Finding a solid terrace bar in NYC isn’t exactly difficult. Finding one with the quality of Cloud One Wine Bar & Lounge and featuring a wine menu curated by Sommelier Mark Guillaudeu is incrediblely rare.
There are no boring places in New York, only boring people. This is often my retort when people chide me for saying I like the Financial District of NYC, or FiDi for short. Am I biased? Absolutely. I spent a good portion of my life after business school there while I was in banking, but it doesn’t change the fact that there are a number of gems dotted throughout this underappreciated part of the city that excel as spaces for incredible conversations. Many places across FiDi, outside of Stone Street, are on the quieter side and almost liminal in nature, leaving it primed for these unique experiences that aren’t like your run of the mill hotspots. One such new spot I’ve recently encountered is Cloud One Wine Bar & Lounge. Before this experience, I would’ve agreed with the naysayers that there are no good rooftop bars downtown, but not anymore.
Perched on the sixth floor of the Cloud One Hotel with a clear view of Freedom Tower, Cloud One Wine Bar & Lounge manages to accomplish something many rooftops struggle with: serving a drink worth remembering. This comes as little surprise, as the wine list was curated by Sommelier Mark Guillaudeu of Eleven Madison Park, who was awarded Best Sommelier of America in 2022 and 2024.
Given that, there seemed no better way to begin the evening than with a selection of wines highlighting California’s winemaking pedigree: a Sauvignon Blanc from Bonterra Organic Estates and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Badger Mountain Vineyard. Our request for our first round was simply a refreshing wine to enjoy the sun-drenched evening, and both of these delivered in spades. The Cabernet was bright and refreshing, while the Sauvignon Blanc provided a crisp, fruity taste without being overpowering or overly sweet. Both were well-balanced and easy to enjoy, whether paired with food or sipped on their own while taking in the skyline.
Photo by the Knockturnal
While Cloud One positions itself as a wine-focused destination, the cocktail program deserves equal attention and is certainly underrated. Our first foray into the cocktails was the Lychee Martini, which offered just the right amount of sweetness while maintaining a delicate balance, something a Lychee Martini rarely achieves. Likewise, the Whiskey Sour was executed flawlessly, striking that delicate balance between citrus, spirit, and texture that separates a good version from a great one.
Food at rooftops can often feel like an afterthought. Fortunately, that is not the case here. The charcuterie board was thoughtfully prepared and exceptionally balanced, featuring a mix of cheeses, cured meats, and accompaniments that worked together in synchronicity and harmony rather than jockeying for attention. It served its purpose well, namely encouraging lingering conversations and another glass of wine. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening was the grilled cheese. It sounds simple, and in many ways it is, but there is something undeniably satisfying about perfectly melted New York cheddar served on crisp, toasted bread.
Photo by the Knockturnal
What ultimately makes Cloud One stand out is the ambience. FiDi has no shortage of bars, restaurants, and gathering places, but relatively few combine quality drinks, thoughtful food, and a genuinely enjoyable rooftop setting. All of this makes for the perfect setting for one of life’s greatest joys: getting to know someone. Whether you’re double clicking on a colleague you rarely cross paths with at work, meeting a new friend for a glass of wine and deep conversation, or simply looking for a rooftop that feels a bit more relaxed than its Midtown counterparts, Cloud One is well worth a visit, especially if you have great company.
Photo by the Knockturnal
