You’ve seen the photos. Those floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the glittering Manhattan skyline, and the kind of sunset that makes even the most cynical New Yorker pause for a second. It’s Westlight. Perched on the 22nd floor of The William Vale, this spot at 111 North 12th Street has basically become the unofficial headquarters of Williamsburg "cool."
But let’s be real for a minute.
Is it actually worth the $24 cocktails and the sometimes-interminable elevator wait? Or is it just another "Instagram trap" where the scenery is better than the service? Honestly, after spending enough nights there to recognize the security guards, the answer is a bit of both. It’s iconic for a reason, yet most people show up totally unprepared for how the place actually functions.
Why Westlight North 12th Street Brooklyn NY Isn't Your Average Bar
Most rooftops in Brooklyn give you a "slice" of the city. Maybe you see the Williamsburg Bridge, or maybe you catch the top of the Empire State Building if you lean over the railing. Westlight is different because of the 360-degree thing. You aren't just looking at Manhattan; you’re looking at Queens, the industrial guts of Brooklyn, and the harbor.
The architecture of the building itself—that weird, futuristic concrete tripod—elevates you high enough that you’re actually looking down on most of the surrounding rooftops. It’s a literal pedestal.
The Layout: Indoor vs. Outdoor
The main space is a glass box. This is great because when it's February and 20 degrees outside, you can still see the Chrysler Building while sipping something with mezcal in it. But the magic happens on the wraparound balcony.
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There are yellow binoculars scattered around. They’re free. Use them.
Then there’s the Turf Club. This is the "secret" (not really secret) upper level that opens during the warmer months. It’s way more casual. Think artificial grass, plastic cups, and a vibe that feels less like a posh lounge and more like a very expensive backyard party. If you can't get a table downstairs, the Turf Club is usually your best bet for a walk-in.
What You’re Actually Eating and Drinking
Chef Andrew Carmellini is the name behind the food here. If you know NYC dining, you know his other spots like Locanda Verde or Leuca (which is actually on the ground floor of this same building).
The food isn't just an afterthought.
- The Burger: It’s dry-aged and comes with a "secret schmear." It’s $25, which is a lot for a burger, but it’s actually filling.
- Potato Skins and Caviar: This is the ultimate "I’m in Brooklyn" dish. It’s $38 for basically fancy tater tots with yuzu aioli and fish eggs. Is it a rip-off? Maybe. Is it delicious? Absolutely.
- Duck Carnitas Tacos: Usually a crowd favorite. Small, easy to eat while holding a drink, and actually spicy.
As for the drinks, the Spring Fling and the Sapphire Sour are the heavy hitters. Expect to pay between $19 and $25 per cocktail. If you’re on a budget, the beer list has local stuff like Sixpoint for around $11, which is about as cheap as it gets at this altitude.
The Reservation Game (And How to Win)
If you show up at 7:00 PM on a Friday without a reservation, you’re going to have a bad time. You'll stand in a line on North 12th Street, staring at the hotel lobby, feeling your soul leave your body.
Here is the move:
Book your table exactly 14 days in advance. They use SevenRooms, and slots for sunset go fast. If you miss the window, try for a "Late Night" spot after 10:00 PM. The crowd thins out, the DJ gets a bit louder, and the city lights are arguably better than the sunset anyway.
Walk-ins and the "Bar Standing" Hack
If you’re a walk-in, tell the host you’re fine with standing at the bar. Usually, they’ll let you up much faster than if you’re waiting for a table. Once you’re up there, you have full access to the outdoor balcony. You don't need a chair to enjoy the view. In fact, the view is better when you're pacing the perimeter of the 22nd floor with a drink in your hand.
The Vibe Check: Dress Code and Crowd
People ask about the dress code all the time.
It’s Williamsburg, not the Upper East Side. You’ll see guys in $500 Aimé Leon Dore hoodies and women in vintage slip dresses. You don't need a suit. You probably shouldn't wear gym shorts. "Smart casual" is the official word, but basically, just look like you tried a little bit.
The crowd is a mix. You’ve got:
- Tourists who are visibly overwhelmed by the wind (it gets windy up there).
- Finance bros who took the ferry over from Wall Street.
- Local Brooklynites showing their out-of-town parents "the spot."
- Couples on their third date trying to seal the deal with the skyline.
Navigating the Logistics of 111 North 12th St
The William Vale is located on the corner of North 12th and Wythe.
If you’re taking the subway, the L train to Bedford Avenue is your best bet. It’s about a 10-minute walk. The G train to Nassau Avenue is also an option if you’re coming from Greenpoint or Queens.
One thing nobody tells you: the elevators. There are specific elevators just for Westlight. Don’t go into the main hotel guest elevators unless you want to be politely redirected by a very patient concierge. During peak hours, the wait for the "up" elevator can be 15 minutes. Factor that into your plans.
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Real Talk: Is It Worth It?
Let's be honest. You are paying a "view tax." You can get a cheaper drink at a dive bar three blocks away. You can get a bigger burger at a diner.
But you aren't going to Westlight North 12th Street Brooklyn NY for a bargain. You’re going for the feeling of being 22 stories above the chaos. When the sun hits the glass of the One World Trade Center across the water and the whole sky turns a weird shade of violet, the $24 cocktail suddenly feels like a fair trade.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Wind: Because the building is so tall and relatively isolated, the wind on the balcony is 2x stronger than on the street. If it’s breezy out, bring a jacket, even in summer.
- Go for Jazz: On Monday nights, they often have live jazz or funk starting around 7:30 PM. It completely changes the energy from "clubby" to "sophisticated lounge."
- The Bathroom View: This sounds weird, but even the bathrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s arguably the best view you’ll ever have while washing your hands.
- Timing: If you want the view without the velvet rope drama, go on a Tuesday at 4:00 PM right when they open. It's empty, quiet, and you can snag the best corner seat in the house.
- Check the Turf Club Status: Before you go, check their Instagram or website to see if the upper Turf Club is open. It’s weather-dependent, but it’s the superior experience for anyone who hates "stiff" bars.
If you’re planning a trip, just remember that the sun sets in the West (over Manhattan). If you want that golden hour glow, make sure you're positioned on the terrace at least 30 minutes before the official sunset time. Once you're up there, take your photos, then put the phone away. The skyline looks better with your own eyes than through a screen anyway.
To get the most out of your night, start with a reservation two weeks out and aim for a 30-minute window before sunset to catch the full color transition of the city. If you find yourself without a booking, head straight for the bar standing area or check if the seasonal Turf Club has space for a more relaxed, outdoor experience. Regardless of where you sit, the potato skins and the 360-degree horizon remain the true stars of the 22nd floor.