One of the greatest perks of NYC living is the plethora ofhigh-rise rooftop bars from which to soak up sweeping views while sipping. While most New Yorkers wait for the sunshine and rooftop pools to open, there’s no shortage of elevated digs for wintertime relaxing. While you can go to any borough for some rooftop fun this February, here are the best ones closest to Riverbank.

 

St. Cloud – Right down 42nd Street and just a few avenues away in the heart of Times Square, the 7,800-square-foot rooftop bar and terrace, St. Cloud,  sits atop the historic Knickerbocker Hotel, onetime haunt of American elite like F. Scott Fitzgerald and John D. Rockefeller. Named after the late-19th-century hotel that originally occupied the Knickerbocker space, this posh Hell’s Kitchen outdoor space is outfitted with plush “sky pods”, metallic-finished wood floors and even a cigar lounge. You can find classic 1920s cocktails to sip with friends, as well as small plates for fine dining from their fourth floor restaurant.

 

Magic Hour – We guarantee, Magic Hour is unlike any other NYC bar you’ve ever been to. This rooftop bar, located just a few blocks south or Riverbank, is more of an “urban amusement park” with its palatial 10,000-square-foot space, rotating carousel seating, a topiary garden and a putt-putt course filled with animal statues in “risqué” positions. Winterized for the colder season and with stunning views of the Empire State building, there’s no reason not to check out this space if you’ve got the winter blues.

 

St. Cloud

6 Times Square
New York, NY 10036

 

Magic Hour

485 7th Ave
New York, NY 10018