If you’re in the mood for a new perspective, good view, or gentle breeze, shout it from the rooftop.
Night of JoyTucked away in Williamsburg is a Victorian-inspired rooftop bar with a handsome bar staff, handwritten menus, stocked jukebox, and thoughtfully crafted drinks (like basil gimlets and rosemary bourbon). It’s imbued with an urban coziness that’s hard to come by -- from this vantage point, a view of the BQE is somehow beautiful.667 Lorimer Street, at Meeker Avenue (718-388-8693 or nightofjoybar.com)
Jimmy at the JamesFor civilized (albeit pricey) after-work drinks, head to the James Hotel elevator and hit the “up” button. The small rooftop bar’s sheer height isolates it from its shorter Soho neighbors -- which means unobstructed views of lower Manhattan, including a spectacular perspective from the bathroom berth. 15 Thompson Street, at Grand Street (212-201-9118 or jameshotels.com)
LoreleyThe LES beer garden takes things up a notch at their Brooklyn outpost, where genuine Bavarian picnic tables are neatly lined up on the roof. It’s good for groups, sports fans, and daytime drinkers. Expect plenty of German beers but no lederhosen.64 Frost Street, at Meeker Avenue (718-599-0025 or loreleynyc.com)
BirreriaFourteen stories above Italiano superstore Eataly, is an enormous roof deck and beer garden serving ales brewed on the premises (unfiltered, thyme-infused, peppercorn-spiked, etc). Serious grub, live music on Sundays, and views of iconic buildings are the main prizes for beating your way through the inevitable throng of crowds.200 Fifth Avenue, at 23rd Street (212-937-8910 or eatalyny.com/eat/birreria)
Press LoungeIt’s go big or go home at Ink48 Hotels’ 16th floor rooftop bar, a massive outdoor den on the far reaches of Hell’s Kitchen. It’s the kind of place you can go with all your colleagues, and the kind of place where (if necessary) you can lose them. A recent addition, the marble-topped oyster bar, signals corporate credit cards. 653 11th Avenue, at 48th Street (212-757-2224 or ink48.com)