Opehlia, a new rooftop lounge located at the top of the historic Beekman Tower, is now open in Midtown East! The all-season rooftop celebrates a collaboration between Merchants Hospitality and Public Agenda who have reimagined the space into an opulent cocktail lounge, reviving the building’s original beauty.
“The Beekman Tower is full of character and history so it was important for us to restore all of its original detail while still creating a welcoming and intimate lounge,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Merchant Hospitality Abraham Merchant. “It was once such an iconic and recognized structure in New York City and we want to put it back on the map as a destination for all.”
The iconic tower was built in 1928 by Architect John Mead Howells and Developer Emily Hepburn as a Panhellenic Tower and residence for working women, making itself a landmark in New York City. In 1934 the tower was rebranded and renamed as The Beekman Tower. The name Ophelia was quite popular among women during the 1930s’ and this new lounge pays homage to its female ties and draws inspiration from the mystery behind Shakespeare’s character in Hamlet.
Ophelia honors the original building’s details and beauty while intertwining modern elements to unveil an intimate atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Drawing inspiration from the existing wood and brick, the lounge layers deep maroon and rich velvets to resemble the inside of a jewel box.
The rooftop is made up of three distinct areas: The Grand Terrace, The Outer Terrace, and A Private Dining Room. Upon entering the Grand Terrace, guests are welcome to a 24-foot long bar set under vintage lighting. A glass insert within the bar serves as a display box for many of the space’s trinkets and treasures from the past meant to spark conversation and encourage guests to explore their surroundings.
The Outer Terrace runs along the outer edges of the rooftop and features two exterior balconies on the North and South sides of the building. The floor is adorned in black and white tiling while the rest of the terrace remains covered with 13-foot windows showcasing breathtaking views. The Italian red velvet used for banquet seating sets an intimate tone for visitors.
The Private Dining room is a hidden nook adjacent to the elevators in the Grand Terrace which can seat up to eight guests.
The bar program is lead by seasoned Mixologist Amir Babayoff who crafted a two-part menu featuring reinventions of classic and signature cocktails inspired by the the glory of the lounge during the 1920s and 30s. Signature cocktails include the Ophelia’s Ascension, made with activated charcoal, bourbon, mezcal infused with smoked Jamaican peppers, aromatic bitters and topped with smoke burned from cedar wood; Resurrection, which features vodka, campari, lime, passion fruit and hibiscus; and Purple Tuxedo, a vibrant lavender cocktail with gin, brenninvie, velvet falernum, montanaro bianco, absinthe, plum bitters and garnished with edible golden flakes.
Complementing the incredible beverage selection is an equally as impressive food menu created by Executive Chef Stephen Putnam, formerly of Bergdorf Goodman’s BG restaurant. Chef Putnam sources the ingredients from both local and international artisans, fishmongers, and farmers to take the guest on elevated culinary journey.
Small dishes include Maine Lobster Spring Roll with mango and Thai dipping sauce; Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras with dried cherries; Pork Belly Sliders with cucumber pickle, radish sprouts and hoisin and Truffle Fries paired with truffle pecarino, chives and a truffle aioli. Daily selection of oysters and caviar service are also available.
Location: 3 Mitchell Place, New York, NY 10017
Friday – Saturday: Open from 5PM – 4AM
