America's 10 Best Rooftop Bars
The weather never looked bleaker — Mother Nature was giving the country a winter that left even the most cold-climate resilient curled into a ball. The never-ending snowstorms, pelting rain, hail, and freezing temperatures hit even the warmest parts of the States, causing general confusion and misery. If there was ever a time to need a drink, this was it. And we gave you the goods with these Hot Cocktails to Warm Your Winter.
America's 10 Best Rooftop Bars (Slideshow)
And even though there's been a few surprise April snow showers, it looks like spring has finally arrived. Naturally this means one thing — it's time to get outside! And what do we love best about being in the great outdoors? Summer cocktails and refreshing wines and beers! We can shed our dark, dreary clothes and say a temporary goodbye to the dimly-lit lounges and bars that's made up our social life for the last six months. Where to head now? Rooftop bars, of course.
We let you know the best Rooftop Restaurants out there, but since last summer, a slew of new choices have come on the scene from West to East Coast and all points in between. While stand-alone watering holes have popped up, hotels have embraced and nurtured this nifty new market of the dedicated rooftop bar.
The scenes vary and there's a fit for every party personality. You'll find low-key, but fun Tiki bars along the seashore, mega spaces designed for the music-and-dance minded crowd, and even trendy see-and-be-seen hotspots in those high falutin' high-rise hotels. What do they all have in common? Awesome views of the city, shore, or other fabulous scenery and landmarks, and delicious drinks to quench your thirst, including new sippers for the upcoming summer heat. Many even offer small plates and snacks to fill your belly while you're knocking back these tasty creations — easy to swallow in the heat.
The biggest perk of them all is having a place to chill every day of the week during the season, after all, the sun takes longer to set and this is the epitome of happy hour time. Summer is just around the corner and many of these rooftop bars also have pools and cabanas as well, so you can really dive in and have a cool time. We've ranked the best rooftop bars in America, some new, some classics, based on ambiance, killer views, and of course, the cocktail menu.
1. High Hot Spot: Skybar at the Mondrian Los Angeles
What's Up: Celebrities like RHOA's NeNe Leakes, Lindsay Lohan, and Adam Levine have partied under the open-air, ivy-covered pavilion perched above this famous hotel's pool. It's all Hollywood, all the time, and style is the name of the game.
Top Sips: The Mondrian margarita, French Pear martini, and Choco Raz martini are popular and pretty drinks for glitterati guests.
'Tis The Season: Open daily, year-round, 10 a.m. until 2 a.m.
2. High Hot Spot: Bar 54 at Hyatt Times Square, New York
What's Up: Fresh on the scene since February 2014, this hotel's 54th floor watering hole is now Manhattan's highest rooftop bar. The outdoor terrace has awesome river sights and views of the Chrysler Building and One World Trade Center.
Top Sips: 20 signature cocktails grace the menu, plus punch bowls serving three to four guests. The Brooklyn-made Dorothy Parker American Gin, was created especially for the bar.
'Tis The Season: Open year-round, Sunday thru Thursday, 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
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