Elegant interior of Ascent Lounge with sophisticated seating, contemporary décor, and luxury cocktail lounge ambiance at Columbus Circle in Midtown Manhattan.
Elegant interior of Ascent Lounge with sophisticated seating, contemporary décor, and luxury cocktail lounge ambiance at Columbus Circle in Midtown Manhattan.
Elegant interior of Ascent Lounge featuring plush seating, warm contemporary design, handcrafted cocktail bar, and luxury ambiance in Columbus Circle, Midtown Manhattan.
Wide view of Ascent Lounge in Midtown Manhattan featuring elegant seating, modern chandeliers, and the illuminated bar.

About Ascent Lounge

Ascent Lounge is a luxury cocktail lounge and event venue on the 4th floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle in Midtown Manhattan. It offers panoramic Central Park views, premium cocktails, chef‑driven menus, and private or full buyout options. This Manhattan destination is the newest member of The Restaurant and Bar Collection at The Shops at Columbus Circle, which include some of the city’s most notable high-end culinary experiences, such as Per Se, Bad Roman, and Twin Tails.

Our Story

Opened in 2015, Ascent Lounge is the flagship venue from nightlife innovators Brian and Carrie Packin. In 2009, the husband‑and‑wife team launched City Nights Hospitality with the debut of 48 Lounge in Rockefeller Center’s McGraw‑Hill Building, which earned the Zagat Award of Excellence in its first year. Their success stems from extensive experience in upscale nightlife and dining, along with uncompromising standards for product and service quality.

Brian and Carrie bring creative expertise in production, marketing, and aesthetics, paired with deep connections across the corporate, entertainment, sports, and hospitality industries. Their vision has attracted a consistently trendsetting, sophisticated, and discerning clientele.

In 2025, they launched Ambassador by City Nights Hospitality, a full‑service hospitality, production, and concierge company serving world‑class corporate office buildings.

Couple celebrating with Champagne at Ascent Lounge for a birthday or anniversary celebration.
Couple celebrating with Champagne at Ascent Lounge for a birthday or anniversary celebration.

Hosting Elite Guests

Ascent Lounge by City Nights Hospitality has hosted extravagant affairs, exceptional experiences, events, and premieres for celebrities, Fortune 100 companies, luxury brands, as well as society weddings and exclusive private social events.

Ascent’s exclusive clientele includes leading global companies, luxury brands, and renowned entertainers—from Fortune 100 firms and Hollywood talent to fashion icons and international labels.

Designed to Impress

The 5,500‑square‑foot lounge features a neutral palette with vibrant accents, creating an alluring mood for any occasion. Guests arrive through a statement entry of geometric design and custom lighting, with ceiling coffers and crystal chandeliers. Mirrored panels reflect the park and cityscape, drawing the outside in. Luxurious banquettes, a custom mirrored back bar with floating shelves of top-tier spirits, and a raised platform with wrap-around seating set the stage for both intimate gatherings and large-scale celebrations.

Elegant interior of Ascent Lounge featuring plush seating, warm contemporary design, handcrafted cocktail bar, and luxury ambiance in Columbus Circle, Midtown Manhattan.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re joining us for cocktails, celebrating a milestone, or planning a large-scale event, Ascent Lounge offers the perfect setting. Reserve your table or connect with us today through our Contact page

Elegant interior of Ascent Lounge featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park South, luxurious lounge seating, and a warm, inviting cocktail lounge atmosphere.
Elegant interior of Ascent Lounge featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park South, luxurious lounge seating, and a warm, inviting cocktail lounge atmosphere.

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