I'm intrigued by this list. Do any of these have good food? Which are least likely to mind a kid (I didn't say kid friendly, because people often assume that word means crustables or chicken nuggets, which I'd prefer he not eat). Are there any not on the list that you'd recommend? Do any have such a good view that we could pass on Top of the Rock?

http://www.fodors.com/news/best-new-...news_fd_060113

My 10-yr-old has been in quite a few drinking establishments over the years. I choose them based on their menu and general atmosphere. We go during lunch or at the early part of happy hour when there are drink specials, but not a lot of people yet. I have a drink, we both have a relaxed meal, and if anyone says anything, it's complimentary. We have a trip to NYC coming up, and I'd love to be able to enjoy one with him.

Sushi Samba 7 has a rooftop bar.
http://sushisamba.com/location/new-y...c-7/menu#lunch

I don't know if they allow kids, though.

I think you need to reread the article. This is talking about swank rooftop bars - as in $25 martinis (and soft drinks won't be much less - and I'm sure on nice nights they may fill up fairly early.

They are designed for adults on a special evening.

I would definitely plan on taking a 10 year old to Top of the Rock - not a sophisticated bar. In any case - I would call in advance and ask if children are allowed (also look at websites to see what food is offered - they are not restaurants).

Oh dear, I must have expressed myself poorly if you thought I was looking for Chuckie Cheeses! I've started looking through the menus myself--pity there aren't any Chowhounds familiar with them--and am leaning towards the Patio or La Piscine at Hotel Americano.

http://www.metmuseum.org/visit/plan-...nd-martini-bar

This might be the answer to your question. Bars in New York are American style and not European style where families gather.

Top of The Rock is purely for the view and to sell tourist stuff.

"Top of The Rock is purely for the view and to sell tourist stuff."

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. Doesn't sound like there's much of a "special" feeling about it, which is what I'm looking for.

The Met rooftop sounds great! Thanks for posting about it.

Who said anything about Chuckie Cheese?

Oh no! Just saw that the Met bar closes at 4 on Thursdays, the day we were planning to go.

What about Rare View at Fashion 26? The menu looks good.

No one said anything about Chucky Cheese - except for you.

most posh/special rooftop bars are adult venues.

Stefon, of SNL, may have a suggestion for you. He once recommended a family-friendly S&M bar in Chelsea.

HTtY

This is not a rooftop place, but it's an example of the kind of place I'm thinking of, just on a roof in Manhattan. The servers are wonderful with my son, and the kitchen makes a very nice small plate for him.

http://www.cafealma.com/

Sorry - I think the bars you are looking at are not like that.

And I really don;t think that a 10 year old belongs in a rooftop bar. But do contact them and ask if kids are allowed.

Nytraveler--for that, see my other post that you just commented on

And just so you know in NYC even quite a few restaurant/bars that have happy hours ban anyone under the age of 21. They just don;t want the hassle.

NY traveler,you must not have looked at that post again. You commented on it earlier.

Most rooftop bars are just bars, They may have some tapas or something to make you want to buy more drinks but rarely do they have full food menus. They don't want people lingering over food when they can make much more money on drinks or get people out faster. You would have to call each and ask , but I suspect that many don't allow kids if they are truly classified as bars, not restaurants that happen to have bars.

The rooftop at the Met would have been nice, but it does not serve food, They have potato chips, cookies and the like, and there are no tables at all, just a few benches along the perimeter that are usually filled up quickly.

Another nice view (but indoors) is in the Time Warner Center
(an upscale mall with some very high quality restaurants) near the south western edge of Central Park,. It has huge 4 story glass windows overlooking the park, and you can either walk around and enjoy the view for free, or have some light meals at Bouchon Bakery http://bouchonbakery.com/time-warner-center

Top of the Rock might not be what you want, but no rooftop bar will have that view because they're not nearly as high up!

So one poster tells you the TotR is too touristy?!? And you decide it is 'unworthy' for you and your child?!?

It has magnificent views and is MUCH more appropriate for a 10yo than some roof top cocktail lounge. I don't think any rooftop 'bar' would welcome a 10yo, no matter how special you may think he is . . .

I posted this on your itinerary post but will add it here in case otehrs are searching for rooftop experiences.

'''Top of The Rock is purely for the view and to sell tourist stuff.' Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. Doesn't sound like there's much of a "special" feeling about it, which is what I'm looking for."

In my opinion 'sell tourist stuff' is a very weird generalization to make about Top of the Rock. As you enter, they offer to take a kitschy photo of your group that you can purchase later. You can walk right by this with no hard sell. They have a gift shop at the top and at the bottom as you exit, like most famous NYC museum and sights. In at least half a dozen visits to TOTR, no one has ever tried to sell me anything aside from asking about the photo.

On the other hand, in my opinion TOTR is the best rooftop view in Manhattan and very easy to do without waiting in a lot of long lines and without having to spend too much time. My nine-year-old nephew loved it.

The day you planned your rooftop dinner, it is following a visit to the UN. One option for your dinner with a view is located near the UN -- the top of the Beekman Tower Hotel which is nearby.
http://www.thebeekmanhotel.com/dining/

In my opinion 'sell tourist stuff' is a very weird generalization to make about Top of the Rock. As you enter, they offer to take a kitschy photo of your group that you can purchase later. You can walk right by this with no hard sell. They have a gift shop at the top and at the bottom as you exit, like most famous NYC museum and sights. In at least half a dozen visits to TOTR, no one has ever tried to sell me anything aside from asking about the photo.
____

I guess we have a different opinion on tourist stuff. (There was a mention of the view and not one hint at the hard or soft sell.)

Thanks ellenem!