When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
The Ready Cantina
Why The Ready Cantina is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Ready Cantina, located atop the Moxy East Village hotel in New York City, offers a lively and laid-back rooftop setting perfect for meeting friends any time of year. Its all-season rooftop features a fully retractable glass roof, allowing guests to enjoy skyline views whether under the sun or stars. The atmosphere is bright, colorful, and designed with an energetic South-of-the-border flair, complemented by curated playlists that keep the vibe buzzing. Guests can enjoy casual Mexican-inspired bites alongside a variety of frozen drinks and inventive cocktails, making it an ideal spot for after-work hangs, weekend meetups, or spontaneous nights out. The cantina’s accessibility with walk-in options and advance reservations ensures a convenient experience. Additionally, the venue offers happy hour specials daily, enhancing its appeal as a casual yet dynamic space to socialize. Its combination of great food, drinks, atmosphere, and views makes The Ready Cantina a standout rooftop destination in NYC for groups looking to gather and unwind in a spirited Mexican-inspired environment.
Here's what people think of The Ready Cantina
As of recent, The Ready Cantina holds a 3.6-star rating based on 480 reviews.
Reviews for The Ready Cantina reveal a mix of impressions from visitors, resulting in an overall average rating of 3.6 out of 5 from around 480 reviewers. Positive feedback often highlights the rooftop's vibrant atmosphere, the scenic skyline views, and the fun, colorful environment that makes for a memorable social experience. Many patrons appreciate the creative cocktails and the casual Mexican-inspired menu that pairs well with the setting. Happy hour specials and the all-season rooftop feature also receive praise for enhancing the overall visit. On the other hand, some reviews critique the service speed and occasional over-crowdedness, which can diminish the laid-back vibe. A few guests mention that the food and drink prices tend to be on the higher side for portion size or quality. Despite these factors, most visitors find The Ready Cantina a worthwhile spot for a lively night out, especially when reservations are made in advance. In conclusion, reviews suggest it is a fantastic place to enjoy a rooftop gathering with friends, combining good drinks, great ambiance, and a unique rooftop experience, albeit with some room for improvement in service and value consistency.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ken Francis
A chic rooftop escape in the East Village with elevated cantina vibes. The tacos were flavorful, the nachos and guacamole fresh, and the cocktails felt made for golden hour. They even had a tres leches flan that totally surprised me, it was so rich and delicious. A perfect spot to sip and snack as the sun goes down.
kel
Overall we enjoyed our time. Few things to note.. Very loud! We don't mind but if you do, I can't recommend. I highlyyyy recommend going for happy hour and if you don't go for happy hour, make sure you're just going for a short time. The drinks are very overpriced. They're good.. but $20 for a single marg obviously doesn't make sense. The tacos also, good but overpriced. I enjoyed the Carne asada tacos, but they were teeny tiny bite-sized. So depending on your willingness to spend and how hungry you are.. The vibes and views/photo ops are what you come for!
yohanny rodriguez
I honestly wouldn’t recommend this rooftop. The service was terrible we waited over 20 minutes just to get our drinks, and even then the staff seemed completely uninterested in helping us. Definitely not worth it. Music its great though!
Brad Rynkowski
The waitress with the glasses needs to go. I came with a group of 10 and she was truly horrible. We had to wave her down a number of times to finally get her attention. She then proceeded to “memorize”all our orders… until the food came out in which half our meals were missing. I don’t even want to bother with the details, but this scores one of the worst experiences from a staff member to date. However, all that aside, the food and drinks are great. And the atmosphere is wonderful. I recommend this place for mid sized crowds, just be mindful the service isn’t all there.
chantel rose
Josh R. made us amazing drinks—each one was crafted to perfection! He’s a great bartender who really knows his stuff and makes everyone feel welcome. Total pro and a true people person.
