
As you get older, birthdays become more about the atmosphere of the venue rather than the activities planned. Guests want a relaxed and casual vibe that still matches the special occasion with a touch of class.
Rooftop bars give you the best of both worlds with open-air relaxation combined with expertly crafted cocktails and sophisticated decor.
Take a look at the best bars for a birthday party in NYC and which rooftop options match the class and fun you’re looking for.
Why Choose a Rooftop Venue for a Classy NYC Birthday Party?
No other venue gives you 360-degree views of the New York City skyline like rooftop bars. The panoramic sights provide a stunning backdrop for any birthday party, and you get a feeling of the NYC energy without having to be in the center of it all.
In an open-air environment, people feel more relaxed and at ease. It creates a conversational atmosphere for meeting new people, and you never have to worry about getting too loud, like you do indoors.
Everyone can be themselves without holding back, and the stylish setting turns any birthday into an unforgettable and joyous occasion. Rooftop bars also create a sense of exclusivity where you and your friends get to enjoy the night without disturbance.
Top Five Rooftop Venues for a Classy NYC Birthday
Instead of spending hours online researching the best rooftop venues in town, all the hard work has been done for you. This list of rooftop bars rounds up all the possibilities for you into a curated list of the best of the best. Each one has their own style and atmosphere that will help you understand where’s the best place to celebrate in NYC.
Starchild
Perched high on the 27th floor above Midtown, Starchild Rooftop is the premier rooftop bar in town for a birthday celebration with class.
Complete with sweeping views of the skyline, and an added touch of sophistication, Starchild stands out among the dozens of other options in NYC.
For starters, few other places have a fully retractable roof option that lets you transform a climate-controlled bar into an open-air oasis.
You’ll even have the option to request your own personal DJ to accompany your birthday celebration.
Harriet’s Rooftop
Located at the Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in Dumbo, Harriet’s Rooftop offers expansive views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
While not as high as Starchild, located on the 10th floor, it still has relaxed seating and an upscale atmosphere.
The design and furniture incorporate reclaimed and sustainable materials to create a chic and urban environment that still makes everyone feel at ease. The menu is a collection of craft cocktails and Asian-inspired light bites.
The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel
On the Lower East Side of NYC is The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel. It has a 360 panoramic view of the city with their 18th-floor location and features floor-to-ceiling windows.
The venue spent some extra time decorating the outdoor terrace with live plants and greenery to give a more natural and organic feel.
They also feature a glass-enclosed indoor lounge in case the weather turns bad, and the venue has a capacity of 300 guests.
You’ll get existing sound system capabilities and a custom-curated chef menu for your private event.
Westlight
Almost as high as Starchild, Westlight has plenty of views from the 22nd floor of the William Vale Hotel.
Located in Brooklyn, you get floor-to-ceiling windows, and a complete wraparound terrace for great views from any side of the building.
The global street food small plates are worth a try, and there is a selection of various cocktails, wines, and craft beers.
You can fit up to 240 guests for your monster birthday celebration in this huge venue.
Mr. Purple
Hip and chic are two words used to describe this lively Lower East Side rooftop bar. Mr. Purple is located on the 15th floor of the Hotel Indigo, and features soft yellow lighting, classy mid-century decor, and intricate floor patterns.
You have the option of two different rooftop terraces: the west-facing, 5,000-square-foot option, and the 750-square-foot eastern terrace.
You can choose either one, depending on the size of your birthday celebration. The cocktail menu has specialty options, like the Smokey Melon Margarita and the Purple Cosmo.
Why Choose Rooftop Over Traditional Indoor Venues?
You can never get a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the Manhattan Skyline by staying indoors surrounded by concrete walls.
Rooftop bars offer an unparalleled atmosphere compared with indoor options with stunning backdrops that create an unbeatable ambiance.
Unlike indoor venues, the open-air setting allows guests to get some fresh air to stay relaxed and invigorated in the party.
The high-up position also makes the party seem more exclusive as you watch others below you who are unable to join in on the fun. With rooftop bars, the combination of breathtaking views, refreshing atmospheres, and unique setting is perfect for a classy and sophisticated birthday party.
Is Starchild Rooftop Suitable for Private Parties?
Starchild gives you the option to rent out the entire rooftop terrace for your very own rooftop birthday party.
Our staff will be dedicated to making your night unforgettable and helping you with any pre-party arrangements or decorations. You can even use our Funktion-One sound system to play your favorite music.
The retractable roof gives you the flexibility to transform your party space into an indoor venue if the weather gets unruly.
With Starchild, the party must go on and you have everything you need to make it a night to remember.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Rooftop Birthday Party?
