Where are the best places for cocktails or dinner that affords a view of the city at night?

"The city" being which one?

so sorry....NYC.

For cocktails, the top of the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. The bar revolves (360 degrees per hour). You can't beat the view.

Foley's fish house for dinner

For a different kind of view, pick a restaurant in Little Italy and eat on the sidewalk and people watch

Is there a restaurant across the Brooklyn Bridge that has a good view of lower Manhattan? Maybe at the Brooklyn Marriott?
http://www.marriott.com/epp/dining.a...BK#restaurants

Also at the Marriott Marquis there is a bar on the 7th or 8th floor that overlooks Times Square. You get a eye level view of all the lights and signs. Its kind of neat.

The Bentley Hotel on East 62nd Street (at York Ave) has a large rooftop bar with a fantastic view of the city.

Also midtown's Peninsula Hotel, but be prepared to pay a small fortune for a drink.

Another option: The outdoor roof garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Wine by the glass and incredible views of Central Park and midtown.

The Rainbow Room on top of Rockefeller Center, The Broadway Bar at The Marriott Marquis, and the bar at Foley's Fish House. You've gotten some great suggestions as I also love everything else that has been mentioned.

Anyone know the address or Landmark of The Pen-Top Bar at the Penisula?

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful suggestions...you've been a great help!

The Peninsula Hotel (Pen Top Bar) is on 55th just west of Fifth Ave.

A little known place is Top of the Tower at the Beekman Hotel at 49th st east of 1st ave. Live piano, decent drinks, GREAT views. Food so so.

The view of the skyline from the River Cafe in Brooklyn is great.

There's also a new outdoor cafe/restaurant in central park called sheeps meadow cafe. You'll recognize the view of the skyline, many movies like Fisher King and Wall Street have been shot at that particular spot in the park.

We thought the food at Beekman Tower was just fine. Loved the piano bar. Not too busy, very quient and romantic.

Here's another vote for the Rainbow Room. Also, Nirvana on 59th Street has a spectacular view, but the food is overpriced, mediocre Indian food (IMHO, not as good as E6th Street). The best view downtown is on the 64th floor observatory deck at my office on Pine Street. Unfortunately, the space is employee only.

river cafe! go to brooklyn!

actually top of the sixes is nice, too. and usually pretty quiet --666 fifth ave.

Nirvana is closed & I think so is top of the sixes.

The Ritz Carlton at Battery Park, has a wonderful top floor bar with fabulous view.

It could be open a little later, but on a beautiful summer night, I would suggest the roof of the Metropolitan Art Museum. It's higher than you think and great views across the park.