If you aren’t living under a TikTok rock, you’ve surely seen New Yorkers walking down a suspicious alley, entering into a freight elevator where they’re gifted a glass of champagne and brought up to what looks like the coolest new rooftop in NYC. Well, we’re here to say we’ve tried it ourselves…and it really is worth the TikTok hype.
Reservations have been filling up like crazy since Habibi first went viral, and we were lucky enough to score ourselves a seat to share what we think. Upon walking up to the address, it’s hard not to be a bit fearful of the looming warehouses above and empty streets around. With an absolutely unassuming entrance, you can’t help but feel a bit hesitant entering 154 Scott Avenue.
But to guests and our own surprise you’ll be guided around the corner where a lovely staff member will greet you with a glass of champagne, or in our case, rosé. You’ll immediately recognize the glowing neon Habibi sign from TikTok as an actual freight elevator opens to take you upstairs.
While you sip from your glass in the spacious elevator, the doors open up to a purple hued hookah lounge and bar. Guests have a choice to hang out there before dining or immediately head up even higher in the building to the restaurant level.
We decided to cut straight to the meal and check out if it’s really worth it. After being seated in the beautiful dining room with illuminated trees and skyline views, we were served a bowl of chilled crudite and some cold mezze. The Mediterranean menu offers a wide variety of cold/hot mezze, grilled meats, and seafood.
Our standout favorites were the Halloumi Manakeish, prawns and beef tartare. Of course we had to grab a cocktail to pair, so we ordered the Layla with Reposado Tequila, Arabic coffee, and cinnamon and the Abu Tom with Vodka, pomegranate, cardamom, lemon, and sparking rosé.
After thoroughly enjoying the meal, we returned to the lounge for a night cap as the city sparkled below. We definitely recommend trying to snag a reservation while you still can because this is only a limited-time pop-up in this location.