The crowds in Riverside Park watching the fireworks this year made us dream of being somewhere above it all, namely somewhere with a view and cocktail.  Naturally then, we thought it only appropriate to give you a run-down of some of our favorite rooftop venues with some great river views.

Hudson Terrace - 621 W. 46th Street, btw. 11th and 12th - hudsonterracenyc.com

The newest kid on the elevated block arrived with a bang last spring, hosting tons of private/corporate events, and filling the skies with buzz. The place is a converted stable, and the ample, impressive wood gives a nice nod to that history.  Also impressive are the attitude and stratospheric drink prices that come standard with an evening at Hudson Terrace.  Not that we don't know how to roll with the beautiful people, but wouldn't simply appreciating the sunset be enough?

Highbar - 251 W. 48th Street, btw. 8th and B'way - highbarnyc.com

Highbar is like that friend you have who partied a bit too hard in his early 20's so looks like he's pushing 40 when he's only 28. Highbar's spectacular city views almost distract you from the fact that the place looks a little worse for the wear than when it opened over a year ago  That being said, it gets major points for convenience and some very crafty tropical drinks - we recommend the Huckleberry Lemonade or the Old Cuban, both perfect for sipping in a balmy breeze.

Mé Bar - 17 W. 32nd Street, 14th Floor, btw. 5th and 6th - mebarnyc.com

A blissfully scene-free rooftop scene in Koreatown. Small and strewn with what seems like patio furniture, Mé Bar is where you go for a beer and a cigarette instead of a glass of champagne and a bump. You won't get a perfect view of anything other than the Empire State Building, but you'll be sure to have an ample view of whatever color glow it's giving off that night. You'll also save some green by not paying $18+ for a cocktail - but you will get a good martini.  Just don't ask the bartenders to get creative and you'll be fine.

The Delancey - 168 Delancey Street, btw Clinton & Attorney - thedelancey.com

For downtown rooftop lounging downtown, The Delancey is still the original and best.  Dodge the palm fronds and the hipsters, nab a corner bench, and bask in the blinking lights of the Williamsburg Bridge.  It should also be mentioned that The Delancey hosts some killer up-and-coming bands in its downstairs lounge, so feel free to wander down and discover the next Scissor Sisters.