PHD Rooftop Lounge

12th floor, Dream Downtown, 355 W 16th St, New York

The view:

The Penthouse at the Dream Rooftop Lounge has views of Manhattan’s panoramic skyline, from the Hudson River to the Empire State Building, that fuel the wildest dreams of New York City. Looking out from the balcony, it’s one of those “pinch myself” moments.

The vibe:

After crossing the hotel lobby and hopping in a glamorous lift to the top floor, I enter a world of wealth and attractiveness. Picture smartly dressed men and women who look like they don’t have to make it to the office in the morning. Think a glittering room of beautiful people and platinum credit cards. The vibe is quintessential Gossip Girl, where you want to live out your rich-kid NYC dream.

The chat:

The prices of the drinks are maybe why the bartenders are so gracious. They are extremely helpful and know how to make you feel welcome, no matter how out of place you may feel. The emphasis is on table service, and they enjoy making the effort to come to you, but come nightfall the crowd lurks at the bar.

The menu:

Affordability isn’t a thing. A plain spirit with a mixer is US$16 ($25), and with tax and tip automatically added, a Jameson on the rocks is more than US$21.

The expectation:

I imagined bottles of champagne and vodka cooling in tabletop ice buckets in a room full of celebrities and models.

The reality:

Triple-tiered chandeliers dangle above marble tables and leather seats are packed with high-profile guests; an IMDb profile or runway history wouldn’t come as a surprise. This place is the ultimate rooftop lounge, those in need of air pack the terrace, with its black couches and groomed shrubbery. At night, the balcony is packed with people trying to catch a glimpse of twinkling Midtown, which makes the price of that G&T worth it.