Glass Ceiling Rooftop

Ah, to be young in your twenties. But to be older in your thirties makes you realize just how far away that era actually is. The Glass Ceiling Rooftop certainly caters to a younger man's game, or excuse us, women's game. More than just describing the glass-encased lounge, the name of the midtown roof alludes to the breaking the metaphorical glass ceiling, as the rooftop's arrival in 2021 was meant to "support emerging businesses as a launching pad for collaboration and networking." But besides a few events hosted by Luminary (who owns the place and exists a floor below) with shout-outs to women-owned brands on the menu, the rooftop's day to day is more about vibes than anything else with platters and drinks that veer Instagrammable.

The 5th-floor glass-encased rooftop could've easily been a club if it wanted to be, and it still kind of reads like one with emerald couches that hug the corners, music that will make your head bob no matter the time of day and drinks served out of literal glass slippers. Dining here leans into the "girl dinner" trend, hard, coupled with cutesy-named dishes such as ooo-la-la omelette and burrata babe. But that's not to say that's an entirely bad thing, as I wouldn't mind replicating the mortadella-ella-ella (under the, ahem, chipceuterie section) to some degree, as full folds of mortadella are laid across housemade ruffle chips with curls of Parm, chili flakes and tart gherkins. The cookie butter me up waffle, on the other hand, could've been a sugar bomb, as it's drizzled with caramel cookie butter and Biscoff crumble and (!) comes with a ramekin of maple butter sauce. Yet, when it is all combined, it hits right at the sweet note without going completely overboard.

Head turning continues with large, sangria-like concoctions served from glass purses and glass heeled shoes that look straight out of a "The Devil Wears Prada" promo. Yet somehow, regardless of the receptacle they come in, both tasted like a variation of a cherry limeade. But they will get you three sheets to the wind (or three bags to the wind?) depending on how fast you can finagle the ladle out of said purse.

That's not to say that if you aren't a bit younger and looking for a brunch with the girlies, that this place doesn't fit the bill. DIY bottomless mimosas come with your choice of juice, be it pineapple, white peach or lychee, and a full carafe of bubbles that will incite any woo girl within a three-table radius. Meaning that sound has a way of carrying here, so just know that you'll be a part of the cheering brigade when the sparklers come out to play or singing happy birthday right along with the tables next to you.