City dwellers know that summer means open season at rooftop bars. With sky-high saloons popping up at seemingly every new hotel, it’s hard to know which are truly worthwhile and which will just leave you high and dry. Our editors have picked out 10 of the most tried-and-true of these elevated establishments, each touting alfresco offerings that go well beyond the killer views, with creative cocktails, live entertainment, and sexy patrons all adding to the see-and-be-seen vibes. Whether you come earlier in the day to catch some rays, show up for sublime cityscape-framed sunsets, or linger well into the balmy night, somehow a chilled margarita or martini just tastes better a few stories up. Just hurry up and rise to the occasion – most city kids go inside to play once the summer sun slips away, and these lofty lounges lose some luster.

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