CP NEWS: Summer's Outdoor Hotspots

[ddm-news]

-Erin DeJesus and CP Staff

It's officially summer. Which means it's officially acceptable to build your buzz while simultaneously soaking up the sun. (1 out of 10 doctors recommend it.) But because bringing a six-pack to the park is just plain trashy, try heading over to one of the classier rooftop and outdoor bars. Warm nights + good drinks + views of the skyline? Who needs the Hamptons anyways.

NEW YORK

Roof Garden Café at the Met

1000 Fifth Ave. 212.87.5500

Feeling cultural – or just looking for an excuse to drink during the day? Stop by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s rooftop garden and enjoy views of Central Park. Full bar service and food is available right alongside this summer’s exhibition, which features Chinese sculptor and gunpowder artist Cai Guo-Qiang.

Cabana at the Maritime Hotel

363 W. 16th St. 212.242.4300

This Amy Sacco creation features two large and separate cabana areas, giving visitors the best of both worlds. The ritzier North cabana has an enclosed sunroof and sit-down service, while the South cabana remains airy and open for a more casual bar scene.

The Park

118 10th Ave. 212.352.3313

More like a tribute to nature than a lounge, the outdoorsy feel, coupled with café seating, gives The Park its name and its unique vibe. Have friends who are less outdoor-enthused? The Park’s atrium area, with its tall glass panels and ceiling, at least gives the illusion of nature from the safety of indoors.

230 Fifth

230 Fifth Ave. 212.725.4300

Among NYC’s newest – and largest – rooftop bars, 230 Fifth also serves up Malaysian dim sum with their pricey drinks. But the cost is worth it – through layers of decorative umbrellas and palm trees, you can catch the Empire State Building in addition to the city’s best view of the skyline.

BED New York

530 W. 27th St. 212.594.4109

These days, BED is more famous for its A-list clientele than its unique interior. But in addition to the celebrity sightings, curtains, sculpted gardens, and luxurious canopy beds adorn the rooftop of this upscale French restaurant and lounge, which provides viewers with a view of the Manhattan skyline.

Bar 13

35 E. 13th St. 212.979.6677

Lounge on the top floor of this retro bar that caters more to the city’s artsy scene. Mondays feature live mic nights by LouderArts, while the Shout! Party by Revolution Rock starts off every Sunday. But while the roof has its tropical, palm-tree theme, lit-up screens block whatever natural view might exist.

Plunge at the Hotel Gansevoort

18 9th Ave. 212.206.6700

Hotel Gansevoort’s underground G Spa seems to be getting all the press and celebrity attention these days, but Plunge still remains a Meatpacking District staple. Plus, the carefully-manicured rooftop garden provides a sweet view of the Hudson River at sunset – those downstairs spa-goers don’t know what they’re missing.

PS1- Warm-up Series (Every Saturday)

MoMA

MoMA's avant-guard outpost hosts a weekly summer series for party kids of all ages to "warm up" before hittin' the town. Each year a new artist designs a conceptual, sandy wonderland for tipsy scenesters to frolic through complete with wading pools, mist machines and interactive architecture. Catch world-renowned, up-and-coming, and loopy experimental DJs helming the stage atop steps of the old schoolhouse-turned-museum every Saturday afternoon.

MIAMI

Big Fish

55 SW Miami Ave.

Great food, and a great happy hour scene especially on Friday evenings, this place is where the real estate mavens and legal types go to unwind after a long day of demolishing historical landmarks and suing people. Drink prices are reasonable, and the food isn't bad. As an added bonus, you can dock your boat, as it's right along the Miami River.

Delano

1685 Collins Ave.

One of the most elegant hotels on South Beach, the Delano plays host to a vibrant outdoor scene on the weekends. With relaxed music and an relaxed atmosphere, it's perfect place to have a drink or two before going out for a night on the Beach. Very upscale, with a mix of sophisticated tourists and locals, make sure your credit cards aren't maxed out before going.

Townhouse Rooftop Lounge

150 20th Street, Miami Beach

Hosting A-list parties by the dozen these days, The Townhouse offers a spectacular rooftop view of Miami Beach. There's a full liquor bar, along with beds, hammocks, and a unique waterfall cabana. You've probably seen this place in the latest fashion spreads in Vogue, GQ, and Cosmo. A bonus is the top-notch catered sushi from the Bond St. Lounge in the lobby below.

LOS ANGELES

Standard Downtown – Rooftop Bar

550 S Flower St. 213.892.8080

The Standard Downtown has everything you need for a summer’s night out. Right in the middle of Downtown LA, it boasts astonishing views of the city around it, and at night it is a great setting for a hot date, gathering of friends, or pre-club drink. Lounges and tables are on three sides of the rooftop with a decent sized bar in the corner. This is a small bar and gets packed fast because of the strong drinks and amazing views.

Cabana Club

1439 Ivar Ave. 323.463.0005

Cabana Club is summer all year long, the huge outdoor are complete with pools, waterfalls, palm trees, and, surprisingly, cabanas. The tropical themed oasis only gets better in the summer. The tent that keeps in the heat during the winter is taken down and you truly are partying under the Hollywood Stars.

Vanguard

6021 Hollywood Blvd.

The Vanguard re-opens its expansive outdoor area when the weather heats up. The patio is like a whole other club within the 20,000 square foot compound. It's an oasis from the massive dance floor and temperature inside, with waterfalls and ambient music. The ideal place to take a break from the dance floor, grab a drink, and recharge.

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