Bar
Village Vanguard
A tiny, wedge-shaped basement jazz club on Seventh Avenue South that has hosted the music's greats at the same address since 1935.
Westlight
A 22nd-floor rooftop bar atop The William Vale in Williamsburg, serving cocktails and small plates with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline.
At a glance
- Type
- Rooftop cocktail bar
- Area
- Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- westlightnyc.com
Good to know
- Skyline views
- Online reservations
- Indoor and outdoor seating
- Under-21s until 6pm
Why we recommend it
Westlight crowns The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, and from its 22nd-floor perch the whole of Manhattan unfolds across the East River, from Lower Manhattan and the bridges to Midtown's towers. It is run by NoHo Hospitality Group, the restaurant company associated with chef Andrew Carmellini, and since opening it has become one of Brooklyn's most popular places for a sunset drink.
The space combines an indoor bar and lounge with outdoor space, so you can enjoy the view whatever the weather. The menu centres on cocktails, both classic and inventive, with wine and beer by the glass and a selection of shareable small plates. The crowd mixes hotel guests, locals and visitors, and the atmosphere builds from relaxed early evening drinks to a livelier scene later on, especially at weekends.
Westlight opens at 4pm from Monday to Friday, closing at midnight from Monday to Thursday and at 1am on Friday. At weekends it opens at noon, staying open until 2am on Saturday and midnight on Sunday. Guests under 21 are admitted only until 6pm each day. Reservations can be made online and are well worth securing for sunset and for Friday and Saturday evenings, when walk-in waits can be long; there is also a text option for enquiries.
Prices are at the upper end for Brooklyn, reflecting the view and the setting, but a single cocktail at golden hour is one of the more memorable ways to see the skyline. It suits couples, groups of friends and anyone celebrating. Smart-casual clothing is a safe choice. In summer, outdoor seats fill up quickly, so arriving soon after opening at the weekend is a good idea. In winter, the indoor lounge keeps the same views through the windows, and sunset comes early, so an after-work visit still catches the light.
The William Vale is at 111 North 12th Street, between Wythe and Kent Avenues, in north Williamsburg. Take the lift to the 22nd floor. Bedford Avenue station on the L line is about ten minutes' walk, and the NYC Ferry stop at North Williamsburg is a short walk west. The Wythe Hotel, The Hoxton and the restaurants and music venues of Williamsburg are all within a few minutes on foot.
Westlight FAQs
Can you reserve at Westlight?
Yes. Reservations can be made through the Westlight website.
Are under-21s allowed?
Only until 6pm daily.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Thursday 4pm to midnight, Friday 4pm to 1am, Saturday noon to 2am and Sunday noon to midnight.
Which floor is Westlight on?
The 22nd floor of The William Vale, 111 North 12th Street.
Who runs Westlight?
NoHo Hospitality Group, associated with chef Andrew Carmellini.
When is the best time to go?
Sunset, ideally with a reservation, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
How do you contact Westlight?
By phone on +1 718-307-7100 or by email at [email protected].
How do you get there?
Take the L train to Bedford Avenue and walk about ten minutes, or take the NYC Ferry to North Williamsburg.