Westlight (William Vale)
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About
Situated on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, Westlight is a glass-walled rooftop bar offering 360-degree views of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. The cocktail menu is sophisticated, complemented by small plates from Chef Andrew Carmellini. The outdoor terrace features high-powered yellow binoculars for guests to scout the skyline. The vibe is trendy, airy, and upscale. Expert recommendation: The 'Spring Chicken' cocktail paired with 'Spicy Tuna Tartare.' Pro tip: During the summer, it is incredibly popular; reservations for the outdoor terrace seats are highly recommended. If you can't get a table, there is a standing-room area that still provides excellent views of the sunset over the Empire State Building.
Highlights
- 360-degree rooftop views
- Handcrafted cocktail menu
- Williamsburg sunset spot
- Chic industrial design
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
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Peter Luger Steak House
Since 1887, Peter Luger has been the gold standard for the American steakhouse. Located in Williamsburg, its beer-hall style interior with scrubbed wooden tables and surly-but-efficient waiters is a portal to old-school Brooklyn. The dry-aged beef is selected by family members and aged on-site. The sound of sizzling butter on a porterhouse for two is the quintessential sensory hallmark here. Expert recommendation: Order the 'Steak for Two' (medium-rare) and a side of 'Luger’s Special German Fried Potatoes.' Don't forget the thick-cut sizzling bacon as an appetizer. Pro tip: This is a cash-only establishment (or Peter Luger Card/US Debit cards), so visit the ATM before you arrive. Lunch reservations are easier to snag than dinner, and the Luger Burger is a legendary midday exclusive.
Momofuku Noodle Bar
This is the restaurant that started the David Chang empire and redefined casual dining in the early 2000s. Momofuku Noodle Bar serves ramen, steamed buns, and innovative seasonal dishes that blend Asian flavors with American ingredients. The space is minimalist, with light wood benches and an open kitchen. It remains a cornerstone of the East Village food scene. Expert recommendation: The 'Pork Buns' are a historical necessity, and the 'Ginger Scallion Noodles' are a vegetarian classic. Pro tip: They recently moved to a larger space nearby, so ensure you go to the 1st Avenue location. While they do take some reservations now, it's still a great spot for a solo walk-in at the counter.
United Nations Headquarters
Sitting on international territory in the heart of Manhattan, the UN Headquarters is a symbol of global diplomacy. The complex, designed by an international committee including Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer, features the iconic Secretariat tower and the General Assembly building. The interior is filled with art and gifts from member nations, including the 'Non-Violence' knotted gun sculpture. The atmosphere is formal and momentous. Expert recommendation: Book a guided tour to see the Security Council Chamber (provided no meetings are in session). Pro tip: You must bring a valid government-issued photo ID (passport) to enter the complex. Arrive at least 45 minutes before your tour for a rigorous security screening similar to airport protocols.
Katz's Delicatessen
Katz's has been on the corner of Houston and Ludlow since 1888, which means it has outlasted every trend, every wave of gentrification, and most of the neighborhood that surrounded it. The Lower East Side around it has changed entirely; inside, almost nothing has. You take a ticket at the door. You find the counter. The carver will ask how you want it — lean, fatty, or mixed — and slice to order. Tip him and he'll be generous. The pastrami is cured and smoked in-house, served on rye with yellow mustard, and arrives in a quantity that seems structurally improbable. It's the right amount. The table where the "I'll have what she's having" scene was filmed in When Harry Met Sally is marked with a sign. People sit there on purpose. The fluorescent lighting, the formica tables, the hand-painted signs on the walls — none of it has been updated, which is exactly the point. Some places get preserved. Katz's just never stopped.
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