Bookmarks is on the "14th floor" (lucky 13!) of the Library Hotel and has access to a small rooftop-area decorated with plantings and benches. If you like to talk over drinks, come here; the settings are all arranged nicely for casual conversation between a group of friends, or a more intimate date atmosphere. Recommend going during temperate weather so you can take advantage of the outdoor area, but since there's a big atrium, it might be kickass during a bad storm as well. Drinks are moderately priced, and specialty cocktails are appropriately named with book/author themes. read more

Bookmarks is a pretty decent sized bar with an outdoor glass enclosure, rooftop access, and upscale ambiance. I was there with a colleague before an after-work seminar because I needed a snack to hold me over and had an hour to kill. We ended up being there for an hour and a half, each having 1 drink and splitting a quesadilla. We were seated right away in the enclosed area, but it took an extremely long time to order anything. If I had been there with friends (ie: planning to drink more) we probably would have left and gone somewhere else. We had been informed that our waitress was backed up, but the outdoor area was empty, and there wasn't really much going on. Another lady took our drink orders until our waitress got to us. I also believe that she was new, which is fine, but it's really up to the establishment to have enough people on staff (esp. if someone is in training/fairly new). We ended up being 30 min. late to the info session we were attending and the small quesadilla wasn't anything special. I had a delicious drink though! I can't remember the name..something on the grass?? It was made with Hendrick's Gin. It is one sneaky drink, but I knew it the moment it hit my lips. This cocktail will put you under if you aren't careful. I will definitely be back to try it again. I think I had an off experience. read more

I visited Bookmarks recently for a family event. I was looking forward to checking it out because having been by the Library Hotel so often. The proximity to the Bryant Park had me thinking that it would overlook it. However it doesn't, and is closer to grand central on Madison. We were lucky to go when the weather was so nice, but even if you go when it rains, fear not, there is ample indoor space. If fact, the indoor space has more square footage. The two rooms are all glass basically, kind of like being in a green house. Overall a cool place to check out. I'm of the opinion that there can never be enough roof top drinking spots. so if your in midtown, check it out. read more

We had drinks here as we were walking home in the evening. It is a very nice place and the atrium was beautiful if a bit crowded. The drinks were nothing special and the service was OK. Although for a guy the dresses they wore were....distracting. Go for a nice view other than that I'm sure there are cooler places around. read more

I was unfamiliar with Bookmarks at the Library Hotel until I was invited to attend a friend's birthday party there; apparently a friend of a friend of his is the manager, and so we had a small area in the glassed-in greenhouse area where all of us were able to gather. I tried two of the signature cocktails (the "Blood Orange" sparkling wine and the "Johnny Appleseed"), neither of which was really phenomenal, so I just asked for a Manhattan, which was quite good. The bartender was very personable as well--I actually found him more interesting to talk to than most of the other partygoers. I could see this place being fairly crowded on a warm night, but it was chilly on Friday when I was there, and relatively empty save for our group. It's a fairly attractive and comfortable space, and would be a nice spot for a quiet drink with a friend during the week, especially. read more

Love this place. It feels like a cozy garden in the big, bad city. Nooks an crannies to fill with friends. A good crowd. A sometimes surprising drink selection. The service is to be expected for a place in the area. I do wonder why they have last call at like 10:30, though... on a Friday. Is this a NYC rooftop regulation? Or maybe it's because we would just spend all night there... :) read more

Celebrated new years eve here and had a great time. Bookmarks did a great job at throwing a party as there was an open bar from 10-2. We had a party of 13 people and we all got a seat in the main area. There was a DJ that was playing your average new hits music. Since this really isn't a club/dance venue I really cant knock them for having a below average DJ for the night. The bathroom is on the next floor up which is a little odd. Great job Bookmarks at making my New Years Eve Party so much fun. read more

Outstanding service & the drinks are amazing. The view on the rooftop is absolutely stunning, if your looking for a place to go in the city I HIGHLY recommend this one read more

Very quaint little rooftop bar. Its got a nice ambiance, as the crowd is pretty casual and unpretentious. The actual outdoor section is small but comfortable. Unfortunately, the restrooms are a bit annoying to get to, but thats about the only downside. read more

Came here for business cocktails on a Thursday evening, in the hopes of getting a seat outside. But, given the size of our party, it wasn't possible -- which is probably a good thing, considering it started to rain an hour later. I liked the green house-like seating area but wasn't too jazzed about service. Granted, the place was stuffed full of people, but our server forgot to bring water about five times. We came early and by the time our clients arrived, it was tough to get anyone's attention. My Jackie Collins cocktail was also insanely tart, and I cringed with every sip. The vodka soda I ordered next was a little better. Also, I found the location of the restroom odd (up a set of stairs and through what felt like the emergency exit doors). And there's two stalls for men, and one bathroom for women. Talk about doing the 'I gotta pee' dance. read more

