The Ready at Moxy East Village opened just in time for your fair share of late summer nights. Channeling the culture and spirit of the East Village, this spot is designed to emulate a chill backyard garden with a high energy vibe. While scooping locally brewed beers from the coolers, work up an appetite for the made-to-order tacos at the beer pong table.

“Run away to get away” is right when it comes to Bushwick’s Runaway rooftop. Runaway has everything your summer-self could need: bocce courts, movie screenings, rooftop yoga and picnic cuisine. “Succeed by bringing joy” is their goal according to co-owner and general manager Kate Buenaflor, and that they have done after launching mid-pandemic and now reopening for the summer.

With views of the Empire State Building and retractable roofs over both the main space and patio, you’ll be set for a lovely summer evening at The Glass Ceiling Nomad. This newly-opened space has a deeper purpose: to empower all people and celebrate everyone’s individual experiences while highlighting brands and events led by women and marginalized groups. Complete with unique seating and a botanical modern-comfort vibe, enjoy pomegranate sangrias along with dishes like crispy rice with tuna.

Searching for an escape from the masses? Look no further than The Sentry, a new members only rooftop pool and social club. Perched on the 42nd floor of the American Copper Buildings, a season membership pays off with unparalleled views of the city, a bespoke cocktail list, and carefully curated food menu. Cooling off poolside is priceless after all, right?

Stave off the impending heat with one of Alma’s specialty margaritas (a choice between original, skinny, mezcal, spicy, flavored, or frozen). This newly renovated roof deck in Brooklyn boasts spectacular views of the Downtown Manhattan skyline, where you can taste from their pan-regional Mexican fare (emphasis on the short rib enchiladas with gouda cheese). Head downstairs to the cantina for a more casual dining experience and Trivia Night every Thursday from 7 pm-9 pm.

After grazing the day away in McCarren Park, cross the street to Berry Park’s beer garden rooftop. Now that the weather’s taking a turn for the better, the spot has begun rooftop-screening sport games (mostly soccer) with three large projectors. Even the most seasoned beer drinker will be impressed by the extensive list of German and Belgian beers (ask about the seasonal specials). Complement your lager or frozen piña colada with an order of fried pickles or a Bavarian pretzel.

Freehand Hotel’s Broken Shaker has all the rooftop revelry minus the messy. Try one of their expertly concocted cocktails along with a mixture of elixirs, infusions, and fresh-pressed juices. Special attention to the humorously (albeit somewhat traumatically) named Per My Last Email, with Rooibos tea infused vodka and passion fruit liqueur.

Brooklyn’s Elsewhere rooftop is a summer staple. With live events starting up again, head over for live music and DJ sets (schedule available here). The frozen RedBull-spiked cocktails and paletas (mexican popsicles courtesy of La Newyorkina) will keep the heat at bay as you dance into the night.

On the 25th floor of a nondescript building near Bryant Park sits a lavish penthouse bar: Elsie Rooftop. This ornately adorned 1920s-themed bar is designed in the image of Elsie de Wolfe, a world famous interior decorator. Looking for a high-tone spot for a light evening bite? Elsie has you covered with their upscale seasonally focused menu and passion for expert cocktails. Chase your truffled grilled cheese with an Earl Gray old fashioned while basking in the luxury of it all.

Summertime is synonymous with the great outdoors. The Greens is back to provide us exactly that. Reserve a 10’ by 10’ mini-lawn with a love seat, cabana-style lounge chairs, sun umbrella, and (most importantly) USB ports. Beginning on Memorial Day weekend, Seaport Cinema’s movie nights and Seaport Sound’s live music and DJ sets will ramp up again (schedule can be found here). These coveted spots are a hot commodity, with reservations released every Monday.

East Williamsburg’s Llohi is a pretense-free spot to hit for landscape views of Brooklyn and Manhattan. With happy hour from 4 pm-6 pm Wednesday-Friday, you can catch a fiscally-responsible buzz sipping on $5 draft lagers or $10 house cocktails (crowd favorite is Lavender Lane: spiked lemonade, butterfly pea infused vodka, and lavender). Be sure to keep tabs on their new four course chef-driven dinner series that’s held monthly.

Looking for a boozy summer night as the sun sets over the city? Located on the roof of Sixty Hotel is the tropical-themed haven Make Believe. Slide into one of the vibrantly pink booths and order the table a round of signature matcha or sake cocktails. Then meander on over to one of the two terraces or the dance floor for a live DJ set. You can expect this rooftop to reach full capacity early on weekend nights, so reservations are recommended.

Hotel Indigo’s party rooftop, Mr. Purple, provides a vibrant but relaxed atmosphere. The two terraces available allow a choice between either a more intimate experience or a lively rooftop pool plus bar with communal tables and a wide variety of lounging options. Pair your espresso martini or spiked lemonade with an order of truffles fries, finishing out with a Melt’s artisanal ice cream sandwich.

Hidden amongst the warehouses and construction sites sits Rooftop Reds, an urban vineyard and winery. Beginning May 21, the rooftop will begin Casual Fridays, an à la carte food pop up hosted by local independent chefs and businesses. Best laid plan: grab a glass or bottle (there’s beer available as well) from the wine bar and settle in among the vines for an idyllic summer night.