The 5 best hotel and rooftop bars in New York

Red jacketed waiters remind me of a longlost New York once iconized by Frank Sinatra. Settle in at the bar for a night to remember, and chat up the Upper East Side clientele. Classy, live jazz dominates in these sophisticated digs. Cover charges apply. Pricey and worth it..

One of the most astounding spaces to sip a cocktail in NYC, inside the breathtaking nine-story Victorian atrium of The Beekman Hotel. In this landmarked 1883 Gothic Revival building, the bar is a study in gold and green, with old-fashioned iron stools, and lighting via small lamps.

Down the block from MoMA, The Bar is as stunningly beautiful as a palace, with elaborate namesake crystal chandeliers everywhere you look. At the bar, you may snag one of the bar stools for two (which seem to be popping up more and more). Cocktails will be elegantly presented in iconic Baccarat cut crystal glassware.

This Old Hollywood-style rooftop is not just a bar in the sky, it is a spectacular destination. The Ritz-Carlton is among the newest and best hotels in the city, so plan to bask in the glamour on the 50th floor. Try the Foggy Hill cocktail with an aperol orange-thyme aromatic cloud or a classic Continental Sour with rye, lemon, temperanillo wine and frothy egg white.

This luxe bar is art deco elevated – to the 64th floor – with a wrap-around terrace and 360-degree views. Rated one of 50 Best Bars in North America, their cocktails are known for rare inclusions. Drinks that caught our eye: a cognac colada and dirty martini-style gin with kombu accent. Make a reservation, but if you experience a wait, grab a drink at their ground-floor restaurant, Saga.