We don’t know what’s more annoying: the 100-degree heatwave that’s taking out our Brazilian blowout treatment, or the influx of college interns taking over every bar in the Lower East Side. Bowery Electric, anybody?
Either way, we desperately need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
We’ve rounded up the best NYC bars to escape the city without escaping the city.
Sip on your Mojitos and Pina Coladas, and enjoy feeling like you’re on a tropical vacation.
Gitano Garden Of Love
There’s no better way to escape the streets of New York than at this Tulum-inspired paradise. You literally forget that you’re not an island with turquoise waters and blazing hot sand. Reality check: you’re on the island of Manhattan with murky water and blazing hot concrete. Picture a tropical jungle aesthetic and a Mezcal bar bigger than your Murray Hill apartment. If you can’t make it to Mexico, Gitano will bring Mexico to you.
The Dominick
The Dominick’s terrace pool allows you to soak up the sunshine like you would on the beaches of Maui. An exclusive oasis, this SoHo hotspot features beautiful summer foliage, airy wooden cabanas, and unbeatable views of the Manhattan skyline. Indulge in their Hawaii-inspired restaurant, El Ta'Koy, and don’t forget to order one of their delicious frozen cocktails!
Broken Shaker
This tropical Miami-inspired bar will immediately transport you to Collins Ave. Minus the overwhelming strip of hotels and shimmery sarongs. This rooftop hideaway offers an eclectic menu of exotic, handcrafted cocktails, and fresh bites that bring you around the world. Experience Miami’s cocktail scene without the fuss of a plane ticket.
Make Believe
If you’re at all relevant in New York City’s social scene, you’ve been to Make Believe. Or, you’ve waited outside the insanely long door pretending to be an influencer. This tropical-themed haven features plush hot pink booths, creative craft cocktails, and a disco ball that will be Instagrammed by every basic girl who tries to be edgy. I’m not talking about myself, I swear. Escape the chaos of the streets, and immerse yourself in the chaos of Manhattan’s elite.
The Bungalow
This Hamptons-style haven invites you to enjoy summer all the way through September 26th. An excuse to prolong everybody’s favorite season AND drink delicious cocktails? Sign me up! Described as a “relaxing urban oasis inspired by the beachside retreats of Montauk,” guests can enjoy stellar live music and DJ entertainment, tiki drinks, and exciting events such as table tennis and sunset bike tours.
Grand Banks
Docked in downtown Manhattan, Grand Banks is a seasonal oyster bar that feels like a true vacation. It’s like you rented a yacht in the Hamptons for the day, but slightly different. Don’t miss out on the fresh East and West coast oysters, or the nautical-inspired drinks that give off serious Nantucket vibes. We don’t recommend coming here if you get seasick, because nothing is less classy than throwing up your caviar hash browns.
Panorama Room At The Graduate Hotel
Panorama Room is the Graduate Roosevelt Island’s rooftop bar and lounge with 360-degree views of New York. Located on the 18th floor, the Panorama Room offers a different type of island getaway. The mission behind the island’s first hotel is simple: to give locals and tourists alike a different perspective of New York. It’s like going on a cultural exploration without ever leaving your neighborhood—with lychee martinis and caviar, of course.
