June 17th marked the official opening of the STK Rooftop, which as you can imagine is a large, open air outdoor space that sits atop the meatpacking district’s renowned steakhouse, STK. Residing on Little West 12tth Street, the building’s 4th floor overlooks the beautiful and recently renovated Highline, serving as an absolutely ideal spot for happy hour cocktails, or early evening sunsets, should the mood strike you. Heck, perhaps even a precursor to a hearty steak dinner in the posh dining area downstairs.

Monday evening, famed vodka brand Ketel One and their PR team, hosted a small, invite-only introduction to perhaps the best new rooftop in Manhattan, serving an assortment of mixed, specialty cocktails to the guests on hand, just as the sun was setting on the west side. While the event began slowly, the rooftop became jam-packed roughly thirty minutes in- the well-dressed schmoozing with Manhattan’s elite, or so it seemed. The upscale lounge certainly seems to bring out high caliber fashionistas and socialistas, all looking to relax and ease into what remains of the rigors of a summertime work week. But in the meatpacking district, the stomping ground of Manhattan’s most successful and most beautiful, what else would you expect?

The STK staff was bustling, but mostly attentive- beautiful waitresses parading back and forth to the bar, carrying drink trays in tight purple dresses, while friendly male servers dished out passed along bites from small dumplings to crabcakes to sliders, which admittedly never seemed to make their way to our back table. The roof itself is decked out elegantly. Opening daily at 4:30pm, the far back space is lined with incredibly comfortable couch seating, surrounded by cloth topped stools, with ample lamps and lighting to illuminate like a local Brooklyn rooftop party, post-sunset. More traditional hightop tables and even some small dinner tables are sprinkled throughout the more casual dining section, ideal for an outdoor dinner, when the weather is manageable. Be it a workplace happy hour, an intimate dinner for two, or a hearty steak dinner before a long night out, STK seems to have you covered. We’ve already been there, so believe it when we say that our pictures simply can’t do the natural beauty of the rooftop justice. It’s summertime in New York City and we think it’s time you check it out for yourself. For more information on the STK Rooftop or to make a reservation, check it out here and tell them that LocalBozo.com sent you.

- Jane Van Arsdale