With so many location options for your next cocktail reception, selecting the right venue becomes nothing short of a challenge. Below is our recommendation for well-known and hip venues available for evening events.

The Penthouse at Hotel on Irvington

The Penthouse at Hotel on Rivington is a special event space, ideal for cocktail receptions for up to 200. With some of the best panoramic views of New York City, the three-story Penthouse, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, grants an exclusive experience where guests can enjoy the event while taking in the lavish views. Full service staff includes event planners, caterers and a concierge team that will make sure all aspects of your celebration go smoothly.

Bar Naná

Blending South American and French influences, Parisian-esque Bar Naná is a unique venue located on chic Gansevoort Street. Formally known as Double Seven, a notoriously difficult-to-get-into nightclub, the new space has a warm and an inviting feeling with gray and white hues that will delight and relax guests. The bar features creative cocktails and a light menu of hors d’oeuvres. The space has enough room for 100 seated guests and room for up to 200 guests for cocktail receptions.

Bar 54

Set atop the 54-story Hyatt Times Square, Bar 54 is the tallest rooftop lounge in New York City. The 122-seat space is quite flexible for events, and the 1,400 square foot outdoor terrace features dazzling views stretching from the Hudson to the East River. The menu consists of exquisite specialty cocktails and delicious gourmet small plates.

King Cole Bar

An upscale cocktail lounge located in the St. Regis Hotel, the recently-renovated King Cole Bar is the ideal space for an elegant cocktail reception. Many Mixologists claim that the Bloody Mary was first conceived at the King Cole Bar. The space has marble columns, grand chandeliers, and a traditional dark-wood bar featuring a Maxfield Parrish painting of King Cole himself seated on his sumptuous throne.

STK Midtown

Brought to you by the minds behind Asellina, Bagatelle and the Gansevoort Rooftop, STK Midtown is a 3,300 square foot, perfectly furnished, youthful steakhouse with seductive leather seating and beautifully crafted high ceilings that create a luxe ambiance. The venue also offers an outdoor patio featuring a separate bar, fitting for cocktail receptions during summer months. The venue can host 200 guests for a seated dinner and up to 350 for a cocktail reception.

Monarch Rooftop

From the team behind the prominent Ava Lounge, Monarch Rooftop is a 5,000 square foot, Scandinavian-themed 18th floor penthouse offering marvelous views of Midtown. The location features a charming indoor lounge seamlessly connecting the elegant outdoor patio with sliding floor to ceiling glass doors. The space has a capacity of 300 for receptions and the flexibility of the venue makes it a great destination for spring, summer or fall events.

NoMad Rooftop

Located on the 12th floor of The NoMad Hotel, the 1,950 square foot rooftop is a flexible indoor and outdoor event space. Designed by Jacques Garcia, the rooftop includes a full kitchen and can hold seated receptions for up to 40 guests or standing receptions for up to 105 guests during warmer months.

Soho Grand Club Room

Offering a classy residential feel, the 1,302 square foot Club Room inside the Soho Grand Hotel is a sophisticated event venue that has a capacity of 120 for receptions and 80 for seated events. The space brings together downtown vibes and old-world sentiment to create a unique event experience. Permanent art includes pieces from distinguished fashion photographer Terry O’Neill who is well known for his collections featuring celebrities and fashion styles from the 1960s.

The Jane

Located in the West Village, The Jane offers an extravagant setting that could play host to a fairly large cocktail reception. The grandiose furniture includes cozy couches and chairs, antique area rugs, a magnificent fireplace, nearly floor to ceiling velvet-draped windows, and a corroding disco ball.

Jimmy at the James Hotel

With room for 70 people inside and 60 on the patio, the 1,200 square foot Jimmy at the James Hotel is appropriate for a small-scale cocktail reception. The 18th story cocktail lounge offers an affluent vibe, a warm fireplace, and chic furniture with fully configurable seating. The space is surrounded by 14’ windows providing excellent views of the city. The friendly staff offers both bar and catering service.

Picking the right venue is undoubtedly an important decision, especially in NYC where there are so many amazing and viable options. However, having an exciting program, a well-planned and well-attended event can make any venue suitable for your next gathering.