Nothing screams summer like sipping cocktails on a rooftop bar overlooking New York City. That’s why we want to put Cantina Rooftop on your radar.
Owner Pedro Zamora and general manager Richie Cardona officially opened Cantina Rooftop, a Mexican restaurant and lounge on the west side of Manhattan, on Cinco de Mayo earlier this month, and we were fortunate enough to check out the space and indulge in all the delicious dishes and drinks it has to offer.
Keep reading to learn why Cantina Rooftop is about to become your next favorite rooftop bar in New York City.
1. The Food
In addition to signature guacamole, salsas and stone-ground Nixtamal tortillas that are made fresh in-house, Cantina Rooftop’s modern Mexican menu also features a slew of tasty house specialties, such as Barbacoa de Carnero (maguey-braised lamb shank, consommé with guajillo sauce and comal corn tortillas), Pollo Campestre (chicken in Grandma’s mole negro served with green rice) and Grilled Black Angus (arrachera steak with roasted potatoes, poblano peppers and charred asparagus). Executive Chef Gonzalo Colin’s menu also includes a selection of must-try antojitos, or little cravings, such as Frijoles Borrachos (braised Berkshire pork belly, hoja santa, mezcal and Negra Modelo lager) and Camarones Locos (tequila fire Gulf shrimp, Mexican chile and spicy salt).
2. The Cocktails
With tequila expert Jay Silverman (of Agave and Mojave fame) acting as lead mixologist, you know Cantina Rooftop’s cocktails are going to be dangerously delicious. Wash down any of the aforementioned tasty treats with a sweet, summery cocktail, such as the Pomegranate or Watermelon Margarita, or be bold and try something slightly spicy, like the Pepino Margarita (made with jalapeno tequila, fresh cucumbers, jalapenos and lemon). Signature cocktails include the Cantina Margarita (made with Fidencio Mezcal, fresh lemon juice, agave nectar and Tajin spice rum) and the Tequila Sunset (made with Tromba Blanco tequila, mango puree, lime juice, cava and Aperol).
3. The View
Located in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood just steps from the Hudson River, Cantina Rooftop boasts stunning skyline views of Midtown Manhattan. Thanks to a retractable rooftop and abundant space heaters, Cantina Rooftop’s views can be enjoyed all year long, rain or shine.
4. The Atmosphere
(Photo: Courtesy/Leonardo Correa)
With regular happy hour specials and a lounge area open until 4 a.m., Cantina Rooftop is perfect for both after-work cocktails and late-night drinking escapades. The venue has seating for 80 and 20 additional spots at the bar, so there’s plenty of space for you and your friends to celebrate or unwind.
