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The 10 best rooftops bars in New York City

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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 

A photo posted by Didi be kind (@doubled2707) on Apr 28, 2015 at 7:23pm PDT

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 

A photo posted by ginahensen (@ginahensen) on Apr 28, 2015 at 2:44pm PDT

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

A photo posted by Penthouse808 (@ph808) on Dec 6, 2014 at 10:02am PST

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

A photo posted by Thomas Lyon (@blodlonn) on Oct 2, 2014 at 3:59pm PDT

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 

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

A photo posted by havenrooftop (@havenrooftop) on Oct 10, 2014 at 11:26am PDT

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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The 10 best rooftop bars in New York City this summer

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We've told you about New York's amazing rooftop bars in the past, but the bar scene in this dynamic city is always changing — so we're updating our list.

Here we bring you the summer 2015 edition of the city's top rooftop bars. From new spots in increasingly popular West SoHo, to Midtown rooftops with real staying power, these are the 10 bars you need to visit this summer. Some of them you probably haven't even heard of yet — like No. 4...

1. Bar Hugo at Hugo Hotel, West SoHo

bar hugo rooftop v4371968 1280Opened in 2014 (and also at the top of our Best New Boutique Hotels list), Hotel Hugo is making a name for itself in the increasingly popular West SoHo neighborhood — officially dubbed "Hudson Square."

Rooms, finished with polished walnut and shiny chrome fixtures, boast Hudson River views, but none are as sweeping as the one's from Bar Hugo, the rooftop bar. While the portion of the roof that is completely outdoors is small, massive glass doors and windows bring tons of natural light into the chic space. It opens daily at 5 p.m., and a weekday happy hour offers discounted house wines and half-price specialty cocktails.

2. Pod 39 Rooftop at Pod 39, Midtown East

2. restaurants bars v1995488 34 1280An unassuming building in an unassuming location, Pod 39 — home to some of the city's smallest, and therefore most reasonably priced, hotel rooms — keeps its amazing rooftop bar a bit of a secret. Only open for summer, the space features land-marked brick architecture, nice city views, and a buzzing scene come happy hour.

And while the trendy Salvation Taco, a collaboration between renowned chef April Bloomfield and restaurateur Ken Friedman, sits on the ground floor, visitors to the rooftop can still order up Salvation Margaritas and chips and guacamole. 

3. Spyglass at the Archer Hotel, Midtown West

spyglass v5181630 1280Open for just a year now, Spyglass sits on the 22nd floor of the boutique Archer Hotel, a short walk from Midtown's Bryant Park. While Empire State Building views are nothing to sneeze at, we're particularly drawn to the innovative cocktail and bar snacks menu here.

For food, Spyglass serves delicious (and expensive) bites such as lobster steamed buns, tuna sashimi, and chorizo tacos — all of which pair nicely with flirty cocktails like the You Look Smashing and Honey Badger.

4. Z Roof at Z Hotel, Long Island City

restaurants bars v2005463 81 720Long Island City may not be NYC's most popular neighborhood, but it's becoming increasingly so — and it doesn't hurt that its location makes for great views of Manhattan.

Z Roof at Z Hotel takes full advantage of this; 360-degree views allow cocktail-sippers to take in the Empire State Building, United Nations, Chrysler Building, and Queensboro Bridge. Last call isn't until 4 a.m. on the weekends, and Z Roof generally stays open through October.

5. Le Bain at The Standard High Line, Meatpacking District

the hotel the standard new york v286781 720The Standard High Line may have opened back in 2009 (which, by New York standards, makes it old), but its rooftop bar, Le Bain, as well as its several other bars and restaurants, has maintained its cool factor — thanks, in large part, to a discerning doorman.

With indoor and outdoor space, Le Bain is open year-round, but summer months bring a dance floor plunge pool (yep) and a food truck to the al fresco area. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Le Bain stays open till the wee hours for the remainder of the week and see its fair share of celebs.

6. Plunge at Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, Meatpacking District

restaurants bars v1983939 99 720Just a few blocks away from The Standard, Gansevoort's Plunge rooftop bar has also been able to stand the test of time. Encompassing the pool (which is only available to hotel guests), this bar features great city and Hudson views — and a rowdy scene come happy hour.

The signature cocktail menu is largely composed of your standard fruity drinks, but bar eats, like cheddar cheese tater tots, and sweet treats are nice extras. They'll cost you, though; an ice cream sandwich comes with a $14 price tag. 

7. Refinery Rooftop at The Refinery Hotel, Midtown West

refinery rooftop v2011249 1280Also on our best new boutiques list, Midtown West's Refinery Hotel stands out among other luxury hotels in the area for its chic rooms, cool history (it was formerly a hat factory), and happening rooftop bar with Empire State Building views.

With both indoor and outdoor space (indoors feels nice and airy with high ceilings and family-style tall tables), the Refinery Rooftop is popular among the corporate crowd post-work, although it opens every day at noon for those who'd like lunch with their cocktails and views.

8. Top of the Strand at The Strand, Midtown West

restaurants bars v730373 1280On the hotel's 21st floor, Top of the Strand features a retractable glass roof, so guests and visitors can enjoy the views year-round. We particularly love it in the summer months, though, when the roof is pulled back and the bar hosts various events with DJs and performers.

