bars in the sky

America's Best Rooftop Bars: Where to Drink when the Ice Caps Melt
<<>

The weather has been unusually warm this January, even for southern California. And perhaps subliminally, global warming has led many of us to rethink the way we live our lives. For example, we may want to pay a bit more attention to the venues where we could have a drink while looking out over the city and potentially even catch some rays while looking at women in bathing suits. These are invariably going to be rooftop bars. And to be frank, this is where I'd want to be when the worlds major cities start turning into lakes. But even more important, and even if all this is conjecture, rooftop bars still provide a great atmosphere to hang out, even in a pre-apocalyptic world. And for some reason, drinking high off the ground makes people feel better about themselves. Here is our list of the best rooftop bars in America, for emergency and recreational use.

Moonstone Lounge, on the Hard Rock Hotel – San Diego, CA

Source: Flickr

The Moonstone Lounge sits on the fourth floor of the hip Hard Rock Hotel in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp District. An enormous pool deck for lounging in the sun lays adjacent to the bar serving cocktails to the thirsty masses. This venue hosts summer party "Intervention," a gathering of hundreds of beautiful and scantily clad young folk. In the evening, cozy seating areas surround the multiple firepits helping to keep you warm when the Southern California winter nights drop below freezing. Seriously though, the service is fast, friendly, and extremely attractive, and the ambiance is second to none. I rang in 2009 while bellied up to the firepit in the background, and by "bellied up to," I clearly mean "backflipping over." The MaryJane diner downstairs is also a blessing for your hangover in the morning, slinging Fat Tire for less than most places charge for PBR.

The Standard – Los Angeles, CA

Source: Flickr

The Standard rooftop bar epitomizes Los Angeles “cool”. The poolside bar and café features a 360-degree panoramic view, an Astroturf sundeck with foosball, waterbed cabanas and a well-stocked bar. There is also a full menu, from which you can order meals during the lunch and dinner hours. The pool is open all day and night, is heated year-round, and plays host to the hotel’s famous spring/summertime parties. The Standard’s rooftop is a favorite of hard-partying wannabe model and actress types, hipsters, celebrities and other attractive people.


230 Fifth Rooftop Garden – New York, NY

source: 230 Fifth

Designed by lauded restaurateur, Steven Greenberg, 230 Fifth is a 22,000 square-foot rooftop lounge and bar in the heart of Manhattan. The rooftop décor features lush palm trees, fountains and select 1940s furniture from Greenberg’s personal collection. The menu was created by renowned chef Zak Pelaccio. The cuisine consists of mostly Malaysian-influenced items and features an extensive specialty cocktails selection. This trendy hotspot is available for private events and can handle up to 1000 guests. 230 Fifth is open year-round (guests are lent complimentary robes during the winter to keep warm) which in New York City is rather unique for a rooftop bar.