Perched above southern SOHO, The James New York’s awe-inspiring Soho rooftop bar, JIMMY, is a very hot ticket during the warm weather months. It boasts a sexy social atmosphere, with an enclosed bar and lounge set against 360-degree views of the downtown Manhattan skyline. The outside deck, framed by the hotel’s architectural “halo,” offers a private rooftop plunge pool surrounded by teak wood decking and outdoor showers. in Guests can order from the classically inspired cocktail menu with ingredients including syrups, bitters and juices prepared in-house from herbs from The James' Chef’s Garden. The bar offers a contemporary interpretation of a classic pub with a 1970’s New York twist. Elements like herringbone floors, a leather trimmed solid wood bar top, brick glazed tile walls, rich blue upholstery and working fireplaces come together to create a sense of warmth. A year-round destination, JIMMY opens into the NYC rooftop pool deck during the warmer months. But whether indoors or out, JIMMY guests are treated to one of the most spectacular views in New York City: a river-to-river vista looking over Midtown, Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge and beyond.

Cocktail maven Ken Goto - who made his name at Pegu Club ( or is it the other way around?) opens his own spot on the Lower East Side. Tight bar, glowing shelves, Japanese influence cocktails along with Japanese bar foods. Hip crowd, the kind that avoids the mayhem a few blocks over in the LES college chaos around Ludlow.

The Cutting Room is a true hotspot, very much part of the NYC celebrity scene. A live music venue, featuring all kinds of music, from singer/songwriter nights to rock 'n roll to Big Band. Lively Happy Hour from 4-7pm, a fantastic menu, and great front room bar crowd. It's also available as a special event/private party venue (they have hosted end -of-season Wrap Parties, SNL tapings, Bar Mitzvahs and the like).

Vastly popular for over 100 years, dead poet Dylan Thomas drank his last here, then staggered off and died the next morning. Perhaps that explains why the White Horse Tavern remains eternally hip with the college crowds, who seek it out for enormous quantities of beer and spirits. The hamburgers are fine, the rest of the simple menu offers additional fried (and a few non-fried) foods, and the atmosphere here is always festive.

Friday nights are meant for parties - and Lola Star makes sure that happens at Lakeside Roller Rink in Prospect Park! Themed parties every Saturday with attendees dressing in glittering disco attire and costumes. Guest DJs from around the country spin tunes while special guest performances ranging from burlesque to carnival arts add to the festivities. So dance your wheels off every Friday from 7:30 - 10:30, April through October!

Bohemian Hall has the last remaining Outdoor Beer Garden in all of New York City. In 1892, the Bohemian Citizens' Benevolent Society was formed, and in 1910, the Society purchased two adjacent lots, part of a farm. The cornerstone of Bohemian Hall was laid that October. At one time, over 800 beer gardens were in New York City - three in Astoria alone. Only Bohemian Hall and Park survives to carry this proud tradition into the new millennium! The rediscovery has a price: Bohemia can be overrun with hipsters.