5 of the best New York rooftop bars
Words: James Somper
It’s 6 o’clock and you’ve slogged away in the office. Those all-important conference calls with Beijing have been made and you’ve said all the right things. Your boss is in awe, your colleagues are jealous and your prospective mother in law has just sent over a text of congratulation. To cap it all off, your girlfriend has just texted you; “drink?” Just one problem though: you haven’t booked anything. So, you try the Four Seasons, phone up Carbone and even try Sushi Nakazawa. Nothing, not a bloody thing. The glory of those conference calls and weeks of hard work are fast falling away, so where do you go? Why of course, a rooftop bar.
PLUNGE
This really is the place to come if you’ve made a splash in the office. Beloved by Wall Street bankers and Soho creatives alike, Plunge sits atop the Hotel Ganservoot. As you sit on the terrace, sipping your Vodka Martini and nibble on the Fried Oysters with Artichoke Mayonnaise, you’ll have access to one of the finest views of New York. Just be sure you don’t try and jump into the pool, it’s for hotel guests only.
TOP OF THE STRAND
If you’re feeling on top of the world, then this is the place for you. Top of the Strand is midtown Manhattan’s answer to London’s Kew Gardens and Aqua Shard, the retractable glass roof allows for an oasis of rooftop calm and the drinks aren’t bad either. If this wasn’t enough you’ll be holding court directly opposite the Empire State Building – the view is hard to beat.
BOOKMARKS ROOFTOP LOUNGE AT THE LIBRARY HOTEL
I know how you feel. It’s been a long day and the last thing you want is to go to is a glorified night club. All you’re looking for is a decent single malt and some intelligent conversation. If this is the case look no further than the Bookmarks Lounge. A favourite of modern day ‘Mad Men’ and the usual midtown crowd, you’ll feel at ease on the roof garden, nestled on a bench with a glass of Chianti and high above the bedlam below.
THE HUDSON TERRACE
, Sometimes, the city can just get too much. However, those long holidays on the cape are a bit of an inconvience midweek. The Hudson Terrace provides the best of worlds; a monastery of calm, with plenty of mojitos to boot, amid the bussle of the busiest city in the world. Nestled on the bank of the river, this is as close to Provincetown as you can get.
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART ROOF GARDEN CAFE AND MARTINI BAR
Quiet, relaxed and effortlessly stunning: New York’s famed art gallery’s newest addition offers easy access to one of the most exclusive skylines in the Big Apple. With space aplenty, the Roof Garden and Bar will provide you with endless Martinis and Coronas whilst you take in the stunning vista of Central Park.
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