In a city with limited space and more than 8 million people, finding an open space to relax and take in the majesty of city can be hard to come by. The solution? Rooftops and I love recommending rooftop bars to friends.
Hotel rooftop bars combine the best of many worlds – an oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle, a birds-eye view of the most famous city on Earth, and often a short walk, or elevator ride, home for the evening.
Some of my favorite rooftop watering holes include …
Located just a few blocks from the Empire State Building at the Hyatt Centric (16 East 39th Street) is A to Z Fifth Rooftop. Located on the 22nd floor of the hotel, A to Z Fifth Rooftop offered 360-degree views of Manhattan’s famous skyscrapers – including the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and One Vanderbilt.
Another midtown delight located atop the Sanctuary Hotel New York (132 West 47th Street) is Haven Rooftop. I appreciated the ample seating, live performances, private cabanas, and French-influenced bites – all reasons to enjoy this heated haven.
Staying in Midtown East? Stop by for a sip and a sit at Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge at the Library Hotel (299 Madison Avenue). It’s just a stone’s throw below is New York’s iconic Public Library and I enjoyed how the literary theme is carried throughout the bar.
I was in awe when I went to the 50th floor of the Ritz-Carlton NoMad (25 West 28th Street) to the Nubeluz. From the legendary chef José Andrés’, Nubeluz paired classic and signature cocktails with caviar, oysters, and a smattering of sandwiches.
Headling downtown I found the boutique hotel ModernHaus Soho at 15 Thompson Street, and its rooftop joint named Jimmy. Perched atop the 18th floor, Jimmy is a Caribbean-inspired respite complete with poolside seats and cocktails. My favorite – the grilled pineapple mojito.
Finally, I found one of the best reasons for a quick trip to Roosevelt Island was the majestic Panorama Room. Found on the 18th floor of the Graduate Hotel, the appropriately named Panorama Room offered some of the most spectacular views of the city. Considered by locals to be one of the city’s best rooftop bars, the Panorama Room offered plenty of innovative cocktails and seafood-forward fare.
So, for some of the best cocktails and views New York City has to offer, go straight to the top – the rooftop!