Is the Rainbow Room in New York City a good pick for Christmas dinner?

Beautiful views, if you don't care about the food--over-priced and not very good. But if atmosphere is what you want, you'll get it there.

Will they be open? Many places are closed on Christmas day.

Sylvia -

I had dinner at the Rainbow Room last year. Very overrated!! Views were great, but that was all. I did enjoy people watching - at the table next to us was a very unusual couple: a pink haired woman appearing to be in her mid to late 70's with her "escort" who was in his 20's. They spent several hours dancing; I think she had more energy than he did. Try another restaurant if you want great food and atmosphere.

We went there a couple of years ago for my honey's birthday and I spent $300 for dinner, dancing, drinks, birthday cake and we had a really nice time. The food was ok but the view was spectacular.

If you want the view you might try the bar area for before dinner drinks and head out any one of several excellent restaurants in the same area.

Have a great time.

What are some of the excellent restaurants in the area? We have tickets for Hairspray Christmas night.

Try Coco Pazzo at the Time Hotel on W. 49th between Broadway & 8th. 212-320-2929. Wonderful Italian. I believe the theater is on W. 53rd, so it is just a few blocks.

My husband and I are thinking of just doing cocktails in the bar but are a little confused...is it at the Rainbow Room or the Rainbow Grill?? Is there a difference between the two? How "dressy" would we have to be?? We would probably do this after the theatre one evening so would not be too casual but certainly won't have a tux and gown on!! How bout their bar menu or desserts??

I've been there for cocktails probably 20 times and am not sure what the exact name of the place is. Just get on the elevator and they will make sure you end up in the correct place.

The Rainbow Grill has a bar, lounge area and dining area with a bar menu of sandwhich's and light fare but heavy $$, the dining area has it's dinner menu or you can order off the bar menu.The Rainbow Grill has an outstanding view downtown. The Rainbow room is on the same floor 65th and has a full dining menu. The view can't be beat but in my opinion there are much better choices for Christmas dinner in the city.

the website is cipriani.com for the Rainbow Room and the Rainbow Grill.

Robert,
Which restaurants serve a good Christman dinner?

I'm going to figure from the previous poster that the bar is in the "Grille", not the Rainbow Room itself....correct??? We're looking forward to it either way!!

Yes, that's correct, the bar is in the Rainbow Grille. The drink prices begin at $17.00 Enjoy yourself....

a few suggestions for Christmas Dinner....Ye Waverly Inn, Gotham Bar & Grill, Fraunces Tavern, One if by Land, Judson Grill, , Cafe Pierre, River Cafe...to name a few.....

Correct me if I'm wrong...but since the Ciprianis took over, isn't the Rainbow Room only open on Friday nights and for Sunday Brunch? I thought I heard that it's now being used as banquet space most of the time. I can't comment on the Rainbow Grill...I'd plug it into a search engine and look for reviews, if I were you.

According to the website for the Rainbow Room it states open to the public for dinner and dancing Friday nights only....I know that the Rainbow Grille is open every night.

Robert, $17.00 really? I hope that's a triple martini!

Nope, he's not kidding. Wine is about $17 per glass. They have some serious overhead. If you want cheap, go to TGI Fridays.

Lisa...no it's for real.....just this past Wednesday I was there....vodka gimlet $18.50....but the view is fantastic!!!!!!!!

Robert