Sips in the City: NYC’s Best Rooftop Bars

In New York City, every square foot of real estate is valuable, especially the ones on top of buildings. Come summer many a thirsty bar goer climbs step upon step, pushes open those “exit-only” doors and emerges onto a rooftop for stunning city views and delicious libations. Rooftop bars are the best of summer: space, views, breeze, and cocktails. And they’re made even more special by their fleeting existence. In just a few short weeks they’ll be closed off again and we’ll have to head downstairs to the enclosed (and warmer) spaces. So before the season ends, we’re sharing our picks for the best rooftop spaces in New York City. See you there. 

Marie Elena Martinez, Founding Editor

Pick: Pod 39 Hotel Rooftop Lounge

One of my favorite spots in the city for a summer hang is the Pod 39’s rooftop lounge. An atmospheric spot in the city for an al fresco cocktail, dramatic brick arches overlook sweeping views of Manhattan’s grande dame, the Empire State Building. Here, the beautiful people of the post-work set gather for a steady stream of tequila and mezcal-based drinks. The best part? April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman’s taqueria meets cantina, Salvation Taco, located on the ground floor of the hotel, serves savory bites upstairs. The cocktail menu goes way past your usual margaritas with creations like the Firefly (strawberry and jalapeño-infused rum, lime, ginger beer) and the Bossa Nova (cachaca, pineapple, vanilla-cinnamon, lime) and if you’re feeling hungry, you’re in luck. Pork belly tacos, perhaps? Yeah, my thoughts exactly.

Amanda Cargill, Food Content Director

Pick: Bookmarks at The Library Hotel

My fave rooftop bars vary based on the reason for the drink (eg work schmooze, blind date, birthday bash). The place that satisfies all of the above is Bookmarks at the Library Hotel on Madison and 41st. The name suggests a poet’s den but while lit culture dominates the décor – a fireplace, overstuffed sofas, and wooden deck chairs that suggest a summer by the sea – the vibe is decidedly upscale. Men in ties, women in skirts, and Euros in jeans the color of Jarritos, sip swank cocktails on Bookmark’s penthouse-style terrace (and in its greenhouse in cooler months).

Brooding sophisticates will appreciate The Hemingway, a combo of aged rum, lime juice, muddled mint, and champagne; for post-work pre-partyers, the Tequila Mockingbird made with tequila, agave nectar, lime juice, and mint ginger, will get things shaking. The wine list is limited but well curated; reds from California, Spain, and Mendoza are particularly impressive. Hungry? Pop downstairs and order an artisanal cheese plate or charcuterie at Madison & Vine, the hotel’s self-described “casual elegant” bistro. Prices at both the restaurant and rooftop bar are up there but part of what you’re paying for is the old-school New York vibe, which is worth it at any price.

Next, more breathtaking views… [pagebreak]

Cristina Gonzalez, Senior Editor

Pick: Hotel Chantelle

At Hotel Chantelle, a bar and restaurant on the Lower East Side, you can spend the whole day outside, if you’re looking for a 24-hour party. Though it’s a fun spot for evening drinks, I prefer to start my day there with brunch on the rooftop patio. Every weekend Hotel Chantelle hosts brunch (starting at 10:30 am on Saturdays and 11 am on Sunday), with live music and both a $28 prix fixe and a la carte menu. Go for the Deviled Egg Tasting with eggs stuffed with maple glazed bacon and roasted jalapeno and wash it all down with the Pineapple Express, made with jalapeno infused Sauza Blue Tequila, pomegranate, and fresh cane syrup. Start brunch on the late side and you can watch the sun set over the city, and the city light up before your eyes. Then it’s time for another cocktail, the Sangria Savoir Faire, made with Atlantico Reserva Dark Rum, fresh fruit, and red wine.

Laura Herrera Torres, Editorial Assistant

Pick: The Heights Bar and Grill

The Heights Bar and Grill is uptown, right by Columbia, which means they have student-friendly prices. In here you can sip on $4 frozen margaritas on a NYC rooftop. With that alone, I’m sold. But they also serve up a spicy and smoky Ancho Chili Pulled Pork Burrito. Is it authentic Mexican cuisine? Nope. Do I care? Nope. Is it delicious? Yup. Be sure to get it with the “works” for a jaw-dropping portion of tortilla-wrapped goodness. And if you’re looking for healthier fare, go for the Beet Salad. It’s easy to miss since, really who orders a salad with tequila? Me, apparently. These beets have it all: crunch from the pistachios in the puree, creaminess from the crumbles of goat cheese, and a bright pop from the vinaigrette.

The best part, however, is that during the summer, the neighborhood empties out and you don’t really have to worry about huge crowds of thirsty students, but get there early to enjoy the view.

Next, more hot spots to add to your list… [pagebreak]

Irina Gonzalez, Director of Audience Development

Pick: Bar 54 at Hyatt Times Square

The newly opened highest rooftop lounge in New York City is home to spectacular views of Manhattan from the East River to the Hudson River. Cocktails aren’t cheap (at $23 each for their specialty variety) but they sure are tasty. I’m in love with the Improved Tequila Cocktail, made with Partida Reposado Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Orange Cucaçao, Absinthe, and Angostura Bitters. It’s a perfect drink to soak in the beautiful sunset views from river to river, and even south to 1 World Trade Center. There’s lighter drink fare, too, like Santana’s Sour (made with Cabeza Blanco Tequila, lime, jalapeño syrup, pineapple, and cilantro) and the La Rosa (made with Cabeza Blanco Tequila, Ramazzotti Amaro, lemon, strawberry, and Rosé Champagne). A great after-work cocktail with a view? Yes, please!

Ariela Brody, Intern 

Pick: The Highline

Though I’m not one to partake in a cocktail, that doesn’t mean I have to sit out on the views. If like me, you’re not hitting up the bar, here’s how to take in a great view and satisfy a craving. Start by hitting up Chelsea Market to gather up what you need for a Mexican High Line picnic. For a flavor packed carne asada taco head to Los Tacos No.1. Founded by three friends from Tijuana, Mexico, and Brawley, California with a mission to bring authentic Mexican tacos to the east coast, this shop has all you need to keep you full and happy. While your there, also grab an ice cold agua fresca, then exit the market heading towards the nearest Highline entrance.

Once high up on the walkway, make your way towards West 16th St. and 10th Ave. where you can sit down and dig into your meal. If you’re craving something sweet, walk a little further along to People’s Pops, where you snag a refreshing paleta. My personal favorite is strawberry rhubarb but the flavors change constantly so be on the look out. To digest your feast, lounge on the sun deck and take in the views of Chelsea and the Hudson River, then stop to dip your feet in the faux river water feature as a last minute effort to beat the heat.