Speciality cocktails will set you back $15, but at least light bites, such as fancy bar nuts and parmesan tots, are reasonably priced. Only the cheese board and charcuterie plate are available late-night, though.

9. Jimmy at The James New York, SoHo

restaurants bars v863292 61 1280In colder months, Jimmy — located on the 18th floor of The James -- is a cozy cocktail lounge with a pub-like atmosphere and a roaring fireplace.

But summer is when the party here really starts, especially on the weekends when visitors can hang poolside while sipping cocktails and listening to DJs. Views range from Midtown to Wall Street, and from the Hudson River to East River bridges.

10. The Rooftop at The Empire Hotel, Upper West Side

restaurants bars the empire hotel v280945 1280A mainstay on the rooftop bar scene, Empire Hotel's rooftop is a popular uptown choice — particularly for those attending shows at Lincoln Center, right across the street.

Open year-round, the indoor/outdoor space with a retractable roof (the outdoor space is quite large) serves classic cocktails and standard, yet refined, bar fare.

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Here's what happens when billionaire investor Mark Cuban returns to his college town

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Mark Cuban, billionaire investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, is a proud member of Indiana University's Kelley School of Business class of 1981.

He often returns to the school's Bloomington campus to offer his business advice and conduct Q&A's with students. 

He also comes back to party at the local bars. 

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In 2012, video surfaced of Cuban dancing to "Gangnam Style" at Kilroy's, a sports bar in Bloomington. 

Cuban has been spotted at a number of local Bloomington bars over the last few years. Whenever he shows up, students and other locals flood the scene. 

 on

Her Campus, a lifestyle web site with branches at many colleges across the country, described the scene when Cuban showed up in Bloomington in February 2012: 

"'Hey Mark Cuban! The party is up here! Come crash my house!' shouted a man hanging halfway out the window from an apartment a few floors above the busy street.  He pointed across the road where lo and behold, Mark Cuban was walking with a group scuffling behind begging for pictures.

We pulled him aside from the drunken crowd and asked what brought him to our little town of Bloomington.
'I’m here to see two old friends of mine that live here,' he explained."


 Cuban's partying antics have been well documented. 

After the Mavericks won their first championship in 2011, Cuban famously racked up a $110,000 bar tab while parting at Miami's Club Liv with Dirk Nowitzki, Jason TerryBrian Cardinal and Shawn Marion

Cuban used to play for IU's rugby team, notorious for their wild parties.

When he was still in college, he even bought his own bar, Motley's, in Bloomington. It was his first real business venture, and he had just turned 21. 

"I took the proposition to [former IU rugby teammate] Evan Williams, and he got into the idea. We were both big proponents of beer and so, you know, I learned early you stick to the things you know,"Cuban told local magazine Bloom Magazine. "Partying and drinking were things I was excelling at, for better or worse."

This commercial for IU shows a noticeably cleaner version of Cuban's time in college.

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The best places to eat, drink, and hang in Red Hook, Brooklyn

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Best places in Red Hook Brooklyn NYCTired of Manhattan? Head to Red Hook, a laid-back neighborhood in western Brooklyn that's just far enough from the madding crowds.

Here, a cool vibe seeps into some fun restaurants and bars and a handful of charming shops.

No trains go to Red Hook, so it can be a hassle to get there, which is how many locals like it. But take the trip by cab, water taxi, bike, or the B61 bus, and you won't be disappointed.

We've rounded up our favorite spots to eat and drink and take in the views in the waterfront neighborhood.

The Brooklyn Icehouse

318 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 (map)

A perfect dive and entry point to Red Hook, the Icehouse has a fun staff, a variety of beers, and good grub, including delicious pulled-pork sliders and just about perfect onion rings (the sweet-potato fries with chipotle mayo are good too).

While the bartenders play good tunes, you can play board games and watch pretty much any sporting event that's on TV. This place ain't fancy, which is how the locals like it. Bring cash, and try to snag a table in the beer garden out back.



Baked

359 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 (map)

Baked is a sweet spot not just for coffee and tea but for some of the best muffins, cupcakes, and cookies in all of Brooklyn. If you can score a seat, it's a good place to take a load off and stare out the window at the passersby.

(Don't be surprised if you find yourself standing in line with Michelle Williams or Michael Shannon, both of whom live down the block.)



Red Hook Lobster Pound

284 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 (map)

This place recently reopened after a major renovation, and it's better than ever. The live lobsters come straight from Maine, and they're delicious whole or in a roll.

There's a lot of good stuff on the menu, such as the Berkshire pork-and-bacon hot dog, hearty New England clam chowder, and lobster cheese fries. Definitely order the potato salad. Good beer selection, fun atmosphere. Come very hungry.



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11 New York rooftops where you can do more than just drink

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hotel chantelle jazz brunch

In the summer, New York's rooftops make for the perfect place to grab an ice-cold drink and enjoy the sunshine. 

But there's more to New York's rooftops than just a place to drink outside. 

From outdoor art exhibits to mini-golf and yoga, here are 13 rooftops where you can do much more than just drink. 

