I’ve been frequenting rooftop bars around town since the weather warmed up. They’re perfect on balmy summer nights, but I only stay for a drink as cocktails are pretty pricey at all — even for NYC.

Up On 20 is no exception. I was invited to the newly opened rooftop bar at the Hyatt Herald Square where I dined early this year at The Den.

We started with the nicely balanced and not too sweet Newton’s Apple ($18), made with Knob Creek Bourbon, Elderflower Liquor and lime garnished with Granny Smith apple peel.

What were really good for nibbles were the two from the oven warm, sea salt coated pretzel sticks served with whole grain mustard ($8). Perfect with drinks. Not to be missed is the spicy shrimp ceviche, with diced fresh pineapple and sliced chilies ($12).  I could have eaten two orders of that as it had just the right amount of heat and sweet.

I was looking forward to the fries drizzled with truffle oil, but sadly they arrived warm, not piping hot from the frier. I learned that food is brought up from a kitchen below, and so is not always piping hot. That’s okay for some foods, but not fries.

The grilled beef burger with melted gooey brie came topped with  lettuce, tomato and onion jam ($16). That arrived hot but with lukewarm fries. Guessing they plated the fries to wait for the burger to come off the grill. Skip the three small white fish sliders, topped with sliced avocado, cilantro and lime ($16), as they were just ordinary.

What is amazing is both the friendly service and the view, as you’re just a couple blocks from the Empire State building and it feels as if you’re right under neath it.

Up On 20 is worth a stop.

 

– bonnie

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Up On 20
Hyatt Herald Square
52 W 31st St
New York, NY 10001

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