What is one of my favorite things about summer in the city? Rooftop bars. After a sweltering summer day, after work cocktails on a rooftop where the breeze is cooler and the view is stunning is the perfect way to relax with friends or a lover. Only problem is that Manhattan is full of them, and some are
A word of warning: anything situated on a rooftop is no cheap night out. Prepare to pay for the view!
107 Rivington Street, Lower East Side (between Ludlow and Essex Street)
If you can get past the difficult doormen and make your way through the slick hotel to the penthouse, you’ll be rewarded with three-floors of views. The third floor even has a large hot tub if you’re not too shy! Call ahead before planning your night, as the space frequently tends to host events.
33 W 37th st, Midtown East (between 5th and 6th Avene)
The star attraction at this bar, situated on top of the Strand Hotel, is its view of the Empire State Building, standing literally right in front of you in all its glory. The perfect place to take out-of-towners looking for the New York wow-factor without the escalated drink prices.
123 Washington St, Financial District
On the fifth floor of the W Downtown Hotel is this ultra-modern rooftop bar with a metallic warped ceiling and wraparound terrace for warm nights. Great views of the construction going on at Ground Zero, soon to be a view of the Freedom Tower, and never too crowded. The menu features items from the BLT Bar & Grill.
17 W 32nd St, 14th Floor (between 5th Ave and Broadway)
I hesitate to even mention this one, because it is (supposedly) such a secret, but thank god, this bar hidden on the 14th floor of La Quinta Inn in Koreatown proves that there IS such thing as a non-pretentious rooftop bar. After you recover from the shock of the reasonable drink prices, look up and see the Empire State Building towering above.
145 E 50th St, 31st Fl, Midtown East (between Lexington and 3rd Avenue)
At the top of the Kimberly Hotel lies this bar with 360 degree views of Manhattan. The atmosphere is charming with string lights and a breathtaking view of the Chrysler Building. Come back in the morning to try the very popular brunch.