You want to book your rooftop birthday party at least two weeks in advance. This is the minimum time recommended to secure a spot, but if you want to ensure you have the perfect venue, you need to book at least a month out.
All bars in NYC are busy, but the weekends hit the hardest. A popular venue like Starchild is usually completely filled on weekends with limited room available. If you want to book the entire terrace for your celebration, you need to do so well in advance.
To start your own reservation at Starchild Rooftop Bar, just use our booking page where you can fill out all the essential info, like party size, date, and any special notes, and then our staff will reach out to you for confirmation.
We will help you arrange any details and decorations for the big night, and help you feel at ease with all the planning.
What Rooftop Menu Items Are Must-Haves for Birthday Parties?
Starchild has a curated menu of birthday must-haves that take your party to the next level.
Signature cocktails, like the Ticking Teenage Timebomb, is a blend of tequila, cucumber, coconut, lime, and absinthe yogurt. The Lychee Cosmo is another favorite with vodka, lime, and lychee cranberry.
The small plate options should not be overlooked with delicious treats, like the Wagyu and Foie Gras Dumplings, and Spicy Sea Bass Ceviche.
Larger birthday groups don’t need to worry about portions with the “not small” plate options. The Imported Charcuterie and Ripe Cheese Board, the Disco Crudite, and Mezze Tower are all enough to feed a large group.
The Best Bar for a Birthday Party in NYC
With a completely retractable glass roof that provides panoramic views of the city, a custom-made Funktion-One sound system, and expertly crafted drinks and cocktails, Starchild is your number one choice for the ultimate birthday party destination.
Reserve the entire terrace for yourself by contacting our team, and we will help you arrange a night to remember.

Finding the perfect venue for your event can transform the guest experience, and create lasting memories and impressions. In a city like New York, you won’t have a shortage of options, but combing through everything can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.
Not all venues offer the right mix of convenience, ambiance, and flexibility. When you’re planning a corporate get-together, a birthday celebration, or a wedding celebration, your space needs to reflect your vision.
See why Starchild in New York City sets the stage for your next event with multiple stylish spaces, stunning skyline views, and the perfect mood.
Book your private event today!
Top Considerations When Booking a Private Event Space
To pull off a seamless event that doesn’t cause a couple more gray hairs to pop up, you need to make a list of key considerations before booking your space.
Location and accessibility are the most important since you want guests to reach the venue through convenient transportation options. Since most people don’t drive in NYC, you need a venue with easy access from almost anywhere in the city.
You also need to think about ambiance and aesthetics. You can’t book a stiff, old building for your chic birthday celebration. You need a place that sets the tone for your event and fits right in.
Capacity and seating flexibility are equally important since you want to comfortably accommodate all your guests. You may also need to pivot arrangements or the setup quickly, and need a venue that supports your needs.
Don’t overlook catering and beverage options either. These considerations are what turn your bland get-together into a full-blown celebration. Look for these options:
- Tailored menus
- Curated cocktail options
- Tableside options
Onsite amenities and services are the last cherry on top that completes the entire event. A dedicated staff, stylish lounges, and personalization capabilities can all transform your event into a cohesive package.
Finally, consider your budget and the cost transparency of the venue. Clear pricing will help you avoid surprises, and keep the plans running smoothly.
Why Starchild Rooftop Stands Out as an Event Venue
Located on the 27th floor of the Civilian Hotel, Starchild has a prime Midtown location with breathtaking skyline views that create a stunning backdrop for any event gathering. Corporate mixers, birthday celebrations, or wedding dinners will love downtown’s vibrant energy, mixed with the rooftop lounge’s relaxing and refreshing vibes.
There are multiple, versatile layouts at Starchild. You get the intimate Rosevale Lounge, the Chic Cocktail Bar, the Rosevale Kitchen, and the showstopping Rooftop Lounge. The latter comes with a retractable roof that transforms the space from an enclosed glass space to an open-air rooftop in seconds.
The upscale food and drink packages are curated directly from our chefs with handcrafted cocktails tailored to your group’s taste preferences.
Each event comes with a dedicated staff member to help with planning and coordination. Our Starchild team is dedicated to ensuring every detail is accounted for from start to finish.
The result is a sophisticated atmosphere that cordially invites your group to enjoy a VIP experience at one of the best lounges in town.
Event Types Perfect for Starchild Rooftop
The touch of glamor and elegance makes Starchild ideal for groups that need an elevated venue to host their official celebration.
Corporate gatherings can easily access Starchild from their prime Midtown location, and the refined atmosphere makes it easy to impress from the moment they walk through the door.
