What a View: Best Spots for Outdoor Dining

Chicago's "Roof on the Wit" boasts several outdoor spots, including "The Patio" and "The Hangover." The Patio's lounge seating, corner booths, and built-in fire pits create an intimate setting. The Hangover, a private dining area located 27 stories above the city, is a modern space fully enclosed by glass. Diners get a stunning view of Chicago's downtown architecture and the Chicago River. During the spring and summer months, "Summer Fridays" and "Roof Sundays" take off. Brunch starts at 11 am on Sundays, but don't expect to bring the morning paper: dancers, performers, DJs, and other musicians are all on hand to entertain you while you dine on Chorizo Goat Cheese Quiche or East Coast Oysters and a Bloody Mary.

Related Recipe: Bloody Mary

Interested in a side of breathtaking, panoramic views with your breakfast? Of course you are. Let Gordon Ramsay and crew create a magnificent meal you can enjoy while overlooking the Hollywood Hills and the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills skylines at The Rooftop at the London Hotel. Along with in-suite dining and catered affairs, Chef Ramsay offers breakfast and all-day dining for hotel guests and outside visitors alike. On the 10th floor — amid a lush garden landscape, private cabanas, teak decking, and lounge chairs — take in a West coast sunset while enjoying a signature cocktail, like the "Farmer's Market Citrus Sangria," or enjoy an early morning sunrise with a Bellini and some steel-cut oatmeal. Anything goes in California.

Related Recipe: Mango-Peach Sangria

Georges Ocean Terrace might easily be called Gorgeous Ocean Terrace thanks to its splendid location on the Pacific Coast. The restaurant offers a full bar that serves freshly squeezed lemonade and strawberry-infused vodka and Bloody Marys made with house-infused pepper vodka, jalapeño, tomato, bell pepper, basil, and garlic. For lunch, Georges offers a mix of seafood fare, salads, burgers, pasta, and sandwiches; you'll never want to leave. Luckily, they also offer dinner, desserts, and cocktails. You could potentially stare out at the Pacific from sunrise to sunset!

Related Recipe: Raspberry Rickey

Think Atlanta doesn't have a skyline worth writing home about? Guess again. The French American Brasserie, otherwise known as "F.A.B.," puts the city's skyline on display. F.A.B., in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, offers, yes, fabulous panoramic views of the city while maintaining the warm, charming feel of a traditional French brasserie. Enjoy traditional French fare along with American steaks and chops. If you're there during the day, venture a short distance to the Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the Georgia World Congress Center to get a better sense of the surroundings (and to walk off that rich meal).

Related Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Onion Sauce and Onion Relish

Whether or not you're around for events like "Fridays on the Deck" or "Empire Saturdays," there are still plenty of reasons to check out the 12th floor of The Empire Hotel in Manhattan any night of the week. Spots in Brooklyn and New Jersey may offer some of best views of the Manhattan skyline, but sometimes it's nice to be in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. Throw in some signature cocktails, wine, and champagne, plus small plates like Margherita Pizza and Crispy Calamari, and even some live entertainment and you've got yourself a stellar night out. The 8,000-square-foot bar and lounge offers ample space in which to mingle and dance, or you can just relax and unwind right next to the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, which afford a glimpse at the bright lights of the big city. The Deck, another outdoor space, boasts private cabanas you can enjoy with your sweetie while taking in the sounds of Manhattan's notorious traffic symphony.

Related Recipe: Pizza Margherita

When summer rolls around, Alma's rooftop is open seven nights a week. Offering superb Mexican fare and a breathtaking view of lower Manhattan and the East River, Alma is the place to be during sunset. Take in the scenery with one of their many tequila drinks in hand. Don't forget to order a helping of their renowned guacamole. Alma's relaxed vibe may just make you feel like you're on a calm vacation in one of the country's busiest cities.

Related Recipe: Frosty Margarita

Although there are plenty of places to take in stunning views in San Francisco, Mark Hopkins boasts one of the best. At Top of the Mark, you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner while perched 19 floors above San Francisco's Nob Hill district. Gaze at the phenomenal Pacific coastline, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and a pristine skyline of flickering city lights. If you're there for Sunday brunch, be prepared to indulge in oysters and crab claws on-the-rocks, caviar and blinis, dim sum bites, prime rib carvings, and an assortment of delectable sweets. If you're up for a day trip, head to the Marina district and catch a boat to Alcatraz island. When you make return, head back to the hotel's Top of the Mark for cocktails in the sky lounge.

Related Recipe: Oysters Rockefeller

Located in the heart of an ever-growing arts district, The Joules Hotel is the gem of downtown Dallas, Texas. Head up to the hotel's The Poule, which overlooks the heart of the city. Swimmers and diners alike can relax on the sprawling pool decks and sip on fun cocktails like the Cucumber Sage Margarita or the Watermelon Sangria. If it's warm all night, stay for a full range of bar services; if you're lucky, one of the attendants will spritz you with a cooling lavender mist. This is the life!

Related Recipe: Cucumber-Lemonade Chiller

Miami has no shortage of beautiful sights, from the wonderful beaches to the aqua marine water and lush flora. Dolores, But You Can Call Me Lolita, located in the heart of Brickell's Financial District, contributes to the beauty with its rooftop dining terrace, which serves a variety of cuisines — from Peruvian to Japanese and everything in between. The roof offers plush couches and an unparalleled panoramic view of the Miami skyline. When it's time for a nightcap, feel free to head to the downstairs area, referred to as "Lolita," where the rest of the VIPs are lounging.

Related Recipe: Peruvian Steak and Potato Stir-Fry

Seattle's Hard Rock Café is a designated L.E.E.D.-certified building (as defined by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System). Thanks to the city's rich history (from grunge music to coffee taste-makers), the restaurant is a vibrant place. The 14,000-square-foot café, which has a few memorabilia-rich floors, is home to the Terrace, where viewers can take in magnificent views of Seattle's skyline and feel the pulse of the city below. The open terrace houses huge leather couches and private mini fire pits that provide a wonderful atmosphere to unwind after a day of working or sightseeing.

Related Recipe: Berry Cheesecake