Occasions · First time in New York
First time in New York? Read this before you book us.
We aren't in Times Square. We're about 20 minutes west of it on foot, at the far end of 48th Street, near the Intrepid. On a first trip that's the main thing to know. The other is that we're closed on Mondays.
How far we are from what you came to see
Walk times from our door, at an easy pace. New York blocks are longer going across than going up and down, and we're at the far west end of ours.
An easy first day that ends on the roof
- AfternoonThe Intrepid, about 5 minutes from us. Check intrepidmuseum.org for its hours.
- Before dinnerWalk down to the river. Pier 84 in Hudson River Park is about 9 minutes from our door.
- 5pmDinner starts. Book it ahead, so you're not hunting for a table with tired feet.
- AfterTimes Square is at its most ridiculous at night, and it's about 20 minutes on foot from here. Or take a cab and save your feet.
What first-timers ask us
| You're wondering | The short answer |
|---|---|
| What's Hell's Kitchen? | The neighborhood on the West Side of Midtown, west of the theaters. It's a name, and you'll be fine. |
| Subway or cab? | The C/E stops at 50th St, about 12 minutes on foot from us. If your feet are done, take a cab to 605 W 48th St. |
| Do I need a reservation? | We recommend one. Walk-ins are welcome when there's room, and every weekly special is by reservation. |
| Is it Mexican food? | Yes. Tacos three to an order, guacamole and margaritas. The menu. |
| Is it really on a roof? | Yes, on top of the HK Hall building, under a glass roof that opens on warm days. |
First-trip questions
Is Cantina Rooftop near Times Square?
Sort of. It's about 20 minutes on foot west of Times Square, or a short cab. We're on 48th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues.
Should I go on a first trip to New York?
If you'd enjoy a loud Mexican rooftop with a skyline view, yes. It's a fun night. It's not a New York landmark, and we won't pretend it is.
Are you open every night?
No. We're closed on Mondays, and open Tuesday to Sunday.
Getting here
Where
605 W 48th StreetNew York, NY 10036
Midtown West, in Hell's Kitchen: on 48th Street between 11th and 12th Avenue, on the rooftop of the HK Hall building.
On foot
- About 5 minutes from the Intrepid Museum.
- About 12 minutes from the C/E subway at 50th Street.
- About 15 minutes from the Javits Center.
- About 20 minutes from Times Square and the Theater District, or a short cab.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5pm – 11pm |
| Wednesday | 5pm – 11pm |
| Thursday | 5pm – 11pm |
| Friday | 5pm – 3am |
| Saturday | 12pm – 3am |
| Sunday | 12pm – 9:30pm |