Walk through art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art garden

met roof garden 1000 5th Ave #5

From early May through October, the Metropolitan Museum of Art opens its rooftop garden, cafe, and bar to the public. On weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and until 8:15 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, you can enjoy refreshing cocktails, panoramic views of Manhattan, tasty treats, and curated exhibits amidst lush greenery.

This year's exhibit will feature French artist, Pierre Huyghe, whose work will be a focus on civilization and its role on the natural world. The outdoor gallery will include a large aquatic system where you can view live manta rays, eels, shrimp, and other marine life while enjoying a cocktail.

Watch a rooftop film

rooftop films

Rooftop Films has been dedicated to showcasing independent movies across some of the city's most breathtaking locations for over 19 years. The company hosts screenings across beaches, parks, and most notably, rooftops. This year's 2015 Summer Series runs every weekend from May 29-August 22 with screenings at various times

There's a total of eight different venues, with four different rooftop locations: two of the rooftop screenings take place in the Industry City building at 220 36th Street in Brooklyn, and the other two screenings are in The Old American Can Factory at 232 Third St. in Brooklyn, and the Trilok Fusion Center for the Arts at 143 Waverly Ave. in Brooklyn. 

Films include everything from Sundance favorites to shorts, with most of them being either New York, America, or world premiers. The majority of screenings include a discussion session with the filmmaker. From documentaries, dramas, comedies, and animations, the outdoor showings offer the chance to watch a movie in an airy setting under the sunshine. 

Practice your yoga moves 

43rd Avenue, Long Island City

For the second year, the Z Hotel offers its Sunset Rooftop Yoga Series, where you can sign up to take weekly rooftop classes every other Monday from June through September.

Classes go from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with a reception afterwards including cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres until 9:30 p.m.

You’ll also find outdoor yoga every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the James Hotel. Hosted by Serene Social, a monthly rooftop yoga series, classes are $25. 

Have an interactive brunch at Gallow Green 

gallow green

542 W 27th St

Located on top of the McKittrick Hotel, home to interactive show Sleep No More, is Gallow Green, the venue's rooftop bar and brunch restaurant. Besides offering eccentric drink choices like its Foreign Affair, a combination of Peruvian brandy, grapefruit, homemade almond milk, and blueberries, the bar offers an extension of the interactive experience with staff members who continue the act upstairs. 

You might find yourself being asked to assist the house botanist, Annabel, in her planting, or dance with the house band. Sometimes, you'll even be given a plant by Annabel to take home for yourself. Plus, you can eat modern American-style cuisine, like ricotta fritters and fried green tomatoes.

Go on a camping adventure with Bivouac New York

Bivouac New York is an outdoor urban rooftop campsite started as an art project by Brooklyn artist Thomas Stevenson.

There are six canvas tents that comfortably fit two people, but guests are only allowed to stay for one night. The installation doesn’t list an address, and you’ll have to get in touch with the artist via email to join the community and learn about upcoming dates, but the 15-hour adventure includes the opportunity to meet fellow newcomers and a communal dinner and breakfast. 

It’s free to attend, but each camper is asked to bring at least one item of food for the dinner. You won’t have access to internet, electricity, or a shower, but toilets are provided. 

The project typically takes place in late spring and early fall for a week each time. 

Listen to live jazz at Hotel Chantelle 

92 Ludlow Street

hotel chantelle jazz brunchHotel Chantelle hosts a live jazz brunch, where the catchy tunes usually lead to rooftop dancing every Saturday.

Munch on brunch classics like lobster benedict or a truffled grilled cheese while enjoying a great cocktail like the Easy Passage, made from an Acai berry vodka and sparkling wine. Brunch is every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  

Swim at the McCarren Hotel & Pool 

The McCarren Hotel & Pool is home to New York City’s only saltwater pool. It’s also one of the largest pools in New York City, with 4,800 square feet of deck space. Starting May 15, the pool is open to both hotel guests and non-guests from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

For non-hotel guests, admission is $45 Monday through Thursday and $60 Friday though Sunday. For guests, admission prices are $30 Monday through Thursday and $40 Friday though Sunday with a limit of two guests per room. 

Admission include access to the pool, towel service, and complimentary Wi-Fi with daybeds offered on a first come first served basis. 

If you’re not a hotel guest, you’ll need to be over the age of 21 to enter, and reservations for parties of ten or more can be made through the hotel’s events department. The pool is typically open until the end of August or September, depending on weather conditions.

Farm at Eagle Street Rooftop Farm

eagle street rooftop farm203 Meserole Ave

Located on the shoreline of the East River, the Eagle Street Rooftop Farm is a 6,000-square-foot organic vegetable farm that sits on top of the warehouse rooftop of Broadway Stages. 

Besides offering an on-site market where you can purchase locally-grown fresh produce, the farm is open to the public on the last Sunday of the month between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. for viewing and farming. You can volunteer with the team and water, weed, and turn compost.

Listen to up-and-coming underground musicians at Subway Sets 

subway sets Subway Sets brings talented subway musicians to rooftop venues in New York City.

The concerts take place on rooftops across the city all week long; follow them on Twitter at @SubwaySets to see the schedule.

Tickets are typically around $18, with music varying from classical and drumming to bluegrass, indie, and jazz. 

