DOCKSIDE JOURNAL ENTRY / July 27, 2017
Our Favorite Rooftop Hotspots
Summer 2017 is in full swing, and with the beautiful weather, it’s the perfect time to spend some time outdoors – even if that’s just grabbing a drink and enjoying a nice view. Here are some of our favorite rooftop spots, starting with our hometown of Seattle.
Seattle
The fifth-floor rooftop of Motif Hotel on Fifth Avenue is home to Frolik
The fifth-floor rooftop of Motif Hotel on Fifth Avenue is home to Frolik. As the name sounds (and is spelled), this is a whimsical bar that doesn’t take itself too seriously. With fire pits, soft seating and ping pong tables, it’s a good idea to get there early even on weekdays.
One of the newest bars on the block, The Nest at The Thompson Seattle offers some of the most fabulous views of the city and Elliott Bay. With snacks and delicious drinks stamped by Josh Henderson, The Nest is a special occasion kind of place. Why not celebrate Wednesday?
MBAR a rooftop bar a go-to year-round.
The folks from Mamnoon looked down from Capitol Hill and saw a sweet spot on Fairview Avenue. MBAR is a cousin of Mamnoon, with a bar-version of its innovative and yummy Middle Eastern fusion food. Enjoy the deck and watch seaplanes take off and land on Lake Union. Weather looking a little dicey? There’s a covered and heated area as well, which makes this rooftop bar a go-to year-round.
If you’re looking for a little private rooftop time, here are a couple spots we like.
By day, Galvanize is a startup incubator, a place where new companies can use space, set up meetings and even take classes. The hidden gem here is the rooftop with kitchen, which you can rent and invite your friends.
One of the swankiest new apartment addresses is Premiere on Pine. Want your friends to think you live there – except you don’t? The rooftop there features ample indoor and outdoor space with such spectacular views they will make any Seattleite envious.
Traveling this summer? Here are our favorites from cities around the U.S.
Washington, D.C.
POV at The W, the hotel’s rooftop bar, has the best view in the city (one of the only places where you can look out over all the monuments).
It’s a well-known, insider tidbit that POV at The W, the hotel’s rooftop bar, has the best view in the city (one of the only places where you can look out over all the monuments). The best part is the space transitions from a casual brunch spot during the day, to a swanky cocktail bar in the evening.
If you’re looking for a private venue to host a summer party, try The Capitol View at 400. Looking over the capitol and D.C.’s iconic Union Station, this indoor/outdoor rooftop experience is perfect for the summer (although it’s one of the few rooftops that’s not bad for the colder months too).
Los Angeles
WP24 by Wolfgang Puck’s rooftop patio, seated at the top of the Ritz-Carlton, is generally closed to the public… except during the summer. With gourmet Asian food and a calendar filled with lots of cool events and entertainment, this is a must-go during its limited open time.
Another great spot is L.P., attached to the restaurant, E.P. They serve Asian-inspired street food, and hand-crafted cocktails, with an awesome view of Hollywood Hills. They don’t take reservations, though, so make sure to get there early to get a spot.
New York
Gramercy Terrace at the Gramercy Park Hotel is a rooftop garden oasis.
A classic, Gramercy Terrace at the Gramercy Park Hotel is a great spot to look out over the city on one of those hot NYC summer days. They describe themselves as a “rooftop garden oasis,” which is pretty accurate. If you’re looking to host a private event, they can also accommodate private groups for up to 250 people.
There are tons of rooftop bars in NYC, but we’d be remiss not to mention PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown, if for no other reason than their new “Mega Mules.” Dream’s new specialty, the Mega Mule is a 164-ounce Moscow Mule, featuring 18 ounces of Belvedere Vodka or Casamigos Blanco tequila (if you want your mule with a twist). Made to share with some friends, this is definitely a unique experience and a good time!
Chicago
Cindy’s is a can’t-miss while in the windy city.
