Rent the perfect summer party venue in New York

When New Yorkers say “Summer Party,” they are usually referring to the Hamptons. But the closest imitation to Montauk (sans jitney), is Gilligan’s bar within the iconic SoHo Grand Hotel. Their nautical menu features dishes like crudo, lobster rolls, and fish tacos. The true star(fish), however, it the Frozen Watermelon Margarita. Yes, those words just came out of our keyboard. Gilligans is open May-September, a true summer fling. Take the day off with beachy couches, a walk-up bar, and 4,000 sq. ft. of pure summer bliss. A full restaurant buyout can accommodate up to 250 people, with options of renting just the main space for a group of 120.

Imagine the scene: you’ve been hitting the gym all year, chiselling the perfect figure, ready to show off. Now, you could take a trip overseas to some European beach where no one will know you, and you’ll be lost in the great sea of perfectly bronzed Greek abs and thighs. Or you invite your closest friends to an exclusive summer pool party and watch their faces drop in envious shock as you shed the towel and launch a perfect swan dive into the glittering pool.

Enter stage left: The Beach at Dream Downtown. The 5,000 sq ft outdoor pool comes with 70 lounge chairs, two private cabanas, a full-service bar and kitchen, and a DJ booth. That’s basically the ingredient to every amazing party you’ve never been invited to. Time to make amends.

Do you feverishly dream of summoning your inner Thoreau in the great outdoors without actually leaving Manhattan? Well, La Croisette bar might be the ticket. Backing onto Tribeca’s North Cove Marina, Le District has created a charming outdoor space that overlooks the Hudson, with Jersey City just about visible past the sunset haze that rests on the river.

The al fresco setting is large enough for 500 guests, with multiple smaller sections for those sane enough not to invite 500 of their nearest and dearest to their Summer Party.

The food and drink are provided by Liberty Bistro, the popular eatery attached to Le District food hall. This translates to classic French bistro fare: steak frites, mussels, omelets. The good stuff. Wine is available by the glass and there’s a generous menu of $18 cocktails for those who want to see the sun set with a French Mule in hand.

Midtown may seem like a curious spot for a summer party. When you’re fighting your way through the throng of daytrippers, spiderman performers, and lost souls driven mad by the looming billboards of late capitalism, it might be hard to dream of that rooftop frosé.

Persevere though, dear reader! The imaginatively named Midtown Loft & Terrace whisks you up (via a private elevator) beyond the churn to a truly awe-inspiring rooftop terrace. The 4,400 sq ft event space is an ideal summer party spot in NYC. It boasts a retractable enclosed roof, a beautifully landscaped garden, an in-house production company, and, of course, a connected lounge with its own fireplace – essential to any evening summer party.

Private events can cater to up to 150 standing or 100 seated guests on round tables. And that view, well, it has to be seen to be believed.

We don’t know about you, but our perfect summer consists of oysters, hot dogs, and a spritz. Find all that and more at the Bar Blondeau. On the 6th floor of the Wythe Hotel, Bar Blondeau is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan, perched along the East River. Their sophisticated hedges and romantic lighting make you want to take a deep breath out and sip a martini right in. A step down from the unce-unce dance parties you may find on other roofs, Bar Blondeau offers classic cocktails with modern twists. Check out their afternoon tea for a special occasion, but don’t skimp on the champagne – it’s summer rules.

Mister Sunday is an NYC institution: the weekly party draws New Yorkers of all ilk over to Bushwick for a steady celebration of all things house, funk, and disco. Whilst the well-known party is worth the loss in serotonin, it’s a little-known fact that host Nowadays also offers private hire.

Offering both indoor and outdoor space rentals, Nowadays can assist you in putting on your very own summer party. You get full use of the 5,000 sq ft event space, as well as their colossal 16,000 sq ft yard. That’s a lot of foot. With canopy trees, an outdoor sound system, and a 4 am liquor license, the sky is the limit. Just don’t try and put on a sunday event, duh.

The best part about Brooklyn is the view of Manhattan. Take full advantage of the skyline sights this summer at ART Rooftop. This hotel turns into an all-summer-long party, famous for its sunset DJ sets. You’ll find Manhattan locations in SoHo, NoMad, and Midtown, but we recommend braving the L-train because the Williamsburg outpost spreads across 10,000 sq. ft. of pool, lounge, indoor, and outdoor spaces – all customizable to your imagination. This venue brings a new meaning to “chatting around the water cooler” with their massive water tower that, yes, you can walk around. For private events, there are ample semi-private or fully private options for up to 500 people.

Nothing screams summer party quite like a Margarita, and we know the perfect place to find one. Gitano makes you feel like you just took a quick flight to Mexico– with tropical greenery and disco balls, the bar feels like a beach. For years, Gitano has hosted events from fashion shows to raves, May-September, on Governors Island. Finally, they found a permanent home, located at Pier 17. The club/bar/restaurant views of the trifecta: the Hudson River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline. Don’t just take out word for it– Gitano has beach clubs in Dubai and Tulum, so they know their way around a party.

Gitano hosts groups of 9 to 30 guests, and you can book semi and fully private events for up to 650 in their 1,400 sq. ft. space. Smaller spaces include the North West half deck (max. 40), the East Deck (max. 40), and the Bar Tent (max. 50), as well as smaller lounge rooms for around 10 guests each.

This seasonal wine bar and rooftop event space is perched atop The Moore, a boutique hotel on the border of Chelsea and Midtown. Ideal for intimate summer gatherings, it can seat up to 35 guests and host 75 people for a reception. There is a partial cover for people to crowd under in case of wet weather or for a bit of shade relief. There are couches for laid-back lounging, but furniture can be rearranged for a variety of events.

The 1,368 sq. ft. venue operates as a rooftop bar, offering a rotating selection of wines alongside beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Internal catering is available from The Moore's cafe and restaurant, or you can choose from a variety of local external catering options.

With four event spaces totaling to over 60,000 sq. ft. and a title as Brooklyn's largest event space, this venue is guaranteed to help you host the party of the summer. The main space is Sundeck East, a 6,000 sq. ft. outdoor terrace seating up to 200 guests and hosting 500 reception-style, with a view of Manhattan across the East River. Pair this with a 2,000 sq. ft. indoor bar and lounge (max. 125 seated and 250 reception) for an indoor/outdoor event. The highlight of this venue is the massive fields space, totaling up to 50,000 sq. ft. and offering a flexible, grassy space that'll evoke memories of suburban soccer games. Amenities include lighting, audio, high-speed internet, multimedia capabilities, parking, and a catering area.