How to reach The Ready Cantina
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Why The Ready Cantina may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Ready Cantina with your friends? The Ready Cantina, located atop Moxy East Village in New York City, offers a lively yet laid-back atmosphere perfect for gathering friends or family. Its all-season rooftop, equipped with a fully retractable glass ceiling, allows guests to enjoy fresh air and city skyline views year-round, making it an inviting place come rain or shine. The vibrant, colorful setting is complemented by upbeat playlists that create an energetic yet comfortable environment, encouraging relaxed socializing and celebration. With casual Mexican-inspired bites and an enticing selection of frozen drinks and cocktails, it satisfies both food and drink cravings in a setting designed to promote connection and fun. Whether you’re looking to unwind after work, celebrate a weekend meetup, or plan a spontaneous night out, The Ready Cantina caters to a range of social occasions with its excellent blend of ambiance, quality refreshments, and impressive rooftop views. For groups eager for a memorable shared experience in Manhattan, this venue delivers an ideal balance of comfort, style, and excitement.
What activities can groups enjoy at The Ready Cantina? One of the highlights is its unique rooftop experience, which serves as a social hub and escape from the city’s hustle. This space invites guests to soak in panoramic city views, making it an excellent backdrop for casual conversations or special photo moments with friends and family. The retractable glass roof ensures that weather is never a barrier to enjoyment; in warmer months, it opens to let in fresh air, while in cooler seasons, it closes to create a cozy indoor setting without losing the outdoor charm. The music playlists curated here maintain a lively tone without overwhelming conversation, helping groups stay engaged and entertained naturally. Groups can also share a selection of Mexican-inspired dishes featuring bold flavors that appeal to varied tastes, alongside vibrant frozen cocktails that add festive flair to the gathering. The Ready Cantina’s happy hour specials during weekday evenings and weekend afternoons provide an added incentive for groups to meet and celebrate while enjoying great deals on drinks and small bites.
Why is The Ready Cantina a great place for a group meetup? Its layout and atmosphere cater well to social groups looking for a balance of privacy and vibrant mingling. The rooftop’s spacious design offers plenty of seating options, which can accommodate parties of different sizes comfortably. Whether your group prefers a cozy corner or a central table in the buzz of the terrace, the venue is adaptable. Reserving a spot is straightforward, with the option to book up to 90 days in advance or drop in as walk-ins, making planning flexible. The venue’s policy and service team are experienced in managing groups, ensuring smooth hospitality and attention to detail. Additionally, its location in the East Village places it within easy reach for locals and visitors alike, positioned conveniently for a post-work unwind or a weekend getaway destination. The Ready Cantina also emphasizes safety and quality experience by requiring a credit card to secure reservations and maintaining clear communication channels, further enhancing its reputation as a reliable meetup spot.
What makes the dining and drink options at The Ready Cantina special for group outings? The menu’s Mexican-inspired bites offer an array of sharable items designed to complement social dining. From snacks to more substantial small plates, the emphasis on bold, south-of-the-border flavors suits varied palates and encourages communal tasting — perfect for groups who enjoy exploring new tastes together. The cocktail menu strengthens the festive atmosphere with frozen drinks and creatively crafted cocktails that match the vibrant rooftop setting. Their happy hour times, spanning early evenings on weekdays and midday on weekends, offer affordable access to these tasty options, helping groups maximize their time and budget while still indulging in a flavorful experience. This combination of thoughtful, well-executed food and drink services ensures that The Ready Cantina can cater to different group needs, whether it’s a casual catch-up over drinks, a celebratory occasion, or a fun weekend outing.
How does the ambiance and service of The Ready Cantina enhance group experiences? The ambiance artfully balances energy and comfort. With bright, colorful decor and well-curated music playlists, it fosters a dynamic yet easygoing vibe conducive to conversation and celebration. Guests have noted that although the rooftop can get lively, it generally maintains a volume level that encourages socializing rather than shouting to be heard. Service staff are attentive and accustomed to the pace of group visits, contributing to a smooth, enjoyable experience. The all-season nature of the roof means guests don’t have to worry about weather interruptions, a frequent concern for rooftop venues, making it a dependable choice year-round. This well-rounded environment inspires guests to linger, laugh, and create memorable moments with their loved ones.
