Cara Cara

With highly focused yet breezy cocktails and amazing views of Downtown, Cara Cara would easily be one of the best rooftop bars in the city, save for one not-insignificant snag: tables take up most of its square footage, and come sunset they’re almost always packed with reservations. Compared to nearby Cabra, the food menu runs more snacky and straightforward. Think focaccia, tacos, burger and a lobster roll. (Goin and her business partner, Caroline Styne, generally put more culinary focus on Calabra, the Portuguese-inspired seasonal restaurant downstairs.) Walk-ins are forced to hover by the firepit or jockey for an empty table, making this excellent rooftop bar more of a light-bites lounge. Don’t let all the hoops deter you, though—the food, drinks and the view at this Downtown rooftop restaurant definitely justify the need for advanced planning.