Host a private BBQ at The Kitano 

66 Park Avenue at 38th Street

You can host a private BBQ with a trained chef who will grill meats, vegetables, and seafood choices for three hours at The Kitano hotel’s rooftop. The 1,400-square-foot penthouse has floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto the terrace with views of the Empire State, MetLife, and Chrysler buildings.

Grill options range from simple burgers and hot dogs to more elaborate seafood feasts with shrimp, little neck claims, and blue point oysters. Costs range from $85 to $115 per person, depending on the package, plus an additional fee for the chef and bartender.

Play mini-golf at Putt Putt Park

hudson hotel

356 West 58th Street

For one month in April, the Hudson Hotel offers Putt Putt Park, a mini-golf pop up on the rooftop where you can play a nine-hole game.

It's one of only two mini-golf courses in Manhattan, and you can enjoy the game while sampling some golf-inspired dishes, like the Masters Classic Pimento Cheese Sandwich and an old-fashioned Arnold Palmer. 

The mini-golf park runs from 2:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily in April and costs $10 per game.

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The best rooftop bars in New York City

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restaurants bars the empire hotel

There's something exhilarating about surveying the city from on high with a drink in hand.

If you're at a loss for where best to do this, here are some choice options for discerning drinkers.

VU Rooftop Bar at La Quinta Inn, 17 West 32nd St. in Koreatown

Possibly the strangest place for a bar is at the top of a La Quinta Inn, which is a hotel chain more often seen in the suburbs than Manhattan.

Up until last year, this 14th-floor joint was called Me Bar.

The new name and management hasn't changed the bar's rock-bottom prices — the happy hour, until 7 p.m., still offers $2 beers and $3 margaritas. Outside of happy hour, some cocktails will cost you $10 but nonetheless come in a plastic cup — suiting the bar's somewhat fratty atmosphere.

Cantina Rooftop, 605 W. 48th St in Hell's Kitchen

Cantina has a Mexican menu and chef, an extensive tequila list and a breeze from the neighboring Hudson.

Bar 13, 35 East 13th St. in the East Village

Bar 13's rooftop bar, replete with palm trees, is like visiting Miami on the cheap. Drinks are affordable and, if it gets chilly, there are two indoor bars on the second and third floors.

The Jane Rooftop, 113 Jane St. in the Meatpacking District

The rooftop at The Jane Hotel was previously reservation-only but is accepting walk-ins for the first time this year. This is also the first year it's serving food, direct from the hotel's ground-floor restaurant, Cafe Gitane. Vistors can take in the sunset over the Hudson River courtesy of the hotel's unobstructed waterfront views.

Empire Hotel, 44 W 63rd St. on the Upper West Side

This 12-story rooftop bar offers views of the neighboring Lincoln Center and the Upper West Side. There's a more laid back vibe and fewer people if you go before 11 p.m., when there's typically a line to get in and the roof gets packed.

The Delancey, 168 Delancey St. on the Lower East Side

The Delancey has a lush “tropical open air oasis” on its rooftop, which is open rain or shine, thanks to a retractable roof.

The Roof at Whole Foods, 214 Third St. in Gowanus

Take in a view of the Gowanus Canal from a perch atop a gourmet grocery store. This casual outdoor bar serves burgers and beers, but you can also bring in a bite to eat from the prepared foods section downstairs.

The Rock Shop, 249 Fourth Ave. in Gowanus

See a live music show downstairs, then relax upstairs on the Rock Shop's patio. As one Yelp reviewer put it, the Rock Shop is a “nice surprise in the otherwise godawful Fourth Avenue corridor of Gowanus.”

See a live music show downstairs, then relax upstairs on the Rock Shop's patio. As one Yelp reviewer put it, the Rock Shop is a “nice surprise in the otherwise godawful Fourth Avenue corridor of Gowanus.”

Northern Territory, 12 Franklin St. in Greenpoint

Northern Territory It feels like you could hang out forever on this rooftop bar with homey wooden furniture and a clear view of Manhattan. The cocktails are delicious and there's just enough of a beer selection to get the afternoon going.

Juliette, 135 North Fifth St., in Williamsburg

Come here with friends or on a date — the cozy rooftop at this French bistro will set the mood for a warm and fuzzy night out.

Night of Joy, 667 Lorimer St. in Williamsburg

Though it feels like a speakeasy on the inside, the rooftop deck of this cocktail-heavy bar is more like a backyard, decorated with patio furniture, string lights and a homemade-looking bar. The bar has an expansive list of cocktails, including its massive margaritas that are $6 before 6 p.m.

Berry Park, 4 Berry St. in Williamsburg

Berry ParkHigh above hipster-saturated Williamsburg, on the border of Greenpoint, is Berry Park where new residents go to drink and take in a stunning view of Manhattan — and eat duck-fat french fries. Like many other places in the neighborhood, this rooftop can get crowded fast on weekends, particularly with the post-brunch crowd. The bar has a nice array of imported draft beers reminicient of a German beer hall — a Radeberger is $6, a Belgian Duvel will cost you $8.

Beer Authority, 300 West 40th St. in Hell's Kitchen/Midtown

Lounging on a rooftop across from the Port Authority Bus Terminal may sound like a fume-filled way to pass the time, but the roof deck above the new craft beer bar is a surprising island of tranquility in one of the busiest parts of Midtown. The patio has an ever-changing rotation of dozens of beers on tap, running roughly $8 a pint, along with a wide variety of canned beers available for $6. A menu of pub grub is also available. The after-work crowd can flood this place, so get there early if you want a seat. 

Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel, 145 E. 50th St. in Midtown

High atop the Kimberly Hotel, Upstairs is a classy rooftop bar with cushy couches, romantic lighting and a gorgeous view of the Chrysler Building. The bar usually hosts an after-work clientele on the weekdays, but the weekends bring in a more diverse crowd. It’s open year-round with a retractable roof, heated flooring and an outdoor patio with its own fireplace.

Henry’s Rooftop Bar at the Roger Smith Hotel, 501 Lexington Ave in Midtown East

The Roger Smith Hotel opened its roof terrace bar in 2010, named Henry’s after Henry the dog, an adorable Boston terrier that serves as the inn's unofficial mascot. Offering views of Midtown from 16 floors up, Henry’s is on the snug side — it only seats about 35 people — so get there when the bar opens at 5 p.m. Though the roof stopped serving food this year, patrons can enjoy bar snacks like popcorn while sipping an assortment of beer and wine, priced $8 or $9 a glass.

Metro Grill at Hotel Metro, 45 W. 35th St. in Midtown

The best thing about the rooftop bar that sits atop Hotel Metro is, undoubtedly, its head-on view of the Empire State Building, which towers over it from just a block away. Plus, much of the 13th-floor rooftop is covered by awnings — meaning you can still enjoy the perks of drinking outdoors, even if the weather’s not cooperating.

Pine Bar and Grill, 1634 Eastchester Road in Westchester Square

The rooftop bar and lounge at the Pine Bar and Grill was designed to make patrons feel like they have left The Bronx and traveled to sunny South Beach. The bar offers up a variety of specialty cocktails, including the Bronx Bomber, a mixture of Grey Goose, Malibu, Peach Schnapps, cranberry juice, orange juice and sour mix.

Z Roof at the Z Hotel, 11-01 43rd Ave. in Long Island City

A 5,000-square-foot rooftop lounge at the top of the Z Hotel in Long Island City, where guests can enjoy panoramic views of the city's skyline. Enjoy beats spun by DJs on weekends, or even sign up for a rooftop happy hour yoga class that's followed by "skinny" cocktails.

Above Rooftop, 1100 South Ave. in Bloomfield

One of the only rooftop bars in Staten Island, Above Rooftop, at the top of the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield, has bottle service, Saturday night DJ nights, food and more. If you're in the area and looking for a party vibe, this could be the spot for you. 

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30 iconic American hotel bars everyone should have a drink at

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The ClocktowerOnce a watering hole of last resort filled with business travelers and tourists, the hotel bar is back with a vengeance.

All the major hospitality groups are filling their portfolios with new projects inside buzzy and beloved hotels. Hoteliers, too, are answering the bar-hopping public's call: multiple cocktail concepts within a single hotel are becoming the standard at big city hotels, especially those that stand on historic grounds.  

To create the ultimate American hotel bar bucket list, we've honed in on 30 hotel bars that stand out as icons among their peers. From the birthplace of the Mint Julep to a menacing bar housed in an old jail, the drinks always taste better here. 

SEE ALSO: 35 hidden bars in New York City

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Alibi Bar & Lounge at the Liberty Hotel (Boston, MA)

Up until 1990, the Beacon Hill building now known as a the Liberty Hotel was a jail for some of Boston’s most infamous criminals. The Alibi Bar & Lounge, with its brick cell walls and gated doors and windows, is located in the shadowy space that was once the jail's drunk tank.

Cocktails echo the bar’s criminal past with names like Jailbait (a blueberry mojito) and Vice Squad (coconut rum, pineapple, yogurt liqueur, and a “strawberry float”). There’s also bottle service, a nice wine list, and a full menu with pizza, pasta, sliders, and snacks like arancini and duck fat fries with truffle aioli. 215 Charles St., Boston, MA, 857-241-1144



Bar Marmont at the Chateau Marmont (Hollywood, CA)

Retreat to Chateau Marmont Hotel and Bungalows for your happily ever after. Modeled after a French royal residence in Loire Valley, this castle is home to the luxurious Bar Marmont.

The cocktail menu is built from vodka, rum, whiskey, tequila, and gin for an extensive list of unique creations. For those with deep pockets, explore the menu's Rare Breeds section with prices ranging from $80 to $200. Enjoy European-inspired dishes from executive chef Carolynn Spence, former chef de cuisine at New York's award-winning Spotted Pig. 8171 West Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA, 323-650-0575



Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel (New York, NY)

With nightly jazz and speciality cocktails, Bemelmans Bar inside The Carlyle Hotel is a whimsical escape from the chaotic city.

Twenty-four-karat gold leaf ceilings combined with chocolatey leather and black glass tabletops create a warm and elegant atmosphere. Named after Ludwig Bemelmans, the man behind the children's book "Madeline," the bar's walls are adorned with Bemelmans' murals depicting scenes in Central Park. 35 East 76th St., New York, NY, 212-744-1600



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A 'Doctor Who'-themed Brooklyn Bar found a great way to demonstrate the gender pay gap

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The Way Station bar Brooklyn

For the first time since I moved to Los Angeles two years ago, I miss living in New York.

