A rooftop oasis awaits you at the top of the Hotel Americano in the industrial neighborhood of Chelsea.  What could be better after an afternoon of gallery-browsing than to take in the work of art that is the Manhattan skyline?  And since it’s just a stone’s throw from the High Line, this off-the-beaten-path location just became the center of action.

La Piscine

With breathtaking 360 degree views of the city, the rooftop bar and restaurant at the top of the Hotel Americano has become the place to be.  Featuring a small but stylish plunge pool nestled inside the lounge area, guests can cool off while sipping one of the bar’s signature cocktails such as the Mezcalito, and intoxicating blend of Nahuales Joven mezcal, cilantro and watermelon, or sample tequila from one of three tequila menus: Blanco, Anejo, or Resposado.  Those daring enough may try the blood-red hibiscus margarita.

Executive Chef Joseph Buenconsejo brings to the rooftop grill a latin menu with a French twist, all served with Mediterranean flair.  Start off your meal with a selection from the decadent appetizers, such as the foie gras torchon, a duck foie gras served with pear on toasted country bread.  If that doesn’t get your mouth watering, try the tartine de crabe, a selection of peeky toe crab with avocado, mache, jalapeno and lemon aioli.

Entrees are no less impressive and sure to satisfy even the most sophisticated of palates.  Sample the Chilean seabass with black olives, crushed peas, melted leeks and olive oil emulsion.  Or go all-out with the entrecote grillee, a 7 ounce Black Angus NY strip steak with grilled royal trumpets, pommes frites and a chimichurri sauce.  If you’re in the mood for something simpler, the burger.mx is delicious, served with avocado, poblano, chipotle mayo and a jalapeno pickle.

If small bites are more your style, the rooftop grill offers an all-day menu sure to please.  If you’re feeling cheeky you can order the homemade head cheese, fromage de tete, rightly served with cornichon and toasted bread.  Or dine on choux de bruxelles, sauteed Brussels sprouts in apple butter.

Brunch and Lunch

Those who prefer to be out in the light of day are not left out at La Piscine.  The lunch menu features a satisfying variety of sandwiches such as the chicken club and the  l’argentin with pressed ham and cheese.  Brunch will banish any remaining hangover with the huevos a la mexicana, the grill’s unique take on the traditional huevos rancheros, or the eggs benedict with its creamy hollandaise sauce, served with Canadian bacon, spinach or smoked salmon.

More Information

The pool is open to hotel guests daily from 9am to 6pm; from 6pm on it is also open to patrons of La Piscine.  The Grill is open for lunch/brunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from noon to 5pm.  Dinner service is from 6 to 11pm on Monday, Thursday and Sunday and from 6pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Hotel Americano is located at 518 W. 27th Street, New York, NY, 10001.  Reservations can be made by calling (212) 525-0000.  For more information, please visit the Hotel Americano website.