When the summer season arrives in New York, the city streets fill with people looking at the sights and sounds, but sometimes to get away from their desk chairs or small five-borough apartments. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle, try these 10 spots that we know and love.
Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
Address: 102 North End Ave, New York, NY 10282
Website: http://www.conradnewyork.com/dine/loopy-doopy-rooftop-bar/
You know those cocktails that are served with an inverted ice pop? Well, if you don’t, you have a chance to experience them first hand, because they’re back. Loopy Doopy is open for another season in Conrad New York. Head out to the balcony and order your choice base – Prosecco or Rosécco – with your choice homemade liquor-infused pop. From slightly sweet to pleasantly sour, the ice pops pair perfectly with either base and are sure to cool you down as the NYC weather gets hot. Be sure to bring your phone or camera – the presentation is just as fun as the taste.
The Roof at Park South
Photo credit: Roof at Park South
Address: 125 E. 27TH STREET, BETWEEN PARK & LEXINGTON, NEW YORK, NY, US 10016
Website: http://roofatparksouth.com/
Just northeast of Madison Square Park, The Roof at Park South is an uncrowded respite from an office-laden neighborhood. Back for its fourth season, The Roof has a reimagined cocktail menu that features the Miami Vice (pictured), a best-of-both worlds frozen drink. The frozen drink is made with a mix of Strawberry Daiquiri and Piña Colada, which both have house-made and infused ingredients. Pair it with new bites like yellowtail poke tacos, mushroom quesadillas and fried artichokes and you might just forget you’re in New York City – except when you look up to the spectacular view of the Chrysler building.
Rare Bar & Grill Chelsea
Address: 152 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001
Website: http://www.rarebarandgrill.com/location/rare-chelsea/
Before enjoying a one-of-a-kind improv set at UCB Chelsea (the New York City outpost that was brought to the Big Apple by the hilarious Amy Poehler and has produced notable comedians like Aziz Ansari and Ed Helms), be sure to prep the show with a visit to Rare Bar & Grill Chelsea. Save the street-level restaurant for another night and head straight up to the roof for cocktails, appetizers and views to talk about. If you need a drink and app suggestion, try the Hot Mess Margarita paired with our house-made Chicharron. You won’t regret it.
Mr. Purple
Address: 180 ORCHARD STREET, 15TH FLOOR, NY, NY 10002
Website: http://www.mrpurplenyc.com/
Fifteen floors above Hotel Indigo, the trendy Mr. Purple overlooks lower Manhattan in an atmosphere that best represents the edgy and lively neighborhood below. Now offering lunch, the rooftop bar serves its signature sips including the GG Manhattan and Old Fashioned. When visiting, try the Frozen Hibiscus Margarita, which returns to its usual spot on the menu for the summer season, made with Casamigos blanco tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, lemon juice, agave, and hibiscus tincture.
Gallow Green
Address: 542 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Website: https://mckittrickhotel.com/gallow-green/
If you’re in the mood for a jaunt on the West Side and a view of the Hudson River, Gallow Green is the perfect stop at sun down or during moonlit nights. The popular rooftop bar & bistro perched atop The McKittrick Hotel has been transformed from its usual lodge hideaway to a lush garden rooftop bar for the summer. Outfitted as a Scottish train station hidden amidst an overgrown secret garden, the destination specializes in potent cocktails and signature punches – not to mention the delicious dinner and weekend brunch.
The Skylark 
Address: 200 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018
Website: http://theskylarknyc.com/
Perched 30 stories above Midtown West Manhattan, The Skylark Cocktail Lounge is a stylish and sophisticated watering hole that offers unparalleled city views, a direct view of the Empire State Building, and is perfectly-positioned to catch a photo-worthy sunset. The cocktails on offer are as intriguing as the views, with the likes of the Boracho Amigo (pictured) and Pistachio Cocktail, both created by mastermind mixologist Johnny Swet.
230 Fifth
Address: 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Website: http://www.230-fifth.com/
For another unbeatable view of the iconic Empire State Building, take a short walk north from Madison Square Park to 230 Fifth. But the view isn’t the best part – the exquisitely-mixed cocktails are enough to keep visitors coming back. Take a sip of your Jalapeño Margarita during sunset or sweet Bellini during brunch while gazing up at one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. We promise you’ll want to come back, too.
Cantina Rooftop
Address: 605 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036
Website: http://cantinarooftop.com/
For a city that is world-renowned for its food and some of the best restaurants you’ll ever experience, it’s surprisingly tough to find decent Mexican food in Manhattan (depending on who you ask). That’s where Cantina Rooftop comes in. Open year-round, Cantina Rooftop in Hell’s Kitchen offers modern Mexican dishes and specialty cocktails, along with expected favorites like margaritas. Enjoy the Teporocho made with mezcal, pineapple, citrus and spicy agave as you take in the summer city sun.
Salvation Taco
Address: Pod 29 Hotel, 145 East 39th Street, New York, NY, 10016
Website: http://salvationtaco.com/
The creators of the devilishly delicious Salvation Taco are reason enough to visit. The South-of-the-border-themed rooftop destination comes from the brilliant gastronomic minds of April Bloomfield and Ken Friedman (yes, that April Bloomfield). The inspiration? They wanted to open their own taco spot that they could call their own. Lucky for us, the space comes with a spacious rooftop, to-die-for tacos, hefty dishes in both size and flavor, and generous pitchers that serve (at least) six.
McCarren Hotel & Pool
Photo credit: Conor Harrigan
Address: 160 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Website: http://www.mccarrenhotel.com/rooftop
For the Brooklyn-bound folk, head to McCarren Hotel & Pool’s rooftop bar. With panoramic views of McCarren Park and the Manhattan skyline, it’s the perfect for happy hour or a more lively atmosphere into the night. Cool cocktails and events all summer long will keep the space buzzing with energy. The menu highlights craft cocktails like the Blackberry & Apple Buck (made with rum, blackberry liquor, apple brandy, lemon juice, cane sugar and ginger ale) to pair with savory seasonal bites.
