Ascent Lounge

On our lists of the best rooftop bars and cocktail bars in New York.

On the fourth floor of the Shops at Columbus Circle, sharing that level with Per Se and Masa, this lounge looks out toward Central Park rather than at its high-end restaurant neighbors. Shareable plates and a rotating list of signature cocktails anchor the menu, backed by a wine and champagne list built for slower drinking. Walk-ins are welcome, though the room steers people toward booking ahead for guaranteed seating. Hours run late on weekends, open past midnight into the early morning on Fridays and Saturdays.