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Upward Mobility
Sky’s the limit for martinis and movies in Manhattan.
In summertime, when New Yorkers aren’t escaping east (to Long Island), they’re heading skywards. Beyond fresh, balmy breezes, the city’s rooftop bars offer a consolation prize that terrestrial clubs can’t match: If you’re going to pay $18 for a cocktail, you can at least bag a priceless view. Among the newest crop of sky-hideaways, the Peninsula’s Salon de Ning towers over the heart of Midtown with two terraces (one suspended over Fifth Avenue, the other overlooking the Hudson River). The reborn rooftop (formerly the stuffier Pen-Top), now sports “1930’s Shanghai” style, and is the prototype for upcoming outposts at the Peninsula Hong Kong (October) and the new Peninsula Shanghai (slated for fall 2009).
Just ten blocks south, on Madison Avenue, the historic Roosevelt Hotel also debuts its terrace lounge, Mad46, this month. Guests access the 19th-story bar via private elevator at the back entrance on 46th Street. Open weekdays only, Mad46 aims squarely for the after-work crowd, punting its “happy hour at the highest level.” But there’s another competitor uptown at Lincoln Center: The Empire Hotel’s sky-high lounge, powered by nightlife guru Jeffrey Chodorow, welcomes the public later this month with three terraces commanding views of Central Park. Currently open just to hotel guests, the upper level harbors a swimming pool and cabanas that bask in the cherry glow of the Empire’s neon sign. If you fancy a dip you’ll still need a room key.
To cool off in Hell’s Kitchen, there’s the new Highbar just off Times Square. With a partial roof and air-conditioning, the hotspot is in prime position for Hudson River sunsets. And while you can get your fancy cocktail fix here, Highbar also lets its hair down with barbecue eats plus a meaty-sized “media wall” for screening al fresco movies. No word yet though if it’ll sign up for the Rooftop Films festival, a summer series of independent flicks shown in spectacular rooftop locations across the city. This season’s round of 38 screenings is just under way, and continues through September.
read more: 06. Drink | 10. Culture | film
