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Local West.

Local West
1 Penn Pl., Eighth Ave. at 33rd St.; 212-629-7070
Okay, so not much is exhilarating about the rooftop of a one-story building, but those looking to unwind before their train back to the burbs could do worse than snagging a seat at the smattering of tables or at the elevated patio bar atop this casual beer bar near Penn Station.
The View: Chat up the folks on the upper decks of the tour buses that constantly roll by.
Menu: Sliders, nachos, chicken tenders; you get the idea. Pomegranate martini, $10, beers, $6.
The Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.–2 a.m.

Bar 13
35 E. 13th St., at University Pl.; 212-979-6677
NYU students who couldn't make it to Florida for spring break (and downtowners too lazy to travel for a rooftop) seek solace at this campus clubhouse. Amid the palms and illuminated panels, revelers can pretend they're in South Beach—and of legal drinking age.
The View: Opaque screens surrounding the deck mean the only place to look is up.
The Menu: Well drinks are $5-$8, while the 13-ini, the bar's signature Absolut Mandarin–based beverage, costs $10.
The Hours: M (1 p.m.–11 p.m.), T–F (1 p.m.–4 a.m.), S (5 p.m.–4 a.m.), Su (3 p.m.–4 a.m.).

The Park
118 Tenth Ave., nr. 17th St.; 212-352-3313
Time has passed since scads of A-list celebs and Vice-toting debs flocked to these kooky environs, but the multi-area greenhouse-cum-funhouse still makes for a transporting experience, especially Fridays and Saturdays after 11 p.m., when the penthouse hot tubs are open to the public.
The View: Eye candy compensates for a lackluster third-floor-level take on West Chelsea.
The Menu: Beers are $7, fruit cocktails range between $11 and $12, sangria is $8.
The Hours: F–S (10:30 p.m.–4 a.m.), M–Th, Su (closed).

The Heights Bar & Grill
2867 Broadway, nr. 111th St..; 212-866-7035
Students and locals flock to this second-story Morningside Heights bar that has a semi-retractable roof and AC for when it gets humid. You'll pay $6 for a margarita, but dude, you'll be so wasted you won't even care.
The View: The only thing that will make you feel high up are your beer goggles.
The Menu: Frozen margaritas ($4 during happy hour, 5 p.m.–7 p.m.; $6–$7 thereafter) and stuffed-to-bursting burritos ($8.95– $13.95).
The Hours: M–W (4:30 p.m.–11 p.m.), Th–Su (11:30 a.m.–11 p.m.).

The Terrace at Sutton Place Bar and Restaurant
1015 Second Ave., nr. 53rd St.; 212-207-3777
The good news first: Sutton Place has a huge rooftop patio with lots of tables and a long, snaking bar worthy of Club Med. The bad news: It's a tad bland in that East Side sports-guy kind of way. Apparently some people just feel more comfortable in khakis.
The View: A third-floor terrace overlooking Second Avenue.
The Menu: $10-$12 cocktails and generic pub grub.
The Hours: Daily, noon–4 a.m.

Broadway Bar and Sky Deck
226 W. 52nd St., nr. Broadway; 646-459-5818
There's nothing remotely glamorous about the bar on the Novotel's tenth floor (the loungers on the narrow terrace appear to be terra-cotta, but they're actually plastic), but if you're looking for a relatively inexpensive patch of sky, this is the place.
The View: To the south, a straight shot down the Great White Way.
The Menu: Beers are $6.50, mixed drinks $14, and martinis $9. The eats are basic: wings, quesadillas, and the like.
The Hours: Daily, noon–midnight.

Studio B's Rooftop Deck
259 Banker St., nr. Meserole Ave., Greenpoint, Brooklyn; 718-389-1880
Studio B's northern expansion is a raucous affair, much like the D.J. nights, hip-hop shows, and blog-buzz bands it hosts downstairs. Potted palm trees and a glass ceiling give off a tacky-on-purpose vibe.
The View: A nice, sparkly slice of the Manhattan skyline.
The Menu: $5 beers, $6–$10 cocktails.
The Hours: W–Th (6 p.m.-10 p.m.), Su (3 p.m.-10 p.m.). Other than these times, the rooftop is also open anytime there is an event downstairs.