High Ground: Rooftop Bars
When you stop to think about the incredibly close quarters New Yorkers are forced to endure, it's no surprise that we are constantly looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors. While a midwesterner might go climb a mountain, or a Californian might hang at the beach, we generally prefer more cultural things like concerts in the Park, movies on the Pier, or drinking. Luckily there are quite a few establishments in the City that figured that out. Here are some of the best:
Sushi Samba
(87 Seventh Avenue South, between Bleecker and West Fourth Streets)
When you go to a restaurant that combines a sushi bar with a Brazilian theme, you can bet the atmosphere is going to be hip and fun. And Sushi Samba does not disappoint, particularly on the rooftop lounge/dining room. Partially covered, to allow for upholstered pieces as well as outdoor compatible furniture, Sushi Samba features great cocktails that attract a lively set that only seems to get livelier as the evening goes on.
Pen Top Bar
(The Peninsula Hotel, 700 Fifth Avenue at 55th Street, 23rd floor)
This place is very, very cool. But cool has a price. Try ten bucks for a bottle of beer and around fifteen for a cocktail. As long as you know that before you go, just count on the fact that the terrace here is a must-see. High above Fifth Avenue, you will love the bird's eye view of Central Park from your outdoor table. Funny story though: Last time I was there I saw a group of prepsters who obviously had been warned about the price of a drink. As their glasses emptied each one took an airline miniature from his pocket and stealthily turned their table into a 2 for 1 Happy Hour.
The Delancey
(168 Delancey Street at Clinton Street)
Definitely hot, the Delancey had Bjork as deejay during its first week in operation. It's actually a club with three levels (the lower level features a "Sid Vicious/Buddy Holly Karaoke Party." Be warned). The Delancey's deck features a koi pond and reasonably priced killer margaritas. This is definitely worth checking out before those autumn winds start to blow.
