Bar 13
Boasting an impressive view of downtown Manhattan, Bar 13 has a little bit for everyone. From poetry open-mic nights to Heavy Metal Tuesdays, whatever your style you’re sure to find the right fit. The crowd is mostly college students and hipsters, with a live DJ and a smoking area, but if you’re up for a messy, fratty evening you’re sure to leave satisfied.
www.bar13.com
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The Delancey
Although the retractable rooftop is open year round, this spacious retreat comes to life in the summer. With its South Beach vibe and bougie attitude, the bar has three different floors for three different types of clientele. It’s a little bit scene-y, but that’s a small price to pay for a lush decor and balmy, hazy nights.
www.thedelancey.com
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The Heights Bar & Grill
Nestled up in the Morningside Heights section of Manhattan, The Heights Bar & Grill has captured the hearts of college students and locals alike. This fan favorite sports not one but two happy hours, and the refreshingly good-natured bartenders keep the brews coming. With reasonable drink prices, a relaxed vibe and a healthy absence of pretension, this neighborhood spot is worth the subway ride.
www.theheightsnyc.com
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Brass Monkey
Sometimes all you really need to get through the night is a good pint of Guinness, drunk Jersey kids, and the stars. At Brass Monkey in the Meatpacking District, you’ll get all that and more with over 75 draft and bottled beers in stock. The bar gets crowded from the messy weekend bar-hopping scene, but get there early to claim a nice wood-paneled nook to drink the night away.
www.brassmonkeynyc.com
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Upstairs at The Kimberly
This rooftop bar in the Kimberly Hotel offers an enticing 360º view of midtown Manhattan that never stops – literally. With heated floors and a retractable ceiling, guests have the luxury of admiring the view no matter the weather. Noted for its sleek design and lavish elegance, Upstairs offers a hyper-modern atmosphere that delivers the goods.
www.upstairsnyc.com/landing
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XVI
Decadence is the name of the game here at this Hell’s Kitchen establishment. XVI, a reference to the beheaded King Louis XVI, is both whimsical and opulent, offering the unique experience of living like a French aristocrat, or at least drinking like one. Between the baroque couches and lavish chandeliers, if the atmosphere doesn’t seduce you then the custom-created drinks will.
www.xviny.com
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Salon De Ning
This upscale bar and lounge atop The Peninsula New York Hotel may be on the pricey side, but its sensuous 1930s Shanghai vibe makes for a truly transporting evening. Reflecting a vintage feel that exudes sex appeal and glamour, guests relax on embellished day beds as they take in sweeping views of Fifth Avenue. Be sure to call ahead to reserve your slice of the Far East.
www.peninsula.com/new_york/en/dining/default.aspx
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Hotel Chantelle
Named for a French World War II safe house, this nightlife hotspot evokes a smokey 1940s Parisian vibe. Wood panels blend warmly with the pin-tucked red leather banquettes as guests sip gingerly on vintage inspired drinks. With a breathtaking view of the Lower East Side, Hotel Chantelle makes for a picturesque night on the town.
www.hotelchantelle.com
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Alma
Considered a landmark in the New York City dining scene, Alma has made quite a name for itself. Located off the beaten path in Carroll Gardens, this restaurant serves up enticing Mexican chow and mouthwatering margaritas to its denizens of hungry patrons. With the upper roof deck open for the season, Alma gives you all the more reason to brave the trek to Brooklyn.
www.almarestaurant.com
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Berry Park
For the summer beer purist, Berry Park is a neighborhood haven. With a 3,000 square foot deck offering no frills and no gimmicks, guests are able to enjoy a refreshing brew under the stars free from the Manhattan crowd. With an impressive array of imported beers and a refreshing lack of self-awareness, this Williamsburg spot is the perfect place to drink a la fresco.
www.berryparkbk.com
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Night of Joy
Sometimes all you need to know is in a name. Located under the BQE in Brooklyn, this popular nightspot is known for its clever concoctions, from its basil-lime gimlet to the ever-popular orange-blossom lemonade. With a healthy blend of hipsters, locals, and out-of-towners, Night of Joy is certain to live up to the hype.
www.nightofjoybar.com
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230 Fifth
Voted most popular nightspot in NYC by critics and locals, this 22,000-square-foot club caters to the elite. With views of the Empire State, the Met Life building, and the Hudson River, guests are also treated to owner and art collector Steven Greenberg’s private collection. Heat lamps keep the vibe going in the winter, but the warm summer breeze makes 230 Fifth a seasonal destination.
www.230-fifth.com
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