Take a deep breath — spring is finally here, and you can start packing up your winter wardrobe. That also means endless brunch specials, happy hours, and our ultimate favorite, rooftop bars.
The retractable awnings have gone up this week in most places and you can grasp beautiful views of the city while chowing down after-work snacks and drinks with your friends. All the built up anger you have against the snow can be fully displayed by going to one of our favorite spots this weekend.
Level R
We remember hitting long time hot spot Empire Hotel back in college. The past can stay in the past now, because the 8,000 sq foot rooftop has been newly revamped. The convertible rooftop will be retracted soon to put on display the most beautiful sight of the Upper West Side you can get without having your own penthouse suite. We don't remember there being lobster rolls or shrimp tempura last time we went, and we could have sworn the seating wasn't as comfortable as it looks now. We can't wait to revisit an old flame.
Level R the Empire Hotel Rooftop, 44 W 63rd St, New York
Top of the Strand
The Top of the Strand just opened its glass enclosures and is debuting new food and beverage concepts courtesy of mixologist Juan Coronado and chef Coby Farrow. For the after work crowd, this is the place to unwind and have a few bites and drinks before heading home. The bar has the best view of the Empire State Building and the newly built Freedom Tower.
Top of the Strand, 33 W 37th
Hotel Chantelle
Hotel Chantelle is re-opening its rooftop this spring to host brunch on the weekends and cocktail hour after work with delicious bites from chef Seth Levine. The bar is decorated with floral greeneries and park benches, making you feel like you're in an exclusive garden in Paris. If you're going to be across the pond this spring, the hotel is opening up their new London location in April.
Hotel Chantelle, 92 Ludlow Street, New York
Penthouse 808
When we first visited the Ravel hotel a few years ago, we loved the super attentive and friendly service at their rooftop bar. Recently, we heard they revamped their rooftop bar and will soon retract their awning to let the sun shine through. Catch breathtaking views of the skyline and the Queensboro Bridge in one of the 220 seats sprawled across the 8,000 sq. foot space. The cuisine is Asian/Pacific Rim style, and the cocktails are exotic and cute - try the Sun Blush (vodka citron, watermelon, mango, cantaloupe, lime and agave) on a hot summer day.
Penthouse 808, 8-08 Queens Plaza South
The Ides
Just across the bridge in Williamsburg is the coolest rooftop bar at the Wythe Hotel - The Ides, located on the sixth floor of the century-old building. Along with their fine selection of cocktails and drinks, they also serve small plates against the most beautiful view of New York you can get in the neighborhood. The prices are much cheaper than in Manhattan, and you can get a good seat if you come early.
The Ides at The Wythe, 80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn
Northern Territory
Murals by Bushwick street artists, mason jar cocktails, and Aussie dishes combine to create a beautiful atmosphere in this brewpub in Greenpoint. Set in a former factory, the spot was opened less than a year ago by the owners of the very popular Berry Park (another rooftop bar and popular beer spot around the corner). The feel is very rustic, very Brooklyn. There's a vibe in Brooklyn that Manhattan can't compete with, and most of the best food and drinks can be found across the river.
Northern Territory, 12 Franklin Street, Brooklyn
The rooftop lounge at Pod 39
What resembles an old demolished church uprooted from Italy to stand tall in the heart of Murray Hill is actually a trendy rooftop lounge on top of the Pod Hotel. Spotted Pig veterans April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman have brought this brick courtyard feel to the typically college focused bars around the area. Order the Moroccan lamb with cucumber pico de gallo on roti and get ready for the most beautiful and lust worthy Instagram shots.
The Rooftop Lounge at Pod 39, 145 E 39th
Loopy Doopy
The view from Loopy Doopy at sunset is probably one of the most beautiful things we will ever see in this beautiful concrete jungle. The Conrad Hotel's rooftop bar has exceeded all expectations, including how we drink (suck?). One of their most famous treats is a strawberry lemongrass popsicle infused with vodka and dunked in a glass of prosecco. We REALLY can't wait until summer.
Loopy Doopy, 102 North End Ave
Cloud Bar
You need a key to enter the rooftop at CitizenM as it's for hotel guests only, but if you're smart enough to sneak upstairs with the help of anyone who has a key then you're in luck. Designed by a Dutch firm who wanted to escape the hustle of New York in a pocket sized park, Cloud Bar features an array of delicious summer cocktails and punches. The wood tables are made of tree trunks and the cabinets filled with plants - it's the ultimate hideaway for anyone looking to escape the crowded city.
Cloud Bar at Citzen M, 145 E 39th
Haven Rooftop at the Sanctuary Hotel
For a taste of Morocco, head to The Sanctuary Hotel's rooftop lounge, Haven. The space has been transformed into a Moroccan oasis with palm trees, Moroccan carpets, and cushioned seats. The roof is open during the summer and the walls are made of glass, so you can see every bit of the city from the ground up. They have hookah, french food, a wide array of cocktails and belly dancers on the weekdays.
Haven Rooftop, 132 W 47th
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