What practical features make The Ready Cantina suitable for family or friend gatherings? Among the practical advantages is the availability of reservations, which can be secured up to three months in advance, offering peace of mind for groups wanting to plan ahead. Walk-ins are also welcome depending on availability, making last-minute plans feasible. The venue’s seating capacity and table arrangements can handle groups of up to 23 people for special parties, and the team welcomes inquiries to accommodate these requests smoothly. The combination of an open-air rooftop and partial indoor cover balances comfort and exposure, which is ideal for guests of varied preferences in a group. Additionally, the venue maintains a 21+ policy, ensuring an adult-focused atmosphere, which may appeal to groups looking for a sophisticated yet relaxed social setting without children present. These aspects, coupled with convenient location and excellent drink and food offerings, position The Ready Cantina as a smart, stylish choice for hosting your next group meetup.
How can guests make the most of their time at The Ready Cantina? Planning your visit during happy hour allows groups to enjoy festive drinks and snacks at attractive prices while soaking in the lively environment. Arriving early on weekends can help secure the best seating and maximize daylight views before the city lights take over, creating a perfect photo opportunity. Guests can also take advantage of the rooftop’s retractable roof to experience different moods depending on the weather and time of day, from sunny openness to cozy shelter, adding variety to any meet-up. Engaging with the staff about menu recommendations or cocktails can enhance your dining experience and help tailor the visit to your group’s taste preferences. Lastly, subscribing to their mailing list offers updates on special events and promotions, providing valuable insights into exclusive gatherings or new menu items to look forward to for repeat visits.
What nearby amenities and surroundings enhance the visit to The Ready Cantina? Situated in the vibrant East Village neighborhood, The Ready Cantina benefits from the area's energetic atmosphere and diverse cultural scene. This makes the venue a desirable destination not only for its rooftop experience but also for its location within a bustling part of New York City known for nightlife, dining, and entertainment. Close proximity to public transit and other local attractions makes it easily accessible for guests coming from different parts of the city. Nearby hotels, such as Moxy NYC East Village, provide convenient accommodation options for visitors looking to extend their social outing into an overnight stay. This accessibility and neighborhood vibe contribute to making The Ready Cantina a versatile and attractive option for group meetups, whether locals organizing a weekend plan or travelers seeking an iconic NYC rooftop experience.
What do reviews say about The Ready Cantina’s appeal as a meetup spot? While online reviews give The Ready Cantina an overall rating of about 3.6 out of 5, many guests highlight its enjoyable ambiance, good music, and scenic views as key positive points. The rooftop’s indoor-outdoor concept with a retractable roof is frequently noted as a standout feature, allowing a comfortable atmosphere regardless of weather conditions. Some reviews mention occasional loudness when the venue is crowded, which could affect conversations but also underscores the venue’s lively energy. Food and drink offerings are generally praised for consistency and flavor, particularly the Mexican-inspired menu and creative cocktails. The service is described as friendly and accommodating, an important factor for groups wanting attentive hospitality. Despite some mixed feedback, the overall sentiment identifies The Ready Cantina as a fun, solid choice for socializing with friends or family in an inviting rooftop setting.
How can you book and prepare for a group visit to The Ready Cantina? To ensure a smooth experience, it's advisable to reserve your table in advance, especially for groups up to 23 people, as availability can fluctuate on busy days. Reservations can be made up to three months ahead and require a credit card to secure the booking, with a cancellation policy in place to safeguard both parties. Walk-ins are welcomed but come with the risk of limited seating, especially on weekends or during special events. Communicating directly through the venue’s email for party planning can help clarify any special requests or accommodations needed for large groups. Understanding the venue’s age restriction (21+) is crucial for planning who to invite, while arriving timely during open hours maximizes your group’s enjoyment. Bringing the right mindset and excitement to match the vibrant rooftop vibe will guarantee your gathering at The Ready Cantina is a memorable occasion.
With its year-round rooftop environment, enticing menu, and lively yet comfortable ambiance, The Ready Cantina stands out as a versatile and appealing venue for groups. Whether hosting a casual after-work drink, a festive weekend reunion, or a spontaneous night on the town, this East Village rooftop bar and restaurant fulfills many social needs with style and convenience. For groups seeking a space where great food, drinks, and conversation blend seamlessly against the backdrop of New York City’s skyline, The Ready Cantina offers an inviting destination worth rallying around.