new york city nightlife

Inside the new rooftop bar Nubeluz at the Ritz Carlton New York, NoMad

Set your sights straight to the 50th floor of the Ritz Carlton New York, NoMad where world-renowned Chef José Andrés opened a new cocktail bar that is just dying to be your next Insta background. Aptly named Nubeluz – a portmanteau of the Spanish words “nube” and “luz” for cloud and light, respectively – the rooftop bar is an electrifying 21st-century reiteration of velvet conversation pits, domed golden chandeliers, and eclectic geometric lamps, bringing the 1970s open plan living fully to [night]life. 

Ahead of its Saturday opening, The Knockturnal was among a few special guests to tour the rooftop bar – which boasts 270-degree views of the city from two outdoor terraces, complete with full frontal views of the Empire State Building just up the block. The generously poured sparkling wine during the event certainly matched the bold and bright colors of not only the interior bar but also the bar’s developers, Dayssi and Paul Kanavos of the Flag Luxury Group. 

Designed by the London-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, the sights and sounds were all front and center ahead of Nubeluz’s opening. “When we first envisioned this property with Rafael Viñoly,” the Uruguayan architect behind 432 Park, “we knew that the views would be spectacular and we needed to create an equally striking space inside for guests to be fully immersed in the beauty and glamour of New York at night,” said Flag Luxury Group President Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos.

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Paul Kanavos

“Nubeluz draws energy and inspiration from the great city of New York, which completely surrounds you here 500 feet in the air,” Chef Andrés said in a press release.

The bar’s floor-to-ceiling windows bring that love for New York’s nightlife into new … light. One can stand at one edge of the bar and feel like they’re grabbing drinks with the Met Life Tower itself, and be able to look across the open concept bar to spot people atop the Empire State – if the massive line of people looking to grab a drink at the onyx-counter bar ever dissipates. 

Now open, the bar deliciously serves up opulent bar bites such as oysters, foie gras, sweet cones, and the ever-popular caviar bump. For those who really want to ball out, you can grab 125 grams of Giaveri Beluga caviar for only $950. The drinks are no laughing matter – led by Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup’s cocktail innovator Miguel Lancha, the moderately priced mocktails and cocktails will surely leave you wanting more.  You can check out the extensive wine list and other small bites on the menu here. 

Afraid of heights but want good bites? Not to worry – you can still have the José Andrés food at a much lower elevation. The Ritz Carlton New York, NoMad features two additional Andrés restaurants for guests and visitors alike. The street-level Zaytinya offers a Turkish-inspired Mediterranean mezze menu, while the Bazaar by José Andrés gives hungry visitors an “Avante Garde” delectable dining option.

Nubeluz is open Sunday through Wednesday from 4 PM to 12 AM and Thursday through Saturday from 4 PM to 1 AM. You can make a reservation here.