You’re walking down Thompson Street and the vibe just shifts. It’s that SoHo energy—expensive, a little bit frantic, but undeniably cool. If you’ve ever tried to grab a drink on a Friday night in Lower Manhattan, you know the drill. You end up shoved into a corner of a dark bar, yelling over bass-heavy house music, wondering if the $22 cocktail was worth the hearing loss. But then there’s JIMMY at the James Hotel New York. It's different. Honestly, it’s one of those places that people who actually live in the city try to keep to themselves because once the secret is out, the wait times for that tiny elevator go through the roof.
Located on the 18th floor of the James New York – SoHo, this isn't just another hotel bar. It’s a 1970s-inspired conversation piece. David Rabin, the nightlife veteran behind legendary spots like Lotus and The Lambs Club, really leaned into a specific aesthetic here. Think mid-century modern meets a high-end bachelor pad, but with a view that makes you feel like you’re floating over the Manhattan Bridge.
The Layout Most People Get Wrong
Most people hear "rooftop bar" and think of a giant, sprawling deck. JIMMY isn't that. It’s intimate. It’s tight. The indoor lounge feels like a sunken living room where you’d expect to see a young Mick Jagger nursing a scotch. The transition between the indoor space and the outdoor deck is seamless, but the real star is the pool.
Yes, there is a pool.
No, you probably can't swim in it unless you're staying at the hotel during the day.
By the time the sun starts to dip, the pool becomes more of a visual centerpiece—a shimmering blue rectangle reflecting the skyline. It adds this layer of "resort in the sky" that is hard to find elsewhere in SoHo. The furniture is all velvet and leather, dark wood, and low lighting. It’s moody. It’s intentional. It’s the kind of place where you actually want to talk to the person you’re with rather than just scrolling through your phone.
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Why JIMMY at the James Hotel New York Stands Out
The view is the obvious answer, but that’s too simple. Plenty of places have views. What makes JIMMY at the James Hotel New York work is the 360-degree perspective. You aren't just looking at the Empire State Building; you're seeing the water, the bridges, and the chaotic geometry of the Financial District.
Because it's tucked away on the corner of Grand and Thompson, it feels slightly removed from the tourist traps of Broadway. You’re high enough to escape the sirens, but low enough to still feel connected to the street life below.
The drink program doesn't try too hard, which is a relief. You won't find drinks that require a chemistry degree to assemble. Johnny Swet, the creative director behind the cocktails, focused on "garden-to-glass" before that was a marketing buzzword. They use herbs from the hotel’s own organic rooftop garden. If you order something with mint or basil, there’s a solid chance it was growing a few feet away from your table an hour ago.
What to Actually Order
If you’re a fan of classics with a slight twist, the "Legalized" is usually the go-to recommendation, featuring tequila, mezcal, and pineapple. But honestly? Just get a Gin & Tonic or a classic Martini. There’s something about holding a crystal-clear glass while looking out at the Freedom Tower that makes a simple drink feel like a milestone.
Pricing is exactly what you’d expect for SoHo. You’re going to pay. But you aren't just paying for the booze; you're paying for the fact that you aren't squeezed into a sweaty basement in the East Village.
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The Logistics of Getting In
Let’s talk about the elevator. It’s small. On a busy Saturday, there will be a line. The doormen are professional but firm. If you’re showing up with a bachelor party of twelve guys in matching t-shirts, you’re probably not getting in. It’s not about being "exclusive" in a mean way; it’s about the fact that the room physically can’t hold that many people without ruining the vibe for everyone else.
- Go early. If you arrive at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, you’ll have your pick of the best seats near the windows.
- Dress like you're meeting someone you want to impress. You don't need a suit, but leave the flip-flops in your hotel room.
- Check the weather. The outdoor deck is the main draw, and while the indoor lounge is cozy, you lose 50% of the magic if it’s a total washout outside.
The Seasonal Shift
In the winter, the vibe changes completely. They bring in heaters, and the indoor lounge becomes a warm, amber-lit sanctuary against the New York cold. It’s actually one of the best times to visit because the crowds thin out. You can actually snag a corner seat and watch the snow fall over the city, which is basically a scene out of a movie.
During the summer, it’s a different beast. The "Poolside Saturdays" are famous—or infamous, depending on your tolerance for crowds. It’s high energy. It’s loud. It’s very "New York Summer." If you want a quiet, romantic evening, avoid weekend afternoons in July.
The Design Philosophy
The James Hotel itself has always leaned into an "urban office" meets "artist loft" aesthetic, and JIMMY is the crown jewel of that concept. The interior design by James Orchard uses a lot of rich textures. We’re talking about blue velvet chairs that you sink into and never want to leave. The bar itself is sleek, dark, and doesn't distract from the windows.
The acoustics are surprisingly good for a place with so much glass. Usually, rooftop bars are echo chambers of clinking ice and high-pitched laughter. Here, the soft furnishings soak up enough of the sound that you can actually hold a conversation at a normal volume. It’s civilized. That’s the word.
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A Note on the Neighborhood
SoHo has changed a lot. It used to be all galleries and grit; now it’s basically an outdoor mall for luxury brands. But Thompson Street still holds onto a bit of that old-school Manhattan charm. Staying at or visiting the James gives you a home base that feels central but slightly shielded. You can spend the day hitting the shops on Prince Street and then retreat to JIMMY to decompress.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want the full experience at JIMMY at the James Hotel New York, keep these specifics in mind:
- Sunset Timing: Check your weather app for the exact sunset time. Aim to be seated 30 minutes before. The "blue hour" in SoHo is unparalleled.
- The "Secret" Entrance: Enter through the hotel lobby on Thompson Street. There’s a specific elevator bank for the rooftop.
- Food Situation: They have light bites—think truffle fries, sliders, flatbreads. It’s good for snacking, but don't plan on having a full three-course dinner here. Eat at one of the incredible restaurants nearby (like Raoul's or Dutch) and come here for the nightcap.
- Reservations: While they do take walk-ins, it’s risky. If you’re coming with a group of four or more, try to book a table. It might require a minimum spend, so ask about that upfront.
One thing that surprises people is the scale. From the street, the James looks like a massive glass tower. But JIMMY feels like a private club. It’s that contrast—the massive city outside and the intimate room inside—that keeps people coming back year after year. It’s not the newest rooftop in the city, and in a town obsessed with the "next big thing," that’s actually its greatest strength. It’s consistent. You know the drinks will be cold, the view will be stunning, and the vibe will be exactly what you needed after a long day of navigating the Manhattan grid.
Take the elevator up. Grab a seat by the pool. Watch the lights flicker on across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s one of the few places that actually lives up to the hype.