Beat The Heat : Our Favorite Rooftop Bars

Summer may be our favorite season, but the past few weeks have been scorching hot – and the last thing we want to do after work is get our drink on in a packed bar with little air circulation. One of the major advantages in this kind of weather is the rooftop bar. What’s better than a great view with a great drink? The Manual put together a list of some of our hot rooftop favorites from around the nation that will be sure to cool you off.

The Jane Rooftop

If you’ve been to the Jane Ballroom in New York City’s West Village you know how it’s like stepping into an awesome living room party with everything from 90s music to top 40 with some 70s and 80s mixed in. Well, the team responsible for the Jane has decided to bring the party upstairs to their rooftop. Check out some breathtaking views of the Hudson River on this historic hotel’s 6th floor.

Stars Restaurant

If you ever find yourself in Charleston, SC, make sure to check out Stars Restaurant. Stars is one of Charleston’s newest restaurants and one of the few with a rooftop bar. It’s a wonderful place to be at sunset to view all the bell towers and have an excellent bourbon on the rocks. The bar also serves up a wide selection of international tap wines, craft beers and artisan cheese platters.

Wet Deck & The J. Parker

Chicago has a few options for you if you’re looking to catch a breeze. Make sure to stop by Wet Deck on the 7^th floor of the W Hotel in Lake Michigan to try some of their signature cocktails.

Also in Chicago is The J. Parker located in the new Hotel Lincoln, in Lincoln Park. This hot spot attracts the locals and the not-so-locals with great drinks like the “Midwest Mule: (Templeton Rye Whiskey, Gosling’s Ginger Beer, Fresh Lime Served tall, on the rocks) and “The Sun Also Rises” (vanilla infused Grey Goose, Death’s Door Gin, Luxardo Maraschino, fresh grapefruit & lime
served up).

The Top of The Standard at The Standard Hotel

The Top of The Standard is a favorite spot for after-parties, but you don’t have to be on the Met Gala’s guest-list to check out their unbelievable panoramic view of New York City. The bar is open to the public from 4pm to 12am on Sundays and Mondays, and from 4pm to 11pm Tuesday through Saturdays. Make sure to dress your best because cocktail attire is required. The Standard Hotel’s rooftop lounge serves up gorgeous interiors, striking views of the city and beautiful people- what could be better than that?

The Rooftop Lounge at the Thompson Toronto

If you find yourself up north in Toronto, you might want to consider The Rooftop Lounge at the Thompson Toronto. Go on, get out of the country for a bit and enjoy their beautiful skyline to shake things up. Who can resist the CN Tower? Check out the Thompson Diner – where you can get breakfast at anytime. The diner is open 24 hours and make sure to order up a few spiked milkshakes to really help you cool off.

P.O.V Rooftop and Terrace at the W Hotel in Washington DC

POV (POINT OF VIEW) Rooftop and Terrace at the W Hotel in Washington DC is the place to be seen for after-work drinks and late night parties. The rooftop lounge’s motto -“You’re at the top of the world where life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is served,” Make sure to try some of their strong concoctions like “Where is the White House?” a mixture of rum, pineapple, coconut and orange, or the “Rock and Rye”, a mix of high proof rye whiskey, Jamaican Rum, lemon, orange, and spices.

What are some of your favorite places to cool off and enjoy a great rooftop view? Hit us up in the comments below or tweet us @themanualguide