Love a good Bangkok Mule, Rockaway Lemonade or Old Dirty Bramble while the sun sinks below the New York City skyline? Enjoy those and more with close-up views of the Empire State Building at the Refinery Rooftop, located at 63 W. 38th St. in the Garment District. Beginning in June and continuing throughout the summer, the rooftop will host a Summer Series of specialty culinary events every third Sunday, including a backyard barbecue and a traditional clambake with crawfish.
The 3,500-square-foot rooftop is thoughtfully divided into three distinct areas. Its design blends exposed brick and reclaimed terracotta floor tiles from Provence with wooden paneling crafted from the building’s repurposed water tanks, giving the space a warm, authentic character perfect for daytime lounging and evening gatherings.
Chef Jeff Haskell curates both lunch and dinner menus focused on elevated comfort food and shareable plates. Expect items such as grilled fish tacos and lobster tater tot nachos alongside lighter fare and seasonal preparations designed for rooftop dining. The menu pairs well with a roster of inventive cocktails created to complement the skyline views and summer atmosphere.
Signature cocktails to try include the Luster, made with Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lime juice, white cranberry juice, muddled cucumber and a touch of Pimm’s; the Hebrides Queen, featuring Botanist Islay Gin, elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, grapefruit bitters, ginger beer and a hibiscus float; and the Tailorbyrd, which blends Woodford Rye with white cranberry juice, muddled strawberry, cucumber, mint, hot honey and a ginger ale topper. These crafted drinks offer a balance of refreshment and complexity that suits both sunny afternoons and warm, starlit nights on the rooftop.
Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a cocktail-focused evening, or attending one of the Summer Series events, Refinery Rooftop provides a unique combination of inventive food, signature cocktails and striking city views—making it a go-to destination for summer socializing in Midtown Manhattan.
