Time to get high!
Before summer is over, make a plan to get up in the air. We have compiled a list of the hottest rooftop bars in Brooklyn, where you can work on your tan or indulge the evening breeze while sipping on a refreshing boozy beverage.
Kimoto Rooftop
On the 24th floor of the Aloft Hotel sits the Kimoto Rooftop beer garden, with breathtaking views of Downtown and, if you settle in the right spot, an excellent view of the Statue of Liberty. As the beer garden moniker implies, it has an indoor Zen rock garden and two dozen local and Japanese beers — but the draw is the elegant cocktails, especially the frothy signature bourbon drink “The Kimoto,” along with the playful dishes from chef Brian Tsao. On weekend afternoons, you can dig into Asian twists on the standard brunch menu, such as green tea waffles paired with fried chicken. And at lunch and dinner, the Kobe beef burger with white truffle oil is a highlight.
Kimoto Rooftop [216 Duffield St. between Willoughby Street and Fulton Street Downtown, (718) 858–8940, www.kimot
Tom’s Coney Island
This Coney Island rooftop may only be on the second floor, but it is right on the Boardwalk, which means that it is a prime spot to enjoy the sun and sweeping views of sand and surf. Tom’s Restaurant in Prospect Heights is a Brooklyn institution, and its Coney spin-off serves the same hearty brunches and diner-style hearty meals. And up on the roof, you can also sample from a long list of frozen concoctions, including a dozen variations on the margarita, daiquiri, and pina colada. It closes early, but there is nothing wrong with some day-drinking!
1229 Boardwalk at Stillwell Avenue in Coney Island, (718) 942–4200, www.tomsb
Fornino at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Again, this spot is only on the second floor, but the location inside Brooklyn Bridge Park comes with multiple benefits: a view of the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan, an ideal sunset-gazing orientation, and a special menu with sandwiches, artisanal sodas and ice cream, in addition to the usual — and usually excellent — wood-fired pizza. Beer, wine, and a full cocktail menu complete the outdoor comforts.
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6 [Furman Street at Atlantic Avenue, (718) 422–1107, www.forni
Esh
Six floors above the sidewalk — and just above Williasmburg’s Urban Outfitters — the sizzling Israeli barbecue spot Esh offers views of the Williamsburg Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and hipsters for streets around. The rooftop features a full menu, so you can enjoy the pork ribs in smoked date syrup and thrice-cooked fries in the open air. And if you time it right you can groove to one of two resident DJs in action: DJ George Costanza’s on the first Friday of each month, and DJ Soandso and his psychedelic African beats on the second Saturday.
Esh at 98 N. Sixth St. between Berry Street and Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 387–0195, www.eshbr
