[With additions by Naomi Baria, Annsley Chapman, and more]
Outdoor gardens and sidewalk cafes might be suitable for brunch, but when it comes to warm weather drinking, rooftop bars are the city’s crown jewels. Anybody who lays claim to a pulse, some cash and a functioning liver has likely been to 230 Fifth, Red Sky, and Plunge at the Gansevoort Hotel, but those aren’t the only open-air options where you can drink in the view (and while you’re at it, a few brews). This summer is definitely seeing a surge in rooftop bars and lounges—making the sky the limit when it comes to altitudinous drinking in New York: to wit, our vertigo-inducing list of the best bets for summer.
Salon de Ning - NEW
700 Fifth Avenue at 55th Street, 212-956-2888
On May 16th, the Peninsula Hotel unveils its rooftop bar, named for the Shanghai socialite Madame Ning whose passion for travel is reflected in the eclectic art collection and various artifacts from around the world that populate the interior bar. Two outdoor terraces with Chinese-style day beds offer panoramic views over Fifth Avenue.
Click for more information on Salon de Ning New York.
The Pooldeck - NEW
4 W. 63rd St, 212-265-7400
Another newcomer to the midtown arena, this exclusive roof bar is split into two levels at the top of the Empire Hotel: a pool area upstairs and a lower level for cabanas (each equipped with a flat screen TV, wireless internet and a day bed) and cocktails. While both are technically reserved for guests, we’ve never let minor technicalities stop us from bribing or batting our eyelashes in—and neither should you.
Click for more information on The Pooldeck New York.
Studio B Roof Garden - NEW
259 Banker St, Brooklyn, 718-389-1880
The brains behind the Delancey and Miami’s late Studio A have topped off their Greenpoint spot with a new bar with a retractable roof (which launched last week with a concert by the Brazilian Girls). The open-air space retains its industrial flavor with cement floors, picnic bench seating and palm trees, which appeal to the hipster crowds that tend to congregate in these parts.
Click for more information on Studio B New York.
Jade Terrace - NEW
268 W 47th St, 212-398-3800
Reopening in a few weeks, this outdoor lounge that once resembled a pagoda can be found three floors above the dregs of China Club (also under construction). The team behind 1OAK and Butter have taken over the space, hoping to bring their luxe expertise and clientele a little closer to heaven. Like its predecessor, here’s hoping this new spot will offer a touch of Zen away from the frenzy of Times Square below.
Click for more information on Jade Terrace New York.
HighBar at Hilton Garden Inn Times Square - NEW
251 West 48th St, Fl 15, 212-956-1300
Greg Briar (Aspen, Amalia, D’Or), GM Alex Ancheta (Manor, Serena) and the iCrave design team are bringing a new meaning to high design. Cropping up in what seems like a nesting ground for rooftop lounges, HighBar boasts sweeping views of the Hudson River, outdoor AC, a backyard barbecue and Miami-style daybeds for those easily swept off their feet.
Click for more information on HighBar New York.
Hudson Terrace - NEW
621 46th St, .212-228-4200 x8003
Owner Sean McGarr (Webster Hall) has transformed a stable into a glittering 13,000sf event space, 4,000 of which will be a semi-enclosed mahogany rooftop terrace with views of the Hudson and water-mists for cooling off. Other amenities include an outdoor fireplace, ceiling video chandeliers with customized Swarovski crystals, reclaimed wood from a sunken WWII ship and AC/heat-controlled floors.
Click for more info on Hudson Terrace New York.
Gramercy Hotel Rooftop
2 Lexington Ave, New York NY, 866-784-1300
An exotic hybrid of a lush greenhouse crossed with Julian Schnabel’s infallible palette, Gramercy Hotel’s exclusive penthouse features art by Damien Hirst, thick flora and fauna accents, and an arresting light-bulb chandelier inspired by the infamous installation in “Blade Runner.” Masterminded by New York’s hotelier prince Ian Schrager and bathed in the rosy, luxurious glow that haloes all of Mr. Schnabel’s artistic endeavors, this stunning indoor/outdoor space uses a retractable glass roof to open up to a starry New York sky.
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Hudson Hotel Sky Terrace
356 W. 58th St., 15th Floor, 212-554-6303
Securing 15th-story views over the Hudson River here means securing a room at this swank Philippe Starck-designed hotel (a room key is required for admittance). If shelling out $300 a night isn’t your idea of a good time, you can always show up for Giant Step’s monthly party, held here, or prowl the library bar for an intoxicated guest to prey on.
Click for more information on Hudson Hotel Sky Terrace New York.
A60
60 Thompson St., 212-219-2000
This lantern-lit members-only rooftop bar at the 60 Thompson Hotel, which stands for “Above 60,” hovers above lower Manhattan, and apparently regular folk without a room key (or an in). The 13th floor terrace features plush patio furniture and exotic cocktails like the plum sangria made with plum sake, Stoli Ohranj and fresh squeezed juice.
Click for more info A60 New York.
