Rooftop Bars Of New York City, The Best Places For A Drink And Eats

It’s spring – time to head outdoors to enjoy a cooling beverage with bites or even a full meal at one of New York City’s rooftop bars. Here are four in NYC in the Meatpacking District, Times Square, Chelsea and Tribeca.

Sip an elevated craft cocktail while enjoying unobstructed 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline and Hudson River from downtown in the sizzling hot Meatpacking District at The Gansevoort Rooftop, Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC. The Rooftop brings bar food favorites to a new level. The outdoor seating opposite the main dining area is a perfect place to catch the rays and work on a tan, but if you prefer indirect exposure, sit inside with floor-to-ceiling windows in the Rooftop’s Greenhouse. Fridays and Saturday nights from 9pm on, the DJ plays live sets.

For a not-to-be-missed experience on the hotel’s rooftop, head to intimate Saishin at the back of the main dining space. This rooftop omakase concept offers both a twelve-piece omakase experience and a la carte options crafted by Michelin Star-trained sushi Chef Frankie Yong Doon.

Chef Frankie serves melt-in-your-mouth sushi of the freshest variety: scallops, red snapper, sea urchin, smoked trout, and much more. Each masterpiece is adorned with fresh wasabi or back truffle, crispy shallots or plum paste and whatever other ingredients the supremely-talented Chef chooses to make. Best to make reservations, as this place is super-hot. 18 Ninth Avenue; 212-660-6736

Looking to hang out in Times Square but without all the hustle, bustle, and crowds of Broadway? M Social Hotel Times Square’s signature rooftop and lounge, Beast & Butterflies, is a private oasis where you can see everything, including the New Year’s Eve crystal ball down the street. The bar is perched above Times Square with floor-to-ceiling windows indoors and there’s a wrap-around terrace, undoubtedly one of the largest, if not THE largest terrace in New York City. Try a specialty signature cocktail by Frank Caiafa (author of The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book) such as “Theatre District Manhattan” with rye, vermouth, plum gin liqueur, and orange bitters. Choose a “Bite” such as burger sliders, fried calamari and guac and chips or a “Big Bites” such as pizza or grilled salmon and sides such as truffle French fries.

Chelsea has become the epicenter of NYC’s art scene, and one of the best places to sit back and relax is The Rooftop at Selina Chelsea, NYC. The Hudson Yards happy hour crowd comes here for the sizzling atmosphere. The Rooftop is the Mesoamerican-inspired sister venue to the downstairs eatery HOWM Cocina + Cocktails and the ideal place to take in views of the High Line, the Empire State Building, and some of Chelsea’s awe-inspiring buildings created by top architects. Choose some light bites and a unique cocktail created by mixologist Daniel Bedoya. Think dinner and music with a view during evening DJ sets and regular programming. This is the perfect place for a night out on the town. 518 West 27^th St., 646-709-7441.

Tribeca, which stands for “Triangle Below Canal” is the land of bold-face homeowners including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Taylor Swift. Former warehouses are now lofts, restaurants, and hotels such as at the boutique Walker Hotel Tribeca. The new rooftop bar, Happy Be,Walker Hotel Tribeca features an unobstructed 180-degree view from the Hudson to East River. The rooftop bar features Agave and Sugar Cane-based spirits highlighting Mezcal, Tequila, Rum, and Cachaca. This is the perfect place to sip an expertly-crafted cocktail and gaze out at the ever-changing skyline. Greenery is key here, and the landscaping is by Marek Pundzak, part of the Highline land-scaping team, and includes perennials, shrubs, trees and grasses whose color palette changes from spring to fall. The mezzanine, a 300-square-foot space above the rooftop, is available for private parties and special events. 77 Walker Street; 212-735-8000.

So go ahead, Celebrate spring. Leave the sidewalks of Manhattan and head up to one of the city’s spectacular and relaxing rooftop bars.