Yesterday we checked in on the Brass Monkey’s new roof deck — it was a bit crowded, as rooftops tend to be this time of year! How are the others fairing? We dispatched our videographer, Matthew Waxman, to five recently-opened ones — Studio B, Salon de Ning, Eden, the Pool Deck at the Empire Hotel, and Highbar — to check in on the after-work scenes. We’re hoping this will put you in the holiday spirit so that you won’t miss Grub Street too much— we’re gone fishin’ starting now. See you Monday, barring any debilitating grilling accidents.

The meatpacking district is buzzing — yesterday brought news that Kyky and Unik, the team behind the defunct club PM, opened Bijoux underneath the restaurant they had a hand in, Merkato 55. (To score a table, we’re told, you should e-mail the lounge manager, Nathaniel, at rsvp@bijouxlounge.com. Note that being fiscally able to afford the requisite bottle service isn't enough to gain entry.) And today, Eater checks in with Florent and finds that landlord turned owner Joanne Lucas has removed the restaurant’s logo as she readies to reopen at 8 a.m. tomorrow with the same wait staff, a new name (R&L), and a new telephone number (212-989-3863). UrbanDaddy also informs that the Brass Monkey, a reliable alternative to the surrounding hype (and after the Hog Pit closes in December, pretty much the only alternative), has opened a characteristically low-key rooftop, where films will be screened. You’re up on your meatpacking news for the next time you’re talking about it while drinking far, far across town.

Vital R&L Update: Florent Excised, Opening Tomorrow! [Eater]
Brass Tacks [UrbanDaddy]

According to Steve Lewis’s blog, the guys from 1 Oak won’t be doing the rooftop at Opera (formerly China Club) as he previously reported. A rep tells us there was a conversation, but never a contract, and that Richie Akiva et al aren’t currently looking for other rooftops, although Uncle Steve seems to have heard differently. Either way, Eden opens this Thursday at 5 p.m., with an hour of free vodka if you RSVP to val@joonbug.com. An excuse to cut out of work early if ever we heard one.

Rooftop Musical Chairs - The 1OAK Team Forgoes Eden [Goodnight Mr. Lewis]

Earlier: Team From 1 Oak Makes China Club's Roof the Height of Luxury

Here’s a little ray of sunshine on this very damp day: The Pooldeck, a rooftop pool bar, will open atop the Empire Hotel on May 1. Reps say that it’ll accommodate a maximum of 150 hotel guests, but if you have the know-how to reach the Hudson Hotel’s Sky Terrace rooftop sans room key, we’re thinking you can do the same here — assuming crowds don’t reach 230 Fifth levels.

The Delancey’s rooftop is one of our favorite outdoor venues, so we’re excited to hear that sister club Studio B will be opening a rooftop bar this season. Permits are still being worked on, but an opening party is planned for May 2 at 9 p.m., with live performances from Brazilian Girls, Spank Rock, and D.J. sets by the Rub and Roxy Cottontail (advance tickets are available online, at TicketWeb).