Magic Hour Mountain Lodge at Moxy Times Square: NYC’s Ultimate Winter Escape
Experience Italian Alps vibes in the heart of Manhattan at Magic Hour’s Mountain Lodge.
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa I Photos By: Kaos Media
If you’ve been feeling the first hints of spring in New York City but wish you were in the snow-dusted Italian Alps, Magic Hour Mountain Lodge at Moxy Times Square has the perfect remedy: a full-on teleportation complete with cozy fires, alpine vibes, and cheese. Lots of cheese.
I recently had the chance to experience Magic Hour’s Mountain Lodge before it closes for the winter, and it is not just a rooftop bar. It’s a winter escape disguised as a Midtown hotspot. From the moment you step onto the West Terrace, the bustling city below fades away. Twinkling lights, pine accents, and the faint scent of fondue set the stage for an après-ski fantasy that makes you forget you’re really in Times Square. It’s the kind of experience where you can almost hear the jingle of ski lifts above your head, even if you’re in stilettos rather than snow boots.
The centerpiece of this alpine adventure is the Fonduta experience. If you’ve never tried Italian-style fondue, prepare yourself. Magic Hour serves it tableside in traditional pots, which instantly become the gathering point of your group. The Savory Cheese Fonduta ($35 per person) is a decadent mix of 24-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, gruyère, and Swiss cheese that arrives bubbling and irresistible. Accompanied by toasted Italian bread, potatoes, cornichons, and grapes, it’s a playful, interactive way to share a meal. For those who want to go all out, add-ons like thinly sliced prosciutto-style cured meats, sausage, or crispy fried ravioli turn the experience into a full-on alpine feast.
The Fonduta
I went to the Fonduta experience with my bestie, though we could have invited everyone we’ve ever met because of the amount of delicious food we were served. Within minutes, we were laughing over who could get the perfect cheese pull, passing bites around like it was a competitive sport. The thing about fondue is that it slows you down- you can’t rush it, and somehow, that makes it all the more fun. And if you have a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Fonduta ($20 per person) is an equally dreamy alternative, served with fresh fruit and Italian biscotti for dipping. It’s dessert and entertainment all in one bite.
“The experience is about gathering, breaking bread- and cheese- together,” says Michael Marinoff, Vice President of F&B Operations for Tao Group Hospitality. We want this new offering to foster a sense of community and excitement around the Games this winter.”
The experience is about gathering, breaking bread- and cheese- together
The Bar
But Magic Hour doesn’t stop at cheese. In honor of last month’s Winter Olympics in the Italian Dolomites, the Mountain Lodge set up around-the-clock viewing parties so guests could cheer on their favorite athletes while sipping seasonal cocktails that feel like a warm hug in a glass. The Après Ski, a white hot chocolate crowned with toasted marshmallows, is a personal favorite. There’s also the Sweet Treat, a frozen espresso martini that’s perfect for shotski fun, and the Winter White Spritz, which pairs peach orange blossom vodka with white cranberry and prosecco for something light, festive, and undeniably Instagrammable.
Part of the charm of Magic Hour is that it’s designed for lingering. Whether you pop in for a quick drink between errands, book a full evening with friends, or celebrate a birthday, the Mountain Lodge installation encourages connection. There’s a playful spirit throughout, from the cowboy hats you can buy for $45 as a cheeky keepsake, to the cozy seating areas that make you want to stay a little longer, just to soak it all in.
The Tables
For me, the highlight was the sense of escape. Magic Hour turns a simple evening out into a multi-sensory experience, where the city fades, laughter takes center stage, and every bite tastes a little more magical.
If you’re craving a winter wonderland in the middle of Manhattan- or just a memorable night with friends- Magic Hour’s Fonduta experience is calling your name. Whether you’re a devoted cheese lover, a cocktail adventurer, or simply someone who wants to feel transported without leaving the city, this is the rooftop moment you don’t want to miss. Grab a table on the West Terrace, settle in with a fondue pot, and let Magic Hour whisk you away to the Italian Alps.
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