Rooftop Roundup

By Hillary Latos

While summer is preparing for its big finale and head on its way out, New Yorkers can still catch the sizzling summer heat and passionate sunshine before fall makes its return!

Whether it is to tend to some sexy summer flings, or to simply gawk the Empire State's sun-lit beauty, lounging on landscaped rooftop terraces against the breathtaking New York skyline is never a lackluster.

From the Hudson River to the East River and the financial district to Central Park, we searched the city for rooftop bars and lounges offering a unique vantage point of the city, creative libations, and a good excuse to take celebrate New York Summer.

The Roof at the Viceroy
High atop The Viceroy on Midtown Manhattan's latest shining beacon on West 57 street, sits Rande Gerber's latest venture- The Roof.  On the outdoor terrace enjoy unsurpassed 180 degree skyline views of Central Park from the Hudson to the East River while lazing on plush chaises and lounge chairs offering a perfect spot for a sundowner.  The interior décor was inspired by the luxury yachts of the Riviera or a well appointed private jet, with walnut wood interiors, brass lighting, and chocolate leather banquettes and photos of sunsets in the Hamptons.  Small bites like avocado & crab toast or the shrimp tacos pair perfectly with craft cocktails that describe the attractive crowd- the Trouble Maker- a muddled strawberry and cucumber sweet martini or classic Manhattan or Sidecar.  Open from 4 pm until 4 am, the scene evolves depending on the hour of day with the after work crowd arriving for Happy hour, hotel guests arriving post theatre, and the late night trust fund set who live on Billionaires Row below arriving for a nightcap in the wee hours.
The Roof at the Viceroy
124 West 57 St.
NYC
212 707 8008
theroofny.com

Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
Cool off with a boozy People' Pops popsicle at Loopy Doopy's rooftop bar on top of the Conran Hotel in Battery Park City, and after enough of these this is how you may feel.  Favorite summertime popsicle flavors like peach vanilla are spiked with bourbon, blueberry peach with St. Germaine, and yellow plum and mint are mixed with 10 cane rum that melts to a refreshing fruity slush.  Catering to the after work crowd, it's a relaxing spot to watch the sunset along the Hudson River amidst the glittering downtown skyline and Statue of Liberty in the distance.  Enjoy light tapas by Danny Meyer and craft cocktails with a twist like the lime in coconut rendition of a pina colada with Absolut Vanilla and the sunglasses at night with bourbon, honey, lemon and basil.
Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar
102 North End Ave.
NYC
212 945 0100
conradnewyor.com/loopydoopy

East & West
East meets West at Jeffrey Chodorow's latest eatery atop the terrace at the West side's futuristic Yotel.  Known for his creative nomenclature, Chef Bradley Day has created an extensive menu that bridges the gap of these distinct cultures through a selection of comfort favorites from Asian and Western cuisine with a signature flair thrown in resulting in a lot of delicious options to choose from for light bites to full meals.  Modeled after a business class lounge inside, the outdoor terrace offers tree top views of the West Side where you can enjoy creative renditions of familiar favorites like crunchy spicy tuna rolls, seared wagyu beef tiradito with truffle, sambal crispy chicken wings, carne assada, pork belly steamed buns, grilled fish sliders with remoulade, and crab dumplings. Open from breakfast to late night, this all day dining destination is perfect anytime of the day.
East & West
570 Tenth Ave.
NYC
646 449 7700
yotel.com

Skylark
Resembling a billionaire bachelor's seductive lair, the Skylark exudes that urban sexiness that would be found in a multimillion-dollar full floor duplex penthouse in the clouds.  Set 350 feet above the ground in the middle of the fashion district this sumptuous lair features floor to ceiling glass windows with 360 degree views of the glittering skyscrapers in Midtown and iconic landmarks like the Empire State and Rockefeller Center, supple leather banquettes, Cassina arc lamp mood lighting, polished wood walls with chrome accents, zebra skin rugs, and an outdoor terrace to take in the view and surround yourself amongst the warm breezes of living up on top of the food chain.  The light bites menu has been created by Abigail Kirsch with exclusive cocktails using seasonal ingredients.  This is what living well is all about.
Skylark
200 West 29 St.
NYC
212.257.4577
theskylarknyc.com

Mad 46 Rooftop Lounge
Step back in time to the Mad Men era high above the Grand Central Station to Mad 46 on top of the historic Roosevelt Hotel.  Offering one of the best 360 skyline views over Midtown Manhattan, this gorgeous landscaped rooftop terrace is consistently filled with tourists, locals, and the after-work crowd who enjoy the cosmopolitan space  that retains its historical landmarked architecture  such as goblins atop carved stone terraces, terracotta brick floors, and wrought iron seating.  Over the summer Mad 46 is launching Summer Movie Nights showing seven classic movies from Rocky to Little Shop of Horrors to recent hits like Man of Steel and Skyfall where guests are encouraged to dress in theme and enjoy decade appropriate music and sip specialty themed cocktails against the glittering landscape of Manhattan.
Mad 46 Rooftop Lounge
45 East 45 St.
NYC
212 885 6095
mad46.com

Latitude Bar & Grill
Latitude Bar & Grill takes you to both a new summer attitude and altitude this summer on their rooftop deck in Midtown West after work and at weekends. The Latitude rooftop space has become the ideal coordinates for its loyal clientele whilst continually attracting more gastronomic explorers. The casual dining menu is coordinated around the theme of American classics and notables include the Gruyere Caramelized Onion Burger and the Steakhouse Spring Rolls. The drinks selection includes thirteen carefully selected craft beers plus several inventive cocktails including their signature Caramel Chocolate Martini for you to navigate. For summer 2014, take enjoyment to new heights, get a drink and relax on Latitude's roof deck.
Latitude Bar & Grill
783 8th Ave.
NYC
212.245.3034
latitudebarnyc.com