But anyone could visit Windows on the World in the early days if they paid $10 in dues, plus $3 per guest. In addition to the main dining room, where a table d'hote dinner was $13.50, Windows on the World had an Hors d'Oeuvrerie that served global small plates.

Before its tragic destruction on September 11, 2001, Windows on the World (located on the 107th floor of the North Tower) was one of the highest-grossing and most prestigious restaurants in the world. In the late 1990s and 2001, a typical dinner would cost approximately $65 to $85 per person for a three-course meal, excluding wine, tax, and tip. For the legendary Sunday Brunch, the price was around $40 to $50. Adjusted for 2026 inflation, those prices would be roughly equivalent to $120 to $160 for dinner today, placing it firmly in the "fine dining" luxury category. The restaurant also featured a more accessible bar area, The Greatest Bar on Earth, where cocktails were priced around $10 to $15. While the prices were high for the era, the cost was considered a "fair trade" for the unrivaled panoramic views of Manhattan and the high-caliber culinary experience led by chefs like Michael Lomonaco, making it a premier destination for celebrations and high-stakes business meetings.

The exact cost of dining at Windows on the World, the restaurant complex at the top of the World Trade Center’s North Tower (destroyed on 9/11), varied significantly depending on the venue, time of day, and specific menu items.

However, based on historical menus, reviews, and recollections from the late 1990s and early 2000s, here’s a general breakdown:

1. The Main Restaurant (“Windows on the World”)

This was the flagship fine-dining establishment. Dinner: A multi-course dinner was a splurge occasion. Entrees typically ranged from $30 to $50+ (in early 2000s dollars). Full Meal: With an appetizer, entree, dessert, wine, and the automatic cover charge (for the live music/dancing), a couple could easily spend $150 to $300 or more before tax and tip. Lunch: Slightly less expensive, but still a premium experience.

2. The Greatest Bar on Earth & The Cellar in the Sky

• The Greatest Bar on Earth: More casual, with a bar menu. The cost here was more about the drinks and the view. Cocktails were likely in the $10-$15 range (high for the time), with appetizers and lighter fare.
• The Cellar in the Sky: This was an exclusive, intimate wine-tasting room with a fixed-price, multi-course dinner paired with exceptional wines. This was the most expensive experience, costing over $200 per person in the late 1990s.

3. The Big Picture

It’s crucial to remember that you were paying overwhelmingly for the unparalleled experience, not just the food. The View: The 107th-floor panorama of New York City was the main attraction. A mandatory “cover charge” (often around $5-$10 per person at dinner) was applied to help maintain the space. Occasion Dining: For most people, it was a special-occasion destination—for birthdays, anniversaries, prom, or to impress out-of-town visitors. Price in Today’s Dollars: Adjusted for inflation, a $40 entrée in 2000 is equivalent to about $70-$75 today. A $300