New York’s Best Rooftops 1-15
2nd Floor Pool Room @ Skylark
1. The Skylark
Location: 39th & 7th
Hours: M-F Opens at 4:30, Closes 12-1:30AM
Everything you'd hope a New York rooftop bar would be. 4 separate floors to give you a little of everything. Floor one gives you a private room that looks to accommodate about 15 comfortably with a private bartender. Going up 3 steps to the second floor you will find the coat check and a pool table room that features floor to ceiling windows, your own TV and controllable music platform. The main show is on three with 270% views of the city, velvet couches, great music and some excellent cocktails. 4 is often closed but it is an outdoor (heated) rooftop with another bar there to prevent the hassle of having to walk up and back down.
All in all- this bar has it all. Catering mostly to the late 20s and early 30s crowd the only thing missing is the singles scene.
What’s the Occasion? A two-spot early date with someone you really like.
Dinner Pair: Parker & Quinn. A versatile spot, this ranged menu has many of my favorites and is a tried & true pairing.
Singles Scene: 6.1
Couple(s) Scene: 8.9
*Friends Scene: 9.4*
*Cocktails & Drinks: 8.9*
Views: 8.4
Service: 8.7
Price: $$$
Pace: Comfortable
2. Top of the Standard
Location: 13th , between 9th & 10th
Hours: 4pm- 12am
Not to be confused with the arrogant and haughty Le Bain, this elegant, refined spot is for those looking for quiet conversation, over very expensive drinks with 360 degree views of Manhattan. Requiescent and serene, this is a perfect night cap spot for catching up with a close friend or having a close, intimate conversation with a special someone.
What’s the Occasion? A dress to impress night out with someone you love.
Dinner Pair: Buddakan. Nearby lavish Asian beauty pairs well with this power scene.
Singles Scene: 5.2
*Couple(s) Scene: 9.5*
Friends Scene: 7.4
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.2
Views: 8.5
*Service: 8.9*
Price: $$$$$
Pace: Relaxed
3. The Press Lounge
Location: 48th , 11th Ave
Hours: Open Daily 4pm- 12-3am
Either I continue getting lucky or this place really does not have that long of a wait! Overlooking the Hudson and close to the Intrepid, this lounge vibe atop the Kimpton features sweeping views of the city with virtually no impediments. Good cocktails, smooth music and a gorgeous lit water strip(?) outside make this a great place to go. It's a bit deep from civilization but this is a certainly a destination worth seeking out.
What’s the Occasion? A beautiful summer night outside the daily grind.
Dinner Pair:Wherever you want. Unfortunately the beauty here lies in its remoteness so go wherever in Midtown West beforehand and grab a cab.
Singles Scene: 6.9
Couple(s) Scene: 8.0
Friends Scene: 8.2
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.6
Views: 9.0
Service: 7.9
Price: $$$$
Pace: Comfortable
4. Sky Terrace at the Hudson
Location: 57th & Hudson
Hours: Not listed.
Escape New York at this 15th floor Columbus Circle beauty. An elegant terrace flowing with flowers welcomes you as you approach this very relaxed date spot with good drinks and plenty of alcoves ideal for quiet talks
What’s the Occasion? A beautiful summer night following dinner in Columbus Circle.
Dinner Pair: Nougatine Terrace by Jean Georges. Michelin Star work with a terrace menu that helps spare your wallet. Overlooks Central Park and has the best roasted chicken you’ll ever have.
Singles Scene: 6.2
*Couple(s) Scene: 9.5*
Friends Scene: 6.2
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.5
Views: 9.3
Service: 8.3
Price: $$$$
Pace: Relaxed
5. Westlight
Location: N. 12th, between Wythe & Berry (Williamsburg)
Hours: Opens 12pm-4pm until 12AM- 2 AM
Hard to believe this one is across the water in Brooklyn but what an elegant entrance! Indoor bar serves good drinks (minus the wait) but it's the sprawling, outside 270% views with multiple tower viewers for you to take in the near and far of the Manhattan skyline that attracts the crowds.
What’s the Occasion? A nitecap to an early evening out in WB.
Singles Scene: 7.4
Couple(s) Scene: 8.7
Friends Scene: 7.7
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.3
*Views: 9.7*
Service: 8.7
Price: $$$
Pace: Vibrant
6 .) Public
Location: Houston & Chrystie (NoLiTa)
Hours: 4/5 PM- 2/4 AM
Where I imagine Jay-Z and Beyonce showing up. This clean, suave, chic rooftop boasts floor to ceiling windows, blue lit floors, beautiful people, well-crafted sweet cocktails- everything but bourbon. And for that reason, it's down here.
