First Look: Ophelia, a Rooftop Gem Atop the Historic Beekman Tower
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The gist: The historic Beekman Tower in Midtown East is now home to Ophelia, a glamorous rooftop cocktail bar from Merchants Hospitality and Public Agenda. Built in the 1920s, the Tower was home to working women and a popular haunt for legendary artists like Frank Sinatra and Miles Davis in its heyday. Offering panoramic views of the East River and Manhattan skyline from its vantage point on the 26th floor, the intimate lounge is a whimsical tribute to the iconic space.
The drinks: Developed by mixologist Amir Babayoff (ex Barley & Grain), the cocktail menu is split into two parts: twists on the classics and signature house creations. Expect international flavors in artfully presented drinks like Ophelia’s Ascension (Jamaican pepper–infused mezcal, Sri Lanka palm sugar, cedar smoke), Purple Tuxedo (gin, velvet falernum, absinthe, plum bitters, gold flakes) and The Flapper (vodka, lemon, pineapple, Angostura bitters, champagne). A curated selection of wine and beer round out the beverage offerings.
The food: Complementing the craft libations, executive chef Stephen Putnam presents a globally inspired menu with elevated small plates like a Maine lobster spring roll with a Thai dipping sauce, Hudson Valley foie gras with a Michigan dried cherry compote, and prime beef tenderloin with Brooklyn bourbon and smoked bacon. Old-school classics like oysters Rockefeller and caviar service, plus a compact “jewel box” filled with delicate macarons and petit fours round out the menu.
The space: Made to resemble the inside of a jewelry box, Ophelia’s interiors feature geometric windows and doorways resembling the facets of a gem plus rich velvet accents. Vintage light fixtures and a curated selection of unusual objects — so-called “curiosities” like 1930s tarot cards, flapper hats and antique silverware — are scattered throughout.
The details: 3 Mitchell Pl., 26th Floor; 212-980-4796; Open Sunday to Thursday, 5 PM–2 AM; and Friday to Saturday, 5 PM–4 AM.
