It’s only fitting that the hottest new rooftop in New York City is from hospitality mogul Scott Sartiano. Located on the 47th floor of the Park Lane New York hotel, Darling is the only rooftop bar on Central Park South.
Featuring a wraparound outdoor patio with views of Central Park that are hard to beat and an eye catching design, it’s shaping up to be the place in Midtown for an after-work drink, weekend night out or any social occasion when you want a place with an impressive setting and scene.
Sartiano is the founder of Bond Hospitality and behind see-and-be-seen hotspots such as Butter, Up&Down, 1 Oak and most recently Zero Bond, a private membership club located in NoHo— in case you haven’t you haven’t heard, it’s most coveted private club membership in town.
Darling during the day.
Natalie Black
Darling, Sartiano told me, is an opportunity to created a venue that’s unexpected in Midtown and unlike any other watering holes in the neighborhood. “There has been a void in the area when it came to a place that could provide something for everyone and was able to give a day to night experience. That’s what we’re doing here at Darling,” he says. Plus, he adds, there are no other views on Central Park South like the ones to be had at Darling.
Let’s start with its noteworthy design courtesy of LUCID, Highgate Hospitality’s in-house design studio: located in Leona Helmsley’s former penthouse apartment (the famous queen of mean and her real estate entrepreneur husband Harry used to own Park Lane), Darling features a bold and bright mural with florals and animals, an elaborate and oversized pink chandelier, black and white floors, furniture in rich tones, marble tables and metal ceilings.
The wraparound porch has a biophilic theme with its abundance of greenery and canopied chairs. On a gorgeous night, there is where you want to be.
Now to imbibing: there’s an extensive spirits list, of course, and wine too. And you can’t miss the cocktails such as Harry’s Old Fashioned, the Park Lane Margarita and Darling Unlimited with Grey Goose Vodka, spiced pear, ginger, lemon and angostura.
Food is a highlight, and with a menu created by Zero Bond’s Michelin-starred chef Richard Farnabe, why wouldn’t it be? Look for caviar grilled cheese, seafood towers, an A5 Wagyu Katsu Sando and more.
“We had fun creating Darling, especially with the history the space represents,” says Sartiano.
Judging by the line to get in on a recent Saturday night and the buzz inside, it’s clear that word is catching on about the rooftop in Midtown where everyone is clamoring to be.
Darling at Park Lane New York is located on 36 Central Park South While walk-ins are welcome, it’s best to make a reservation through Resy.
