Location
PHD Midtown is located at 210 W 55th St.
Nights Open
4pm until Late Mon – Thurs, 3pm until Late Fri – Sun
“Offices, offices, offices,” said Matt Strauss, the managing partner of PHD Terrace in Midtown. “Tourists, tourists, tourists.” He was waving toward the kaleidoscopic lights and humanity glob of nearby Times Square, visible from the two-floor lounge that opened in early October atop the Dream Midtown hotel. “But we’re infusing it with our brand of downtown cool,” he said.
“Brand” is the right word. The Tao Group’s mastery of the models-and-bottles equation has built powerhouse night-life franchises like Tao, Lavo and Marquee; this is the second PHD (the original is above the Dream Downtown in Chelsea). In a neighborhood with dreary drinking options, even a cut-and-paste hot spot for happy hour is a useful addition.
THE PLACE
PHD is on the 15th and 16th floors of the Dream Hotel, on an unremarkable Midtown block with an Amalgamated Bank and Starbucks. The rooftop is enclosed during the winter, but plants are abundant, vines snake along the wall behind the bar and benches have plaid picnic-style pillows. Downstairs is a clubby rectangle, all dark hues and reflective metal and glass; it’s like being inside a humming kitchen appliance.
THE CROWD
Catering to an older after-work contingency means an earlier party. On a recent weeknight, the herd thinned by midnight, though fedoras, leather jackets, man buns and black bodycon dresses remained at tables stocked by promoters. “There’s a lot of young professional guys and girls,” a 35-year old man in a gray suit said. “You can’t tell me there’s not a market in Midtown.” He came with co-workers from the financial technology sector, but he was the last one remaining. “I’m a degenerate, so I’m still here,” he said.
- The exit sign is actually a great photo spot!
- There is a minimum bar tab throughout the week, more expensive on weekends.
- The venue has a nice view overlooking Times Square.
General Information
Where is PHD Midtown located?
PHD Midtown is located across the street of the WestHouse Hotel New York.
How much is cover charge at PHD Midtown?
PHD Midtown does not have general admission, but there is a minimum bar tab which varies throughout the week.
How long will I have to wait at PHD Midtown?
Expect to wait anywhere from 10-30 min depending on when you arrive.
When is PHD Midtown open?
PHD Midtown is open everyday.
What are the best nights to go to PHD Midtown?
Weekends are the best.
What is the dress code at PHD Midtown?
Dress to impress! Collared shirt / jeans / dress shoes for guys. Avoid anything that can be considered sportswear (track jackets, jerseys, sneakers, hats, etc). Unless you’re a celebrity – in that case you can dress however you please.
How much do drinks cost at PHD Midtown?
Expect to pay 15-20 for cocktails, 500-600 for bottles. Amstel Light is $8. Cocktails like the Hot to Trot (tequila, cucumber, agave, jalapeño) are $16. Food is served until late; buttermilk fried chicken waffle tacos ($12) sound like food blog schizophasia.
What kind of music do they play at PHD Midtown?
Tunes wafting across the rooftop were mellow and ’80s-centric. Downstairs, the D.J. played Drake songs, Future songs and songs featuring both Drake and Future.
Where can I find a list of upcoming events / DJs at PHD Midtown?
You can download the Discotech app to see upcoming events, and book tables for PHD Midtown.
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