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Spring has sprung in New York City. With clear skies and the humidity of July and August still months off, who would want to stay indoors? Or on the ground, for that matter. Take advantage of spring's fleeting pleasant weather and view the concrete jungle from a new perspective at rooftop bars and lounges. Here are a few to check out in the coming weeks:
Above Allen
Thompson LES
190 Allen Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 460-5300
On a clear night, come to Above Allen to lounge outdoors and enjoy an unbeatable bird’s-eye-view of Manhattan from the Lower East Side. Choose from a number of beers on tap and a wide selection of cocktails (try a mojito). To nosh, order Chinese small plates like chicken satay or sushi. And don’t look too star struck–AA’s patio is known for celeb sightings.
Press Lounge
Ink48
653 11th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
(212) 757-2224
A tad off the beaten path, one of the best 360-degree views of both the city and the Hudson River can be found from Press Lounge, the chic rooftop bar of Hell's Kitchen's Ink48. The modern design of the space leaves room for a long, shallow pool and plenty of lounge chairs. Press Lounge is a lesser-known alternative to the Standard or the Gansevoort and arguably may even have a better view.
Salon de Ning
The Peninsula
700 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
(212) 903-3097
Sipping well-crafted cocktails from a Shanghai-inspired lounge 23 stories above Fifth Avenue may just be the ultimate spring-time luxury. Salon de Ning is the place to go for open-air decadence high above the city. Drinks may be over $20, but service is impeccable.
Rare
Affinia Shelburne
303 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(212) 481-8439
If you’re seeking less swank, head to Midtown for a more casual vibe at Rare View. Downstairs, indulge in humungous gourmet hamburgers for dinner–try the Artisanal–then head to the roof and enjoy spectacular views of the Chrysler and Empire State Building as the sun sets. Only bottled beers are available on the roof, but cocktails are on the strong side. Go for a Yum Rummy.
The Perfect Pint
123 West 45th Street
New York, NY 10036
(212) 354-1099
The Perfect Pint is the perfect place for beer connoisseurs in search of fresh air four stories above Midtown West. On top of the Pint’s thatched roof, choose from thirty beers on tap and watch the game on any number of hanging TVs. Though the Pint is best known for Guinness, try a pint of Innis & Gunn, an oak-aged Scottish beer with a slight whiskey taste.
See our full list here