Bama's List



TERRACE RELATIONS Above Allen Opens Its Boozy Balcony And so it begins. Rooftop lounge season. Starting this weekend, you’ll be cleared to take the Thompson hotel elevator back to the seventh floor, where a retractable roof veranda awaits with panoramic city views and sun-baked cocktails. A healthier alternative to the sun-fried variety. 411: Above Allen at the Thompson LES, 190 Allen St, 7th Floor, 212-542-8689

Ava Lounge
You’ll need to make yourself presentable to gain entry to the roof terrace on the 14th floor of the Dream Hotel (open in April, weather permitting)—no hats, sneakers or ripped jeans here, you’d only ruin the Miami Beach feel of wood furnishings and white pillows. Go on Saturdays at noon for hot dogs and burgers from the grill ($2 each), and stay until sunset in order to gaze at the neon dream of Times Square. The Dream Hotel, 210 W 55th St between Broadway and Seventh Ave (212-956-7020, avaloungenyc.com). Sun–Wed 4pm–2am; Thu–Sat 4pm–4am.

Bar 13
Above two floors of NYU students boogying to nightly DJs and live acts is a concrete-floored roof deck sprinkled with palm trees. It may sound a bit grim, but the space is transformed at night when the light panels in the walls emit soft, warm oranges, although they do restrict the view of the University buildings. Still, you won’t be complaining when you’re three rounds deep into the daily two-for-one happy hour (times vary, see bar13.com for details). 35 E 13th St at University Pl (212-979-6677, bar13.com). Mon–Sat 5pm–2am; Sun 7pm–2am.

Bookmarks Rooftop Lounge at the Library Hotel
Dig out your cravat when hitting this year-round 14th-floor lounge. You’ll want to look the part when quoting Dostoyevsky in a wicker chair in one of two greenhouses or on the outdoor terrace at this upscale, literary-themed bar. Order the Hemingway Cocktail with aged rum, lime juice, mint and champagne ($14), dig into the book collection, and let your imagination soar like the buildings around you. 299 Madison Ave at 41st St, 14th floor (212-204-5498, hospitalityholdings.com). Mon–Fri 4pm–midnight, Sat 5pm–1am.

Cantor Roof Garden Café at the Met
This year’s installation on the Met’s seasonal roof garden comes courtesy of Argentinian-born artist Tomás Saraceno with the sensible titled Tomás Saraceno on the Roof. While museum reps are mostly mum on the project, they do describe it as “an urban utopia”—not surprising considering that the artist is known for his cloud-like installations. Sip one of the site’s as yet unannounced signature cocktails (on average $12) and look down on the sylvan landscape of Central Park stretching out before you. 1000 Fifth Ave at 82nd St (212-535-7710, metmuseum.org). Tue–Thu, Sun 9:30am–4:45p,; Fri–Sat 9:30am–8:15pm.

The Delancey
While the music pounds downstairs, this LES rooftop offers a palm-studded oasis with white chaise longues and a fountain. On Wednesdays starting at the end of May, an all-you-can-eat barbecue for $5 packs them in, but on Saturdays between 10pm and 1am the spot is virtually shut down with large group reservations (call three to four weeks in advance to get one yourself). Head there on Sunday and Monday for two-for-one well drinks. 168 Delancey St between Attorney and Clinton Sts (212-254-9920, thedelancey.com). 5pm–4am.

The Eagle
Don’t rest on Sundays or you’ll miss the liveliest night on this levi and leather bar’s wooden roof deck. Burgers ($5.50), Belgian fries ($3) and angus steak sandwiches ($8) are offered from 5 to 10pm, happy hour runs from 5pm to midnight with $3 draft beers and $4 shots of Jägermeister and José Cuervo, and Paul Ferrer deejays house through the night. If you want a quieter time, reserve the whole deck for your private party. 554 W 28th St between Tenth and Eleventh Aves (646-473-1866, eaglenyc.com). Tue–Thu, Sat 10pm–4am; Fri, Sun 5pm–4am.

Hudson Terrace
At first glance, this plush deck with a retractable cover and a business-casual dress code sits squarely in the clutch of high-class Manhattan roof bars—and it’s among the best of that category with uninterrupted views of the Hudson, cabanas, food from the grill and AC to fight the humidity. It distinguishes itself, however, with unique programming like to Beer Garden Fridays where a mere $20 buys a tasting and two-for-one bottles from a different brewery every week. 621 W 46th St between Eleventh and Twelfth Aves (212-315-9400, hudsonterracenyc.com). Tue–Fri 5pm–4am; Sat 10pm–4am.

Juliette
When you tire of Williamsburg’s dive bars, head up the side stairs of this French bistro for a glass of vin on the tree-studded wooden terrace. If diners have taken all of the tables, grab one of the few stools by the bar and enjoy the night air in style. On Saturdays, catch DJ Daniel Auster in the new lounge area (opening April 15th) for the “Raise the Rooftop” nights. 135 North 5th St between Bedford Ave and Berry St (718-388-9222, juliettewilliamsburg.com). Mon–Thu, Sun 10:30am–11:30pm; Fri, Sat 10:30am–1am.