Birthday parties and social gatherings love the retractable rooftop lounge, where guests can experience the energy of New York without needing to be in the busy streets.
Pre-wedding dinners, receptions, and celebratory gatherings are a perfect fit for Starchild’s multiple-space venue. You’ll feel the romance and sophistication come to life with skyline views, handcrafted cocktails, and customizable dining experiences.
The convenient lounges also make for a great networking event or cocktail reception. You’ll have a cozy and relaxing atmosphere that still reflects professionalism and class.
Starchild’s attentive team provides the flawless service, and you get a world-class venue that fits any type of event.
How to Book Your Event at Starchild Rooftop
Contact us directly at the lounge to discuss the details of your event. We want to know all about your guests, the reason for gathering, and other details that will help us tailor the experience especially for you.
Once we have an understanding of your event, we’ll schedule a venue walkthrough with you on a date of your choosing. During the visit, you’ll explore all our fabulous spaces, like the Rosevale Lounge and retractable roof.
We’ll discuss options like:
- Layout options
- Menus
- Amenities
You’ll get an event coordinator that stays with you throughout the entire project to ensure consistency.
After the walkthrough, we’ll create a custom quote just for you based on everything we discussed, like food and beverage options, decor, staffing, and special requests.
Once the event is officially organized, you’ll reserve your date early to secure the space for your gathering. Our prime Midtown location means we are booked quickly and especially for evenings and weekends. Make sure to reserve your date well in advance through our website, or with us directly.
Make Your Event Unforgettable at Starchild Rooftop
Looking for a stylish, sophisticated, and truly memorable venue in New York for your next event? Starchild is your perfect match with a prime location in Midtown, endless views of the skyline, and multiple luxury spaces.
Enjoy the Rosevale Lounge, Cocktail Bar, and Rooftop Lounge with an impressive retractable roof. Perfect for corporate gatherings, birthday celebrations, wedding receptions, and networking events, Starchild has the glamor and flexibility to match any occasion.
Get custom food and beverage packages with dedicated planning support with your event. Reach out today to reserve your event, and get a personalized walkthrough with a custom quote. Let Starchild turn your next event into an unforgettable experience guests will rave about for years.
Book your private event today!
FAQ
What Makes a Good Private Event Space in New York?
A good NYC event space combines location, ambiance, flexibility, and service. It should be easy for guests to reach, offer a unique setting, and provide flexibility for your party. It should also have high-quality food and beverage options, and help with event planning and coordination. Bonus points if the venue has beautiful skyline views or unique features like a retractable roof.
How Far in Advance Should You Book an Event Space in NYC?
Venues in NYC book up frequently and often, so you should book at least two weeks in advance of your event. This is especially true if you are planning to host your event over the weekend, or during an evening night. Booking early gives you an opportunity to pick the date, time, and space you want without competing with others. You’ll also have time to coordinate details, like menu selections, seating arrangements, and special requests.
What Types of Events Can Be Hosted at Starchild Rooftop?
Practically any type of event can be hosted at Starchild Rooftop. The elevated decor, stylish seating, and stunning views make it perfect for a wide range of events, like corporate gatherings, networking receptions, birthday parties, and wedding celebrations. The versatile spaces, like the Rosevale Lounge, Cocktail Bar, and retractable rooftop can all be tailored to fit your vision.

A Broadway show brings with it the buzz of fellow patrons, and the electric feeling inside your gut when the lights go down. There’s nothing like it, and to complement the perfect night, you need to set the mood with the perfect drink in hand.
Not any bar will do. You need a place that feels as magical as the show itself, a place that serves expertly crafted cocktails, captures the energy of the city, and keeps the low-key atmosphere of a live show alive.
Starchild Rooftop surprises theatergoers with stunning views, an electric atmosphere, and some of the best drinks in town. Learn why it’s the best spot to grab pre- and post-show drinks near Broadway.
Why Starchild Rooftop Is the Best Pre- and Post-Show Drink Spot
Set the mood for your magical night on Broadway with an equally astonishing venue. Starchild is the best rooftop bar in NYC, and is your window into New York City, with skyline views encompassing all the Big Apple has to offer.
Let your pre-show buzz take off at a refined and vibrant lounge, or wind down from your enchanting night with expertly crafted cocktails served with a touch of sophistication.
The magic of Broadway filters down to Starchild, located in the ideal Midtown setting. An energetic atmosphere with stylish, elevated decor puts Starchild in the spotlight of pre- and post-show drinks.
Get lost discussing the year’s best shows and actors in a comfortable space that serves drinks made to satisfy your palate.
