Views of Manhattan lights
 

We were to travel to NYC this Fall but a health scare has meant we had to postpone till next Spring. At least, with the assistance of Fodorites we have managed to work out most of what we want to do. However can anyone recommend a special restaurant offering great views of the city at night as well as good food and service? We want to go to River Cafe in Brooklyn one night but we were wanting another similar place if possible.Alternatively, a nice bar or lounge offering that sort of view after a restaurant meal somewhere ? We expect to be staying Upper West Side but it would not need to be in that area. Many thanks for any help.

Great view but only open seasonally is the rooftop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Have a drink at the Rainbow Room Grill which is the bar for the Rainbow Room at the top of Rockefeller Center.

Foley's Fish House has great food and a fantastic view of Times Square.

The Broadway Bar on the 8th floor of the Marriott Marquis also has excellent views of Times Square.

My favorite hands down view is from the Staten Island Ferry at dusk of the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Bridge lit up.

My recommendation would be the Circle Line "Harbor Lights" cruise. You leave in the daylight, circle the lower half of the island at dusk and twilight (passing under all the magnificent bridge, notably the Brooklyn), and return in the dark when the lights have been turned on all over. Absolutely magical. Best, you cruise past the Statue of Liberty, very closely, in both directions.

You can also visit the River Cafe just for cocktails. Or, just walk the Brooklyn Promenade for those stunning views of the skyline.

Another magnificent view of the city if from Rainbow Grill cocktail lounge (think "Sleepless in Seattle"). Be sure to wander down the hall for the views of Central Park. Dinner is pricey and not all that appealing. Best time to go is after the dinner crowd and before the theaters let out.

You might also want to check out Water's Edge, right across the east river from midtown. Very nice place, right on the water, near Queensboro bridge, excellent view of Manhattan. Easy to get to, can take cab, or you can take their private boat, which goes from the pier at 34th St. right across to the restaurant.

Also, "The View Lounge" at the top of the Mariott Marquis on Broadway at Times Square. It's a revolving restaurant/bar with more great views of the city lights and buildings.

Thanks to all for the great suggestions !

We saw a beautiful sunset over the harbor and the Statue of Liberty from The Rise Bar at the top of the Ritz Carlton Battery Park. They have an indoor lounge and an outdoor viewing area.

Book tickets for a chamber music concert at BargeMusic. It is located right next door to River Cafe. A Sunday evening concert will give you dramatic Manhattan skyline views accompanied by amazing music.

http://www.bargemusic.org/

The only thing with The View is that it is too high up for a good view of anything. JMO.