful feeling consistently present. The carefully curated selection of natural wines from across the globe is acclaimed, and the ever-changing sparkling section of the menu has an extended Champagne portion and offerings from other parts of France, Spain, Germany, Austria, and Italy.

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295 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

The Portrait Bar at the Fifth Avenue Hotel

The NoMad neighbourhood recently got a beautiful new hotel bar in the form of the Portrait Bar, and it’s a perfect, refined spot for any celebratory moment. The elegant, upscale space oozes class and is inside the stunning new Fifth Avenue Hotel, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. The bar is helmed by fine dining vet Darryl Chan, who has created cocktails inspired by global travels, like the Torino (Italy) with Campari, Cardamaro, Antica Torino, Saba, and fig leaf soda, and the Kochi (Japan) with Suntory Toki, Cynar, yuzu, star anise, and sarsaparilla. 

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1 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001

Elevated snacks are by acclaimed Chef Andrew Carmellini and include Royal Ossetra caviar with warm potato croquettes, delicious wedge salad lettuce cups, and foie gras tartine. The lavish library setting is from Martin Brudnizki Design, inspired by Italian villas, and features more than 50 diverse portraits hanging on the dark-panelled walls, lending the bar its name.

Panorama Room

Is it worth the trek to this Roosevelt Island hotspot just to revel in a festive occasion? The answer will surely be a resounding yes once you feast your eyes on the epic panoramic city views from the 18th floor of the sleek white Snøhetta-designed building. Panorama Room is from a Los Angeles hospitality company named Call Mom, known for vibrant, cool, and upbeat venues – its first NYC project is no different. 

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22 N Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044

Parts & Labor Design created the swanky restaurant and lounge with over-the-top details like a chandelier with translucent tubular acrylic; black mosaic tile columns adorned with geometric chrome sconces; vintage-inspired blush velvet sofas; and a show-stopping sculptural mirrored DJ booth that’s often the source of dance-encouraging music.

HaSalon

Every night is a party at this restaurant by celebrity Israeli chef Eyal Shani. At 9pm, the lights go down at HaSalon, the music goes up, the staff starts singing, and the guests inevitably dance on the tables. But what could be kitschy feels genuine, and it’s bolstered by the legitimately delicious Mediterranean food with dishes like anchovies on fava beans, eggplant carpaccio, and Wagyu beef kebab. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

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735 10th Ave, New York, NY 10019

The McKittrick Hotel

Known as the home of the famous immersive theatre experience Sleep No More, the McKittrick Hotel will be ending its run of the show at the end of January 2024. Until then, it’s worth indulging in the show for your first or final time. Luckily, the McKittrick also hosts the sultry dance show Hypnotique and the spellbinding dining, whiskey, and magic experience, At the Illusionists Table. 

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530 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001

It’s also home to jazz and cocktail lounge Manderley Bar, the Club Car music venue, and the lush, enchanting rooftop restaurant Gallow Green during summer. The McKittrick is also known for throwing knockout New Year’s Eve parties – to ring in 2024, it's putting on The Last New Year’s Eve in honour of Sleep No More’s imminent closure. 

You’ve got good taste. We’ve got the specialist knowledge. As a Quintessentially member, you have a priority seat at every Michelin-starred restaurant, speakeasy cocktail bar, and chef’s table experience – anytime, anywhere. Click here to discover membership.

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We keep our members up to date on all the latest restaurant openings and trends. And we secure them priority seats and exclusive perks at the world’s finest drinking and dining spots.

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