Pay no mind to the thin-blooded weaklings who bleat about "being cold"—rooftop bars are for all seasons. It's why God bestowed fleece-lined coats upon us, as well as insulated glass, which is employed at Hell's Kitchen's newest nightlife addition Z Bar Restaurant and Sky Lounge. The rooftop oasis boasts views across Midtown's skyline, both in the open air patio and the glass-enclosed bar and dining area inside.
Executive Chef Ricardo Cardona—most notably a finalist on Chopped and a personal chef to the Yankees—fires up a menu of Euro-Latino dishes from small plates to crudos to surf-and-turf standards. Start with fiery Charred Octopus ($12) or the Guacamole Trio ($12), which comes in tropical, goat cheese and ranchero flavors. A selection of crudos range from oyster cevice ($12) to steak tartare ($14) while tacos come stuffed with shrimp ($12), dry aged rib eye ($12) and carnitas ($14). Large format entrees include Diver Sea Scallops ($30) with spaghetti vegetables and Provencal orchid sauce and Bone-In Dry Age Ribe Eye Steak ($35).
Another key to staying warm up on the roof: booze. Cocktails fuse Latin flavors with classic cocktails like the Rachel's Caipirinha with Leblon Cachaca, cashew nectar, fresh lime and gum syrup and the Angel Fizz, with Fords Gin, Cana Brava Rum, coconut puree, fresh lime juice, gum syrup, orange blossom and club soda.
605 W 48th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues, (212) 957-1800; zbarny.com. Open Tuesday - Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
