Who needs the Hamptons with overcrowded bars, all the people you don’t want to meet, the ellusive velvet rope attitude, and the Jitney – a bus where everyone shouts into their cell phones and ignores you for the three plus painful hours it takes to finally get to the Hamptons, when there is the swank rooftop bar at the Hotel Gansveoort and their counterpart, ONO Bar & Restaurant, located on the ground floor. Two sleek locales to definitely see and be seen.

Plan to strap on the stilettos and your chicest attire for the model bomb that is the rooftop bar and lounge. My girlfriend and I took it all in stride and people-watched all the latest trends and gals that practically fell off the runway (apparently sporting cowboy boots in 100 degree heat is the new and cool), while sipping on our delectable lychee martinis. Wall-to-wall windows, spacious tables, an indoor and outdoor lounge, and incredible 360 views of the city (including the infamous Soho House and their exclusive pool made famous in “Sex and the City”), makes for the perfect happy hour spot. Mixed in with the models are some tourists, but mostly local fashionistas and suits. Those who didn’t don Marc Jacobs and Catherine Malandrino, trolled around in towels after taking a dip in the rooftop pool.

Downstairs, at ONO, a multi-level indoor and outdoor Japanese restaurant and bar, is where the fun really begins. Although we didn’t sample the food stylings of Jeffrey Chodorow of China Grill Management (China Grill, Asia de Cuba, Tuscan and most recently Mix in New York), my girlfriend and I knew we were coming back after spying the fresh sushi and sizzling chicken wafting in from the main dining area (where your food is prepared before you). At the bar, the wine selection is impressive (from Chilean Riojas to California Pinot Noirs to some South African gems) and moderately priced. A wine lover, no doubt I’ll return.

And for the single gal, the atmosphere is definitely friendly and welcoming and a bit more low-key than the rooftop.

TIP: Have one cocktail at the rooftop (and save your pennies for the downstairs bar, ladies), because the drinks are indeed expensive, but quite honestly, you’re here for the scene.

Hotel Gansveoort
18 9th avenue (@ 13th street)
New York
Subway: A/C/E to 14th Street

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