The Way Station, a "Dr. Who"-themed bar in Brooklyn's Prospect Heights neighborhood, charged female customers just 77 percent of their bar tabs on Tuesday, July 7 (as in 7/7) to highlight the well-known statistic that women earn roughly 77 cents to every man's dollar.

In an email to New York-based publication DNA Info, the bar owners called the pay gap “some shameful shit” and took it upon themselves to promote justice for females, "Let’s level the playing field, even if it is just for one night. Women deserve better. Recognizing this discrepancy is just a start.”

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT THE MOVE

The promo night was met with much positivity on social media, although one Twitter user pointed out that the event drew the attention of Men's Rights activists, some of whom were displeased with the decision to give women a discount on alcoholic beverages:

Earlier this year, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff condemned the gender pay gap and promised to end it at his own company within the next few years.

“I expect to be giving a lot more,” Benioff told The Huffington Post. "My job is to make sure that women are treated 100 percent equally at Salesforce in pay, opportunity and advancement. When I’m done there will be no gap."

Two years ago, Benioff launched a program called Women's Surge upon noticing the low number of female workers at Salesforce. The initiative aims to be more inclusive of women at conferences and in meetings, and Benioff added he's committed to giving females a fair chance to advance professionally.

"Not a single one of my execs hires or promotes without evaluating every woman candidate," he said.

THE HISTORY OF THE PAY GAP

As earlier stated, the average woman takes home around 77 cents of the man's dollar, or $435,049 over the course of a 40 year career. This spring, the Institute for Women's Policy Research published areport that found it will take more than four decades for the pay gap to close.

The IWPR came to these findings after studying gender pay over the past few decades. Thirty-five years ago, women earned 60 cents for every dollar pocketed by men, so while the pay gap has decreased in size since then, the progress is slow enough that "some young women could very well retire before workplace pay equality is achieved," as ATTN: previously put it. The research also shows that some states will see the pay gap disappear much sooner than others. California's gap is expected to be gone by 2042, but Wyoming women will have to wait until 2159 for full equality:

Pay gap

"Despite progress in many parts of the country, women’s status on employment and earnings either worsened or stalled in nearly half of the states in the last decade,” IWPR President Heidi Hartmann said in a statement after the report went live. “When half the country is not seeing any gains in women’s employment and earnings, it is a concerning prospect for the nation’s economy as a whole.”

As the Daily Beast noted when these findings were published, the pay gap parity varies by state, education level, race, and choice of industry. A white man earns almost double what the average Hispanic woman makes, but Asian women pocket nearly 90 cents to a man's dollar. Women with associates degrees make around 80 percent of what their male counterparts take home, yet highly educated women with graduate degrees make less than 70 percent of what males in similar roles make. Women with undergraduate degrees make 71.4 percent of what their male counterparts earn. As ATTN: previously wrote, women often take out loans to pursue higher education, so the gap could result in these females taking longer to pay off their debt.

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We stopped by all of Ernest Hemingway's favorite bars in Havana, and they haven't changed a bit

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Business Insider recently sent three reporters to Havana, Cuba to experience the city as tourists. One of the city's most famous American residents was legendary author Ernest Hemingway, who lived there off and on for almost twenty years. Hemingway's house, known as Finca Vigía, is located about 15 miles outside of Havana and is currently preserved as a museum that is open to the public.

Many Havana bars claim to have been destinations for Hemingway during his Cuban hey-day. We visited three establishments where the author imbibed his favorite cocktails.

We'll have lots of stories about our adventures on the island, which you'll be able to find here.

Produced by Graham Flanagan. Additional camera by Amanda Macias and Tyler Greenfield.

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10 of the greatest bars in the US, according to insiders

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55a9677d0121edec25705597_green russellWhat makes a bar truly great?

We tapped mixologists, bartenders, cocktail kingpins, and professional drinkers to find out—and their picks include upscale drinking dens and gritty dive bars, places with world-class cocktail menus or a vibe that just keeps you coming back every Thursday.

Read on for our list of the greatest bars. 

SEE ALSO: The most popular liquor in every state

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Angel's Share, New York, NY

“I absolutely love The Easter Gibson at Angel’s Share in Manhattan’s East Village. It’s made with AO Japanese Rice Vodka, Junmai Daiginjo Sake, Rakkyo onion, and thin sliced cucumber. The fact that you need to go through a Japanese restaurant called Village Yokocho, climb a set of stairs, and know to look for a nondescript, unmarked wooden door to enter makes it pretty cool.

Inside, the drinks are made with a unique Japanese precision and sensibility that separates it from the rest of the New York speakeasy crowd. It has a special place in my heart as I used to take my wife Becky there on dates.”

—Chris Cannon, owner of Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen in Morristown, New Jersey



Arnaud's French 75, New Orleans, LA

"I like to have a French 75 and a Sazerac, mostly with bartender Chris Hannah.

This bar is so special to me because it has one of the best, most professional, and dapper bartenders on the planet who makes excellent concoctions. We walk out with a great experience and a smile on our faces."

