Bar Hugo Rooftop — Restaurant in New York

Had an unsettling experience with this place. About 2 weeks ago I arrived about 10 minutes before the end of happy hour. I told the host that it was just me for happy hour and requested outdoor seating. . He was very pleasant and informed me that the outdoor rooftop was completely full and recommended that it's best to come right at 5:00 to ensure a place outdoors. So yesterday I came right at 5:00 p.m.. A different host told me they only seat hotel patrons and that they don't take any less than a party of two for happy hour. (For happy hour???!) First off if that is true it should be stated on the website. And secondly why didn't the first guy tell me that? Which makes me think based on other reviews that some of the staff are adopting the strategy of turning away smaller parties. Have to say, I eat out extensively at both expensive and more modest places and even when I'm by myself, I have never had ANY venue flat out refuse to take me as a customer in a first come first serve situation.

Just plain disrespectful and a bad look, to put it mildly, when people are starting to venture out as paying customers. And how do they know that I wouldn't bring friends or family here at a later date? Well after this shoddy treatment the answer is a...

Beautiful rooftop!! I came across this gem trying to find walking distance rooftop bars from where I was already in the LES. I came here after brunch a few years ago around 6:30 pm, and the sun was just starting to set.

Daily happy hour (including weekends) from 5 pm - 9 pm. The drinks were alright, but who can say no to HH? I ordered a mojito, and it was so strong that it didn't even taste like a mojito. Slightly sad but I got over it pretty quickly.

Couches/tables are not reserved. So, as soon as someone got up from their table, we rushed to go sit down. The bar area was super packed but the areas around it were spacious enough to stand in or sit but not move around much. Somehow, no matter where I stood, I was always in the waitress's way.

The balcony with the view of Jersey & Hudson River was really nice during sunset. Length wise, it wrapped around the rooftop but the width of it was enough for max 2 people standing side by side (pretty small). The non balcony side of the rooftop had view of WTC which was beautiful both during the day and night. Can't beat it!

Definitely recommend if you're in the area. It's a different vibe compared to...

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! We were visiting NYC for the first time in many years for me (and the first time EVER) for one of my traveling companions. We stayed very near by, and had identified Bar Hugo as a definite place to visit. What a treat it was. We arrived just before they opened, and so we had time for a drink in the hotel lobby, before heading up to the bar itself. As fate would have it, we met up with Kevin who is the manager of the bar on the elevator ride up. He was so personable, engaging, and warm. He made a point of checking on us once we got up to the bar, and made us feel so very welcome. There were three of us total, and we got what must have been the best seats/couches in the house. Right in front of the windows and the DJ. Even though it was bitterly cold, they were kind enough to unlock the floor-to-ceiling glass doors so we (and others) could step out on the balcony to get photos of the stunning sunset. Just magical. Our server even loaned one us a charger so one of us could plug her cell phone in. How very kind.

We can't wait to get back, and sending a big and heartfelt "Thank You" to the staff at Bar Hugo for making three Tennesseans...