It’s the heart of the summer. The cool spot amid the heat is on rooftops. Whether you’re looking for a bar, restaurant, or pool, take the elevator to the top. The biggest question is how do you like your martini shaken or stirred?
Here’s where to find the summer fun.
Gansevoort Meatpacking––Gansevoort Rooftop, Manhattan
After a multimillion-dollar renovation, Gansevoort Meatpacking’s Gansevoort Rooftop, boasting 360° views of Manhattan’s skyline, awaits you. Chill out at the bar and pool. Surrounded by plush seating and chic neon art, the heated rooftop pool is open until 9 p.m. Munch on poolside bites like truffle fries, salads and down elevated takes on classic cocktails and dishes inspired by the Union Square Green Market, including wagyu sliders and Empress Gin and champagne Sex & Flowers cocktail.
Jimmy Soho Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Manhattan
Make your way to the 18th floor of the brand spanking new ModernHaus Soho. The reimagined Jimmy boasts unobstructed views of the city skyline with signature cocktails and a pool. To celebrate its 10th anniversary and reopening, Johnny Swet, Jimmy’s master mixologist and partner, has concocted new cocktails like The Mexican Honeybee, Sazerac Tonic, Marmaduke, Lavender Lemonade and Strawberry Moscow Mule, and frozen options, like the Boozy Watermelon Frosé. What are you waiting for?
Alto––Ace Hotel, New Orleans
Recently relaunched in June, Ace Hotel New Orleans’ rooftop garden and urban oasis Alto’s rooftop pool is a green escape when the temperatures rise as they do in the Big Easy. When hunger calls, there are g pizzas, sandwiches, as well as frozen and classic bevs from Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman. Alto is open for hotel guests until 10 p.m. and the public for a $20 cover charge until 5 p.m. Hot tip: Locals love this place. Get there early to grab one of the comfy chaise lounges or day beds.
Happy Be––Walker Hotel Tribeca, Manhattan
Located at the Walker Hotel Tribeca, the downtown lifestyle hotel inspired by the artists’ lofts of the neighborhood, newly opened Happy Be highlights the laid back yet refined nature of art-laden Tribeca. You’ll love the graffiti murals, greenery-shaded booths and sweeping views of lower Manhattan.
Issima––La Peer Hotel, West Hollywood
Earlier this month La Peer Hotel unveiled their newest concept, Issima, with Marissa and Matt Hermer of Boujis Group (The Draycott, Olivetta). An ode to the festival culture of European beach holidays, Issima’s poolside, rooftop and indoor dining offers a menu of signature wood-fired dishes with Spanish and Italian inflections by Chef Michael Fiorelli alongside specialty cocktails. Enjoy apps like Pan Con Tomate, Acorn-Fed Iberian “Cinco Jotas” Jamón and Grilled Swordfish Skewers with arugula pesto, as well as house made pastas and mains from the wood oven such as Grilled Maine Lobster with seaweed butter and Lamb T-Bones with smoked chili romesco.
The Rooftop at 74Wythe, Brooklyn
The hotly anticipated new roof at 74Wythe is set to open on Aug. 1. Be there or be square. The epic views of the Manhattan skyline are IG-worthy and the rooftop ideal for sunset cocktails in Williamsburg.
The Rally Hotel, Denver
This new Denver hotspot has one of the most unique rooftops in the U.S. The skybridge roof deck has dramatic views of the Rocky Mountains to the west, the Mile High City Skyline to the east, and to the north, an epic birds-eye view of Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. The icing on the cake is the pool with its chic décor. There is no wrong way to soak up the views at The Rally.
Margaritaville Hotel, Nashville
With a great beach resort atmosphere in downtown Nashville, there is no better place that feels like an island paradise in the midst of it all than at the Margaritaville Hotel. Soak up the sun and relish the views of the Music City skyline from the fourth-floor pool deck. With its beach-bar vibe and an extensive collection of boat drinks, brews, and the namesake margaritas they’re known for, the rooftop pool deck and Fins Bar, offering live music Thursday through Saturday, is one of the city’s best places to chill.
Hotel Cerro, San Luis Obispo, California
Relax on the rooftop pool terrace in lounge chairs and cabanas and take in the sight of the surrounding hills. The poolside menu includes salads and sandwiches, light lunches, beverages, and cocktails. This spot is a favorite place to eat in San Luis Obispo.