I have to agree to some extent Joe. we almost never go to the movies anymore, just wait til it comes out on DVD. It's not like there are any movies that are so great that you can't wait a few months to see them in the comfort of your own home on your schedule.

Movies are the biggest rip-off out there.

I happen to think movies are one of the biggest bargins. Where in Manhattan can you spend 2 hours in a climate controlled environment and potentially be entertained for less than $10? Even the "donations" at the museums are more.

O.K., so all the places mentioned are super expensive, any recommendations for more reasonable Midtown NY locations for a couple to have a few drinks?

There are reasonable bars on every block. Just stay away from Hotel bars and attraction/high profile bars.

I have a question for those who declare that the view from the Rainbow room justifies the high drink prices. Why is the view of high rise buildings with the lights on or the vast expanse of city lights considered a good view? Now when you respond don't be hostile or defensive, this is just a question about why you consider it a good view.

Are some people attracted to lights like moths to a flame? I myself prefer the view of the stars when they are not obliterated by the city lights or the awesome sunsets this time of year, but then I live on the west coast.

Do you pay those high drink prices because you have no natural views that you can see for free?

In response to "x":

Legitimate question. As for myself, I have a beautiful natural view daily (as previously stated). And, yes, it's free.

However, there are no tall buildings where I live and no city lights, so the view of Times Square at night is something that is fascinating to those of us who have nothing like it the rest of the year. It's just something "different" that we don't get to experience here at home.

For 46 bucks they should fly you around the skyline in a helicopter, not just offer you a "view" from the window.

Get real.

Hey, I can sit in our front yard with a cup of decaf coffee and see the most beautiful sunset...almost free!

Just kidding...We like to travel and see new places also. (But when we return home, the old home place looks pretty good to us!)

Robert... if you see this your wife is a lucky woman!!! Sometimes if you are with the right person it doesn't matter what the cost is.What a nice memory for Robert and his wife.Sorry Frank you don't have the same.

Sharon, thanks for the kind words.....but it's me that's lucky.....she's is a wonderful woman and a real special lady.........ok, gang...a more reasonable priced recommendation for drinks......Flutes, on w54th.....nice champagne selection with reasonable per glass prices, good easy listening music, comfortable seating...we also enjoy Morrell's Wine Bar at Rockefeller Center
Robert

Hey, it's a capitalist economy - that means independent establishments can charge whatever they want/whatever the market can bear for the package of goods and service they're offering. Anyone who lives in a clity in the USA has had the experience of seeing the exact same product sold at wildly divergent prices at comparable establishments within a few blocks from each other. (If you don't live in a city, think about buying airline tickets instead!) And I'm talking about a finite commodity, like a tube of a particular brand of toothpaste or a sixpack of a certain make of beer or a specific flight itinerary and seat on a given airline/date/time.

When you get into equations that include intangibles like service, comfort, atmosphere, view, etc., all bets are off - if you walk into a place and price aren't clearly posted, (sometimes they aren't even listed on the menu), you can ask, but many people don't - they guess what they think the price will be, and they may be in for a schock.

So good for Frank for passing on his experience - everyone can make an individual choice re whether they think this kind of price is worth it, and whether they are interested in this type of experience, or not.

Susanne, thanks for your eloquent post which hit the nail right on the proverbial head. Too many people fail to see the big picture and realize that in the end whether they agree or disagree, it's all about choice. Nobody is telling you what to do or not to do. But now, thanks to Frank's post, we all have one more piece of information in our arsenal to help us better make that informed choice.

Sharon: Remember, it's not all about how much you spend, some of the best memories are created on a very limited budget. I think you missed the point.

I go there, I buy drinks, I enjoy the view.

I love the atmosphere and glamour of the Rainbow Room. The art deco furniture, circular dance floor and gorgeous view are second to none. If Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were to go dancing, it would be the Rainbow Room and Fred would not blink twice about spending 46 bucks for total glitz. Sometimes you need a little fantasy and glamour and the Rainbow Room is a part of New York that's quickly disappearing.

Mr. Money Bags , I got the point!!!

Topping...

This place has the Rainbow Room beat. One cocktail for $64.00

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/s...124dec04.story

My personal high? I went to the county jail, smuggled in a bottle of Ripple, got raped 3 or 4 times, and it only cost me $986.21. I say, "when will I ever have THAT opportunity again?" Somethings are just priceless. For everything else there's....

Disgusting!

World's Most Expensive Drink = Schmucks with money!