SoHo is expensive. Like, "twenty dollars for a mediocre cocktail" expensive. If you’ve spent any time wandering down Grand Street after a long Tuesday, you know that finding a spot that doesn't feel like a tourist trap or a bank-account-drainer is a genuine challenge. That’s why people are still obsessed with the James happy hour. It’s tucked away at Jimmy, the rooftop bar at ModernHaus SoHo (formerly The James New York), and it’s basically the gold standard for neighborhood drinking. Honestly, most places with a view like this would charge you just for the elevator ride. Here, it’s about the vibe, the blue-chip crowd, and some actually decent prices on high-end spirits.
Jimmy is perched on the 18th floor. You get 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline, which, let's be real, never gets old even if you’ve lived here for a decade. The happy hour itself is a bit of a local secret, though it's getting harder to keep it that way.
What Actually Happens at the James Happy Hour
It’s not just about the booze. It’s the setting. You’re looking at a 1970s-inspired lounge with velvet furniture and a pool deck that feels like something out of a Slim Aarons photograph. Usually, the happy hour runs on weekdays, typically starting around 5:00 PM. But don't expect a dive bar atmosphere. This is refined.
The menu usually rotates, but you can generally find a mix of signature cocktails, select wines, and a few craft beers at a steep discount compared to their prime-time pricing. For example, while a standard cocktail might run you $22 or $24 later in the evening, the happy hour specials often hover in that sweet spot that makes you feel like you’re actually getting away with something.
You’ve got to understand the layout to really enjoy it. There’s the indoor lounge—great for winter or rainy days—and the outdoor terrace. The terrace is where the magic happens. Even if you aren't swimming, sitting by the pool with a chilled glass of Rosé while the sun dips behind the Freedom Tower is a mood.
🔗 Read more: Finding Another Word for Calamity: Why Precision Matters When Everything Goes Wrong
The Drinks and the Vibe
What makes the the James happy hour stand out isn't just a cheap beer. It’s the quality of the mixology. David Rabin, the nightlife veteran behind the spot, knows exactly what he’s doing. We’re talking about drinks made with fresh juices, house-made syrups, and premium spirits.
- The Spicy Margarita: It’s a classic for a reason. They usually use a house-infused tequila that actually has a kick, not just a faint whisper of jalapeño.
- Local Brews: They often feature New York-based breweries, keeping it grounded in the city.
- Wine Selection: Expect crisp whites and Provence-style rosés that fit the rooftop aesthetic perfectly.
The crowd is a mix. You’ll see fashion assistants from the nearby studios, tech founders grabbing a post-work drink, and travelers who happened to stay at the hotel and realized they hit the jackpot. It’s lively but rarely rowdy. You can actually hear yourself talk, which is a rare luxury in Manhattan nightlife these days.
Timing is Everything
If you show up at 6:30 PM on a Thursday, you’re probably going to be waiting in line at the entrance on Thompson Street. To really maximize the James happy hour, you want to be there right when it starts.
There’s a specific window—that "golden hour"—where the lighting turns the whole city orange. That is the peak experience. The staff is attentive, the bowls of olives or nuts are fresh, and you haven't yet reached the "standing room only" phase of the night.
💡 You might also like: False eyelashes before and after: Why your DIY sets never look like the professional photos
Does it Change Seasonally?
Yes. In the winter, the outdoor area is limited, but they sometimes have heaters or keep the indoor fireplace roaring. It becomes a cozy, moody den. In the summer, it’s a full-on pool party vibe, though the pool is technically for hotel guests (you can usually lounge by it during the happy hour window, but don't count on taking a dip unless you’ve got a room key).
Why People Get This Wrong
A lot of people confuse the various "James" locations or think every happy hour in SoHo is the same. It’s not. Some places offer "deals" that are actually just $2 off a $20 drink. That’s not a happy hour; that’s a rounding error.
The value at Jimmy is in the experience-to-price ratio. You aren't just paying for the alcohol; you’re paying for the view, the comfort, and the fact that you’re at one of the most iconic rooftops in the city without having to pay a cover charge or buy a $500 bottle of vodka to get a seat.
Finding the Entrance
It’s sort of tucked away. You don’t go through the main hotel lobby for ModernHaus usually. There’s a side entrance with an elevator dedicated to the rooftop. Look for the velvet ropes and the discreet signage. If you see a crowd of well-dressed people looking at their watches, you’re in the right place.
📖 Related: Exactly What Month is Ramadan 2025 and Why the Dates Shift
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning to hit up the James happy hour this week, here is the move:
- Dress the part. You don't need a suit, but leave the gym clothes at home. Think "SoHo chic"—nice jeans, a clean shirt, or a summer dress.
- Check the weather. If it’s raining, the outdoor terrace closes. The indoor lounge is great, but the view is half the draw. Save your visit for a clear evening.
- Bring a small group. This isn't the place for a 15-person birthday party without a reservation. It’s best for groups of 2 to 4.
- Order the snacks. Don't drink on an empty stomach. Their small plates, like the flatbreads or the sliders, are surprisingly solid and designed to be shared.
- Stick to the specials. The full menu is available, but if you’re there for the deal, ask the bartender specifically what’s on the happy hour list for that day.
Getting a seat at the corner of the terrace is the ultimate win. From there, you can see all the way down to the Brooklyn Bridge and up toward Midtown. It’s the kind of New York moment that makes the rent prices feel almost worth it. Just remember that the happy hour is a privilege, not a right—be cool to the staff, tip well, and don't be the person taking 400 selfies while blocking the walkway.
Basically, it's one of those rare spots that actually lives up to the hype. If you want to impress someone without trying too hard, this is your spot. Just get there early. Seriously. Early is the only way to do it right. Regardless of whether you're a local or just passing through, this is one of those rituals that defines the better side of city living. Enjoy the sunset, sip your drink, and take a second to realize how lucky you are to be 18 stories above the chaos. This is the New York you see in the movies, and for a few hours on a weekday, it's actually affordable.
Go on a Tuesday. It’s quieter, the service is faster, and the sunset is just as good. Check their social media or the hotel website before you head out, as private events occasionally close the roof to the public. If the roof is open, you’re in for a top-tier evening.