Located atop The McKittrick Hotel—site of the immersive theater experience “Sleep No More"—Gallow Green is a beguiling outdoor space overgrown with flowers and vines that offers up views of the Hudson River and the High Line. It’s as popular for late-night drinks as it is for weekend brunch; art lovers can fuel up here and then hop around the Chelsea neighborhood afterward. During warmer months, the rooftop hosts “Potions and Plantings,” a monthly tea party for kids (ages 5-10) and their adults. The event outshines all other kids’ tea times in the city (and there are many) and will make the grown-ups want to return for their own happy hour.
Noah Fecks
Paul Wagtouicz
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Rooftop Timewarp with a River View
The entrance is guarded by intimidating men with iPads, Gucci suits and oil-slick black shoes. The streets are industrial, almost empty; across the way is a notorious strip club, one of the sign’s Ss flickering in desperation to stay lit. A wind off the Hudson smacks you in the face with less than savory smells. Auspicious beginnings. One of the burly men finds your reservation on his touch-machine and ushers you and your well-heeled (Jimmy Choo, ‘natch) companion into a dark room. As if on cue, the bellhop emerges from an elevator door, previously unseen. He ushers you inside. To what floor do you ascend? The door opens to your left; the setting sun is a little too much for your now-dilating pupils but you step off anyway. A cherub-faced, perfectly curled blonde in a drop-waist dress greets you; her toothy smile leads you passed a brass band to your table. Amidst the old train rails and ‘30s train station styling, Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel oozes style while slinging incredibly potent cocktails. Host to the popular play/event, Sleep No More, the McKittrick’s newest cocktail venture is a dream Doctor Who episode: Right from the elevator, you are transported to a ‘30s style speakeasy, complete with dancers moving to the latest styles, while heady tipples like the Damned Spot (whiskey, lime, ginger beer and bitters) and Blonde in Peril (a sexy dual tone cocktail of vodka, Lillet, crème de cacao and Port) slow down time. And then you pay your bill. Sigh.
