Solstice Travel Vacations

by TripAtlas.com
August 4, 2009

is the destination for high-altitude brunch

From to Brooklyn to , rooftops are catering to people seeking more than just a meal. In the vertical city of , good food and good views go hand in hand. From 230 Fifth, Hudson Terrace and the Gansevoort in to the Ravel in Queens and Alma in , the City offers some excellent options for those lazy summer weekends.
"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.

Great NYC brunch spots with a view

's largest rooftop bar, 230 Fifth, offers its Champagne Party Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm year-round, rain or shine, on its 14,000-square-foot palm-decorated roof deck and 8,000-square-foot fully enclosed lounge. More than 40 dishes are offered, the majority priced between $8 and $12, including such signatures as "Liquored Up" French toast and matzah brei. Along with a number of specialty cocktails, six champagnes are served by the bottle and the magnum. "Bigger is better" is the theme at this rooftop retreat, which offers stunning views of including head-on views of the . (230-fifth.com)

This summer, the party goes sky-high at Hotel Gansevoort's new Get Up Get Down brunch and roof-deck party. Hotel Gansevoort's Plunge bar features 360° views of the Hudson River and , indoor and outdoor terrace seating and a fully landscaped garden. Served from noon to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, the three-course $36 menu includes items like a panache of charcuterie and salumi, grilled Black Angus burgers, steak frites and eggs and mini cupcakes for dessert. The brunch will be offered through Labor Day. (hotelgansevoort.com)

For breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the Intrepid Museum, check out the Groovedeck at Hudson Terrace, a rooftop lounge discreetly tucked away at the edge of Midtown, along the Hudson River. Brunch is served on Sundays from 2pm to 8pm. The menu includes a delicious assortment of dishes, including French toast, sourdough toast, smoked salmon, bacon, homemade chocolate chip muffins and an assortment of fresh omelettes. Brunch cocktails include a selection of red and white sangrias and mojito pitchers. is available by the bottle. (hudsonterracenyc.com)
 
Those seeking a truly luxurious experience should head to the Peninsula New York's Salon de Ning rooftop bar for its Sunday Brunch on the Terrace. From the 23rd-floor perch overlooking , guests will be able to take in exceptional views of the cityscape as they enjoy the three-course brunch and the eclectic grooves of a live DJ. The second course, offered bento-box-style, consists of four small dishes. The set menu, which varies weekly, has included slow-roasted prime rib with aged cheddar twice-baked potato, melted leeks and candied baby carrots; and the poached organic egg with lobster hash and truffled hollandaise. Champagne cocktails are available, including the Beijing Rouge, a concoction of pomegranate juice, citrus vodka, and champagne with a raspberry garnish. The brunch costs $49 per person (excluding beverages, tax and gratuities). It is served Sundays from 11:30am to 2:30pm through Labor Day, and possibly later, weather permitting. (salondening.com)

Over in the Carroll Gardens section of Brooklyn, Alma Restaurant offers a beautiful rooftop brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2:30pm. Stunning views of the skyline complement the delicious Mexican fare, along with cocktails and tequilas. Brunch is served year-round; reservations are accepted for large parties. (almarestaurant.com)

Nestled alongside the Queensboro Bridge in Long Island City, the new Ravel Hotel, the borough's only luxury boutique property, serves a Sunday buffet brunch on its rooftop from 10am to 2pm (and the endless mimosas keep flowing until 3pm). Top DJs provide the beats while patrons take in the stunning views of the skyline, just across the . (ravelhotel.com)