Gramercy Park Hotel Private Roof Club and Garden
As the warm summer sun hits the city, don’t be stuck inside when it’s time to go out. There are plenty of open-air spaces where you can don sunglasses, grab a tasty cocktail and soak up the sun and fun simultaneously.
TOP OF THE STRAND
This cozy surprise on the roof of the recently opened Strand hotel packs a wallop of a view. The roof opens up in the middle, leaving you to stare directly up at the Empire State Building (so close you can almost touch it). The décor is equally fantastic, giving the intimate venue an earthy, welcoming feel. Bench-style seating means you’ll be getting to know your neighbor, but with this friendly crowd that’s a good thing. Try the Cantonese cocktail or the lounge’s trademark martini, mixed with VeeV açaí spirit. Smokers: Leave the lighting up to the buildings in the skyline— cigarettes are a no-no here. 33 West 37th St., 21st floor, 212-448-1024; thestrandnyc.com
GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL PRIVATE ROOF CLUB AND GARDEN
Step foot onto the top floor of the Gramercy Park Hotel and you feel as though you’ve walked into your grandmother’s house, except Grandma’s got a penchant for Julian Schnabel’s artistic taste and color palette, owns Warhol and Hirst masterpieces and has situated half her house on a terrace overflowing with ivy, flowers and vegetation. The effect is stunning and relaxing. Don’t be deterred by the name; hotel guests can walk in whenever, but visitors need to make a reservation through the hotel’s concierge. Smoking is not allowed, but the elevator down to the street moves quickly. 2 Lexington Ave., 212-673-5604; gramercyparkhotel.com
THE STANDARD BIERGARTEN
Craving a delicious imported beer, pretzels that are larger than your face, sausages and Ping-Pong? Andre Balaz has got you covered with this outdoor gem nestled beneath his Meatpacking District hotel/hot spot. The table tennis truly can’t be beat (just try not to trade in your paddles for cups and turn it into beer pong, as that’s frowned upon.) Smokers can light up wherever here. And no, the little girl smoking in the corner isn’t a minor—she’s just an Olsen twin. 848 Washington St., ground floor, 212-645-4646; standardhotels.com
