44 W. 63rd St., 12th fl., 212-956-3313, empirehotelnyc.com
One needn't be deprived of rooftop shindigs during the colder months. The Empire has its own retractable roof, heating system and fireplace, so you can party like it's the middle of July even while you're making your holiday shopping list. Throw in Tuesday-night up-tempo jazz from Stephane Wrembel's trio and a thoughtful selection of warming ciders and wines, and you have the perfect wintertime escape. Manager Eric Lee is particularly fond of the bird's-eye, 180-degree view: the scenery includes the lights of the City and crowds leaving Lincoln Center. "It's mesmerizing," says Lee. The laid-back regulars usually arrive shortly before the three-hour set at 6 or 6:30pm and trickle out between set's end (9 or 9:30) and 11pm.

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