What better way to spend a summer’s day than by sipping cocktails at one of the city’s best rooftop bars? We’ve rounded up our four favorites, perfect for lounging on a lazy Saturday, unwinding after work or even sneaking in a glass during lunchtime!
Back again for the summer season, the rooftop bar above Park South Hotel is an excellent choice. Lap up the sunshine while you make your way through a quirky cocktail list that’ll quench your thirst. We recommend the Swamp Water or Paddle Boarding the Amazon.
Photo courtesy of Roof at Park South
Pair with a snack of fried artichokes, yellowtail poke tacos and mushroom quesadilla from the food menu, created by award-winning chef Tim Cushman.
The best part about Loopy is the signature cocktail; the Prosecco and Ice Pop. Choose a base of Prosecco or Rosécco and then pick your pop flavor, they change on a monthly basis. At Downtown, we’re currently favoring the Blackberry Sour and Pink Lady Sangria.
Photo courtesy of the Conrad Hotel New York
If you were hoping to make a reservation, we’re sorry to disappoint; it’s first come, first serve. Find the popular bar on the 16th floor of the Conrad hotel, with spectacular views of the Hudson river and the Statue of Liberty.
What do you get when you mix Latin passion with NYC style? La Piscine above Hôtel Americano. The Mexican grill and rooftop bar is a luxurious hot spot for the city’s in-crowd. No doubt the fantastic pool has something to do with that…
Photo courtesy of Hôtel Americano
What really sets La Piscine apart from other rooftop bars is the impeccable selection of Mexican delights. This seasons’s new Coastal Mexican menu by Chef Bryan Noury reads everything from small plate aperitivos, such as scallop aguachile, to the crispy pork al pastor taco, and will leave you salivating and satiated. Complement the exotic food flavors with a shot of tequila, there are 32 to choose from!
Photo courtesy of Hôtel Americano
4. Le Bain
Sometimes you just want to dance under the stars. Put on your highest heels and make your way to the Meatpacking District for an all-night party at the trendy rooftop bar and nightclub, Le Bain at The Standard hotel.
The epitome of luxury, Le Bain has been host to some impressive DJs. Tonight, the bar is celebrating Pride with sets by Whitney Day, DJ Lina and DJ Amanda Louise. Dance, swim in the plunge pool and enjoy all sorts of debauchery.
Trip.com is an innovative planning tool that tailors recommendations for places to stay, eat and play to your specific tastes. It also allows you to share your great experiences with people who have the same interests as you; people in your “tribes.” Trip.com’s TripPicks This Week feature empowers you to discover and take advantage of great events, openings and exhibits throughout the city each week.
Here are some exciting events and sites to check out this week in Downtown New York, courtesy of Trip.com. Visit their site or download the app for more upcoming events.
A new rooftop bar, aptly named the The Crown, now tops the 21st floor of Hotel 50 Bowery. Come check out the breathtaking views of Manhattan and Brooklyn while sampling Asian-inspired craft cocktails and “a small menu of rotating globally-inspired street food.” Trust us: you’re going to be very impressed.
Hotel 50 Bowery (Chinatown) Sunday-Wednesday from 12 pm-2am; Thursday-Saturday from 12pm-4am
Though the grape’s origin can be traced to Croatia and Italy, Zinfandel is the quintessential American wine. The Zinfandel Experience showcases the wine’s versatility, which ranges from dry to semi-sweet, with wine samples from awarding wineries. Tickets start at $69.
Awaken your higher self with groovy music, Kundalini yoga and meditation. This original two hour class will take participants on a unique spiritual journey that will rejuvenate, renew and revitalize from the inside out. Class is $30.
June 6 marks the start of a month-long classical concert series at Washington Square Park. We can’t imagine a lovelier Tuesday evening than in the company of Bizet and Carl Orff‘s “Carmina Burana” with The Stonewall Chorale, the nation’s first LGBT chorus, and soloists. Free event.
