What’s this, New Yorkers are smiling? Must be spring! And it's about damn time! So what if you didn’t make it south this winter for a pre-season tan—isn’t that what self-tanner is for? Get out of that cubicle you call your apartment and stretch your legs on the yards, rooftops, and gardens of these hidden gems.
Trestle on Tenth
242 Tenth Ave. (@ 24th St.)
Chelsea 212.645.5659
The outdoor garden of Trestle on Tenth is kind of a neighborhood secret—probably the last secret in Chelsea. Spring marks the opening of the garden's wooden fence as well as the opening of the buds on the cherry blossom tree that hangs over the petite space. Indulge in a selection of robust Swiss and French cuisine and a beer list to match. Just watch your urge to yodel.
HK
523 9th Ave. (@ 39th St.)
Hell's Kitchen 212.947.4208
This could be the best outdoor bar you've never been to. It may be because of the constant traffic jam clogging up 9th Avenue or because it’s near the back side of the Port Authority. But perched above resto-bar HK is a hidden terrace. No, really. The space is decked out with bamboo trees and has an adjacent indoor lounge area complete with a bar (read: no hiking up and down steps for drinks) for the best of both worlds.
Cabanas @ The Maritime Hotel
363 W. 16th St ( @ 9th Ave.)
Chelsea 212.242.4300
Sip champagne and dine on caviar under the stars at the Cabanas, The Maritime Hotel's nautical-themed rooftop bar. Fashionistas flock here, so make sure you look good if you intend to take one home. Leafy greens are potted instead of on plates, and heat lamps keep bare shoulders warm. Other than mojitos, schmoozing is the specialty of the house.
The Porch
115 Ave. C (7th & 8th Sts.)
East Village 212.475.1515
Make like Alice and fall into this East Village secret garden, where a global list of wines and beers await you. Walk through the bar's open garage door to find a magical-looking terrace set aglow by candlelight. Relax on the porch swing or sway to the DJ's beats, and don’t worry, there are no evil queens looking to chop off your head here—wrong neighborhood for that.
Roof Club and Garden @ Gramercy Park Hotel
2 Lexington Ave. (@ 21st St.)
Gramercy 212.920.3300
Hotel guests and brave gate crashers are the lucky few who get to enjoy Ian Schrager's rooftop at Gramercy Park Hotel. The open air lounge wraps around three sides of this chic hotel, giving guests a triangular skyline view of the city during the summer. Ivy climbs up the walls to a retractable roof sheltering patrons as they sip on pastel-colored drinks in fancy glasses that cost more than a cab fare.
Huckleberry Bar
588 Grand St. (@ Lorimer St.)
Williamsburg 718.218.8555
The locale may lead you to believe Huckleberry Bar is hipster heaven, but luckily the hipsters haven't broken through yet—maybe because the pricey drink list doesn’t include PBR. A gastropub of sorts, Huck serves up British style small plates and a creative list of cocktails made with house-infused vodkas, bitters and seasonal treats (think fennel and ginger). Join the nightly DJ in the spacious amber-lit outdoor garden for a mix of hip hop, soul, and funk.
Coming soon…
Highbar
NW corner of 48th St. & 8th Ave.
Hell's Kitchen (No Phone Yet)
Coming May 1 is a rooftop hideaway sure to put other rooftops to shame (we mean you, 230 Fifth). Panoramic views of the Hudson give way to urban chic decor of white leather banquettes, bamboo cabanas, movie screens, and even outdoor AC for when summer in the city is more like summer on a crowded, sweaty bus.
~ Fabiana Santana
