On Fifth Ave and West 27 Street in New York City there is a partially heated rooftop bar and a penthouse lounge voted number 1 by NBC in 2009 as Best Rooftop Bar in New York City.
The venue known at 230 Firth, is open 365 days a year, 4pm to 4am. Outdoor heaters and red fleece hooded robes are available for colder weather and over-sized umbrellas are there to shield from the rain or sun on hotter days, keeping the rooftop open to enjoy stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
The seasonal Grey Goose pear cider is made with real fruit juice is served warm, prefect for a cold day. A refreshingly cool drink available year round is the Golden Dream made with Gabiano, Cointreau, fresh squeezed orange juice and cream.
“I like [230] ‘cause this place has a various atmosphere, during the weekdays it’s calm and relaxed, I can talk to my friends. During the weekend it’s more a party place, it’s like a bar or a club with loud music,” said Hayli Young, Senior Industrial Design student at Pratt Institute of New York City during a recent visit.
The menu, created by chef Zak Pelaccio, offers Japanese cuisine. Crispy shrimp from the bar menu is lightly breaded and deep fried, served with a “yellow jungle pineapple curry dip.” Ten pieces are $12.
“[It is] literally the best sauce I have ever dipped a piece of shrimp in,” said Gabrielle Roux, a first timepatron. The wontons are filled with a mixture of shrimp and pork, covered with a mild chili vinaigrette, and are very popular according to the staff.
Entrees, which are available until midnight, will please any serious food critic. The Ikan Bakar (Malaysian grilled skate) is grilled in a banana leaf rubbed in a mild chili sauce. Topping the skate and wontons are a golden brown fried mixture of basil, garlic, onion and pork, adding tender flavors.
Another entree worth trying is the sea bass poached in “aromatic coconut broth” and served with white rice and baby bok choi which is perfectly tender and nicely portioned for one person at $16. The entrees are reasonably priced for the sensational quality and luxurious atmosphere that comes with them.
Sometimes there is a line of people waiting to enter 230, but it moves very quickly and there is never a cover charge, except on New Year’s Eve. The 230 website encourages a dress code that asks patrons to “dress up, not down.” Priority admission and seating is available for $250 which includes a bottle of premium alcohol. Between six people you will quickly spend the same price waiting in a mob at the bar, left standing without a private table.
If you are planning a special event where outstanding drinks, music and atmosphere are wanted, 230 is a good choice. Anyone 21 years of age with good taste and a desire to experience the unforgettable should definitely visit 230 Fifth Ave.
