Your ‘rents are in town. You want to do some “touristy” things with them, but sure as hell don’t want to trek to Times Square to do so. You opt for The High Line. Without a doubt, the 1.45-mile-long linear park of walking trails and lush greenery offers some of the best views in New York City.
You and the gang start at 34th Street. Just when you loop around Hudson Yards, Dad claims he’s hungry… and at this point, you’re fed up with the tourists and in desperate need of a cold something to sling back.
Here’s where you should take a break from walking The High Line and grab a drink – and, no, it’s not Chelsea Market.
Where to Drink Along the High Line
Above 23rd Street
Porchlight
This Danny Meyer hotspot showcases Southern-inspired bites, craft cocktails and occasional “Live from the Porch” music performances every Monday from 6:00PM to 9:00PM – from blues, bluegrass, folk and jazz to soul and country. Accompany the tunes with heady mixtures like the Morning, Noon & Night made with Hudson Manhattan Rye whiskey, Amaro Averna, Diplomático Reserva rum, Mister Katz’s Rock & Rye, Cruzan Black Strap rum and mole bitters. You’re getting #PorchLIT at any time of day.
271 11th Ave., 212-981-6188, www.porchlightbar.com, @porchlightbar
The Frying Pan
Floating bars always sound refreshing; however, if you recognize the midtown uniform, run. If you don’t, soak up the sangria (and sun) while rocking on a docked Coast Guard lightship.
Pier 66, 207 12th Ave., 212-989-6363, www.fryingpan.com, @fryingpannyc
Gallow Green at The McKittrick Hotel
Powerful rays, verdant greenery… it’s like you never left The High Line. But you did… for convincing cocktails and punch bowls atop The McKittrick Hotel. Rest your feet in a rustic, flora-filled setting. Go for the signature Sleep No More cocktail that changes per season. This summer, it’s a refreshing blend of Absolut Elyx vodka, elderflower, Dolin Dry vermouth, lime, pea flower and rosé cider – an easy complement to the seasonal dinner menu featuring steak skewers and grilled octopus. Plan for the signature production, Sleep No More next time you have visitors in town.
542 W. 27th St, 212-564-1662, www.mckittrickhotel.com, @gallowgreen
The Half King
Refuel beneath the elevated park at this arty Irish pub. Take a seat outside along the front sidewalk or out back in the spacious garden. A pint won’t break the bank nor would a dish of shepherd’s pie. Like literature? Occasional readings happen here. It is the pet project to Sebastian Junger, author of Perfect Storm. #FunFact
505 W. 23rd St A, 212-462-4300, www.thehalfking.com, @thehalfking
Between 23rd & 14th Street
The High Line Hotel
We have a few options to choose from in this former 1865 redbrick dormitory; now boutique hotel (named after the park). Consider the time of day your working with – a morning espresso or mid-day drip at Intelligentsia Coffee is a worthy choice.
There is The Golden Hour (by the Maison Premiere team) also in the tropical garden serving sea-focused fare – think raw and fried oysters, fish’n chips and razor clam frittes – plus frozen cocktails; either Negroni with Spanish vermouth from Jerez and punctuated by seasonal citrus, or The Blue Kapalua, a twist on the Blue Hawaii tiki classic combining Bank’s and Santa Teresa rums, fresh pineapple and curaçao. Make the next round (your last round) with the over-sized TGH Piña Colada presented in a young, whole coconut – that’s double the booze.
180 10th Ave., 212-929-3888, www.thehighlinehotel.com, @thehighlinehotel
Bodega Negra
We’re happy every hour, more so during happy hour. Occupy the vast agave warehouse for low-cost, high-end Mexican grub and cool cocktails – prices starting at $4 – between 5:30PM and 7:30PM daily. Wash down the piled-high street corn nachos and four-cheese quesadilla rustica with the El Diablo, crafted with Milagro Silver tequila, ginger cordial, creme de cassis and fresh lime juice – enough ginger zing to zap the habanero heat.
355 W. 16th St, 212-229-2336, www.bodeganegranyc.com, @bodeganegranyc
BLACKBARN cafe & bar
Technically it’s in Chelsea Market, however, there is a separate *street* entrance to BLACKBARN – one that helps with hanger. That means you can avoid striking a standing vase (or slow shopper) in the front furniture shop as you bolt to the back “barn” for fresh farm fare and healthful ‘tails.
Slow and steady, settle in the mod-farmhouse where Chef John Doherty offers veggie-vegan delights with wholesome ingredients like the charred brussels sprouts salad and roasted vegetable focaccia. Order the Train Delay with Old Overholt Rye whiskey, lemon, demerara, aquafaba – a chickpea protein/egg-white alternative – and Peychaud’s bitters. Wander through the furniture shop after… now that you’re well-fed.
448 W. 16th St, 212-620-0041, www.blackbarnshop.com, @blackbarncafeandbar
La Sirena at the Maritime Hotel
Prefer a playful, frozen drink or chilled glass of rosé? By all means, relax at Mario Batali’s high-end Italian hotspot, La Sirena. Choose from their latest summer list like the Oscar-La-Vista with Smith & Cross Jamaica rum, Fino sherry, ginger, Allspice Dram, lime and jerk bitters; and over-the-top Frozen Aperol Spritz. Continue the night with these impressive cocktails on the sprawling second-level patio (and never return to The High Line).
88 9th Ave., 212-977-6096, www.lasirena-nyc.com, @lasirenaristorante
Below 14th Street
Terroir on the Porch
Pretty much wine, food and every tourist… Not to mention killer river views worth Insta-sharing (and fighting French folks for). We like Terroir though, especially the lengthy list of rare vinos and various small plates (that will satisfy Dad’s rumbling stomach). Plus, how many seasonal, outdoor wine bars can you think of?
The High Line, W. 14th St, 646-668-1700, www.wineisterroir.com, @terroirny
The Standard, High Line
Us, New Yorkers get the biggest kick out of The Standard. Even though it’s typically infested with tourists, we still manage to have a great time with our favorite people. Lounge at Le Bain, the penthouse “discothèque” with a grass-covered terrace atop the hotel – sip some ‘tails and absorb the sights of nearly everything.
Next up: The Standard Grill, a “see and be seen” American bistro with a stylish bar scene. And finally, The Standard Biergarten – home of “suits and vests”…and Barvarian brews and giant pretzels. It’s a scene not to be missed.
848 Washington St, 212-645-4646, www.standardhotels.com, @thestandard
Santina
Congrats on completing The High Line (without shoving someone from behind). Treat your crew to fruity ‘tails in the glossy, glassed-in space directly under the Southern tip of the park. Suggest sharing the Santina Spritz with frozen Aperol, prosecco and soda – best for two to four guests, and well paired with any coastal Italian course from the Major Food Group. Seating in- or outdoors, your choice. Regardless, you will be seated in the shadow of The High Line…one just has captivating Murano chandeliers hanging overhead.
820 Washington St, 212-254-3000, www.santinanyc.com, @santinanyc
Old Rose
Last September, the old Cafe Gitane flipped into Old Rose. The sun-drenched all-day cafe in The Jane Hotel specializes in Italian-influenced food such fusilli pesto and vodka pizza, and cocktails like the maroon-hued Black Manhattan which swaps Sicily’s aromatic Amaro Averna in for the traditional sweet vermouth. Don’t hold back – those calories will be burned when you repeat The High Line home.
113 Jane St, 212-255-4143, www.oldrosenyc.com, @oldrosenyc
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