New York’s Best Rooftop Bars

Now that it’s officially spring, rooftop season is about to take off. Temperatures across the country are climbing into the 60’s and the forecast for the coming week in NYC looks promising. While New York City is no stranger to rooftop bars, it’s a clever idea to discover the best of the bunch. Here are the Squire’s top choices for the best rooftop bars in New York, of every variety and preference – from the new kids on the block, to the best view and naturally, the best frozen cocktail.

Best Newbies

• Hayden’s Rooftop: Opening soon at the Hotel Hayden in Manhattan’s Flower District, Hayden’s Rooftop will offer a unique, year-round rooftop experience with killer views of the Freedom Tower. The Mediterranean-inspired surroundings will feature a menu of small plates, a forthcoming late night menu of Greek street food, and a curated drink menu featuring cocktails made with Greek spirits like Ouzo and Mastika. An under-the-radar oasis in Chelsea, Hayden’s Rooftop will be the perfect hotspot for after-work drinks, as well as parties and events of all kinds. hotelhaydennyc.com/rooftop-dining

• AKA Wall Street: The newly opened hotel residence AKA Wall Street is the first in Lower Manhattan to have an all-season rooftop with two private cinemas with both indoor and outdoor screening rooms for exclusive guest use. The chic, glass enclosed, four-season lounge has panoramic views of One World Trade Center and downtown Manhattan. It is one of the best rooftop bars in New York. stayaka.com

Best Frozen Drinks

• The Roof at Park South, one of the best rooftop bars in New York, is back this month for its fourth season. Opening April 14th atop NoMad’s newly renovated Park South Hotel, it will take its place once again as one of Manhattan’s most beloved rooftops. This season, the Roof is launching a reimagined F&B menu, the highlight of which includes impeccable new frozen cocktails by Beverage Director Ted Kilpatrick. Signatures are a Strawberry Daiquiri, infusing 5-year old Barbadian rum with strawberries and house-made strawberry-demerara syrup and a Piña Colada, incorporating the same aged rum with over proof rum, house-made coconut milk syrup and fresh pineapple juice. Frozen drink connoisseurs can order the Miami Vice, which layers the two flavors for the best of both worlds (now that’s a new twist on tiki). Paired with upscale light bites created by James Beard award-winning chef Tim Cushman, the Roof is the quintessential summer rooftop experience. roofatparksouth.com

• The MET Roof Garden: A sophisticated space above the concrete jungle, the MET Rooftop Garden also serves up some of the best frozen daiquiris, especially the Gola Ganda. Made with traditional Pakistani shaved ice, your choice of pomegranate, rosewater, or mango syrup, and served over vodka, this frozen cocktail is the perfect complement to the Met’s see and be seen scene. metmuseum.org

Best Views

• Mr. Purple: Located in the heart of the Lower East Side, the Hotel Indigo LES boasts 360 degree unobstructed views of the New York City skyline from its 15th floor indoor-outdoor rooftop with an open-air heated pool. Guests can lounge with fresh cocktails and bites from this Gerber Group operated restaurant while spying on the action below from the spacious terrace. mrpurplenyc.com

• Westlight: The rooftop bar at The William Vale, a boutique hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is the perfect setting for a quick drink or a romantic date. Located on the 22nd floor, Westlight offers sweeping views of 3 boroughs with small bites from Chef Andrew Carmellini of NoHo Hospitality Group and drinks created by head bartender Anne Robinson. thewilliamvale.com

Best Place to Escape the Crowds

• The Kitano: It is one of the best rooftop bars in New York and is located smack in the middle of Murray Hill, Manhattan’s only Japanese-owned hotel is a haven for those looking to escape the crowds and non-stop traffic along Park Avenue. The 18th floor penthouse rooftop provides a front row seat on spectacular views of the New York City’s iconic landmarks –The Empire State Building and The Chrysler Building. Available only for private events, the rooftop is quite the hidden gem in the city. kitano.com