By Christina Nicole

The weathers getting warmer, the trees are in full bloom, and most of us out there are getting antsy to hit Parkway South for some fun in the sun. Spring is in the air and while it’s too early to hit some of our favorite nightspots down the Jersey shore, a surge of rooftop bars in NYC seem to be popping up all over the place offering music, swanky cocktails, breathtaking views and fun in the outdoors.

I’ve put together a list of 5 hot rooftop bars that have been getting a lot of recent buzz:

1) Gansevoort Park Rooftop
420 Park Avenue South
Perhaps most known these days for being the backdrop of “Kim and Kourtney Take New York,” I had the privilege of attending this hotspot a few weeks ago with my sister who works for the company that hosts their famed Saturday night parties. Lucky for me, I had the benefit of obtaining a stack of free drink tickets and VIP access to the Red Room. While I wasn’t at all pleased with the jam-packed VIP area, I was impressed by the serene pool and views of the Empire State building twenty stories above the city. According to the venue’s Web site, Gansevoort offers progressive music from prominent DJs, open-air terraces, alfresco fireplaces and a signature rooftop pool. I warn patrons to bring a lot of cash (expect to pay anywhere between $15-$20 per drink) and pack your patience to deal with the crowds.

2) Hudson Sky Terrace
621 West 46th Street
Tucked along the edge of midtown along the Hudson River, Hudson Sky Terrace is one of my new favorite venues in NYC (it’s also conveniently located across the street from Pacha). It may be considered a “bridge and tunnel spot” to the natives, but it sure does pack a crowd. I had the opportunity to attend this club a few months ago when Danny Horal (The Solution,“Amazing Race”) was a promoter. Through him, my friend Amila and I were lucky enough to dodge the cover, which I believe was $10-$15 (low for NYC standards) and have table service for the evening. This spot boasts that it’s a magnificent urban vista and an unparalleled entertainment destination. I would have to agree.

3) Sky Room
330 West 40th Street
I can sum up this hot spot in one word: Gorgeous. I’ve been to Sky Room a couple times now (once for business and once with Amila). Both times were fabulous. The venue boasts 360 degree views of Manhattan and the Hudson River and is the city's highest rooftop lounge. According to its Web site, the bi-level ultra lounge transports guests to a high energy oasis atop 40th Street and offers five distinct spaces: the Times Square Lounge, the Cube balcony, the Private Salon, the North terrace with its retractable roof, and the South Terrace with its private cabanas. The north terrace on the 34th floor provides a comfortable environment all year round with a fully retractable glass roof cover and panoramic glass walls, offering stunning views of the Times Square. OK so I thought of another word to describe this sky top oasis: Breathtaking.

4) Empire Rooftop Bar
44 West 63rd Street
It considers itself a “rooftop haven with stunning views.” Unfortunately, I cannot attest, since I have not been to the Empire Rooftop Bar, but I will say it’s at the top of my list of must-attend places to go. Located on the 12th floor of the luxurious Empire Hotel, the Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar & Lounge offers magnificent views of Lincoln Center as well as the Broadway & Columbus Avenue. The venue was recently “radically refurbished.” The spot is thousands of square feet, most of its outdoors is heated, with three terraces' lined with elegant furnishings, lighting, cabanas, and chaise lounges. The rooftop bar is perhaps best known for its towering red-neon "EMPIRE HOTEL" which shines above. Now if only I could bump into Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl) when I attend…a girl can wish. 

5) The Strand Hotel
33 West 37th Street
New York Magazine claims its NYC’s top “year round” rooftop bar. I have not been to this famed NYC hotspot, but again it’s on the list of my top spots to visit. According to the Web site, its urban oasis offers patrons a chance to relax and unwind among the concrete buildings of the garment district with stunning skyline views of NYC while sipping a delicious cocktail.   On Thursday-Saturday evenings from 7:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. guests can enjoy the innovative beats of D.J. Stone.  Top of the Strand includes a sliding roof element and offers visitors an opportunity to relax and take in the stunning skyline views of New York City.

For more information on these rooftop bars, contact me at christina@greekflix.com.