Nice rooftop bar in GC/Byrant Park area above the Library Hotel/Madison & Vine Restaurant. It's a small area so seating is limited. It's also often used for private events so maybe worth calling in advance to make sure that's not the case that night. Cocktails are ~$15. Never had the food but it did look good. read more

Conveniently located bar in the Library Hotel. This is a nice rooftop bar with a decent sized outside seating area. It has is usually crowded so expected to chill at the bar and wait for a table. The drinks are a bit pricey but the cocktails are delicious. The only two things I did not like about this lounge is the cramped elevator and the location of the bathroom. You have to walk down service stairs to get to the bathroom.... read more

Lovely place to have a drink with a date. Crowd is usually people that go for drinks after work. If I was rich and had an apt. in Manhattan this type of terrace would be my dream come true. Waitresses are nice and friendly but service is slow. read more

Great rooftop bar, though you have to get there early to get a spot on sunny days (think leaving the office a bit before 5). Cocktails are delicious and strong - loved the tempest and under the mango tree! read more

And continuing with the rooftop bar scene of Manhattan, Bookmarks is located at the top of the boutique Library hotel, close to Grand Central so accessible from pretty much anywhere in Manhattan. The place is perfect for a romantic drink with your significant other or your date. You have a lot of small private tables and you can speak without having to shout! read more

Posh little rooftop place, great for winding down on Friday afternoons. When a place this small is this crowded, you know it will be worth the wait. Will return. read more

Okay, by reviewing this place I am for sure I'm going to draw fire from some big names in New York City. i was quite surprised I had never heard of it and upon finding it understood why one would want to keep it a secret. But my allegiance to my fellow Yelpers (yes...you) goes beyond any regard for my own life. Only about 100 people in the whole city know about this hideaway. It is hidden on the roof level of the exquisite Library Hotel. This place looks like the roof where Superman came to visit Louis Lane to then fly off from. It's amazing! There is an inside part to it when you walk out the elevator. It's like a beautiful reading room where you can have the most exquisite of drinks. Their drinks, by the way, are named after literary figures and/or references such as the "Ernest Hemingway" (my personal favorite). The view of downtown is beautiful. You honestly feel as if you've flown atop an eagle and you're looking down at the chaos from a peaceful space in the heavenlies. You'll find a handful of exec types with their laptops and blackberries making multi-million dollar deals just as easily as you'll find young, laid-back regular professionals who just want to breath in some smog-free air along with a smooth, lemony, minty, cold mojito! It's a haven amidst city madness. And for the fellas, the ladies who serve the drinks seem to go through the same selection process for the Rockettes. 'Nuf said. Be sure to check it out. Personally, I am going to propose to my future wife on that damn roof! read more

cover: none attire: anything goes ambiance: small, quaint, romantic. So this is the rooftop attached to the Library Hotel and literally nobody is there except me, my friends, and some people staying at the hotel so there is no fuss getting in or anything. Not even sure if I remember seeing a bouncer. It is really just very adorable up there..a nice small romantic, brick exposed with vines, garden-y rooftop patio. Very clean, QUIET, and classy. You can hear crickets chirping, seriously...they are not blasting any sort of music...just light restaurant background music. It is NOT a poppin' scene. This one goes under the "chill rooftop category"--forsure. And can I say for the 100x time that it is really CUTE up there? Not like how realtors say banged up old pieces of crap are "cute and well aged" but it is ROMANTIC up there! Just a nice, quiet, hassle-free night to drink a little and chat up a storm with a potential date/girlfriend, etc. Nice view as well..but not prize winning. I usually like to party party but i appreciate and really like this place...I see it fitting into my life somewhere besides on party nights. read more

I don't think many people know that this place exists or that it is even called "Bookmarks". I think a lot of people just refer to it as the rooftop bar on top of the Library Hotel. I had requested a fireplace (I can be obnoxious like this) and someone came up with this after asking a friend. It is true they have a real bona fide fireplace here. LOL But what came as an unexpected surprise was the rooftop aspect which provides a Midtown view which is different and provides one more vantage point from which to appreciate New York. There are like three separate portions . . . the exterior part with the Midtown view, the bar itself in the middle, and then the interior portion with the fireplace. I prefer the interior portion because it did have a bit of a being in someone's living room or library kind of feel. The service was exceptional and they let us move from a table with a view to a couch by the fireplace with like a huge coffee table in the front and huge mirror in the back. I have to say this place was exceptionally quiet even late at night on a weekend. This is the kind of place to come if you really want to have an actual conversation with someone without the crowd. read more

This place is a gem! It's located on the 14th floor of the Liberty hotel. It has both indoor and outdoor seats. The cocktails are delicious! They have some unique combinations. It's a great bar for midtown location.. I'd recommend it for dates, friends or coworker happy hour.. read more

