The history of Ophelia runs deep. When The Panhellenic Tower opened in 1928, it was the only hotel at the time to be managed by women. It continued it's feminist legacy as a social club for women entering the workforce (sort of like a prototype for The Wing). Today it pays homage to its early feminist days welcoming all types of guests into a decadent barroom fashioned with soaring cathedral windows, jewel-tone blue walls, and glass showcases filled with vintage oddities. At first, it may feel awkward strolling through a quiet apartment building’s bright lobby at 9pm, bypassing the doormen and hustling into a packed elevator with three cranky, middle-aged European tourists. But once you reach the 26th floor of Beekman Tower, Ophelia’s sultry old-world appeal instantly clicks. The bar—once named Top of the Tower—even served oh-so-casual customers like Frank Sinatra.
The vibe: If Lewis Carroll’s Hatter (colloquially known as the Mad Hatter) moved to Manhattan and brought his love of imbibing, curating, and menacing to bear on the hospitality industry, the resulting operation might look like Ophelia. Everything just seems a little outsized here, including the black and white checkerboard tile floor, high ceilings, geometric windows behind the bar, velvety banquettes and the city view.
The food: Bar snacks, finger food, and old standbys like lobster mac & cheese, steak, and charcuterie boards. It’s all on the pricier side.
The drink: As you might expect from a rooftop bar, cocktailing is the thing here. There’s a lot of nice tweaks on standards and some that get a little out there. It’s fun but pricey. We enjoyed the Purple Tuxedo–gin, aquavit, vermouth, falernum, absinthe, and plum bitters.
Time Out tip: This is the kind of place you want to go when the weather is nice. The terrace is where you want to be, without question.