In the summertime, the gorgeous layout, seen above, is pleasantly large with many places to stand and good food (sliders) to enjoy. I can see this one continuing to rise once they figure out their cocktails and tone down the ‘tude.
What’s the Occasion? A place to “feel like a celebrity”
Dinner Pair: Balthazar. Catch the SoHo scene at nearby Balathazar- the legendary French Bistro that goes with anything. For my cocktail enthusiasts, Bar Goto and its legendary wings are around the corner, Rubirosa/ Lombardi’s around the block and Jean Georges Kitchen downstairs.
Singles Scene: 8.9
Couple(s) Scene: 8.0
Friends Scene: 7.9
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.8
Views: 7.5
Service: 6.9
Price: $$$
Pace: Energetic
7.) The Fleur Room
Location: 28th & 6th
Hours: 5pm- 4 AM, Closed Sundays, 12AM closing Mondays
The kind of place you take your date and they either internally or externally release a shocked OMG! The beauty of the Fleur Room and its floral design and clear flower tables alongside floor to ceiling windows make it a great daytime spot. Its affiliation with Tao Group, disco ball, sensual allure and floor to ceiling windows make it a great nighttime spot.
No matter what occasion you go for, do it for the ladies gents. And ladies, do it for you! (Bust off singing Beyonce Single Ladies).
What’s the Occasion? A place to impress a young lady.
Dinner Pair: Go with dessert nearby instead @ Lady M Cake Boutique and slip into top US ranked cocktail bar, NoMad afterward.
Food here is actually quite good! Try the truffled grilled cheese and sliders.
Singles Scene: 7.7
Couple(s) Scene: 8.9
Friends Scene: 7.4
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.3
Views: 8.1
Service: 7.5
Price: $$$
Pace: Energetic
8. Ides Bar
Location: N. 11th & Wythe
Hours: Permanently Closed
A spacious neighbor to best views in town, Westlight, The Ides Bar was a great place to enjoy the day, the views and the bright sunshine. Given it’s now longer left to be enjoyed, we can leave it there.
What’s the Occasion? When you want to leave the city physically but not spiritually.
Dinner Pair: N/A- restaurant is now closed.
Singles Scene: 7.9
Couple(s) Scene: 8.2
Friends Scene: 8.4
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.6
Views: 9.0
Service: 8.5
Price: $$$
Pace: Energetic
9. Magic Hour
Location: 36th/37th & 7th
Hours: M-Th, 4pm- 12 AM, Friday open till 4 AM. S&S: Opens 11:30 AM.
This...ummm...."creatively" naughty chic scene has a different vibe depending on where you sit. From the upscale elegant enclosed terrace to the left, the whimsical yet luxurious carousel in the middle to the naughty funky pink bunny mini golf course to the right- a little something for all crowds. Drinks are excellent- especially if you enjoy pineapple and whiskey.
Food menu is continuously improving and its a great spot for the single as well as taken (sub 30s crowd however).
What’s the Occasion? When you’re feeling a bit naughty
Dinner Pair: STK Midtown. While it’s a bit of a walk (circa .4 mile) this is the closest thing I have to match the sexy, young chic vibe you’re looking for.
*Singles Scene: 9.3*
Couple(s) Scene: 8.1
Friends Scene: 8.4
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.9
Views: 8.0
Service: 7.2
Price: $$$
Pace: Congested
10. Mr. Purple
Location: Orchard Street between Stanton & E. Houston
Hours: Open Daily 11 AM- 2-4AM
Phones have come a long way in 3 years huh?
If you'd rather take a younger crowd over variety, well then Mr. Purple may steal your heart as the top spot in the city. This swanky, attractive early-mid twenties gathering features a lit bar with solid cocktails, a fair amount of lounge seating and a surprisingly expansive outdoor patio open beyond the summer who's centerpiece (figuratively) is a lit, heated pool.
The one major caveat, arrive before 10 pm! This line from 930-1015 gets interesting. Good news is at least they don't have the PHD, Le Bain, Vandl attitude of charging guys a ridiculous arm and leg to get inside.
What’s the Occasion? You’re too sophisticated for the pickup scene at neighboring Hair of the Dog
Dinner Pair: Beauty & Essex. Chances are you’re pretty cool if you’re going here so why not start the night with another hip spot? Beauty & Essex has the scenery and the food to make for a memorable dinner.