The Cabanas at the Maritime Hotel
88 Ninth Ave., 212-242-4300
Deep blue and white striped cushions set the nautical theme at this pair of rooftop cabana spaces—to the North, a sun roof encloses a fully heated outdoors space and a fireplace keeps things toasty on the top of La Bottega Trattoria. To the South, leafy plants and pulchritudinous patrons keep things interesting.
Click for more info Cabanas at the Maritime Hotel.
Roof Garden Café
1000 Fifth Ave., at 82nd St., 212-535-7710
The seasonal sculpture garden off the fifth floor European Sculpture and Decorative Arts Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art debuts three of Jeffrey Koons’ Pop sculptures in an exhibit aptly named “Jeff Koons on the Roof.” Here, young and old, native and tourist alike gather to sip wine and beer and admire oversized, brightly colored balloon dogs. A martini bar on Fridays and Saturdays serves up three new specialty drinks for the occasion: Balloon Dog, Coloring Book and Sacred Heart.
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Soho House Rooftop
29-35 Ninth Ave, 212-627-9800
Long after its heyday as a Sex-and-the-City backdrop, Soho House still draws its appeal from the leggy models and socialites lucky enough to get in. If design is what you’re after, try somewhere else. The pool area is hardly cutting edge, and better views can be caught from Plunge across the street. But if you’re looking to rub elbows with celebs, the ultra-exclusive membership and intimate pooldeck work in your favor.
Click for more info on Soho House.
The Delancey
168 Delancey St., 212-254-9920
This tri-level rock club may be known for its live music performances in the basement, but equally of note is the roof bar oasis of benches, fountains and palm fronds. Naturally, given its location between Williamsburg and the Lower East Side, a downtown hipster crowd prevails.
Click for more info on The Delancey New York.
El Rio Grande
160 East 38th St., 212-867-0922
This festive South-of-the-Border-themed restaurant divided into two sections—Texas on one side, Mexico on the other—is notorious for its mortal margaritas in offbeat flavors like pomegranate and wildberry, which are best enjoyed outdoors. Though the roof deck seems more like a patio on a second floor office building, after imbibing one of the aforementioned libations, it’s likely you won’t notice, let alone care.
Click for more info on El Rio Grande.
Heights Bar and Grill
2867 Broadway, 212-866-7035
Columbia co-eds drink their scholarly cares away at this second-story Morningside Heights bar, where a steep flight of stairs leads to the intimate, third floor rooftop. Frozen margaritas and beers are the beverages of choice, and they can be had for cheap during, not one, but two daily Happy Hours.
Click for more info on Heights Bar and Grill.
Ava Lounge
210 W. 55th St., 212-956-7020
Perched on the 15th floor Penthouse-level of the uber-modern Dream Hotel, this rooftop lounge overlooks Midtown Manhattan with views of Times Square, Columbus Circle and the Hudson River. Named after Sinatra’s one-time love, Ava Gardner, the lounge boasts wicker stools, dune grass, and a 10-foot palm tree.
Click for more info on Ava Lounge.
Rare View
303 Lexington Ave., 16th fl, 212-481-1999
You’ll have to travel in a jam-packed elevator up to the 16th floor of the Shelburne Murray Hill Hotel to reach the rooftop component of this carnivorous restaurant, but the sight of the Chrysler and Empire State buildings at night make the trip well worth it. Fruity drinks, like mango margaritas and blood orange cosmos, are served in plastic cups and to be sipped while reclining on day beds. While there’s complimentary snack mix and wasabi peas on hand, for more than munchies you’ll have to head back down below.
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Local West
1 Penn Plaza, 212-629-7070
Long a favorite of beleaguered LIRR and NJ Transit commuters and Garden patrons looking for a post-game drink, this single-story bar’s rooftop area provides more of a respite from the area’s bustle than a view (mainly of Penn Station, across the street). Regardless, the daily happy hour of $3 beers and two-for-one martinis from 5pm to 7pm packs the after-work crowds in around the horseshoe-shaped bar.
Click for more info on Local West.
Sutton Place
1015 Second Ave., 212-207-3777
Though this standard Murray Hill sports bar is spread over three floors, each with its own bar, weekend nights are guaranteed to see an evenly dispersed amount of overcrowding throughout. The rooftop is a relative breath of fresh air, but still leaves hardly any room to breathe as post-grads huddle around the 46-foot granite bar, surrounded by sprigs of plastic ivy.
Click for more info on Sutton Place New York.
Alma
187 Columbia St, Brooklyn, 718-643-5400
Above a raucous, Southwestern-themed dining room at this three-story restaurant in Red Hook lies the rooftop bar deemed one of the best in the city by those in the know. Situated on an unassuming corner off the BQE, a diverse crowd gathers for margaritas made with house-infused tequilas at the romantic lantern-lit spot.
Click for more info on Alma New York.
Me Bar at La Quinta Inn
17 W. 32nd St., 212-290-2460
Another undiscovered gem, the rooftop bar at the La Quinta budget hotel offers those willing to venture down the road less taken spectacular postcard views of the Empire State Building. Grab a folding chair at one of the round tables or plop down on a white-painted bench around the perimeter of the picket-fence patio for some reasonably priced drinks (it is a budget hotel, after all).