Great lay-out and set-up for a rooftop with a great location. Pricey, crowded and sometimes asked to share seating with other groups. read more

What a cute cozy spot! I had a bit of a hard time finding the place but followed some people into an elevator and went upstairs to the lounge. My friends were already, gathered around the fire place, sitting comfortably on the sofas. This place was not loud, which was nice because we could have a conversation without screaming at the top of our lungs. It wasn't crowded either, which was a huge plus. They have a decent cocktail menu, each cocktail is $15. I had the ginger margarita, which had actual grated ginger, but wasn't too "gingery" like some of those cold-pressed juices. The waiter came by to take our last orders, before closing the bar. We were still allowed to stay there and continue chit chatting away. The bathroom is upstairs. You have to walk up ONE flight of stairs. The stairs keep going up so if you keep walking, you will miss the bathroom. Remember, its just ONE flight of stairs. read more

Well..I expected more. I am an award wining mixologist. I have heard about this cocktail lounge through the grapevine of some commendable mixologists and stuck up business folk (yes I'm friends with them too!). I ventured to this little "gem" with high hopes. Service was sub par for 16 dollar drinks. I ordered a "Hot and Smokey" my friend had the "Peach Cobbler" both drink were not prepared as per their menu descriptors. This might not bother everyone but I am a professional. I was offended that the "cocktail sever" spent her time on the phone instead of taking my order, checking in on us and presenting the check. I do commend the creativity of the cocktails. How ever if you are going to have an outstanding cocktail list at least have people that know how to craft those very drinks. The view was nice..decor was fantastic..service was horrid..and lastly if I wanted a rookie to craft my 16-20 dollar cocktail I would post up at the W hotel and order vodka soda. You are a "mixology" bar live up to your standards or get a new staff. read more

How many glasses of chardonnay can we drink during one sitting? We found out Friday night at Bookmarks when a group of colleagues decided to march over to the sunny rooftop only 1 block from our office. outside was completely crowded so we sat to the left of the bar under the greenhouse type room. Perfect for our group of 6 loud and proud PR folks looking to relax after a long week. 2 hours and 5 rounds later being served by our great waitress, we were well on our way (to a hot dog restaurant of course). Probably one of the best happy hours I've been too in a while as it's not as packed as a normal rooftop full of the snotty midtown crowd. That said, pricey pricey! Don't come expecting 5$ beers or pitchers. Opt for wine or martinis, sit back, and enjoy! read more

I was going to give Bookmarks 3*, but Yelp's 2* description-- "Meh. I've experienced better"-- is actually an accurate description of this place. So two stars it is. It's by no means bad-- I had quite an enjoyable time-- but there are many, many better places, especially at their price. (And, quite honestly, I was meeting an old friend, so I think we would have had a lovely time pretty much anywhere). Anyway, the space is lovely. I'm sure it's wonderful during the summer, but it was also nice on a cold January evening. There are lots of big comfy leather sofas and chairs and other comfortable seating, ample tables, and space. It wasn't loud, and it was a nice place to have a conversation. But, unfortunately the drinks didn't live up to the environment. The specialty cocktail list was underwhelming. My friend looked at the list and ended up ordering wine instead. I ordered a standard martini. I've had better martinis. And it was $14. For $14, it had better be good. This was an $8 martini, tops. I would have been far, far happier getting the Cynartown (for $13) at Death & Co. or a gin fizz at Clover Club or ... Hell, 7 cans of PBR at happy hour probably would have made me happier, overall, drinkwise, than this martini. Again, it wasn't bad, really, it was just profoundly and utterly mediocre. Like the kind of martini I'd get at an airport bar (and even at the airport I'd probably only spend $12, and I'd have the pleasure of flying off someplace more exciting afterwards). read more

Love Love Love this rooftop. Came here after being bro'd and dude'd out at the Roof at Park South Hotel. Came here on a Sat night and the place was practically empty; got a corner table right away with no issues. This is a fantastic place where you don't run into the velvet ropes. Being there implies class - doesn't need the excess stuff like other folks. The drinks are terrific. I tried the Pulitzer (Gin based - absolutely delicious) and then tried another...and another. Would definitely come back here any day of the week. read more

Celebrated a friends promotion at this gem of a rooftop bar on Madison Avenue. I was thrilled that it was the type of place where one could converse w/o screaming, sit w/o being bumped into (there is no standing room, everyone gets a seat), relax in a rooftop garden and have a $15 libation. Yes, drinks are somewhat pricey, but it's Midtown and it is a swanky little hangout. I'll definitely be back soon. read more

Low-key, elegant, and intimate lounge, which is great for all seasons and occasions. Chic cocktail waitresses, trendy Euro patrons, and great drinks menu. Ideal place for drinks for a date or group of friends. Definitely tops the other busy rooftop bars in the city which can be crowded. I simply love the literary theme and touches - I would definitely stay at the Library Hotel if I were visiting NYC! read more

