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[title]If you find yourself at the newly opened Hard Rock Hotel in New York City—fittingly nestled just steps from iconic landmarks such as Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center and the Theater District—your first instinct might be to ogle the music memorabilia lining the lobby walls. Sure, there’s the glass-encased handwritten lyrics for John Lennon’s 1972 ode to “New York City,” a custom Beyoncé concert outfit and a leather motorcycle jacket worn by Joey Ramone, but the latest venture from Hard Rock International is determined to make your mouth water over its culinary offerings just as much as you swoon over its connections to Manhattan music history.
“New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world and we are honored to open our doors to locals and travelers looking for a best-in-class hotel, dining, and entertainment experience,” Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International, tells Time Out. “Hard Rock has had a presence for decades in the city, but this location will deliver an entirely new experience from the brand that’s been synonymous with music and entertainment for over 50 years.”
It’s true that from the moment guests set foot in Hard Rock Hotel New York, they are greeted by innumerable expressions of music. There’s the distinct homage to Music Row, the mecca of recording studios and music stores that once lined this very spot on 48th Street, and sure, there’s also Lady Gaga’s silver patent leather boots on display. But part of that new experience the hotel seeks to deliver is its suite of showstopping bars and restaurants.
Curious which to try first? Read on before making a reservation for a front-row seat.
Sessions Restaurant & Bar
Looking to experience the soundtrack of New York City in culinary form? Sessions provides farm-fresh seasonal cuisine in a music-inspired setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located on the hotel’s main level, it’s accessible by a grand staircase right from the street and also features an open-air terrace perfect for sunny mornings and brisk nights. Perhaps even more enticing than the evening menu’s cacio e pepe? Depending on the day, the light-filled atrium offers live, unplugged musical performances that evoke the creative energy of the city.
NYY Steak
For those looking for a more upscale, fine-dining experience, whether for business lunches or celebratory dinners, NYY Steak is a top choice. In partnership with the New York Yankees, the steakhouse features oversized photographs of famed players—complete with autographs—along the wood-paneled walls. Waiters in pinstripes serve up heritage-sourced steaks and market-fresh seafood on fine China inscribed with player numbers within the iconic franchise insignia. And baseball fan or not, the restaurant’s wine list itself is a homerun.
RT60 Rooftop
RT60 Rooftop bar and lounge is a perfect meeting place for visitors and locals alike to discover the city from new heights – it’s up top on the 34th floor and features two outdoor terraces that offer both north- and south-facing views. Not only does the space quite literally elevate the midtown music scene, but guests of RT60 can pair masterfully crafted cocktails and shareable appetizers with unexpected mixes from new to well-known DJs.