Washington Square Park (Greenwich Village) Tuesday, June 6 at 8pm
The Lower East Side Film Festival showcases low-budget and independent films from across the globe, but this affair is far from low-profile. Don’t miss the opening night film “Avenues” and the after-party hosted by Vimeo at DROM where a $20 cover includes live music and an open bar with beer and wine. While you’re at it, hit up the filmmaker reception and ice cream social on the rooftop of Meet on Bowery. Tickets start at $16.
Check out the site for a complete list of venues and times Thursday, June 8-Thursday, June 15
Meet fellow bourbon enthusiasts and enjoy eight different premium bourbon tastings at eight different downtown bars. Among them Copper Still, 2A, Parkside Lounge, East Village Social and Plug Uglies at the New York City Bourbon Bash. Neat, on the rocks, or with a soda mixer: it’s bottoms up! Tickets are $65.
Parkside Lounge (Lower East Side) Saturday, June 10 from 12-10pm
“Get sauced” with 15 of the finest pitmasters from across the county during two days of Big Apple Barbecue. We can’t wait to taste the heat and smoke from Hometown Bar-B-Que, Baker’s Ribs, Fox Brothers Bar-B-Q, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ and Salt Lick BBQ. There will also be live musical performances throughout the day.
Madison Square Park (Flatiron) Saturday, June 10-Sunday June 11 from 11am-6pm
For the first time ever, LaLiga — the top-flight Spanish soccer league — will host a New York City rooftop viewing party of El Clásico, a clash between two of the world’s biggest clubs: Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona.
Taking place on Sunday, Apr. 23, the free day-long event and immersive experience will feature exhibitions from FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF, an interactive soccer tech zone, hospitality areas highlighting Spanish food and drink, music and live entertainment, a rooftop mini soccer pitch, as well as large screen TVs throughout the 24,000 square foot venue to watch the match. All of it set to the backdrop of a breathtaking panoramic New York skyline!
Making a special appearance will be one of the greatest Spanish players of all-time, Raúl González Blanco, in addition to other top soccer players and personalities.
When the weather is cooperative in Manhattan, one of the most fun things to do is visit a rooftop bar. New York has no shortage of rooftop bars, but Downtown had the pleasure of speaking with representatives from three of the city’s better establishments with rooftops:
How would you describe your rooftop bar to someone who hasn’t been there?
Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: Mr. Purple gives great aesthetic pleasure to all who get to experience the space. It’s a very exciting rooftop bar and super fast-paced, not to mention the phenomenal views from our not one, but two terraces!
Kia Williams, The Roof: I would describe The Roof as a yacht in the sky, with its anchor right in front of Central Park. You can people watch, gaze out on the unobstructed view of Central Park, and catch up with friends, while enjoying a delicious cocktail made with market fresh ingredients.
Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: The rooftop is probably one of the most unique rooftops in the city. It has two booth-style rows that run along the sides of the boat and a long communal table that acts like a spine in the center. There is some coverage from the sun towards the front and bar area however most of the deck is a sundeck. It’s a fun roof with basically nothing to block your views on all sides, considering you’re on the third deck you also have a sustainable amount of height off the water which I feel adds a little thrill. Wood tables and trim complimented by white railings and red/navy details give the look and feel of a New England lobster shack while still having some very nautical theming. Concept has a strong coastal community atmosphere while still appealing to the modern millennial with fun music and casual dress codes. You will catch families recluse from the heat inside as millennials bask in the sun on the rooftop with buckets of beer and glasses of rosé. All of this balanced out by quintessential North/East American fare really gives an authentic and unique feel to the vessel without being pretentious or overbearing.
Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: My favorite item on our cocktail menu is the bottled Negroni. It’s our signature negroni recipe, but carbonated and bottled in-house. The bottle is absolutely the cutest, no ice is needed! From our food menu, I’d have to say the sliders with smoked gruyere, three to an order with fries — cannot go wrong.
