At Arlo Midtown, two distinct hospitality concepts from Renwick Hospitality Group offer entirely different experiences under one roof.
A recent visit to Altair and ART Midtown showcased the range and attention to detail that managing partners Gary Wallach and Carsten Johansson have brought to the property. After experiencing both venues in person, the level of hospitality, atmosphere, food, and beverage programming left a lasting impression.
Altair Interior
The Long Island Duck, Peak Spring Vegetables and Wild Black Trumpet Ravioli at Altair
Located on the ground floor of Arlo Midtown, Altair presents a celestially inspired dining concept centered around the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The restaurant’s interior feels polished yet approachable, with a menu designed to move seamlessly from breakfast and brunch service into lunch, dinner, and late evening cocktails. Altair also includes a café open daily and a Bar Room that creates a separate setting for drinks and conversation throughout the week. The dinner menu balances vegetable focused dishes with seafood and meat offerings. Highlights include the Pumpkin Dinner Roll served with cultured butter and honeycomb, Honeynut Squash with tomato chutney and sage, and Wild Black Trumpet Ravioli are rich and earthy.
Plant based selections such as Ratatouille and Smoked Yukon Potato with chili crisp add depth to the menu, while larger entrées like the Sea Bass with verjus beurre blanc and Colorado Lamb Rack offer more substantial options. Desserts including the Chocolate Brownie and Castella Cake with yuzu crema and lavender syrup round out the experience with refined finishes.
Eucalyptus & Yuzu Ordered N/A
Altair’s beverage program, overseen by Beverage Director Miguel Muñoz, mirrors the elemental concept of the restaurant. Cocktails are organized around Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, with drinks ranging from spirit forward creations to lighter citrus driven options. Standouts include the Wild Mushroom cocktail with bourbon and bitters, the Carrots cocktail layered with cardamom and ginger, and the Passionfruit cocktail finished with a creamy texture. The wine list features a thoughtful mix of sparkling, white, and red selections designed to pair naturally with the menu.
Upstairs on the 26th floor, ART Midtown delivers a completely different atmosphere. The rooftop venue overlooks the Manhattan skyline with views that stretch toward Hudson Yards and One World Trade Center. During the visit, the energy shifted naturally from early evening cocktails into a more lively late night crowd, making it clear why the rooftop has become a destination for both locals and visitors staying at the hotel.
Courtesy of Nicholas Lee Ruiz
The menu at ART Midtown leans into approachable share plates, raw bar selections, and elevated comfort food. Small bites such as candied nuts, marinated olives, and ART Tater Tots with truffle aioli are designed for sharing, while larger dishes include al pastor quesadillas, grilled chicken wings, and a smoked mozzarella stick served with multiple dipping sauces. The raw bar offerings include East and West Coast oysters alongside hamachi crudo with jalapeño and cilantro. Heartier options like the lobster roll, hot chicken sandwich, and double cheeseburger provide more substantial choices for guests settling in for the evening.
The rooftop cocktail menu adds another layer to the experience with drinks that feel playful without losing sophistication. The Watermelon Spritz combines vodka, fresh pressed watermelon, mint, prosecco, and cotton candy, while the Arlo Margarita brings together mezcal, habanero, and rosemary. The Fig & Maple Old Fashioned offers a richer option with bourbon, apple brandy, and fig. Zero proof cocktails, Champagne service, wine selections, beer, and cider round out a beverage program built for groups, celebrations, and casual rooftop evenings alike.
Together, Altair and ART Midtown demonstrate the versatility of the hospitality programming inside Arlo Midtown. One space focuses on a grounded dining experience inspired by elemental flavors and thoughtful culinary technique, while the other embraces the energy of rooftop culture high above the city streets. Visiting both in one evening offered a full picture of what Renwick Hospitality Group has created at the property, and the experience across both venues was genuinely impressive.
