201 366 8692
As the summer weather warms, flowers emerge from buds, animals awake from winter hibernation, and shorts and sundresses materialize from the depths of winter storage bins.
With harsh winters, it's no surprise that we in the Northeast relish the chance to flock to Mother Nature and embrace the great outdoors once temperatures rise. And while, for some, being outdoorsy means hiking and 5Ks and Frisbee on the beach, for others, it means enjoying cool cocktails on glorious rooftop bars.
Of course, the high rises of Manhattan provide plentiful perches for outdoor drinking, and come the month of May, the same spots are regularly featured in a deluge of "Best Rooftop Bars" features. But why limit yourself to just one borough? For this month's Dixon Top 5, we've highlighted the best sky-high watering holes in Brooklyn and New Jersey. Enjoy some elevated fun in the sun (responsibly, of course)!
216 Duffield Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Boasting its own express elevator, the Kimoto Rooftop offers sweeping views of Brooklyn and the New York Harbor. Kimoto means "one who lives beneath the trees," so it's no surprise that this Asian aerie features more than 300 plants alongside minimalist seating spaces. Most importantly, the beverage list is outstanding, featuring hard-to-find beers from Japan, as well as local craft brews and original cocktails. Last but not least, the Asian-inspired cuisine sizzles with unique fare, such as beef Bulgogi tacos and Sriracha Buffalo wings.
96 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Set near the water at the corner of First and River streets in Hoboken, The Dubliner is Hoboken's largest bar. The three-level establishment offers a great mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, but you'll want to head straight to the rooftop to enjoy buckets of beer and killer margaritas surrounded by downtown Hoboken views. Feeling sunburned? You can always escape indoors to enjoy classic pub food, tons of HDTVs, darts and dancing at two additional full bars.
214 3rd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215
For anyone who's ever thought, "If only I could shop for organic hemp seeds AND drink beer on a roof," we've found your spot! Set atop the Gowanus Whole Foods, The Roof offers a wide selection of craft beers plus an assortment wines and sangria. The menu features fresh fare — golden beet & pomegranate salad with a quinoa burger, anyone? — one would expect from their downstairs neighbor, while city views stretch all the way to the Manhattan skyline. With a big indoor space and rows of large community tables outside, your weekly grocery shopping just got a lot more interesting.
99 Greene Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Sporting three levels of adult beverage heaven, The Iron Monkey includes a rooftop bar that’s well worth the climb upstairs. Shimmy through the first-floor dive bar, shuffle past the second-floor restaurant, and bask in the glow of Downtown Jersey City’s glassy skyscrapers from the rooftop. There’s a great food menu and a selection of 39 beers, including plenty of craft brews. What might set this spot apart are its events and specials. At The Iron Monkey, you can find hands-on cocktail making courses and brew master Q&A sessions, and the wallet-friendly "Monkey Hour" means half off draft beers every night from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
187 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Billing itself as "World Famous Rooftop Dining," Alma doesn't disappoint. Located right on the Red Hook waterfront with unbelievable Downtown Manhattan views, Alma focuses on Mexican fare and drink offerings. Start with the fresh guacamole or a salsa sampler with five different varieties, and work your way through tostadas, tacos and ceviche. For dedicated rooftop aficionados, the real draw is the 25 different tequilas. Have the bartender mix up a flawless margarita or sip a smooth Patron Reposado. Here, there's no need to worry about our short summer season — the rooftop is open year round, with heaters fired up in the winter. Salud!
