WHEN: Thur @4pm
Reservations seemed hard to make just to visit, and usually have to be made at 3 weeks in advance, but no sooner than that. However, if you make reservations at their restaurant, you're able to check out the Sky Garden. There is a $25 deposit fee, so if you don't show up, they keep it.
Upon arrival, I was prompted to check in with the receptionist instead of directly to the long security. However, after that she had me skip the line, which was quite awkward cuz I'm sure people gave me weird looks. The security line was like being at the airport again: jackets off, devices, off, etc.
Then you wait for the elevator to go up, which happens quick so pay attention and get in!
Since I arrived half an hour early to check out the view and garden before going into the restaurant. Honestly this place feels like one of those high end tech companies where they take an office space building and plant trees and a garden in it. Have you visited Salesforce in SF?
I lucked out going on the day where it mostly did not rain, and the view was lovely. Yes, you'll have to deal with other tourists who is even more eager than you to take a gillizion photos of themselves and families. If you look inside there are plenty of large couches to stretch out on, and many families take the opportunity to relax and unwind from a long day of sight seeing.
I did notice that when it started to rain, the locked the balcony area and did not allow anyone to be out.
The restaurant Darwin Brassier is just one level up. I was seated immediately, next to a couple where only a pillar divided us. Luckily it was just me so I chose the seat not directly next to another person.
Andrea was my waiter and she was such a delight. I wasn't very hungry, and decided on something I can easily take home as leftovers:
DARWIN BEEF BURGER - £23
Monterey Jack cheese, beef tomato, iceberg lettuce, Darwin burger sauce, French fries.
It's a decent burger and the fries were good. I think I chose this cuz it was the cheapest and easy to take home. I really enjoyed the dipping sauce it came in.
When they helped me pack my leftovers to go, I had to sign a waiver form "removal of food" so that the restaurant is no longer responsible for any possible food contamination. Never done that before, haha!
Would I do this again? Nope. But it was convenient for not being able to make reservations in time, and being able to relax with the view, without dealing with any loud noises from other tourists, and fighting just to find a seat. I think that part is worth it. read more