—Julio Cabrera, head bartender at the Regent Cocktail Club in Montauk, NY



The Broken Shaker, Miami, FL

"The Broken Shaker makes me feel like I have a home away from home. In the past when traveling to Miami, I often felt overwhelmed with large corporate venues or a lack of individuality, personality, and soul, and The Broken Shaker was the definitive answer to that problem.

With their extremely well thought out tropical aesthetic to the drinks that are perfect for the place, some of the best bartenders in the land, and the opportunity to go sit by the pool, it's a winning combination."

—Josh Harris, co-founder, Bon Vivants (San Francisco's Trick Dog, Pig & Punch)



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The 15 best bars in New York's Financial District

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dead rabbit bar, taproom

New York City's Financial District is the nation's economic hub, so naturally it has a robust and classy bar scene. 

Based on Yelp reviews, a consensus from FiDi locals, and our own experiences, we've found the 15 best places to grab a drink in the area. From the Full Shilling on Pearl Street to Beckett's on Stone Street, keep scrolling to see what's on tap at the neighborhood's most popular (and historic) watering holes. 

Frank Pallotta contributed to an earlier version of this post. 

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Stone Street Tavern

With a low-key vibe and refreshing drinks, the Stone Street Tavern is a laid-back locale in the middle of the bustling Financial District. 

Since Stone Street is closed to traffic, enjoy a drink outdoors while people watching — or go for brunch. 52 Stone St.



Beckett's Bar and Grill

Located in a 1603 building that used to house New York City's first printing press, Beckett's combines old-school style and new-school drinking with two floors and plenty of TVs.

From March to the end of November, Beckett's transforms into one of the best outdoor bars in the city by putting out benches and tables right on Stone Street. 48 Stone St.



Fraunces Tavern

Built in 1719, Fraunces Tavern is one of the oldest bars in the country.

George Washington frequented the iconic tavern, and today it continues to draw in patrons to its Porterhouse Bar with its cool history and large beer selection. 

If beer is not your flavor, the tavern's Dingle Whiskey Bar has many fine whiskeys and liquors. 54 Pearl St.

 

 



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30 iconic American hotel bars everyone should have a drink at


50 incredible bars you should drink at in your lifetime

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The Rock restaurant and bar Zanzibar

Whether you want to drink in epic views, history, or iconic cocktails, these bars have got you covered.

From the world's oldest bar to one housed inside of a massive tree in South Africa, we've found 50 unforgettable bars worth traveling the globe for.

Here's your boozy bucket list.

SEE ALSO: 40 incredible restaurants you should eat at in your lifetime

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Rick's Café in Negril, Jamaica, is an iconic drinking institution, known for its epic sunsets and the many people throwing themselves off its surrounding cliffs. The well-known beach bar is perched on some epic cliffs above the ocean, and it is a popular spot for cliff divers to plunge into the water 60 feet below.

To learn more about Rick's Café, click here »



Inside Iceland's ION Luxury Adventure Hotel you'll find the Northern Lights Bar, a bar designed explicitly for optimal Northern Lights viewing. An hour from Reykjavík, amid mountains and lava fields, sits this glass cage of sorts, which juts out from the end of the hotel and occasionally has astronomers on hand to drop their aurora borealis knowledge.

To learn more about the Northern Lights Bar, click here »



Bangkok's Sky Bar will have you feeling drunk without a drop to drink, as it sits on the Lebua Hotel's 63rd floor — 820 feet in the sky. The trippy LED-lit bar changes color every few minutes, has some of the most incredible views of the city, and was prominently featured in "The Hangover Part II."

To learn more about Sky Bar, click here »



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The fake ID market has changed dramatically in the past decade

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The fake ID has been a staple of the American college experience for years, tempting many who grow frustrated after getting turned away at bars where their older friends get to drink to their heart's content. The U.S. is one of only four countries that have advanced "21 or older" laws for purchasing alcohol. In most of the world, the legal drinking age is 18, and in some European countries, it's as low as 16 years old.

If you're a college student in the U.S., then the legal restriction can be especially frustrating. By the time you turn 21, you are just about in the middle of your undergraduate years, and by then, you have already been binge drinking at enough frat parties to make the prospect of legal drinking an afterthought. I mean, sure it's cool to get a beer at dinner once you are finally of age, but going out and drinking with friends seems more alluring during those earlier years in school.

HOW DOES SOMEONE GET A FAKE ID NOWADAYS?

So if you really care about drinking before you are 21 years old, just go out to the store and pick up a fake, right? Of course it's not that simple. In fact, the process of obtaining a fake ID has become simultaneously more complex and simple. It is more complex because the fake ID market has shifted dramatically in the past decade. You used to have to know a guy, who knew a guy, who could hook you up, but now there are sophisticated online markets available for people to get high-quality, fake duplicates.

There's the deep web, for example, where those under 21 can use digital currency to anonymously purchase fake IDs from willing vendors—there are plenty to choose from—as a quick visit to Reddit's "FakeID" subreddit will demonstrate.

r/fakeid fake id reddit sub reddit

In fact, there are several threads on the website that provide information about how to go about using the encrypted web service to get a good fake ID.

