As the snow and bitter cold gradually begin to fade, they are replaced with the slightly warmer breeze of Spring. People once more emerge from the dark to make use of the unique delights their city offers them. We decided to put together a unique offering of 8 rooftop bars in New York City that should without a doubt be on your radar as the sun begins to shine. From world-class cocktails to an incredible selection of wine, beer, whiskey and everything in between — Drink Me’s got you covered. Now go explore New York City in style!
Refinery Rooftop atop Refinery Hotel
Refinery Rooftop is 3,500 square feet with unobstructed, unparalleled views of the Empire State Building just blocks away. The rooftop features three distinct sections that transition seamlessly from a cozy interior space complete with fireplace, water feature, and wooden ceilings constructed out of wood salvaged from the original building’s water tank; to an expansive indoor/outdoor space capped by a retractable glass roof; to an outdoor terrace with playful porch swings and an Empire view second to none. Refinery Hotel is a former hat factory turned luxury hotel in New York City’s Garment District transformed a 1912 Neo-Gothic building into an industrial-chic hotel with refined public spaces in the lobby area, and a more industrial and raw elegance in the guestrooms and the rooftop bar.
Where: Refinery Hotel
Address: 63 West 38th Street between 5th and 6th Avenue
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The Jane Rooftop
The Jane Rooftop will once again open its doors to the public this summer for “Sunsets at The Jane,” where guests can take in the unparalleled views over the Hudson River. The rooftop is designed by Sean MacPherson and has the same faded bohemian splendor as the rest of The Jane with hand-chipped paint, exquisitely cracked walls, and stools dripping with fringe. The venue features an outdoor terrace and octagonal bar managed by Carlos Quirarte and Matt Kliegman of The Smile and The Jane Ballroom. Sip on a signature cocktail and people watch amongst the fashion elite.
Where: The Jane
Address 113 Jane Street
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Gansevoort Park Rooftop
Gansevoort Park Avenue’s newly reimagined rooftop, set twenty stories above Manhattan, offers a communal environment for both locals and hotel guests alike. The updated tri-level penthouse brings new meaning to work-life balance, creating a 24-hour escape that lets visitors work hard and play hard. Daytime dwellers can take full advantage of this workplace with an Empire State view that includes complimentary WiFi and cold brew coffee menu by Panther Coffee before kicking off happy hour with an organic, cold-pressed juice cocktail made with Juice Press’ signature blends. Nighttime revelers can still expect the staple nightlife experience once the sun goes down at New York’s first heated indoor-outdoor rooftop.
Where: Gansevoort Meatpeacking NYC
Address: 18 Ninth Avenue at 13th Street
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Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge
A perennial favorite, the rooftop at Gansevoort Meatpacking is the original in the neighborhood and offers stunning 360-degree views of the Hudson River, World Trade Center and Manhattan skyline, with distinctive spaces like the indoor/outdoor terrace with retractable glass roof, seasonal garden, and wrap-around balconies. The indoor Loft boasts soaring 20-foot ceilings, communal seating, and a roaring fireplace, making it the ideal venue to gather with friends for a signature cocktail and a truly cosmopolitan experience.
Where: Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC
Address: 18 Ninth Avenue at 13th Street
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Pod 39 Rooftop
Perched 17 floors high, the top of the Pod 39 Hotel reveals a seasonal rooftop oasis. With crawling ivy, potted plants, and panoramic views of the city from the river to the East, the Freedom Tower to the South, the Empire State Building to the West and the Chrysler Building to the North, this two-story open roof space is the ultimate gathering place for after-work or evening out. Framed with original brick arches and surrounded by terra cotta columns, the buzzing bar scene features tequila-inspired cocktails by mixologist Sam Anderson from Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield’s Salvation Taco.
Where: Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC
Address: 145 East 39th Street
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Pod 51 Rooftop Deck
Pod 51’s Rooftop Deck offers sun-bathers and star-gazers a more-relaxed alternative to NYC buzzing rooftop scene. Adorned with oversized lounge benches, colorful Adirondack chairs and a 12-foot long picnic table with awning – the perfect spot to gather for a DIY picnic. Visitors can bring up their own wine and beer from the ground-floor café and nestle amongst the skyscrapers.
Address: 230 East 51st Street
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Cloud Social
Perfectly situated atop nyma, the New York Manhattan Hotel, Cloud Social is Korea Town’s newest rooftop attraction. Cloud Social, which opened in September 2014, offers stunning vistas of the cityscape, including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center. Aside from boasting great views, the rooftop bar is open year round and offers enclosed indoor and heated outdoor seating. A smaller, more intimate balcony is located off the eastern side of the bar with single party seating and city exposure through openings in the hotel’s arching limestone exterior. Cloud Social can accommodate nearly 120 guests. The rooftop venue offers happy hour specials from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day, including select $4 to $6 beer, wine and shot specials. However, great prices aren’t limited to just happy hour; craft beers regularly start as low as $8, wine $10 and mixed drinks $12.
Address: 6 West 32nd Street (between 5th Avenue and Broadway). (212) 904-1092
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VU46
Perched high upon The Hotel @ Times Square, VU46 is one of the newest rooftop venues in midtown Manhattan. The year-round location, which opened in November 2014, features an outdoor terrace with views of The Empire State Building, Chrysler Building and other iconic landmarks. The inside space is sheltered by a glass atrium and includes a bar with additional seating. Providing a more intimate atmosphere, the location accommodates a smaller crowd of approximately 70 people. The rooftop venue offers happy hour specials from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day, including select $4 to $6 beer, wine and shot specials. However, great prices aren’t limited to just happy hour; craft beers regularly start as low as $8, wine $10 and mixed drinks $12.
Address: 59 West 46th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), (212) 382-3045
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