230 Fifth

Run by Steve Greenberg (of Roxy and Palladium fame), and perched atop an unassuming office building across from Madison Park, this deco cocktail den is purely 1970s decadent—think Studio 54 with a Miami twist. Once inside, steer past the mirrored walls and deco furnishings of the lobby, and head up to the lush rooftop bar, a breathtakingly spacious palm tree-lined terrace offering almost 360-degree views of the Midtown skyline. 230 caters mostly to the professional crowd, with bottle service a prideful option — tables are often reserved for private parties after 10 p.m. so show up early. Pair a romli (spiced beef) slider with a golden dream martini (a $12 boozy creamsicle) while you marvel at the waitress’ ability to deliver flawless service in such high heels.

230 has also winterized much of its outdoor space with a battery of high powered heaters and more than 1,000 hooded red robes (more hotel-romantic than cult-ritual, fortunately), as well as hot cocktails served in oversized 18 ounce hand-warming mugs. (But, as always, it's "outdoors optional," as you can just as easily watch the sun set from indoors.)

See more: Chelsea bars, Chelsea restaurants, Lounge bars