Historic Rainbow Room reopens atop NYC skyline

Posted October 05, 2014 11:00 pm

Associated Press

Friends Matthew Eisentraut, left, and Jamie Greenwald pose for a photo Sunday with a view of the Empire State Building, center, in the Rainbow Room, New York City's landmark restaurant atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The Rainbow Room has returned to its historic perch over New York's skyline after a five-year absence, again offering its diners sweeping views of Manhattan and beyond. Associated Press

NEW YORK - The Rainbow Room has reopened in its historic perch atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza after a five-year absence from the New York City skyline.

It reopened Sunday for brunch, offering diners sweeping views of Manhattan and beyond through windows widened during a renovation.

Two years ago, the city granted landmark status to the iconic venue, which has hosted plenty of celebrities over its 80 years.

The 65th floor room with a rotating dance floor counts numerous movie stars, sports figures and political dignitaries among its customers. Those have included Cole Porter, Elizabeth Taylor, Al Pacino, Barbra Streisand and Muhammad Ali, along with every mayor since its original opening.

Performers have included music greats Tommy Dorsey, Guy Lombardo, Louis Armstrong and Tony Bennett. A jazz band played Sunday.

Chefs prepare a lavish spread of food before lunchtime guests arrive Sunday at the Rainbow Room, New York City's landmark restaurant atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Associated Press

The Rainbow Room reopened Sunday after a five-year absence. Associated Press

The Rainbow Room has returned to its historic perch over New York's skyline after a five-year absence, again offering its diners sweeping views of the city and beyond. Associated Press

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