Regardless of how high the mercury rises, NYC will be even hotter this summer thanks to the addition of two new rooftop bars. The Pod 39 Hotel on East 39th St. and the Refinery Hotel in the Garment District are both opening exclusive bars perched high above the steaming streets. The Pod’s rooftop lounge, 17 floors up, features incredible views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler building and East River.
The two-story open-space framed by brick arches and surrounded by terra cotta columns was designed by Ken Friedman. The in-demand restaurateur is also behind New York’s The Spotted Pig, The Breslin Bar & Dining Room and The John Dory Oyster Bar. The bar's design was also in conjunction with the Pod 39 Hotel’s Design Director, Vanessa Guilford. A condensed version of the hotel’s Salvation Taco restaurant menu is available to accompany artisanal cocktails crafted by Sam Anderson.
Slated to open in June, the Refinery Hotel’s rooftop comprises an impressive 3,500 square feet of space divided into three distinct areas with dramatic views of the Empire State Building and surrounding cityscape. It features indoor and outdoor sections complete with a retractable glass roof for enjoying sunsets to the fullest. The Refinery, a turn-of-the-century hat factory turned luxury hotel, is the latest addition to the city’s roster of beautifully designed boutique hotels. In addition to select wines and artisanal cocktails crafted by Alex Ott, the mixologist from Buddha Bar in Paris and Sushi Samba, the rooftop will have a full working kitchen.