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Bookmarks
299 Madison Ave., 212-204-5498
A high-ceilinged, glass-enclosed patio and open-air terrace atop the Library Hotel draws more business suits than literary folk. Nevertheless, bookworms can grab a hardcover from the stacks and settle in to the wicker furniture or summery wooden deck chairs with a book-themed drink, like the Great Gatsby or Huckleberry Finn. Sound like the perfect storybook ending to your day? If you head over after work, the scenario is pure fiction as there’s limited seating on weekdays.
Click for more info on Bookmarks New York.
Bar 13
35 E. 13th St., 212-979-6677
Despite the additional square footage the summer roof deck here provides, space can be tight at this three-story bar that draws the Union Square college kids in with a two-for-one weekday happy hour. Listen to new wave, soul or whatever the DJ feels like playing while surrounded by potted palms galore.
Click for more info on Bar 13 New York.
The Eagle
554 W. 28th St., 646-473-1866
It’s a beautiful thing the Eagle still exists, though we’ve been watching the crowd soften up with each new young professional who takes up residence on the far West Side. Come to the Eagle for all your woodland needs (bears, cubs, wolves, otters) and leave your inhibitions, and your Barney’s Coop boots, at the door.
Click for more information on The Eagle New York.
Latitude
783 8th Ave, 212-245-3034
This four-leveled venue accomodates any and every mood you have. Meet up with your friends after work on Latitude's first floor or climb the stairs to the second floor and play a little pool before checking out one of the two outdoor patios on the third and fourth (yes, 4th) floors for some fresh air.
Click for more information on Latitude New York.
Cattyshack
249 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, 718-230-5740
If you’re a faux-hawked feline with a fever for the same, hit up Cattyshack, Park Slope's latest addition to the New York lesbian bar circuit. The rooftop patio draws a diverse crowd; as singles in fitted western shirts cruise each other while older Teva-sporting mama-dykes gazing up from their bottles of Bud can go inside and try their luck with Ms. Pac-Man. Come on Sunday for an the all-you-can-eat rooftop BBQ. Cattyshack will feed what you need, whether you're a tofutti-cutie or a carnivorous cat.
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The Pod Hotel Rooftop
230 E 51st St, 212.355.0300
Short on funds? Well, the folks at Pod Hotel understand that cheapskates need to get their rooftop drink on, too. Check into one of the bunkbed-laden lairs at this midtown hotel/hostel and gain access to their cushy rooftop bar. Note: the bar goes back and forth between BYOB and barely stocked. So be warned.
Click for more information on Pod Hotel.
Rise at the Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park
2 West St., 14th fl, 917-790-2626
Located on the fourteenth floor of the Ritz Carlton in Battery Park, this award-winning and aptly named bar boasts one of the most dramatic locations in the city. Whether you're inside or out on the terrace, you'll enjoy great views of the New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, the sunset, and, um, Jersey. Almost as exciting are the menu offerings, including fancy cocktails and tiers of fingerfood.
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Sushi Samba 7
87 Seventh Ave. South, 212-691-7885
Sushi Samba on 7th Ave oozes with sexiness, from its sensual blend of Peruvian, Brazilian and Japanese cuisine to the beautiful wait staff. While mainly considered a restaurant, SushiSamba has a cozy lounge and rooftop seating area, perfect for those who would prefer delicious cocktails to the pricey menu fare.
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The View Lounge at the New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, 48th fl, 212-704-8900
If you’re looking for a place to go on a date with good scenery, The View is the perfect place for you. There is a slow rotation to make sure you see all the nice angles of the city sights. High atop the Marriot hotel, the food is pricey but worth it. Take someone special out for a night of good company in a wonderful atmosphere.
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Boogaloo
168 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, 718-599-8900
Like finding a crisp, new $100 note in a pair of dirty, crappy jeans, modern, space-age Boogaloo is found in the part of Williamsburg where it's not quite so hip. A back room provides space for live music and private parties and there's even a rooftop deck on summer nights. DJs spin nightly starting at 10pm with music ranging from deep house to techno, and hip hop to rock.
Click for more information on Boogaloo.
Top of the Tower
3 Mitchell Pl., 26th fl, 212-980-4796
Beekman Tower Hotel’s snug roof bar keeps patrons happy with jaw-dropping views of the Manhattan skyline and sleek Art Deco décor. Suits and business folk generally comprise the afterwork and dinner crowd, but the laid-back atmosphere keeps the mood all but snooty.
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The Crow’s Nest
500 E. 30th St., 212-683-3333
What other eastside spots boast 360-degree views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines and a rare seat on the East River? A favorite for locals and tourists, The Crow’s Nest atop Manhattans famed Water Club is a classy way to spend a sunny afternoon, even if it is a hike from the nearest subway stop.
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Got another favorite rooftop spot we didn’t cover? Sound off in the comments below.