New York City Rooftop Brunches

What goes up, must come down. . . although with rooftop view, and a yummy brunch, you may want to stay atop New York City for the entire day.  In a city where you can spend most of your days looking up at all the skyscrapers, it will be a pleasant change of pace to enjoy a delicious meal and a location that allows you to look down.

This summer, visitors and residents can retreat to the rooftops to not only take in spectacular views of our City from many different vantage points, but also enjoy some excellent food and drink,” said George Fertitta, CEO of NYC & Company.

Manhattan skyline viewed from Long Island City

Not sure where to go?  Here are some great views, in Manhattan and the boroughs, to get you thinking:

• 230 Fifth – Manhattan’s largest rooftop bar has a Champagne Party Brunch on weekends, 11 am – 5 pm daily, year round.  The roof top is palm decorated and has a full enclosed lounge – so there’s rooftop dining rain or shine.  Brunch features a menu selection of more than 40 choices, most priced between $8-12, along with some specialty cocktails.  Signature dishes are the Liquored Up French Toast and the Matzah Brei.  Spectacular views of the city accompany the food.
• Hotel Gansevoort – Part roof-deck party, part dining experience, the Get Up Get Down Brunch features 360-degree views of the Hudson River and Manhattan, indoor and outdoor terrace seating, and a garden.  Brunch is served noon – 4 pm on weekends, and is a 3-course prix fixe menu ($36) that include specialty items like a grilled Black Angus burgers, steak frites and eggs, and mini cupcakes.  The rooftop brunch is offered through Labor Day.
• Groovedeck – Located at the Hudson Terrace, this rooftop lounge is along the Hudson River, offering up wonderful views of the river.  Brunch is served Sunday, 2-8 pm, and includes assorted traditional brunch choices.  Chocolate chip muffins are a real treat, as are the brunch cocktails, which include red and white sangria, as well as mojito pitchers.
• Peninsula Hotel – Offering exquisite luxury, the Peninsula’s Salon de Ning rooftop bar offers Sunday Brunch on the Terrace on the 23rd floor.  Enjoy the 3-course brunch while overlooking Fifth Avenue and enjoy the spectacular view of the city.  The set menu changes weekly, but always offers delicious choices.  Champagne cocktails are available, including the signature Beijing Rouge, made of pomegranate juice, citrus vodka, and champagne with a raspberry garnish.  Brunch is served Sunday 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, through Labor Day.  Luxury doesn’t come cheap!  Brunch is $49/person, excluding beverages, tax and gratuities.  I love the Peninsula Hotel, and used to frequently meet a friend here for drinks after work.
• Alma – Head off to Brooklyn (Carroll Gardens) for brunch at Alma, offering views of the Manhattan skyline.  Served weekends 10 am – 2:30 pm, brunch is served year round and offers Mexican cuisine, accompanied by cocktails and tequilas.
• Ravel Hotel – This new luxury boutique hotel is located along the Queensboro Bridge in Long Island City.  A buffet brunch is served on Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm, along with endless mimosas till 3 pm.  DJ music accompanies the view of the Manhattan skyline, across the East River.

Do you have a favorite NYC rooftop brunch?

Photo credit:  jl welsh @flickr