Penthouse 808 LIC: Why This Rooftop Draws Crowds
- 01. Penthouse 808 LIC: The Definitive Guide to Long Island City's Rooftop Lounge
- 02. Location and Contact Details
- 03. The View: Is It Worth the Hype?
- 04. Cuisine and Menu Highlights
- 05. Vibe and Crowd
- 06. Events and Nightlife
- 07. Historical Context and Significance
- 08. Final Verdict: Who Should Visit?
Penthouse 808 LIC: The Definitive Guide to Long Island City's Rooftop Lounge
Penthouse 808 LIC is the rooftop Asian fusion lounge and eatery located on the 6th floor of The Ravel Hotel at 8-08 Queens Plaza South in Long Island City, New York, offering panoramic views of the Queensboro Bridge and Manhattan skyline. The venue operates as a climate-controlled rooftop space with a retractable roof, making it accessible year-round for dinner, drinks, bottomless brunch, and live music events.
Location and Contact Details
The exact address places Penthouse 808 in the heart of LIC's dining district, just a ten minute walk from Queensboro Plaza where the N, W, Q, M, and 7 trains converge. This strategic location makes it one of Queens' most accessible rooftop destinations for both Manhattan visitors and local residents seeking premium nightlife.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 8-08 Queens Plaza South, Long Island City, NY 11101 |
| Phone | 289-6101 for hours; 289-6118 for reservations |
| Floor | 6th floor rooftop of The Ravel Hotel |
| Website | penthouse808rooftop.com |
| First Opened | August 2010 as Queens' first boutique hotel restaurant |
The View: Is It Worth the Hype?
The penthouse view is Penthouse 808's primary draw, featuring unobstructed sightlines to the Queensboro Bridge at night-so close visitors feel they could reach out and touch it. Reviewers consistently rate the Manhattan skyline vistas as the venue's standout feature, particularly during sunset and evening hours when the bridge lights create a dramatic backdrop.
The retractable, climate-controlled roof distinguishes Penthouse 808 from seasonal rooftop bars, allowing year-round operation even during Fall and Winter months. This engineering feature ensures the view remains accessible regardless of weather conditions, a critical advantage for LIC's competitive rooftop scene.
Cuisine and Menu Highlights
Penthouse 808 specializes in Asian fusion cuisine with a menu featuring sushi, flatbreads, and eclectic entrees that blend Japanese, Mexican, and Italian influences. Notable dishes include Japanese BBQed Salmon, Sesame-Seared Tuna, and flatbreads with Carne Asada, Portobello & Goat Cheese, and Kansas City BBQ toppings.
- Sushi rolls (including custom vegetarian combinations on request)
- Asian-Mexican-Italian fusion flatbreads
- Japanese BBQed Salmon and Sesame-Seared Tuna entrees
- Seven dessert options including Molten Chocolate Cake and Nutella Flatbread
- Bottomless brunch on Saturdays (call for current hours)
The chefs accommodate vegetarian sushi requests by creating custom vegetable rolls with ingredients like carrots, avocado, and cucumber. This flexibility reflects the hospitality approach of Vintage Hospitality Group, the venue's operator.
Vibe and Crowd
The atmosphere targets a young demographic (ages 25-35) described as the "beautiful people" scene, though the vibe prioritizes relaxation over a singles-focused party environment. The elegant minimalist lighting, banquets, and tropical foliage create a South Beach hotel patio aesthetic reminiscent of Miami's Delano Hotel.
Actors and crew from nearby Silver Cup Studios (where The Sopranos and The Cosby Show were filmed) frequently visit for lunch and dinner, adding a Hollywood-adjacent element to the crowd. Despite the young primary demographic, the venue welcomes guests 40 and up who seek a sophisticated dining experience.
- Arrive early for deck-side tables with optimal bridge views
- Request seating away from the DJ if sensitive to loud music
- Call 289-6101 to confirm current weekend brunch hours
- Consider group party reservations for events exceeding 8 guests
- Take the N/W/Q/M/7 to Queensboro Plaza for a 10-minute walk
Events and Nightlife
Penthouse 808 hosts regular Greek nights with live bands and DJs as part of the "Panorama Greek Nights" series, featuring performances every other Thursday from May through October. Past performers include ASTERI ENTERTAINMENT LIVE BAND, POWER STATION Entertainment feat CHRISTOS LAMBROULOS, and NIKOS KOUTRAS GREEK BAND.
The venue has also hosted Halloween events, music performances by New York Edge, and private group parties with valet parking and dinner reservations available. Event tickets historically sold online through NexusTixs, with sales ending prior to event dates.
Historical Context and Significance
The Ravel Hotel opened in August 2010 as Queens' first boutique hotel, with Penthouse 808 serving as its flagship restaurant. Developer Ravi Patel and Vintage Hospitality Group positioned the venue as Queens' first "BoutiCHIC" hotel restaurant, marking a significant moment in LIC's culinary evolution.
Since its 2010 opening, Penthouse 808 has maintained its position as a premium rooftop destination through 2015 and beyond, hosting events spanning Greek nights, Halloween parties, and corporate gatherings. The venue's longevity demonstrates its resilience in LIC's rapidly developing hospitality landscape.
Final Verdict: Who Should Visit?
Penthouse 808 LIC is ideal for view seekers prioritizing Manhattan skyline vistas, couples seeking romantic rooftop dining, foodies interested in Asian fusion, and groups attending themed nightlife events. The venue is less suitable for those seeking quiet conversation (due to DJ volume) or budget-friendly options.
The retractable roof, prime location, and consistent view quality make Penthouse 808 worth the trip for visitors willing to cross into Queens for a premium rooftop experience. For the most current hours and reservation availability, calling 289-6101 remains essential.
Key concerns and solutions for Penthouse 808 Lic Why This Rooftop Draws Crowds
What makes the view at Penthouse 808 special?
The venue offers panoramic views of the Queensboro Bridge and Manhattan skyline from the 6th-floor rooftop, with the bridge appearing close enough to touch at night. The retractable roof allows year-round viewing regardless of weather.
Is Penthouse 808 open year-round?
Yes, Penthouse 808 operates year-round thanks to its retractable, climate-controlled roof that activates during Fall and Winter seasons.
Does Penthouse 808 have live music?
Yes, Penthouse 808 hosts live bands and DJs regularly, including Greek nights every other Thursday from May to October with performers like ASTERI ENTERTAINMENT and POWER STATION.
Is there valet parking at Penthouse 808?
Yes, valet parking is available for dinner reservations and events, with group party reservations also offered.
