Most New Yorkers would agree that sipping a drink at a rooftop bar is one of the true delights of summer. Which is just the problem -- these spots are typically too crammed with likeminded fans of panorama views to have a good time. Here's our roundup of some less-obvious but equally delightful options for drinking among the skyscrapers this summer, as well as where to go when you need a plan B.
The Drink: Dogfish Head Festina Peche or Eataly Thyme Pale Ale
The Likelihood: Even on a cloudy, drizzly Thursday evening, Birreria was at capacity.Of course, it was 6:00 Pp.m. and New Yorkers don't give a shit if it's drizzling. They'll parkit under an umbrella, bumping elbows like they're on a smashed subway seat until the rain lets up.The good news is, the line moves relatively quickly, but you may have to jostle for aseat, which New Yorkers don't give a shit about doing either.
The Alternative: If you'd rather not wait, amble over to Eataly's La Piazza, order a beer andstand around observing the housewives of New York shuffling around in kitten heelstasting slices of barolo soaked cheese and fingering well-manicured vegetables.
The Rooftop: PRESS Lounge at Ink48
The Drink: Market Muddle (rum and seasonal fruit) or Bee's Knees (gin, local honey,lemon and lavender)
The Likelihood: Because Hell's Kitchen isn't necessarily a nightlife destination, PRESSrarely has a line out the door, even though the ridunkulous view warrants one. If there isa wait, it's worth it for the romance of an unobstructed view and prime make out setting.
The Alternative: Head downstairs to PRINT for a drink and a hyper-seasonal bite, orThe Dens, a pretty little parlor just next to PRINT.
The Rooftop: The Jimmy at The James
The Drink: Chanel No. 9 (Botanical and flower infused Champagne with jammystrawberry pearl bubbles), but because cocktails are bubble-era expensive, you couldalways go for a $10 Amstel Light (?!)
The Likelihood: The scene at The Jimmy totally depends on the evening, by which we mean, go on a Tuesday after 9 p.m. and not Friday at 7 p.m.
The Alternative: It's a few blocks away and not a rooftop, but the newly openedbackyard at the Mulberry Project is a lovely seasonal oasis hidden in the middle of LittleItaly with equally as seasonal cocktails made upon request.
The Rooftop: Mé Bar at La Quinta Koreatown
The Drink: Beers in bottles
The Likelihood: This weird little rooftop in the middle of fried chicken heaven is prettywell known among the rooftperatti, and is probably at its busiest post-office hours. Takeoff early on a Friday, and camp out to watch the Empire State building put on its sparklynightgown.The Alternative: Just hang out and wait, or go get some fried chicken and stop back.This place is laid back enough for hassle-free standing room until patio chairs open up.
The Rooftop: 230 Fifth
The Drink: Sangria or a beer
The Likelihood: This is one from which to detour at prime hours. It's best in the lateafternoon on a weekday or weekend for two reasons. 1. Seats will not yet be reservedfor bottle service. 2. Avoidance of the super-midtown-douche and his super-midtown-douche pick up lines.
The Alternative: Mé Bar at La Quinta Koreatown
Image of Birreria via Eater.
