He's a trendy New York local, and we had some inside knowledge to suggest he would be the one 'in the know' of where the best rooftop bars are to visit in the big apple! So we decided to interview the man himself - Luke Sherwin, who we had the pleasure of working with recently on his own NYC Travelshoot!
"New York has no shortage of places to meet for a drink, but these are some of the best rooftop bars the city has to offer in my opinion!"
1. Gallow Green
On the rooftop of the McKittrick Hotel - home to the interactive theatre experience “Sleep No More” - lies Gallow Green. Imagine if a beautiful old barn complete with slat seating and gorgeous greenery, was transported onto a Manhattan rooftop and that’s close to Gallow Green. Grab an expertly crafted cocktail from one of the multiple bars, grab a seat and take in the views. You can also check out the Club Car just inside Gallow Green for a great bite to eat.
2. Roof Garden Bar at The Met
Take in the art and all The Metropolitan Museum of Art has to offer then head up to the Roof Garden Bar. Take in the annual art installations and the other art - the breathtaking views of Central Park. The bar is only open seasonally, so check before you head to The Met. The elevator to the rooftop can be hard to find so get yourself a map, check out some art and really savor this quintessential Manhattan experience.
If you’ve still got some energy afterwards continue walking up Fifth Avenue (Museum Mile) and drop by the Guggenheim and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum complete with picturesque gardens and outdoor lawns.
3. Le Bain at The Standard – Chelsea/High Line
Punctuality is important if you want a shot at landing a chair/couch, but fortunately there are enough views to go around. Soak up the Manhattan skyline and views of Jersey too. Afterwards why not head down stairs to The Standard Biergarten for a stein, giant pretzel and some ping pong?
4. 230 Fifth
For one of the best unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, look no further than 230 Fifth. This sizable rooftop has ample seating and the drink of the season – ‘Frose’ – going around. So take your friends, get in early and enjoy the views. Once you’re all viewed out head downstairs to La Pecora Bianca, The Smith or Black Barn for dinner and a nightcap.
Pod 39
17 floors up - not 39 as you may guess from the name - is Pod 39, where you can soak up views from Freedom Tower to the Empire State. This is a place where you can see the skyline through terracotta-framed columns, and enjoy some great people watching almost as much as the drinks.
And of course if you fit in an hour to capture some big apple memories before you hit the rooftops (definitely easier than the morning after!) the Travelshoot NYC team has some secret local spots of their own that make for epic photos. We just had to share our own couple of favourites from Luke's own recent New York experience with us...
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