Forget the new season of Orange is the New Black and July Fourth weekend. This is the summer moment you've all been waiting for. Introducing, our official 2015 guide to the raddest rooftops in New York City.
We won't call this list definitive, because rooftops are, after all, all about spontaneity. And, with three summer months to get your toes wet (literally and figuratively), there's just enough time to dabble in all of the different vibes this city's sky-high spots have to offer. Spend the rest of June drinking fancy cocktails and dancing the night away by a moonlit pool. In July, consider an elevated brunch, where the Benedicts and Bloodys only rival the views. By August, we'll all be ready to cut the frills, grab a seat, and chow down on tacos on a terrace in the clouds.
Allow these 10 spots to satisfy your deep-diving, fun-loving, hard-partying summer cravings. Cheers to raising the bar — on the roof.
Brooklyn Crab
Perfect for: Transporting you to a crab shack on the shores of Maryland. Crack some shells and a few cold brews on the upper deck or travel down into the sand underneath for a casual game of corn hole. Not your average NYC, sky high, rooftop — but it's a damn good time.
Soak in views of: Red Hook and the New York harbor.
Signature cocktail: The "Crab Cooler"— Critrus-Ade (lemon, lime, seasonal fruit and lemonade) mixed with either gin, bourbon or rosemary infused vodka.
Brooklyn Crab, 24 Reed Street, Red Hook; 718-643-2722.
Photo: Courtesy of Brooklyn Crab.
Mr. Purple NYC
Perfect for: Seeing and being seen. This new and entirely hip rooftop lounge is nestled atop the Hotel Indigo in downtown Manhattan. Hang inside or poolside with your purple house drink in hand.
Soak in views of: The whole NYC skyline, we're talking all 360 degrees
Signature cocktail: The "Mr. Purple" — Casamigos reposado tequila, cranberry liqueur, allspice dram, apple, and lemon.
Mr. Purple NYC, Hotel Indigo, 15th floor, 180 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002
Photo: Courtesy of Mr. Purple NYC
Cantina Rooftop
Perfect for: Pretending New York is far, far away. This Hell's Kitchen newcomer feels more spring break than summer Friday, making it the perfect escape in the middle of Manhattan. Head here for tons of DJ-headed events, copious tequila shots, and a pretty unbeatable happy hour deal — $6 margaritas from 5 to 7 p.m.
Soak in views of: The Hudson River
Signature cocktail: The "Cantina Margarita" — mezcal, lemon, lime, and agave with a tajín-spiced rim.
Cantina Rooftop, 605 West 48th Street (between Eleventh and Twelfth avenues); 212-957-1700.
Photo: Courtesy of Cantina Rooftop.
La Piscine
Perfect for: Design lovers. The Hotel Americano, the bar's nesting ground, has won numerous awards for its sleek, contemporary design. So, there's no better place to cool off, take a dip, and indulge in some Mediterranean cuisine once you've exhausted Chelsea's bustling gallery scene.
Soak in views of: The Hudson River
Signature cocktail: "Anna's Choice" — house-infused vodka, elderflower, white cranberry, and apple.
La Piscine, 518 West 27th Street (between Tenth and Eleventh avenues); 212-216-0000.
Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Americano.
Northern Territory
Perfect for: A boozy brunch outdoors and making friends with out-of-towners; the Australian fare — meat pies, burgers with eggs, kale, and baked beans — lends itself to a crowd of folks from down under. Our recommendation? Post up at the D.I.Y.-bloody bar, and spice up your life as you please.
Soak in views of: The East River
Signature cocktail: "Territory's Tea" — vodka, iced tea, and kiwi.
Northern Territory, 12 Franklin Street (between Meserole Avenue and Quay Street), Brooklyn; 347-974-7664.
Photo: Courtesy of Northern Territory.
Zona Rosa
Perfect for: Actually eating. Many rooftop bars have decent small-plates and bar snacks, meaning the focus on food tends to come second to the killer cocktail list. With house-made tortillas, killer guac, and six taco varieties to offer, Zona Rosa takes their grub just as seriously as their fresh mix of margaritas.
