damnlines.comdamnlines.comOne of NYC's largest rooftop bars, prized for its heated, plant-filled terrace with unobstructed views of the Empire State Building.
No camera at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar yet — these are the closest live lines we cover.
damnlines hasn't pointed a lens at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar yet. The most-wanted lines get a camera first.
The venue's own site frames itself as walk-in-first: 230-fifth.com states that '99% of our guests do not book a table,' with most seating first come, first served and no minimum spend required for walk-ins.
Independent guides describe a real line reality on top of that. Therooftopguide.com says 'tables are usually first come, first served,' but adds that 'during weekend nights, reservations are recommended if you want a table, and weekend reservations come with a minimum spend.' A rooftop guide at astronomerooftop.com goes further, warning that 'the line forms quickly, and capacity is limited' and that visitors should 'be prepared for a significant wait, which can exceed an hour during peak times' — and that after the outdoor line, guests 'will likely queue again for the elevator inside the building.' It recommends arriving 60-90 minutes before sunset, the most sought-after window.
For guests who do want a guaranteed table, 230-fifth.com says reservations open up to 30 days ahead and generally require parties of 10 or more (easing to 6+ on Friday/Saturday during the May–September peak season), with igloo or cabana bookings carrying a $25 deposit plus a $50-75 per-person minimum spend depending on the night.
Patterns as reported by press and regulars — not measured by damnlines.
Reservations: Mostly first come, first served for walk-ins; advance reservations open 30 days out and generally require 10+ guests (6+ Fri/Sat in peak season, May–Sept), with a minimum spend, per 230-fifth.com.
Walk-ins: Yes — walk-ins are the norm ('99% of our guests do not book a table' per 230-fifth.com), though weekend and sunset-hour waits can exceed an hour per astronomerooftop.com.
Astronomerooftop.com advises arriving before roughly 4pm on weekdays or 12pm on weekends to beat the line.
During peak times, especially around sunset on weekends, the wait 'can exceed an hour,' according to a rooftop guide at astronomerooftop.com, which recommends arriving 60-90 minutes before sunset and warns of a second elevator queue once inside the building. Therooftopguide.com adds that weekend-night waits are common enough that a reservation with a minimum spend is recommended for guests who want a guaranteed table.
Yes. The venue's own site notes most tables are first come, first served since '99% of our guests do not book a table,' but reservations can be made up to 30 days ahead, generally for parties of 10+ (6+ on Friday/Saturday during peak season), per 230-fifth.com. Weekend igloo and cabana reservations carry a $25 deposit plus a $50-75 per-person minimum spend, also per the official site.
Yes — walk-ins are how most guests get in, per 230-fifth.com. Astronomerooftop.com notes smaller groups of 2-3 have better luck than larger walk-up parties, and advises arriving before opening (around 4pm on weekdays, 12pm on weekends) to beat the line.
Astronomerooftop.com describes a 'smart casual' policy — collared shirts, tailored pants and closed-toe shoes for men, no flip-flops or distressed jeans for women — and therooftopguide.com notes it's enforced more strictly on Friday and Saturday nights, when athletic wear, baggy jeans, t-shirts and hoodies aren't allowed; it's also a 21-plus venue.
Sources: 230 Fifth official site · The Rooftop Guide · Rooftop guide, astronomerooftop.com