Kia Williams, The Roof: My favorite item on the menu is the GG Old Fashioned; mine in particular (laughs). I haven’t been to many places that can compare.
Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: The rosé is the best choice for me. There is nothing like a glass of Cloud Chaser after a long day at work. To be able to enjoy this on a boat is even more special considering the festive atmosphere and valiant seafood options to pair with. In reference to food I would defiantly go with a new England classic lobster roll. You truly haven’t experienced NRLC unless you have a nice tasty sweet and buttery roll here. The marriage of sweet lobster, creamy sauce and buttery roll really completes the coastal feel of the concept.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: In my spare time I study bees! One day I hope to be a full time beekeeper.
Kia Williams, The Roof: When I’m not busy behind the bar at The Roof, my husband and I check out other cool bars and restaurants around the city. People call us the Jay Z and Beyonce of hospitality.
The Roof / Photo: Gerber Group
Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: Lately I’ve taken a huge liking towards photography. I never realized what an incredible release you get from immortalizing moments into frames. The patience in waiting for the perfect moment stabilized by the careful focusing of the lens. Holding your breath for that last moment as you begin to apply pressure to the trigger. The satisfaction of losing the visual for a split second and the sound of the exposure being captured. Finally releasing that pent up breath and looking at the preview of the exposure. It almost feels like elements of creation, I can’t explain it with anything less than a rush.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
Brenda Alvarez, Mr. Purple: Come by Mr. Purple to have a drink or two, and take some great, unforgettable pictures of our view!
Kia Williams, The Roof: When ordering a drink from your bartender or sever, I always recommend that guests look over the menu and first find their spirit of choice. I also suggest finding two cocktails that sound good and to ask your bartender or server to describe each one instead of asking, “What’s better?” Taste is subjective.
Roman Tartakovsky, North River Lobster Company: North River Lobster Company is an interesting product in the sense that we aren’t trying to reinvent the wheel but give you the best possible wheel we can give you. There isn’t a huge menu or a crazy amount of things to choose from. Just the right things to choose from to make you feel as though you have been transported on a mini vacation. With all the hustle and bustle in the city it’s hard to forget your in Manhattan. However, on The Destiny it can really feel like you’ve been taken away for a bit.
Downtown Magazine was delighted to share in the opening of Addison Hospitality Group’sMagnolia Restaurant and Lovage Rooftop Lounge, as located on the border of the Hudson Yards and Hell’s Kitchen.
The intimate VIP dinner was a comfortable and relaxing time for all, as we were able to share time together in the brand new luxe-meets-classic restaurant. Following the small gathering, there was a much larger and louder party that continued upstairs in the Lovage Rooftop Lounge.
“We have worked with Ric Addison before at one of our long-time favorites, Monarch Rooftop, and there’s no doubt that Addison knows how to put combine great views and delicious American fare. We will follow him anywhere,” said CEO of Downtown Magazine , Grace A. Capobianco.
The 4,000 square-foot lounge space offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the city through floor to ceiling windows, complete with a glass roof.
Capobianco continued: “Guests from all over the Tri-State area came in to celebrate the opening of this beautiful new rooftop lounge. DJ Jamal Rigault spun great tunes and kept the party rocking long after I left. The space is incredible and even better — right in the heart of the city. I wish to thank all of our guests, including our former staff members who graced us with their presence, as well as the NY Hustle Community, and of course our host, Ric Addison.”
The Addison Hospitality Group’s founder Ric Addison
Addison Hospitality Group owner Ric Addison began a career in hospitality well over two decades ago. Originally from Ireland, Ric got his start in New York hospitality working alongside nightlife legends like Ian Schrager and Rande Gerber. The first notable establishment of his own was the AVA Lounge at the Dream Hotel, which he opened in 2002; New York Magazine would go on to name it “Best After Work Drink” spot in a Best Of New York issue. Further acclaim would come quickly from other establishments of Ric’s, like the Inc Lounge at The Time Hotel — which once hosted Lady Gaga and Madonna in its VIP “Pool Room” — and THE BAR at the Dream Hotel.
