Seemor
DaintreeB+Worth Trying
25 W 38th St 29th Floor, New York, NY 10018
· Bar, Australian restaurant, Event venue
· 4.7/5 Google (1054 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Destination rooftop with iconic Empire State views, strong cocktails, and decent small plates, but space is tight and event-related cancellations, auto-gratuity, and inconsistent service can frustrate.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Daintree delivers a compelling rooftop experience anchored by its iconic Empire State view and exceptional setting appeal, with solid cocktail quality and personable bartenders. However, inconsistent execution—event cancellations, variable drink strength, and service delays—prevents a higher grade, while the compact footprint and auto-gratuity policies limit broader appeal. Best suited for drinks-focused visits where the skyline justifies the premium pricing.
Restaurant Summary
Set above Hotel Hendricks, Daintree draws people for its front-row Empire State view and polished lounge vibe. Reviewers gush about welcoming bartenders and sunset scenes, with one noting, "the view carried our whole evening." However, expect a compact space and occasional event disruptions. The kitchen leans contemporary bar fare with an Australian wink—think burrata, dips, tacos, prawn rolls, and a cheeky kangaroo chopped cheese. The culinary approach is elevated-comfort: familiar snacks done neatly to pair with cocktails rather than culinary theatrics. Ideal for drinks-first nights where the skyline does some heavy lifting. Families should know this is a rooftop bar first. Minors are sometimes allowed early, but policies and events vary. Kid-friendly bites like tacos or olives exist, yet there is no kids menu, terrace seating is limited, and paid seating policies plus auto-gratuity can add up fast.
At a Glance
- Direct Empire State Building view from lounge and terrace
- Friendly bartenders and solid cocktails
- Event buyouts and last-minute cancellations reported
- Automatic 20% gratuity and paid view tables surprise some
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- direct_empire_state_view
- australian_inspired_bites
- hotel_rooftop_hideaway
What People Love
- The wow-factor Empire State outlook
- Charming, chatty bartenders
- Cozy lounge vibe away from street bustle
- Shareable bites that pair well with cocktails
- Photo-worthy sunsets and city lights
Points of Concern
- Private events can trigger cancellations or terrace closures with little notice (recurring reports)
- Auto 20% gratuity and paid window seating can feel pricey for casual visits
- Service speed and host demeanor fluctuate on busy/event nights
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (high praise tone clusters), but varied details suggest mostly authentic experiences
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$44-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair Dipset and Burrata with a citrus-forward cocktail; add Chicken Tacos to round out a light meal; adventurous diners try Kangaroo Chopped Cheese.
Perfect For
- Sunset cocktails with a skyline backdrop
- Out-of-town visitors chasing that Empire State photo
- After-work small plates and drinks
- Date night with a view
Location Insights
Area: Bustling Midtown business-tourism corridor near Bryant Park and Herald Square; heavy after-work and visitor traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic, well-lit hotel setting; typical Midtown late-night bustle.
Nearby: Hotel Hendricks rooftop with Empire State Building views; offices, hotels, retail all around.
KoreatownKoreatown is a lively, compact neighborhood centered around West 32nd Street, famous for its dense concentration of Korean restaurants, karaoke bars, and specialty shops. The dining scene is energetic and diverse, catering to both casual diners and those seeking authentic Korean cuisine, often bustling late into the night.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–22:00
Tuesday16:00–22:00
Wednesday16:00–00:00
Thursday16:00–00:00
Friday16:00–00:00
Saturday16:00–00:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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