Cocktails in the Clouds at Chez Zou’s Stylish Rooftop Lounge Photo Courtesy of Chez Zou
Food and Drink

Where to Sip in Style: Elevated Summer Friday Cocktails at Manhattan West

Escape the Post-Work Crowds With These Refined Cocktail Destinations Just Steps From Midtown’s Business District

Matthew Kennedy

A Summer Friday Guide to Manhattan West’s Most Sophisticated Cocktail Spots

By July, the Summer Friday rhythm has settled in across New York City. Office buildings thin out by early afternoon, interns flood sidewalks with iced coffees in hand, and the city’s buzziest rooftops and bars fill up faster than a 6 PM LIRR train. But for those who prefer their post-work drink with a little less noise—and a lot more polish—Manhattan West offers a quieter, more curated take on the happy hour experience.

Tucked just west of Penn Station and within walking distance of Midtown’s major transit hubs, Manhattan West has emerged as a sleek, design-forward dining and drinking destination for those looking to elevate their end-of-week ritual. Below, we spotlight three standout cocktail programs that offer everything from panoramic rooftops and Eastern Mediterranean energy to wood-fired Italian fare and negronis that mean business.

Zou Zou’s: Mediterranean Spirit, Elevated Spritzes

Sumac Spritz, Raw Scallop Oyster, Fresh-Baked Talami

A Friday afternoon at Zou Zou’s is anything but ordinary. The restaurant’s Eastern Mediterranean menu, layered with influences from Lebanon, Israel, Egypt, and beyond, sets the tone for a cocktail list that’s as transportive as it is refined.

Among the highlights: the Sumac Spritz, a zesty and refreshing spin that balances brightness with depth; the Golden Negroni, which adds subtle complexity to the classic formula; and Field Trip, a creative blend that pairs seamlessly with a shared mezze spread. Whether you’re indoors enjoying the warm-toned design or opting for an alfresco table, this is the kind of place where time slows and the next round feels inevitable.

Chez Zou: Rooftop Escape with a Playful Edge

Chez Zou’s Signature Spritzes Bring Vibrancy to the Rooftop Scene

Perched above its sister restaurant Zou Zou’s, Chez Zou offers a cocktail experience that feels distinctly upper-level—both literally and atmospherically. This rooftop lounge combines maximalist design with a relaxed, social vibe that never feels forced.

Drinks here lean whimsical but never gimmicky. The Dirty Zou is a signature that riffs on the dirty martini with an unexpected, elegant twist. The Pickle Spritz may raise eyebrows, but it delivers a tart, herbal freshness that’s perfect for hot summer evenings. Pair these with bites like Drunken Pistachios or Caviar Sliders, and you’ve got a cocktail hour that feels more like a curated event than an afterthought.

It’s a favorite among those in the know—those who like their rooftops scenic but not chaotic.

Ci Siamo: For the Negroni Purist (and Their Date)

Ci Siamo’s Spritz and Panini Pairing Brings Milanese Charm to Manhattan

At Ci Siamo, the cocktail menu speaks a quieter language—one that prioritizes precision and balance over flash. Led by James Beard-nominated chef Hillary Sterling, the restaurant is best known for its Italian fare and live-fire cooking, but its drink offerings are just as intentional.

Settle in for a Bitter Giuseppe, a contemplative, vermouth-forward drink that rewards a slower pace. Or try Roman Hills, a bittersweet yet approachable cocktail with a citrus edge. Still, the Negroni remains the anchor—executed with confidence and clarity.

The ambiance matches the drinks: unfussy, quietly stylish, and perfect for those who prefer a meaningful conversation over a second round.

For those seeking to reclaim Summer Fridays with a sense of sophistication, Manhattan West is offering more than just proximity—it’s offering taste. Whether it’s a rooftop rendezvous or a low-lit Italian aperitivo, these refined happy hour spots remind us that sometimes, less crowd means more flavor.

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