Out Of This World Rooftop Bars

Garden of Eden

By Janet Hall, Remodelista

Perched on the 18th floor of the legendary Gramercy Park Hotel in NYC, the Gramercy Terrace is a heavenly and lush garden oasis featuring a retractable roof so you can visit year-round. Often referred to as a "country club in the sky," the drinks and food include vegetables and herbs grown at the hotel's own rooftop garden.

Best Of The Best

C-View—the name says it all. Featuring dramatic sights of the Windy City, the terrace atop Chicago's Affinia Hotel is a scenic hotspot where guests can enjoy cocktails and light fare year-round in the indoor lounge or on the outdoor terrace. Always a popular haunt in the summer, C-View was named among "the world's most unique bars," according to Fortune Magazine.

Desert Oasis

Take refuge from the hot Phoenix sun under an umbrella on the cool Skydeck of The Clarendon hotel. With views of the city skyline as well as of the nearby mountains, this rooftop retreat is a perfect after-work hangout.

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A Walk In The Clouds

Sitting atop the landmark Meier & Frank Building, Departure Restaurant & Lounge (at The Nines Hotel) mixes modern Asian cuisine with views of the Portland skyline.

In Living Color

For some Miami glamour, make your way to the patio of the Kelly Wearstler-designed EOS Restaurant on the 15th floor of Viceroy Hotel & Resort in Miami. Adjacent to one of the largest infinity pools in all of South Beach, it's the epitome of sexy and bold, making it the destination for celebrities and Real Housewives alike.

Star Sighting

Perched at the base of the Hollywood Hills, the rooftop deck of The London hotel in West Hollywood offers sweeping views of L.A. and Hollywood, not to mention a menu by the famed Gordon Ramsay. From red carpet events to morning yoga classes and outdoor showers, the terrace serves both the needs and the wants of its visitors.

By The Bay

Most of San Francisco's view dining happens behind closed windows because of the breezy weather conditions. The rooftop terrace at Orchard Garden Hotel is a notable exception. Built to the national standards of green buildings in the U.S., the eco-friendly hotel terrace features English country style and award-winning organic cuisine.

Dive In

Beautiful sunsets in the middle of Manhattan? At Plunge Bar & Lounge at Hotel Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District, you can enjoy a drink and a snack while watching the sun set over Hudson River. Jump into the heated pool year-round and enjoy the hippest music, even below the surface. Pool party!

On Cloud Nine

Feel like a star at the cozy Peninsula Beverly Hills Roof Garden. The popular summertime Ribs on the Roof weekend barbecues are not to miss. Order the barbecued pork ribs and receive the chef's secret 24-spice rib rub! Finish your barbecue off with Pen 20, the hotel's 20th anniversary cocktail, which is a contemporary take on a classic rum punch.

Sky Scraper

Capture up-close views of Chicago's downtown architecture from the Roof on the Wit. Feeling adventurous? Consider reserving The Hangover, an intimate glass-enclosed space with views of Lake Michigan, that features a private table for eight perched 27 stories above the city.

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In The Heights

East meets West at Salon de Ning atop The Peninsula hotel in New York City. Offering stunning views over Fifth Avenue and soaring over 23 stories above Midtown, this rooftop terrace has the feel of 1930s Shanghai. Take in the art deco design while sipping on an elderflower gimlet or a tiramisu martini.

Point Of View

Get a break from the summer heat, and even hotter politics, at this longtime D.C. favorite. P.O.V Lounge & Terrace at W Hotel has spectacular views over the roof, from the Treasury Building to the White House and the city's historic monuments. Stop by during Bellini Brunch on Sundays for bottomless drinks.