America's Coolest Rooftop Bars (PHOTOS)

When the golden hour hits on summer evenings, a ritual unfolds in cities across America: cubicle dwellers rush for the exits; lines form waiting for elevators to open; and social media is flooded with images of backlit skyscrapers and bright cocktails. It's rooftop time.
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FILE -In this Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, file photo, cocktails are photographed in San Francisco. Airlines have found a way to take the edge off the stress of flying and make a few extra bucks along the way: fancy new cocktails, craft beers and elegant wines. In December 2012 Virgin America will launch its ᅢ까タᅡワsend a drinkᅢ까タᅡン feature where one passenger can use the plane's seatback entertainment system to buy another passenger a beverage. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
FILE -In this Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, file photo, cocktails are photographed in San Francisco. Airlines have found a way to take the edge off the stress of flying and make a few extra bucks along the way: fancy new cocktails, craft beers and elegant wines. In December 2012 Virgin America will launch its ᅢ까タᅡワsend a drinkᅢ까タᅡン feature where one passenger can use the plane's seatback entertainment system to buy another passenger a beverage. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

When the golden hour hits on summer evenings, a ritual unfolds in cities across America: cubicle dwellers rush for the exits; lines form waiting for elevators to open; and social media is flooded with images of backlit skyscrapers and bright cocktails. It's rooftop time.

The coolest rooftops, like D.C.'s Jack Rose -- with a 1,400-plus spirits collection that encourages policy wonks to unwind -- have a way of amplifying your typical bar experience. Drinks are more piquant, conversations a tad more interesting, the sunsets and fresh air intoxicating. They provide a vertical respite far from all the life that happens on ground.

One taste, and you may never come down.

Frolik Kitchen and Cocktails, Seattle

America's Coolest Rooftop Bars (PHOTOS)

--Nate Storey

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