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Take a trip to Morocco at Sheltering Sky.
(Photo: Courtesy of Chelsea Hotels, Jackie Lee) |
Sheltering Sky
McCarren Hotel and Pool, 160 N. 12th St., 8th fl., nr. Bedford Ave., Williamsburg; 718-218-7500
Escape to Morocco without leaving town at the latest in nightlife vet Nur Khan’s (Rose Bar, Electric Room) empire. Named for Beat writer Paul Bowles’s 1949 adventure log, the eighth floor of the McCarren Hotel itself provides much in the way of thrills�from the views of both Manhattan and Brooklyn, to the new outdoor fire pit installations to cocktails like the Morrocan Mule (vodka, tea, ginger beer, $15). They've also added Hot Rum Cider ($10) to the menu for these chillier months. But if that doesn't warm you up, no doubt all the hot bodies dancing to DJs will.
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(Photo: Courtesy of Skylark Lounge) |
The Skylark
200 W. 39th St., 30th fl., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-257-4577
Opulent enough to compete with glittering holiday lights, this sleek multi-level lounge appeals to those looking for upscale imbibing as well as those seeking to kick back and play pool with a couple of beers. Cocktails ($16�$18) come courtesy of Johnny Swet (Jimmy) and include the Marrakesh Express (Star African rum, orange juice, lime juice, angostura bitters, and ginger beer). Get a single glass or batched in a pitcher for a party ($80, serves five). They'll go well with small bites, like charred edamame dusted with yuzu, sesame, and soy, or something heartier, like the beef sliders.
Bar 54
Times Square Hyatt, 135 W. 45th St., 54th fl., nr. Sixth Ave.
They’re calling this the highest rooftop bar in New York, and from your perch above Times Square, you’ll have views of all the holiday bustle, without any of the stress. Mixology maven Julie Reiner (Clover Club) designed the drinks menu, which includes the whiskey, rum, and macadamia nut Tree House ($23) and the Port of Call with gin, port, cranberry, and cinnamon ($23). The outdoor fireplaces will come in handy this winter, paired with the selection of fireside drinks like the (really fun to say) Gloog.
Monarch
71 W. 35th St., 18th fl., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-956-7020
Bring all your friends to Monarch, which offers 5,000 square feet of outdoor and indoor space. Of course these days you'll be staying inside, but you won't be forfeiting the 18th-floor views of lit-up midtown, including a particularly striking view of the Empire State Building. Decor is Scandinavian chic, with exposed brick, hand-washed wood panels, a natural wood bar, and lodgelike dwellings. Settle in with drinks like the Monkey Business, which warms you from the inside out with scotch and cinnamon.
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(Photo: Courtesly The Roof at Viceroy) |
The Roof
Viceroy Hotel; 124 W. 57th St., 29th fl., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-707-8008
Sailing isn’t advisable in winter, but you can get your fix year-round at this 29th-floor nautically themed bar, which serves up scenes of Central Park and slick skyscrapers while keeping it cozy inside with brass, wood, and leather decor. Warm up with menu items like mac and beer cheese with bacon pretzel crumble and roasted chicken chili, or one of their hot cocktails, including the star-anise-laced Rooftop Toddy ($18) and the tea, honey, and cognac Lauren in the Winter ($18). Come early to catch the sunset views, and if it starts to snow all the better.
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(Photo: Courtesy of Spyglass) |
Spyglass
Archer Hotel; 47 W. 38th St., 22nd fl., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-730-0538
We are a city of voyeurs, and this bar on the 22nd floor of the Archer Hotel incorporates our hobby into its design, which is inspired by Jimmy Stewart's telescope in Rear Window. Above-average snacks like ratatouille and goat cheese parfait, smoked salmon flatbread, and avocado panna cotta come from David Burke fabrick on the first floor and invite you to linger as you sip an Autumn Shade II (bourbon, Grand Marnier, pumpkin, maple syrup, $16) or an Empire State (Hendrick's Gin, St. Germain, basil, ginger, $15) while peering into the windows of the actual building. It's a perfect place to meet friends pre-theater, which is its own kind of New York voyeurism.
