New York Summer means Rooftop Bars
My favorite time of year is summer and my favorite type of bar is a ROOFTOP! New York does a rooftop better than most cities because the skyline is so amazing! Whether you are looking Downtown to One World Trade or across the East River from Brooklyn there are so many great spots to check out.
Of course, I am not the only one who loves a rooftop bar, and they are always very full during the long warm summer evenings, so plan to arrive early to snag a good spot or be prepared to queue.
Here are a few of my favorite spots.
The Press Lounge- 653 11th Ave, Hell’s Kitchen
Arguably one of the best city views in NYC. This rooftop of the Ink48 hotel is a swanky affair, with great cocktails, and a large outdoor deck area to take in the amazing view. There is not much else happening near this hotel, so either eat before you arrive or come early for a drink then head elsewhere.
Gallow Green- 542 W 27th, Chelsea
The Rooftop hotel is more like a garden party than a swanky scene, which is a nice change in NYC where you rarely see greenery. The home of "sleep no more" (theatrical production) attracts all types from casual drinkers to the party people. Definitely a fun day or night out and reminds me of drinking at an outdoor beer garden in Sydney.
Le Bain- Washington St, Meatpacking District
The Super trendy hot spot at the top of the Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District. Expect to queue to get in, then dance the night away with top DJ's or take a dip in the plunge pool.
if you don’t want to be outside the equally impressive indoor bar on the eighteenth floor of this hotel ticks all the boxes - amazing views, swanky atmosphere, good cocktails... bring your Amex Platinum card!
Hotel Chantelle - 92 Ludlow St, Lower East Side
Super cute, Parisian styled rooftop bar which serves food as well.
Bar SixtyFive - Rainbow Room, Top of the Rock
So, you have been to Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Centre, but have you had a cocktail on the 65th floor. You really can’t beat the view and with a cocktail in hand it is even better. There is an indoor bar and a glass protected outdoor terrace with a seated area.
230 Fifth Rooftop Garden, 230 Fifth Ave
The first rooftop I ever visited in NYC and what a place to start! The biggest rooftop in Manhattan with lots of lounge and seating plus plenty of standing space. I think this is a great spot for an afternoon drink in the sun, before the busy night crowd arrives. You are sure to secure a big lounge or cabana area earlier in the day.
The Roof, Viceroy Hotel 124 W 57th
If you are uptown looking for a cute boutique type bar with a great view of central park then this is the spot. It is not a large bar, but if you are lucky enough to snag a spot on the outdoor deck enjoy the view! lots of good restaurants close by including Nobu, Quality Meats and Polo Lounge.
Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar, Conrad Hotel, 102 North End Ave
I’m sure you have all seen pictures all over Instagram of the cute prosecco and ice pop cocktail. This bar is not very big and is always busy so be prepared to wait. Worth visiting for 1 or 2 fun cocktails and a popsicle, but you don’t need to stay all night. Nice view across the city to Jersey City.
Hotel Hugo - 525 Greenwich St
Hip & Swanky rooftop bar with indoor and outdoor seating and amazing views across most of the city.
A.R.T - Arlo hotel rooftop 231 Hudson St
This bar would be right at home in someone’s backyard in Brooklyn, but it is in fact in SOHO.
There is a DJ spinning tunes and lots of Cool kids hanging out and drinking Craft Beer, wine and cocktails. Great views as well.
The Ides, Wythe Hotel 80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
This is the hot spot in Brooklyn right now and the views and vibe are worth all the hype and the crowds. amazing views back across to Manhattan, swanky crowd enjoying the Brooklyn vibe.
Gorgeous Rooftop garden and Bar with fantastic views of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge. The Big plus at this new hot spot has an amazing plunge pool that is open to adults from 1-6pm on the weekends for pool parties! Reservations required for pool use.
Westlight Bar 22nd, 111 N 12th st, Brooklyn
Upmarket Brooklyn rooftop bar with indoor and outdoor area. Large outdoor deck to soak up the fab views across Brooklyn and Manhattan. Great food served as well.
Now get out there and enjoy the weather and these hot spots!