ZipPicks Awards
Best Rooftop Restaurants in Midtown East
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Aretsky's Patroon
8.6
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Rooftop Views Revelry
Two blocks from Grand Central, Aretsky’s Patroon is a multi-level Midtown townhouse where serious American steakhouse cooking meets a heated, year-round rooftop. Since the late 1990s under restaurateur Ken Aretsky, it has become a corporate-card favorite for crab cakes, dry-aged steaks and polished, old-school service capped with rooftop cocktails and cigars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, 40-Day Dry Aged Ribeye, Crab Cake Sliders
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Classic Midtown townhouse steakhouse with a heated, all-weather rooftop bar.
Who should go: Power diners wanting steaks plus a refined rooftop.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or golden-hour rooftop cocktails.
What to order: Jumbo lump crab cakes, dry aged ribeye, crab cake sliders.
Insider tip: Request rooftop seating in mild weather and follow with a dining-room steak course.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; nearby paid garages on E 46th–E 47th Street. Street parking is scarce until after 7pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—blazers, polished tops, dark denim acceptable; avoid overly casual athleisure.
Noise level: Moderate in the main dining room; rooftop varies from moderate to lively during peak post-work hours.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait with a reservation; walk-ins may face 30–45 minutes, especially for rooftop seating.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait with a booking; walk-ins seated quickly except during peak corporate lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but solid options—seasonal salads, vegetable sides, and occasional pasta or risotto specials.
Vegan options: Very limited; the kitchen can modify some salads and sides, but mains are scarce.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation; steaks, seafood, salads, and several sides can be made gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a sophisticated, classic Midtown feel. The dining room is refined and conversation-friendly, though the atmosphere leans more polished-professional than intimate-romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often possible at lunch or early dinner, but rooftop tables fill first. For prime dinner hours, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for adults; older teens fit comfortably, but there are no children’s menus or kid-focused amenities.
Best For
Better for: Corporate dinners, classic steaks, polished service, and a rare year-round heated rooftop in Midtown East.
Skip if: You want a trendy, youthful scene, extensive vegan options, or a casual, budget-friendly night out.