Latitude
The view may not be magnificent among the high rises of Eighth Avenue, but $5 cosmos and $4 margaritas during happy hour (3–8pm) make up for it. Rub shoulders with an eclectic crowd on Thursdays when the 60-person capacity deck is at it’s busiest, or go on Friday for a younger crowd drawn to the DJs on the lower floors. Go on the early side (3–5pm) for $4 martinis before 4pm and $5 martinis before 5pm. 783 Eighth Ave between 47th and 48th Sts (212-245-3034). Rooftop open Wed–Fri 5–11pm

Local West
Wait until the trains clear and your commute home is less busy by lounging in the sun at this casual after-work spot by Penn Station. Take in views of Madison Square Garden and the monumental facade of the James Farley Post Office on the roof deck. Alternatively, the garden patio in the rear of the building offers a quieter, which will add a beer garden in May, offers a verdant outdoor space where happy hour applies from 4 to 6pm (including two-for-one cosmos). As well as rotating daily specials (Monday through Friday) there are half price margaritas ($6) every day. 1 Penn Plaza between Seventh and Eighth Aves and 33rd St (212-629-7070, localcafenyc.com). Sun–Tue 11:30am–midnight; Wed–Sat 11:30am–1am.

mad46 rooftop lounge
Atop the 19th floor of the Roosevelt Hotel you’ll find the usual luxe environs. Catch a movie during the bar’s regular screenings, high up among Midtown’s tall buildings with a pitcher of Blue Moon. 45 E 46th St at Madison Ave (212-885-6095, mad46.com). Mon–Fri 5–midnight, Sat 8pm–2am.

Mé Bar
Among the swanky midtown rooftop set, Mé Bar is a refreshing oddity, serving reasonably priced drinks on a plain patio above the La Quinta hotel with no doorman to negotiate past. The view may not be anything special, but the Empire State Building towering above you certainly is. La Quinta, 17 W 32nd St between Broadway and Fifth Aves, 14th floor (212-290-2460, mebarnyc.com). 5:30pm–midnight.

The Park
This retro multiroom bar may give you velvet-rope trouble, and if you must drink on the rooftop you’ll need to call ahead to make sure it’s not booked for a private event. However, if your timing’s right, there are well-crafted $12 cocktails. 118 Tenth Ave between 17th and 18th Sts (212-352-3313, theparknyc.com). Rooftop open Fri, Sat 9:30pm–4am.

Plunge
Satisfy yourself with the excellent views of the Meatpacking District at this rooftop lounge at the Gansevoort. Unless you want to flash the cash for bottle service or cram into the back garden on the bumping weekend evenings, we recommend going midweek to enjoy the vista in peace while nursing a $15 cocktail. Hotel Gansevoort, 18 Ninth Ave at 13th St (212-660-6700, chinagrillmgt.com). Noon–3am.

Rare View
Boasting stunning views of the towering Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, this spot draws in an after-work crowd with DJs and dancing every Wednesday and Thursday. The tiled terrace with crisscrossing strings of lights make it a delightful spot when the sun goes down, but it’s hard to feel that stylish when the pricey drinks are served in plastic cups. (303 Lexington Ave at 37th St, 16th floor; 212-481-8439, rarebarandgrill.com; Mon–Sun 5pm–12am). Alternately, check out the new location atop Chelsea’s Fashion 26 Hotel (152 W 26th St between Sixth and Seventh Aves; 212-807-7273, rarebarandgrill.com; Mon–Sun 5pm–12am).

Rocky Sullivan’s
Heading to Red Hook for a Sixpoint on Rocky’s spacious wood-paneled roof deck is easier than you’d imagine—simply catch a free Water Taxi from Wall Street. Despite this convenience, don’t expect a crush—you’ll be able to enjoy the view of downtown Manhattan across the bay without jostling for space. 34 Van Dyke St at Dwight St, Red Hook, Brooklyn (718-246-8050, rockysullivans.com). 11am–4am.

Salon de Ning
You’ll find well-heeled types at this refined, Asian-inspired roof bar—and prices to match—but that does afford you elbow room at a table and views of Fifth Avenue. To make a day of it, arrive for the three-course prix-fixe brunch ($45) on Sundays from June to September and snooze it off on one of the Chinese daybeds. 700 Fifth Ave at 55th St (212-956-2888, salondening.com). 4pm–1am. Sunday brunch 11:30am–2:30pm through September 26.

230 Fifth
It’ll take you a while to get into Steven Greenberg’s massive rooftop bar—not because of the (surprisingly lenient) door policy (just don’t dress for the Jersey shore), but because of its popularity. Despite this, you’ve got a good chance of bagging a seat on one of the many wooden benches under white canopies. You could stare at the Empire State, MetLife and Chrysler Buildings, but you may find your eyes drawn to the hordes of prowling hotties instead. 230 Fifth Ave between 26th and 27th Sts (212-725-4300, 230-fifth.com). Mon—Fri 4pm–4am; Sat, Sun 11am–4pm.

Upstairs
A new addition to the rooftop scene, this 31st-floor bar in the Kimberly Hotel has $16 specialty cocktails and small plates like foie gras crostini ($21)—now that’s what we call the high life. It’s best experienced at night when the web of light bulbs above the terrace gives a sparkling ambience in which to appreciate the view of the Chrysler building. 145 E 50th St between Lexington and Third Aves (212-888-1220, upstairsnyc.com). Mon–Wed 5pm–1am; Thu, Fri 5pm–2am; Sat 11:20–3:30, 6pm–2am; Sun 11:30am–11pm.

Berry Park
Gaze at the Manhattan skyline from across the river at this rooftop beer garden. Potted fronds, folding chairs and a plank wood fence set the backyard vibe as hipsters and beer enthusiasts come together for a block party beneath the umbrellas. Sample brews like Leffe Blonde ($6), a smooth ale, as you chow down on hearty fare like a $16 sausage platter, with your choice of brats like apple brandy duck and pheasant hazelnut cognac. 4 Berry St at North 14th St, Greenpoint/Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-782-2829, berryparkbk.com). Mon–Thu 5pm–2am’ Fri 4pm–4am; Sat noon–4am; Sun noon–2am.