Soak in views of: Williamsburg
Signature cocktail: The Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita — enough said.
Zona Rosa, 571 Lorimer Street (at Metropolitan Avenue), Brooklyn; 917-324-7423.
Photo: Courtesy of Zona Rosa.
The Beach
Perfect for: Your staycation. If you're going to make the effort to get into any club at Dream, you might as well be in it for the long haul. Get a group of friends together and book a 10-person cabana to cut the lines. Then, dip your feet into some imported-from-Montauk-sand, and get a break from the sun.
Soak in views of: The Hudson River
Signature cocktail: The "Poolside Pitchers" — choose from sangria, the "Wet Dream" (black cherry vodka, cranberry, and St. Germain), "Edelweiss" (champagne, St. Germain, and lemon), or "Strawberry Fields" (tequila, strawberries, and basil).
The Beach at Dream Downtown, 355 West 16th Street (between Eighth and Ninth avenues); 212-229-2559.
Photo: Courtesy of the Dream Hotel.
Zerzura
Perfect for: A new spin on the Meatpacking. On sweltering nights, you'll feel refreshed to find yourself at Zerzura, the new, reportedly just-for-summer pop-up at the Gansevoort Hotel. We recommend you get there fast — Meatpacking lines are notoriously long, and the scene is bound to be packed — and bumping.
Soak in views of: The Hudson River
Signature cocktail: The "Coconut Cartel Coconut" — coconut water and rum served in, you guessed it, a real coconut.
Zerzura, 18 Ninth Avenue (between Gansevoort and West 13th streets); 212-206-6700.
Photo: Courtesy of the Gansevoort Hotel Group.
Refinery Rooftop
Perfect for: Shaking off Midtown. Life between 23rd and 59th streets has a way of wearing you out, which is why you need a strong cocktail list like Refinery's to take the pressure off. The decor and vibes are fun yet relaxed, plus, we have to put a plug in for the name.
Soak in views of: The Empire State Building
Signature cocktail: The "Baby Doll" — vodka, fresh watermelon, lemon, and pineapple.
Refinery Rooftop, 63 West 38th Street (between Fifth and Sixth avenues); 646-664-0310.
Photo: Courtesy of the Refinery Hotel.
The Gorbals
Perfect for: The happiest — and most patient — of New York hipsters. The Gorbals is located inside Space Ninety 8, a super cool concept venue from Urban Outfitters, but rumor has it that service here tends to be slow.
Soak in views of: The East River and Williamsburg Bridge
Signature cocktail: "The Pineapple Darby" — lime, pineapple, almond milk syrup, and cinnamon.
The Gorbals, 98 North 6th Street (between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue), Brooklyn; 718-387-0195.
Photo: Courtesy of the Gorbals.
Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
Perfect for: Fraternizing with Wall Street bankers, in their buttoned-down moments. Remember, the Financial District is getting trendier by the second and jumping on the bandwagon is always best with waterfront views.
Soak in views of: The Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty
Signature cocktail: "Prosecco and Ice Pop" — an alcohol-infused People’s Pop served in a glass of Prosecco.
Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar, 102 North End Avenue (between Murray and Vesey streets); 212-945-0100.
Photo: Courtesy of the Conrad New York Hotel.
The Jane Rooftop
Perfect for: A members-only feel. In the past, The Jane's rooftop bar was only available by reservation. This summer, that's changed — the Jane now accepts walk-ins to its swanky, early 1900's inspired space. While you get down, you can try out abbreviated offerings from the famous Café Gitane downstairs.
Soak in views of: The Hudson River
Signature Cocktail: "The Summer Solstice" — bourbon, cider, ginger beer, orange juice, and ginger.
The Jane Rooftop, 113 Jane Street (between Washington and West streets); 212-924-6700.
Photo: Courtesy of the Jane Hotel.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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