The Cabanas at the Maritime Hotel
Pretty people lounge around at the Cabanas at the Maritime in the summer, sipping on cocktails and discussing how great they are. Brought to you by the woman who started Bungalow 8, Amy Sacco, you can be assured that this destination is equal parts trendy and hard to get into. Make it past the door and upstairs on a warm summer evening, and find yourself in a dimly lit, leafy plant decorated space. The only issue here is deciding whether you are feeling the more upscale table service of the North Cabana, or the South Cabana with the plebes and standing room only. –C.S. 88 Ninth Avenue, 212-242-4300



The Crow’s Nest
Romantic encounters on a cruise ship…no, this isn't an episode of The Love Boat, but The Crow's Nest, the restaurant and bar situated on top of The Water Club overlooking the East River. With wooden deck furniture, hardwood floors, white railings strung with light bulbs and porthole windows to simulate a yacht-like experience, The Crow's Nest is an escape from the chaos of the city. The food at the Nest is classic American with some of the best burgers in the city, according to the New York Times. Just don't expect to be serenaded by Dionne Warwick. –C.S. 500 East 30th Street, 212-683-3333



The Delancey
The Delancey's rooftop is an urban oasis within the Lower East Side where the outrageously hip come to unwind. The heated patio (one of three floors) is open year round and outfitted with lots of foliage, a BBQ, and a humongous fountain with eclectic patio decorations, giving it the feeling of a backyard party. Live music is de rigeur at the packed bar, with a diverse list of djs spinning as well. With the Williamsburg Bridge lights providing an especially serene backdrop, the Delancey provides the ultimate summer patio. –C.S. 168 Delancey Street, 212-254-9920



Gramercy Park Hotel Roof Club
If you can get in – and that’s not an easy feat – this space will blow your mind. Decked out like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Ian Schager’s famed Roof Club - nestled coolly atop the Gramercy Hotel (naturally) – employs foliage and chicness unlike any rural/urbane fusion you’ve ever seen. Celebrities and a coronary-inducing prices battle for your heart as Manhattan’s social and financial elite brush cleanly past. Opulent, cool, and exclusive, it’s fit for both ancient and newly minted NYC royalty. 2 Lexington Avenue, 212-475-4320