The best summer party spaces in SoHo

On the 18th floor of the James Hotel is JIMMY, a gorgeous SoHo bar and roof deck. Inspired by Picasso’s Blue period, the contemporary interior is intimate and refined with a fireplace, blue leather couches, and mood lighting. To have a summer party here would be iconic: you and 150 of your closest friends of friends of friends can sip on their unique cocktails (like the pomegranate gin and tonic), dance around the roof deck pool, and take in the stunning panoramic views of the city.

Right off SoHo’s Canal Street is Gilligan’s, a “salve for summer in the city.” This tropical sanctuary with all the greenery and wood accents makes you feel like you’re having a summer party at a beach bar. Rent out the space with friends and enjoy the locally sourced seafood (lobster rolls, anyone?) and their delicious tropical cocktails, like the frozen watermelon margarita and the limoncello piña colada. Gilligan’s is open until late September, fulfilling your end-of-summer party dreams.

If you take the elevator to the 11th floor of the Arlo SoHo Hotel, you will be greeted with postcard-worthy views of the Hudson River and the Freedom Tower, at ART SoHo. Rent out this space for your summer party and indulge in a peach negroni or a strawberry mai tai while you and your friends enjoy a warm summer night in the city. They also offer “Sunset Sundays” where from 4 pm to sundown you can get a $10 mini frosé or frozen margarita!

Little Prince is a beloved French restaurant in SoHo and a lovely little spot for your next summer party. This bistro has a rustic aesthetic, with wooden furniture, white brick walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows. They serve classic French dishes like ratatouille and French onion soup, delicious cocktails like the Le Vacancier, and of course, lots of wine. You can rent the space for your next party (60 people standing and 40 seated) so do as the French do and take your summer parties seriously (minus the cigarettes, we’d advise)!

Right on the cusp of SoHo and Tribeca is Bar Hugo Rooftop, a dazzling space atop the Hotel Hugo SoHo. This duplex bar and lounge channels Old Havana vibes, with colorful decor, delicious cocktails, and Cuban cuisine of empanadas and tacos. The glass-enclosed space spans two floors, opens into a patio space when the weather allows, and offers dramatic views of the Statue of Liberty and the Freedom Tower. The space accommodates up to 115 guests.