Rooftop bars in NYC

La Piscine at the Americano

Sufferers of vertigo beware: Access to Hôtel Americano’s rooftop pool bar on the 10th floor is by an external glass elevator. Those who brave that ride, however, get to appreciate a view of Chelsea—including the High Line—with a cocktail such as the Mezcalito (Los Nahuales Joven mezcal, cilantro and watermelon; $14). For an afternoon of drinking, spring for a pitcher of one of the seasonal cocktails ($48), and keep cool by dipping your toes in the four-feet-deep pool. Keep an eye on the website for announcements about live music and deejayed parties in the summer.

Hudson Terrace

• Price band: 2/4

Uninterrupted views of the Hudson, cabanas, food from the grill and AC to fight the humidity put this plush deck with a retractable cover in the upper echelons of Manhattan’s high-class roof bars. Check its website for updates on programming—last year featured a visiting brewery every Friday—or start the season early with DJs and bottle service on Friday and Saturday nights.

The Ides at the Wythe Hotel

• Price band: 2/4
• Critics choice

This outdoor terrace bar on the Wythe Hotel’s sixth floor affords sweeping views of the East River and Manhattan, and it’s an ideal vantage point for watching summer sunsets while lingering over a Professor Fritz Briem tall boy ($16) or a quaff made from local small-batch spirits. Sure, the crowd comprises mostly globe-trotting cool kids from outside the five boroughs, but consider that another avenue to finding a guilt-free summer fling.

Juliette

• Price band: 2/4
• Critics choice

When you tire of Williamsburg’s dive bars, head up the stairs of this French bistro for a glass of vin on the wooden terrace that’s dotted with trees. While plans are still being finalized, this year the roof deck should be more conducive to drinkers, with a limited menu and DJs spinning.

Le Bain

• Price band: 2/4

Getting past the doorman can be tough work at the rooftop bar of the still-trendy Standard Hotel, but your trials will be rewarded with stunning views of the Hudson River and downtown Manhattan. The bi-level boîte boasts an artificial-turfed alfresco bar with garden chairs and large, round pouf ottomans that can easily accommodate upward of three reclining friends. Don’t just bypass the lower-level room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a Jacuzzi—it plays host to appropriately hip parties with top-notch DJs, like the weekly Nouveau York bash (Sun 9pm–3am; free).

mad46 rooftop lounge

Atop the 19th floor of the Roosevelt Hotel, you’ll find the usual luxe environs with cabanas reserved for bottle service and a spectacular vista of midtown buildings. Watch for the return of the summer movie series, that pairs crowd-pleasing movies—like last-year’s The Godfather II or the location-apt King Kong—with drinks specials.

Night of Joy

• Price band: 2/4
• Critics choice

This bi-level drinks den offers a rooftop patio with a few tables and chairs, weathered rugs, strung-up Christmas lights and a view of cars whizzing by on the BQE. A makeshift bar slings generous frozen margaritas ($9) and bottled suds like Sol and Brooklyn Lager. Once you’ve had your alfresco fill, wander downstairs to try the well-priced, unfussy cocktails like orange-blossom rum lemonade ($9) or jalapeño tequila with black currant and lime juice ($9).

Penthouse808

• Price band: 2/4

Tucked under the Queensboro Bridge, this bar atop Long Island City boutique hotel the Ravel offers a stunning vista of New York’s most famous borough. Relax and enjoy the view during the day while swigging frozen drinks ($12–$14), but if you go in the evening, be prepared for a party atmosphere and bottle service.

The Press Lounge

Apropos its minimalist, modern ideal, this upscale spread’s pièce de résistance is a glowing 70-foot-long reflecting pool. Translation: Skip the flip-flops if you want to fit in with the midtown crowd that congregates here to watch the sun set after work. You won’t be disappointed with the 16th floor’s 360-degree vistas either. There’s plenty of space to lounge on the generously sized deck, and there’s also a glass-enclosed lounge where you can grab a beer or a cocktail.

Plunge

• Price band: 4/4

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.