Westlight

"Sometimes being out from under a roof isn’t enough, and you want to be out on top of a roof as well. When that urge hits you in Williamsburg, take the elevator to the roof of The William Vale hotel. It has pretty amazing views of the Manhattan skyline, which you can take in while having cocktails and guacamole on a big, cushioned yellow couch. We recommend making a reservation through website before going." - matt tervooren

"Westlight is on the top floor of The William Vale hotel, and the view here makes most other rooftops feel like subway stops that sit above ground. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, or the fact that your summer no longer involves explaining the difference between East, West, and Greenwich Village to an out-of-towner. Just make sure to book a table in advance. You aren’t the only one who enjoys sitting on a couch while staring at the Manhattan skyline." - bryan kim, neha talreja, kenny yang, molly fitzpatrick

"This fancy rooftop bar on top of the even fancier William Vale hotel in Brooklyn feels like something you'd find in Manhattan. That said, Westlight has some of the best views in the city, and the food and drinks are actually pretty good. Large plates range from a smoked cheddar burger to miso salmon, and there are also some creative takes on familiar rooftop fare (hummus in flaky puffs, fried fish in buns instead of tacos, etc.). Celebrate a birthday here, or bring a tourist who just wants to stare at the Manhattan skyline. They’ll be impressed." - neha talreja, bryan kim, carina finn koeppicus, hannah albertine

"The 22nd-floor rooftop bar at The William Vale features 360-degree views of New York, sophisticated craft cocktails, and bar snacks inspired by global street fare. Stunning views and serious eating make this place worth the day trip." - Marguerite Imbert

"With delicious drinks and food, great design, and incredible views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, Westlight is one of the city’s best rooftop bars. ... For its New Year’s Eve party, a $275 ticket gets you an open bar, specialty cocktails, music by the Silver Arrow Band, and a champagne toast at midnight."