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It’s summertime in the city and there’s no better time for maxin’ and relaxin’ after a long day of work with a cocktail and some friends! These off-the-beaten-path rooftop bars hidden high above buildings around the boroughs offer the chance for some breathtaking views of the sunset and skyline along with the requisite craft mixed drinks, beers and bites.

10. Z Hotel Roof

Z Hotel-Queens

On 43rd Avenue in Long Island City above the floors of the Z Hotel is the Z Roof; a 5,000-square-foot lounge home to cocktails, beers and a 360-degree panorama of New York City and the skyline. With music bumping through the speakers and cocktail waitresses bustling around with trays filled with drinks, this is the perfect place to enjoy your night. The Z Roof is open until 2 a.m. from Sunday-Monday and on weekends until 4 a.m. As an added bonus, it’s also available for private parties and special events.

9. Pod 39

Pod 39-Rooftop Bar-Manhattan-NYC-001Photo by Elise Goujon of New York Off Road

On 39th Street between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue is the Pod Hotel 39. With taqueria and cantina Salvation Taco located on the first floor and a packed rooftop bar up above, get there early to beat the lines and spend a night in the heart of Midtown. Enjoy a full Mexican menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner downstairs or head up to the rooftop for craft cocktails made with quality ingredients with options like a bossa nova, the three amigos or pitchers of margaritas.

8. Gallow Green

Gallow Green-NYC-Midtown

What better way to cool off after a hot summer day than on a rooftop bar filled with cold drinks, vintage glassware and plenty of shade? At the Gallow Green rooftop bar above the McKittrick Hotel, home to Sleep No More (Punchdrunk’s interactive theatre piece), enjoy cocktails, greenery and a classic country atmosphere with twinkle lights and rustic tables and chairs. Gallow Green is open until 11 p.m. on Sunday-Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday-Saturday, and has a bottomless brunch every Saturday and Sunday. And just as fun, in the winter Gallow Green turns into The Lodge, an incredibly detailed Scottish cabin in the woods. See more photos here.

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7. Rare View

Tucked above the hustle and bustle of the city streets in Murray Hill is Rare View, a 4,000-square-foot rooftop garden with incredible views of the Empire State and Met Life Buildings. Recently renovated with new designs, cocktails and appetizers, enjoy a summer with music and drinks at Rare. Cocktails range from gin based beverages to vodka drinks and even margaritas, with typical bar bites including mini burger sliders and wings.  The rooftop space can be reserved for private parties as well.

6. Midtown 1015

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Although Midtown 1015 might come across as just a sports bar with its exterior filled with flags and banners supporting various sports teams, a quaint, dimly lit rooftop bar is located three stores above. Surrounded by high rise buildings on all four sides, enjoy a break from the fast-paced city life with cocktails, beers and sangria. Dining options, bottle service and private parties are also available at Midtown 1015. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m.- 2 a.m. Sunday and Monday and 11 a.m. – 4 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

5. Berry Park

Berry Park-Brooklyn

Located on the border of Williamsburg and Buschwick is Berry Park, a two story bar with rooftop access and a tremendous list of international beers. Enjoy nights in Brooklyn until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday with a $5 happy hour special from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. For those Bloody Mary lovers out there, head to Berry Park for their signature Bloody Mary Brunch from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. And for those soccer fans, if there is an early soccer game screening, Berry Park will open early to accommodate the viewing schedule.

4. The Rooftop at Hotel Chantelle

Be instantly transported to a Parisian garden and enjoy an evening of french food, champagne, craft cocktails and more at the rooftop at Hotel Chantelle. Make your way to Ludlow Street on the Lower East Side and escape the busy city streets with live music, special events, weekend brunch and even burlesque shows here. As an added bonus enjoy happy hour specials daily from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Click here for a calendar of upcoming events and a complete dinner menu.

3. Ink48’s Press Lounge

Another hidden gem in Manhattan’s Midtown is Press Lounge NYC located above the Ink48 hotel on 48th Street and 11th Avenue. The Press Lounge offers specialty cocktails and light bites with unobstructed views of the city and the Hudson River. Hours vary daily and the dress code at Press in considered to be “casual elegant.” Private events at Press can hold 300+ guests and gift cards are also available for purchase.

2. Mad 46

Open year round and located atop The Roosevelt Hotel on East 46th Street is Mad 46, a rooftop lounge with signature drinks like the madMojito and braised buffalo chicken dip. Come to Mad 46 for from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Mondays through Saturdays for craft cocktails, beautiful views of midtown and special events. Mad 46 is not only open to the public but is also available for private parties and corporate events. There’s a smart-casual dress policy so leave your ripped jeans at home and head over for some cocktails.

1. La Piscine at Hotel Americano

Last but certainly not least is La Piscine at Hotel Americano, located in the heart of the Chelsea Riviera between the Highline and the Hudson River. Enjoy craft cocktails ten stories up while dipping your feet into the four-feet-deep pool in the center of the rooftop space. Aside from drinks, there’s also a full menu with offerings from hummus and tzatziki to lobster and lamb kabobs.

Get in touch with the author @PaigeKasick