SUPER cute bar to hang out and talk. Book themed drinks, fireplace, couches, outdoors, indoors, view... what more do you want? Perfect for a date, or just catching up with someone. read more

The view is very decent. It can get crowded which means it can take a while to get seated (assuming you get seated). The music was way too loud, so my group had a lot of trouble talking. The service wasn't very professional. read more

I rarely give the nod to bars with pricey drinks, but Bookmarks is the exception to my rule. I admit I was woo'ed over by the concept of a "Bookmarks" bar in a "Library Hotel" -- how charming! Fancy-ish w/o being pretentious, this rooftop bar (w/ atrium indoor area) has good service, creative drinks (although honestly they sounded better than they tasted) w/ literary names. It also has all the nooks you need for your secret plannings. I would totally take someone here with dishonorable intentions. Or for a casual yet intimate rendevous. Or as a lair for illicit mafia schemes. Just don't come with a big group. I wanted to throttle the boisterous guy who sounded like Robert from "Everybody Loves Raymond" (except more obnoxious) ringleading his entourage in the other corner. read more

3.5 really. I can only speak for the short time we were there. Had we stayed a bit I may have gone higher. We were there a few minutes before they opened up over the weekend so we sat outside and waited. The place seemed pretty cool for the most part. It was very relaxing to just sit outside or in the "sunroom" area with no one else in there. I expect that later on with a ton more people it may be a little annoying. The barkeep didn't show up, guess he was late or something... we still got our overpriced glass of wine and left. Pretty neat place overall. read more

Happy New Year! What a lovely place to start! The service was excellent. I wanted our waitress to stop working and hang out with us, she was that great. We had a relatively big party, 12-13? I'm not sure, really. A few disappeared by the end of the night. We were taken to our table, a very comfortable spot near the dance floor. Champagne flowed like water from 10-2. Music was fine, top 40 stuff. Nice atmosphere. Good friends. One of the best NYE celebrations I've had. If this is any indicator to how 2012 will be, its going to be a very good year. read more

It's cozy, quaint, unassuming and very cool! Stayed at the Library Hotel on a recent staycation, and this rooftop bar was the icing on the cake. Wasn't terribly crowded when we arrived on a Saturday, around 8 or 9. Service was great, we ordered some drinking grub with our wine, but after a few drinks, remembered we had a complimentary bottle of champagne in our room! they were cool with us bringing that up and drinking that instead :] I might have to have a staycation every weekend! read more

Located on the 14th floor of the Library Hotel, this bar is a great spot to go with a small group or to meet someone for drinks. I tried a few cocktails including the Tequila Mockingbird (tequila, agave, lime juice, ginger) and the Hemingway (rum, lime juice, mint, champagne), none of which I loved. Despite this, I would return to the bar because of the atmosphere. It was busy without being crowded, with options to stand at high tables or sit in larger groups around benches and tables. They also didn't have that trendy, trying-to-hard vibe that many rooftop bars seem to exude. Though I didn't order any food, the flatbreads and popcorn seemed to be popular options. The service was a bit slow, but the bar was busy both inside and out so I expected that! read more

Great atmosphere but a little noisier than expected. It was winter so I was able to check out the rooftop. The bartenders kept the drinks coming. read more

here's the deal....this place is smack dab in the middle of ridiculous midtown - a crowded mess of professionals that i hope never to work amongst again - however, this is a jewel in a sea of blah. apologies for my cynical tone but this is the bar i visited approximately 7.2 minutes after being laid off ---- which ended up being the best thing ever so THANK YOU bookmarks for putting me on the right path. the service here can be a little, eh, so-so...and the outfits certainly are questionable but they have a solid wine by the glass and beer list and their blood orange champagne cocktail is to die for (after 3 of these i was readily embracing unemployment). Great spot for after work but get there early because it can fill up and you don't want to sit inside. read more

It has been a few years since I have been here and was pleased to see it still the place I use to enjoy. Thanks to the staff for showing my wife and I a great night. read more

The drinks are pricey and nothing special, but I love the feel of this spot, that there's an option to go outdoors when it's warmer and a fireplace when it's colder, and that it's a little out of the way up in a nondescript midtown hotel. read more

I wanted to give bookmarks a 5 star review for their customer service and support! My company recently hosted a Farewell there for one of our dear employees and Julia really helped in making adjustments to meet our needs! The space is LOVELY even if the weather isn't there is a cover and Daniela and Ovide were exceptional in helping us and making sure everyone was taken care- everyone loved it! Would definitely recommend for friends gatherings or corporate events too! Thanks again to the team at Bookmarks for putting your guests firsts and being so accommodating! read more