Four years ago in 2013, Ric opened the Monarch Rooftop & Indoor Lounge. Located 18 floors above Herald Square, the beautifully-decorated Monarch was designed by Natalie Todorova of Gene Kaufman Architects. Beyond its signature cocktails, Monarch offers an immaculate view of the Empire State Building and other parts of Midtown. Not just ideal for a summer visit, Monarch uses heat lamps when necessary, welcoming evening visitors to experience its Scandinavian-style décor throughout the year.
Downtown spoke with Ric in December 2016 to learn more about Monarch and other Addison Hospitality Group establishments. More info can be found at www.addisongroupnyc.com, while Monarch itself can be followed on social media via accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
You are the owner of the Addison Hospitality Group. What inspired you to start your own hospitality group?
Ric Addison: My background in hospitality dates back from my roots in Ireland. My entire family has been in the hospitality business in some way or another. My father was the manager at an Executive social club in Ireland. When I came to the United States, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in hospitality. I worked my way up all the way from a barback, learning from the likes of the venerable Ian Schrager and Rande Gerber. I knew from then on that I wanted to bring a level of hospitality that the New York elites expect, but make it available to everyone.
RA: There is no typical day and never a humdrum moment. Everything is constantly changing at a rapid pace, and that is part of the reason why I love it. From finding and transforming new spaces into nightlife destinations, working with my team to develop ideas, and just meeting new customers, I consider myself fortunate to enjoy going to work every day.
RA: I think I truly found my niche with rooftop bars when I opened the AVA Lounge at the Dream Hotel. I noticed that Midtown professionals wanted a respite from the bustling city after a hard day’s work and AVA was a getaway in the middle of Manhattan.
RA: Gerber Group bars with Randy Gerber, Ian Schrager at The Paramount Hotel, and every major nightclub in the 80s and 90s. I started as a manager at the Whiskey Bar and rose to Director of Operations for the Gerber Group.
What can you tell me about your two newest venues, Magnolia Restaurant and Lovage Rooftop & Indoor Lounge?
RA: I am proud to be opening Magnolia Restaurant and Lovage Rooftop & Indoor Lounge in 2017. Magnolia will be the first restaurant addition to the Addison Hospitality Group portfolio. It was designed to be elegant, but comfortable; a place that you want to visit because of its quality food at an affordable price. Lovage is a continuation of our beloved AVA Lounge, which recently closed. Loyal patrons of AVA will notice a lot of the same design elements in Lovage. We invite guests of all ages to visit, from ages 21 to 91. We think there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Do you have a favorite item served by Magnolia? What about Lovage?
RA: At Magnolia, the Deviled Duck Eggs with maple horseradish, mustard, a touch of cayenne pepper, and crispy bacon bits. At Lovage, I love to sip on our Hell’s Kitchen take on a Bloody Mary. We call it the Mahola Cocktail, with Smoky Mezcal, Roasted Tomatillos, Wasabi, Fresh Lemon and a Sweet Paprika and Sesame Salt Rim that will wake you right up.
Any special events coming up at any of your establishments? Holiday specials?
RA: Yes, Magnolia and Lovage are booking up quickly for Fashion Week in February, along with a Valentine’s Day party at Lovage. Things will really heat up at Lovage when the warm weather arrives this spring and patrons can take advantage of the warm temperatures in New York City.
It’s been said that the Addison Hospitality Group aims to provide “white glove service without the white gloves.” Is there a particular entrepreneur that inspired that philosophy?
RA: I wanted to show people elegant service without being confined to the parameters of the Meatpacking District. Every guest is equally important to me. No particular entrepreneur inspired that philosophy in me, but myself. However, I do view Richard Branson as an inspiration of business.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
RA: I always enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, sailing and golfing.
Other than your own, do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?
