During our stay at the Moxy Times Square, we decided to check out its rooftop bar, Magic Hour. While the hotel itself is quirky and fun, our main interest was in experiencing this much-talked-about lounge.
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Magic Hour opened in 2017 with a unique twist—an adult-themed miniature golf course called “Fore Play.” Unfortunately, the mini-golf is no longer, but the course remains, along with its flirty bunny sculptures. Naturally, we had to check it out one evening during our stay.
Getting to Magic Hour
The lounge is located on the 18th floor and has an entrance on 7th Avenue between 36th and 37th Streets. Interestingly, there is no direct access from the hotel elevators, so guests must enter from the street.
While reservations are recommended if you want a table or are visiting for brunch, walk-ins are welcome, which is how we visited.
The Atmosphere
Upon exiting the elevator, guests are greeted at a host stand—along with topiaries arranged in rather, um, suggestive poses.
The mini-golf course is on the right side of the lounge (the left side was closed during our visit).
During our visit, the bar had a western-themed overlay, but it didn’t do much to disguise the remnants of the former golf course. Instead of a playable course, the greens are now covered with seating areas.
A neon sign proclaiming “Where the magic happens” is clearly positioned for Instagram-worthy snapshots.
In the evenings, themed lighting and spotlights attempt to create ambiance, but really feels more like an afterthought.
Drinks and Service
The drink menu features a mix of classic and creative cocktails, emphasizing a playful presentation. Prices are typical for a Manhattan rooftop bar—on the higher end. This bar also caters to serving groups, as several drinks are available by the pitcher. Service was decent but not particularly attentive, as we visited during happy hour, when it was rather crowded.
While they suggest making a reservation if you want a table or are going for brunch, you can also visit the bar as a walk-in, which is what we did.
Important Details
One thing to note: Magic Hour is not affiliated with the Moxy Hotel. This means you cannot charge drinks to your room or use credit from the hotel’s “destination fee.”
When we left, a host asked if we were staying at the hotel. Magic Hour offers an elevator that can drop guests off directly on their floor.
Final Thoughts
The rooftop bar, complete with suggestive pink bunnies and naughty topiaries, was certainly an interesting experience, but overall, it felt underwhelming. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the mini-golf was still open, but I can understand why the concept didn’t last. Instead of reimagining the space, it seems like they threw some chairs onto the old course and left the bunnies as decor.
If you’re in the area and want a fun rooftop setting with a playful theme, Magic Hour is worth a quick visit. But if you were hoping for an interactive experience, you might leave feeling like something is missing.
Want to comment on this post? Great! Read this first to help ensure it gets approved.
Want to sponsor a post, write something for Your Mileage May Vary, or put ads on our site? Click here for more info.
Like this post? Please share it! We have plenty more just like it and would love it if you decided to hang around and sign up to get emailed notifications of when we post.
Whether you’ve read our articles before or this is the first time you’re stopping by, we’re really glad you’re here and hope you come back to visit again!
This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