Signature Cocktails and Drink Specials
Take a seat and be amazed by Starchild’s 27th-floor rooftop view with a signature cocktail as dazzling as Broadway’s opening night. Get classics with a twist like the Fireside Old Fashioned served with Michter’s Rye, Bacardi Ocho, DeGroff Amaro, Golden Falernum, Allspice, and Scrappy’s Bitters.
The signature house creations make Starchild the best cocktail bar in New York City, with drinks like the Not New York Sour, a bold and balanced mix of Yellowstone Bourbon, St. George Spiced Pear, ginger, lemon, red wine, and baking spices.
If you’re celebrating your pre- and post-show night with a group of friends, go big with the Disc Bowls, a playful oversized cocktail, serving four to eight people. Options include the mezcalito, aperol spritz, and blue lagoon.
Pre-Show Drinks To Set the Mood
Kick off your drinks before a Broadway show with some refreshing, handcrafted cocktails that pick up your spirit without weighing your body down.
The Lychee Cosmo is a perfect pick with a bright, crisp grapefruit rose and some lychee-cranberry. The base is American-made Harvest Vodka, and it sets you up perfectly for a nice, light snack.
The shareable appetizers at Starchild are a great way to prepare for a long and entertaining Broadway show. The tuna tartare is light and fresh, while the cheese and charcuterie board offers a nice variety. A fan favorite is the French bread pizza, which has a crispy edge and soft doughy middle.
Starchild knows timing is everything in theater, and our service is no different. Impressively efficient, we make sure your experience moves at just the right pace.
Post-Show Cocktails To Keep the Night Going
When the curtain drops is when the real show begins at Starchild. Keep your incredible night going with the perfect spot to get out the post-show buzz. Celebrate with expertly crafted cocktails, and cheers to some of the best performances of the year.
The curated menu at Starchild is a perfect complement to the emotional finale of a show, or unwinding after a standing ovation. The signature night snack options will keep you feeling fresh all night long.
Large enough to fit cast gatherings, groups of friends, or those enjoying the beautiful New York City nights, Starchild lets you drink after a Broadway show while keeping the magic alive just a little longer.
Other Nearby Drink Spots To Consider (Secondary Mentions)
Starchild sets the stage pretty high for pre- and post-show drinks, but a few others are worth exploring for happy hour:
- Sardi’s: Classic Broadway feel with classic cocktails and walls lined with theater-legend caricatures
- The Rum House: Cozy, low-key vibes with live-piano charm and a relaxed audience
- Bar Centrale: A more intimate, under-the-radar location tucked above a theater
- Hold Fast Kitchen and Spirits: Casual spot with comfort food and straightforward drinks, and offers laid-back settings
While each place has their own unique flair, Starchild creates an atmosphere that is hard to match near Broadway. The retractable rooftop with elegant cocktails separates us from other places in town.
Visit Starchild Rooftop for Drinks Tonight
Raise a glass before curtain call, or cap off an unforgettable night at Starchild Rooftop, where your magical Broadway show shines all night. Stare into stretching skyline views across the cityscape with a convenient retractable roof. You’ll always be connected to the energy of Broadway, but with a comfortable and cozy space.
Make your reservation today to guarantee a spot since our venue fills quickly with pre- and post-show patrons. Have a large group gathering? We highly recommend reserving your night ahead of time.
From small sips to big toasts, every detail at Starchild is designed to elevate your night.
FAQ
Where Can I Get a Drink Before a Broadway Show?
Starchild Rooftop Bar & Lounge is the best cocktail bar in New York City for a pre-show drink near Broadway. Located near major theaters, we have a retractable rooftop on the 27th floor with handcrafted drinks and light snacks.
What Are Good Post-Show Drink Spots Near Broadway Theaters?
Several spots are near Broadway theaters for a post-show drink, such as Starchild, Sardi’s, and Bar Centrale. Sardi has a classic theater vibe, Bar Centrale is a small, intimate location, and Starchild is a relaxed but vibrant rooftop bar and lounge with skyline views, signature cocktails, and a cozy atmosphere.
Is Starchild Rooftop Open Late for Post-Show Drinks?
Starchild Rooftop accommodates post-show gatherings for drinks from Tuesday to Wednesday until midnight. From Thursday to Saturday, we stay open until 2:00 a.m. The kitchen stays open until 10:00 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday and until 11:00 p.m. Thursday to Saturday.
Do You Need Reservations at Starchild Rooftop?
Starchild welcomes walk-in guests at any time; however, reservations are highly recommended. Pre- and post-show times are especially busy at Starchild, and walk-ins may experience a wait without a reservation. You can book through RESY or directly on the website. Large parties should contact our team to reserve a large room in our location