Word of mouth is still an effective way to get fakes in college, of course. They still operate online, for the most part, but if you are really interested in getting a fake before your 21st birthday, it is usually as easy as simply asking around. A friend of mine went this route, got some contact information from a friend, and all she had to do was send an email to a service provider, who required a cashier's check (or cash) for payment, as well as a driver's license-style headshot. Less than two weeks later, she had a fake in her mailbox.

passport photo

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF GETTING CAUGHT WITH A FAKE ID?

Getting caught with a fake ID can mean trouble—let's not understate that. You can be arrested, you can get charged with a misdemeanor, and in some states you can even be charged with a felony. If you are a first time offender, then you probably won't go to jail, but you can still lose your license for a year or more. Andas MTV reported, there are harsher consequences when you try to use a passport or an older friend's ID (both of you can get in trouble in that case).

A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy stands watch at Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles, California October 3, 2012.

"Fakes aren’t as casual as your friends and even the media play them off to be,"MTV wrote. "They come with big risks and even bigger legal consequences if you’re caught. Know your state’s specific laws governing the use of fake IDs. You might need that info someday—though we hope you don’t."

SEE ALSO: Islamic militants are obtaining ID cards in Pakistan for as little as $100 a bribe

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The 25 coolest speakeasies in America

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franklin mortgage & investment co company

Over 80 years ago, bartenders and drinkers alike kept the nation's booze knowledge alive in speakeasies during prohibition. 

While the temperance movement is long gone, the hidden bars prevail. From upscale dress codes to passwords, these establishments transport you back to a time when drinking was an experience.

We dug up the hottest and most exclusive speakeasies throughout the US, where you can sip a proper cocktail and lose yourself in the atmosphere.

Melissa Stanger and Melia Robinson contributed to an earlier version of this post. 

SEE ALSO: 30 iconic American hotel bars everyone should have a drink at

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA

The Chapter Room
5600 Roswell Rd.

Join the Brewniversity craft beer loyalty club to gain access to this modern-day speakeasy in the basement of the Taco Mac, which puts a large emphasis on craft beer. The Chapter Room maintains no fewer than 18 different kinds on draft at a time, as well as many others in bottles. Cozy up to Bobb, the bar's "overseer," and you may also have access to the rare and limited edition beers in his secret stash.



AUSTIN, TEXAS

Midnight Cowboy
313 E. 6th St.

Midnight Cowboy was formerly a massage parlor, and still sports the original "Midnight Cowboy Modeling Oriental Massage" sign out front. Reservations are required and parties can't exceed eight people. Ring the buzzer marked "Harry Craddock" to enjoy creative cocktails, and be sure to leave all your mobile devices behind — they have no place at this lounge.



BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

The Owl Bar
1 E. Chase St.

The Owl Bar is nestled in the historic Hotel Belvedere, which has been serving fancy mixed drinks, beer, and wine for over 100 years. During prohibition, owl statues around the bar would appear to wink if there was whiskey in the basement. The bar served as the stomping grounds for a number of famous and non-famous Baltimore natives. 



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20 of the most upscale sports bars in the US

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lagasse's stadium las vegas

Football season has begun, and finding the ultimate sports bar for Sunday night viewings is essential. 

While rowdy dive bars are one way to experience the game, other bars are upping the ante with fine-dining, plush seating, and signature cocktails. 

We've rounded up 20 sports bars across America that will take your game day experience to the next level, with everything from several rows of stadium-style seating to champagne towers. 

SEE ALSO: The 25 coolest speakeasies in America

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The Ainsworth in New York City boasts 40 flat-screen TVs, antique black chandeliers, oak tables with leather seats, and American fusion food from Paige Hospitality Group’s Corporate Executive Chef Stephen Yen. Munch on scrumptious plates like their famous mac and cheese burger while watching the game in style.

Click here to learn more about The Ainsworth »



Lagasse's Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a 24,000 square-foot sports hub with 109 flat-screen TVs, a huge projection screen, six stadium seating rows, and a sports book with personal betting tablets.

Click here to learn more about Lagasse's Stadium »



The 40/40 Club is a sports bar and lounge that's owned by Jay Z and business partner Juan Perez. With locations in Atlantic City, Chicago, Atlanta, London, and New York, the multi-level venue has a stunning 18-foot tall champagne tower, leather wall paneling, more than 30 flat-screen monitors, and 5 VIP lounges upstairs.

Click here to learn more about the 40/40 Club »



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21 bars that have incredible views

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lebua hotel bangkokInstead of working up a thirst sightseeing, drink in both booze and views at bars that look out at the world's most amazing sites.

We've rounded up bars that have some of the world's most incredible views, from iconic landmarks like Paris' Eiffel Tower and India's Taj Mahal to stunning cityscapes and dramatic scenery. 

SEE ALSO: 50 incredible bars you should drink at in your lifetime

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The views at Aer, a Four Seasons hotel bar in Mumbai, India, stretch across the city and all the way to the Arabian Sea.

Click here for more information »

 



The O2 Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton in Moscow is a sleek, glass enclosed rooftop lounge and terrace on the 12th floor of the hotel featuring some of the best views in the city. It looks straight down at the Red Square and the Kremlin, and, in the distance, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Click here for more information»



Perched right above Busch Stadium, Three Sixty in St. Louis, Missouri, allows you to catch a Cardinals game from above while drinking better beer, or just take in views of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River.

Click here for more information »

 



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