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Finding a spot in Manhattan that doesn't feel like a claustrophobic hallway is harder than it should be. Honestly, most "rooftop bars" in Mid-town are just windows with a breeze. But then you see those bella union rooftop bar photos popping up on your feed, usually featuring a very specific, crystal-clear shot of the Empire State Building, and you start wondering if it’s actually that good or just great camera work.
Located at 411 3rd Avenue, right on the edge of Kips Bay and Murray Hill, Bella Union is a bit of a tri-level beast. It isn't just one room. It’s an "upscale American saloon" that feels like someone dropped a rustic Wyoming lodge into the middle of a New York City skyscraper forest. If you’re scouting for a place to host a birthday or just want to see if the $5 espresso martinis are a myth, you’ve come to the right place.
Why the Views Look Different in Person
When you scroll through the gallery, you see these massive, panoramic shots. The reality is actually better because of the height. It’s not a "high" rooftop—it’s on the third floor. Usually, that’s a bad thing in NYC, but here, it puts you at the perfect eye-level with the mid-section of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. You aren't looking down on the city; you’re sitting inside of it.
The rooftop is designed with a floral, urban vibe. Think retractable canopies for the summer and a fully winterized setup for when the January wind starts cutting through 3rd Ave.
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The Layout You’ll See in the Photos
- The Ground Floor: A long bar, high-top tables, and big windows that open up to the street. It’s very "neighborhood tavern" down here.
- The Mezzanine: This is where the corporate happy hours live. It has its own private bar and a slightly more intimate feel.
- The Rooftop: This is the crown jewel. It has a mix of indoor-outdoor seating, a balcony area, and plenty of greenery.
The $5 Espresso Martini Situation
You've probably seen the signs or the captions: $5 espresso martinis. It sounds like a lie in 2026. Basically, every Tuesday from 4 pm until late, they run this special. However, there’s a catch that most people miss until they get the bill: the rooftop is often excluded from the $5 deal during peak hours. If you want the cheap drinks, you might have to hang out on the first two floors.
Even if you pay full price on the roof (usually around $14-$16 for a cocktail), the vibe is worth the extra few bucks. The "Prohibition Hour" on Mondays and Wednesdays is another one that looks great in photos—$30 gets you unlimited cocktails and a sampler platter for 90 minutes. It’s a literal steal for Murray Hill.
Is the Food Actually Good?
Most rooftop bars serve overpriced sliders that taste like cardboard. Bella Union is different because it’s actually a functioning restaurant first. The NY Strip Steak Salad is a fan favorite for a reason. It’s got baby arugula, roasted fingerling potatoes, and a balsamic olive oil dressing that doesn't feel like an afterthought.
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If you’re there for the Wednesday deal, you can snag a $10 burger. It’s a solid, juicy Black Angus patty that actually fills you up. They also do "Wild Union Wings" with a bourbon-chipotle hot honey that photographs beautifully and tastes even better.
What to Order for the Table
- Brie & Prosciutto Flatbread: Honey tomato confit and chili olive oil.
- Goat Cheese Balls: Part of the sampler platter, highly addictive.
- Tuna Crispy Rice: The standard NYC "cool bar" snack, but they do it well here.
Planning Your Visit: The Practical Stuff
Don't just show up on a Friday night at 8 pm and expect to walk onto the roof. It gets crowded. Like, "can't-find-your-friends" crowded.
Reservations: They generally don't take reservations for the rooftop unless you’re doing the Bottomless Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays (11 am – 3 pm). For everything else, it’s first-come, first-served. If the roof is full, the bouncers will park you on the mezzanine until a spot opens up.
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The "Entree" Rule: On busy Friday nights, be aware that they sometimes require you to order an entree if you want a table on the rooftop. If you just want to stand and drink, you can usually squeeze into the bar area, but for those sit-down photos with the Empire State Building in the background, be prepared to eat.
Winter vs. Summer: The retractable canopy is a lifesaver. In the winter, they keep it toasty with heaters, so you don't have to keep your North Face on while sipping a Spiked Hot Cider. In the summer, the roof opens up completely, and the breeze coming off the buildings is top-tier.
Actionable Tips for Your Night Out
- Timing is everything: Get there by 4:30 pm if you want a prime spot on the balcony for sunset photos.
- The "Secret" Deal: Check their Instagram before you go. They often post flash specials that aren't on the printed menu.
- Group Events: If you have more than 20 people, talk to their events manager. They are surprisingly flexible with buyouts for the different floors.
- Skip the Stools: If you’re staying for a long dinner, try to grab a booth or a table. Some of the bar stools are notoriously uncomfortable for a three-hour hang.
If you’re looking for a spot that feels like "Old New York" met a modern garden, Bella Union is one of the few places in the Kips Bay area that actually delivers on the hype. Just remember to double-check which floor your happy hour deal applies to before you order a round of ten martinis.
Next Steps
If you're planning a visit, head to their official site to check the latest "Prohibition Hour" menu, as the appetizer platters change seasonally. For large groups, it’s worth calling ahead to see if there are any private buyouts scheduled for the rooftop, which happens frequently on Thursday nights.