*Singles Scene: 9.3*
Couple(s) Scene: 6.7
Friends Scene: 8.1
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.1
Views: 7.3
Service: 7.7
Price: $$$
Pace: Vibrant
11. Bar 65- Rainbow Room
Location: 49th, between Madison & 5th
Hours: Open M-F 4:30-12AM, Closed Saturdays, Sunday 4-9
Touted as the tourist spot- Bar 65 at the Rainbow Room is an elegant rooftop bar with not only great views, but strong craft cocktails. Give it a shot sometime New Yorkers; you won’t want to jump off the top from the tourists but you will pick up on the fact they are there.
What’s the Occasion? After work drinks, meeting foreigners or list checking.
Dinner Pair: Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. If you want another beautiful, spacious power scene in the middle of it all, you’ll gravitate toward Del Frisco’s flagship.
Singles Scene: 7.7
Couple(s) Scene: 8.4
Friends Scene: 6.6
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.6
Views: 8.9
Service: 8.6
Price: $$$$
Pace: Energetic
12. Serra by Birreria
Location: 23rd & 5th (Eataly)
Hours: Daily 11:30AM- 10/11PM
Word is out about Eataly and its rooftop (even if it goes by a fancy name). For that you’ll pay the “wait-in-line”, “excuse me” battle for most of the night. If you know what you want to do in advance, book dinner to avoid the hassles that bring this one down into the second tier of rooftops.
What’s the Occasion? A place to impress a young lady this Summer.
Dinner Pair: Park Avenue (Season). If beauty is your main mission (which if you’re here it likely is) and you don’t want to handle the crowds at Eataly, try the spacious, gorgeous Park Avenue (Summer).
Singles Scene: 7.8
Couple(s) Scene: 9.3
Friends Scene: 6.7
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.0
Views: 7.5
Service: 7.9
Price: $$$
Pace: Congested
13. Gansevoort Park
Location: 29th & Park
Hours: 11 AM- Close
This bi-level beauty that sits atop the Gansevoort on 23rd and Park Avenue South has everything you could want; good beer list and above average cocktails, a see-through frosted glass outdoor walkway, lit private pool, dance floor and lounge. . UPDATE: Now called Royalton and I haven’t been to it since the change.
What’s the Occasion? A great nitecap to an early date.
Dinner Pair: Asellina. The beautiful entry way, hip scene and many practically priced Italian tapas options make it a great early date pair.
Singles Scene: 8.2
Couple(s) Scene: 6.9
Friends Scene: 7.6
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.4
Views: 7.2
Service: 8.2
Price: $$$
Pace: Vibrant
14. Dear Irving on Hudson
Location: 40th between 8th & 9th
Hours: 4PM – 1 AM
A great place to relax among the restless Times Square. On a street that features three rooftops within 1.5 blocks, you have bountiful choice but Dear Irving on the Hudson takes many of the charming elements (sofas and bead doorways) from its Gramercy father and adds the two-level rooftop allure.
A prominent placement of a server’s table gets in the way a little bit and many tall buildings also take away from the views but still a worthy inclusion.
What’s the Occasion? A place to unwind and enjoy the cocktail inspiration.
Dinner Pair: Aureole. The One Michelin Star French hot spot has an extensive bar room menu that will leave your taste buds and wallet happy.
Singles Scene: 6.2
Couple(s) Scene: 8.1
Friends Scene: 7.0
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.6
Views: 7.7
Service: 8.7
Price: $$$
Pace: Comfortable
15. Gallow Green
Location: 27th, between 10th & 11th
Hours: Closed Tuesday/ Thursday. Open most nights until 12 AM
Simplistic beauty done artfully inside a landmark NYC destination. A bit surprising but most of the dining options are communal tables. Go for a drink as the other side is much quieter and more private; shocking enough.
As you notice below, it equally appeals to everyone but fails to really stand-out in any one category; second to Sky Terrace in outdoor garden beauty is its best attribute.
What’s the Occasion? A nitecap after walking the Highline or seeing a show downstairs.
Dinner Pair: Morimoto. Begin the High Line walk with this futuristic Japanese favorite. The Hot Stone Wagyu is amazing.
Singles Scene: 7.5
Couple(s) Scene: 7.8
Friends Scene: 7.7
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.0
Views: 8.0
Service: 8.8
Price: $$$
Pace: Energetic
Continue reading about Rooftops 16-30 here.