Top 12 Restaurants With Great Views

Nothing beats a beautiful view. And during the summer, with the late sunsets and open terraces, those rooftop places with stunning vistas are even more appealing.

If you're able to partake in some classy drinks, and maybe even a bit of good food, you know you're in for a good time. Here's a selection of bars and restaurants around the country that boast spectacular views of their surroundings.

1) The Rise, New York

Yeah, sure, there's the Rainbow Room, but that's so overdone by now. Why not go for a drink as you watch the calmer side of Manhattan? This bar, at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in the financial district, allows you to sit either inside or outside, and look out at the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor, watching the Staten Island ferry and sailboats go by.

2) Signature Room, Chicago

The restaurant is on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center, and the lounge is up another staircase. Enjoy one of the lounge's Signature martinis, or share a bottle of Dom Perignon(DEO Quote) Champagne, as you look out over the lights of the Windy City. It's so high up, you might get vertigo.

3) Top of the Mark, San Francisco

San Francisco has a lot of great views, from places such as the San Francisco Marriott's(MAR Quote) View bar, but Top of the Mark can't be beat for the combination of history and great cocktails.

Top of the Mark opened in 1939, and the wives and girlfriends of soldiers sailing off to duty in World War II would gather to watch the men ship out. You'll probably be able to enjoy the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz a little more than they did, especially if you're working from the 100 Martinis menu.

4) The Fort, Golden, Colo.

OK, so it's not in the city. But from the Fort, you can see for miles out to Colorado's Front Range. This restaurant actually looks like an Old West fort, and the food evokes that era, as well. Try the Historian's Platter, which includes such delicacies as bison tongue and Rocky Mountain oysters.

5) Top of the World, Las Vegas

Top of the World is a rotating restaurant 800 feet high in the Stratosphere hotel. You'll be able to look out over the Vegas Strip, the downtown area and more.

It's probably not the most glamorous restaurant in the city, but it's worth a trip away from the main Strip to see the city from the heights.

6) Nikolai's Roof, Atlanta

Located on the 30th floor of the Hilton(HLT Quote) Atlanta, with a vantage point over the city, Nikolai's Roof is the place to go for cuisine with a Russian/French flair.

	Nikolai's Roof, Atlanta

If you're a vodka connoisseur, that doesn't hurt -- the restaurant has a wide selection of flavored vodkas.

7) Sky City, Seattle

People tend to think of Seattle as rainy, but if you get a clear day, head up to the Space Needle and its revolving restaurant to absorb views of Puget Sound and Mt. Rainier.

8) Vantage Point, Rosslyn, Va.

How do you get a good look at Washington, D.C.? Go to northern Virginia. This restaurant, atop the Holiday Inn near the Key Bridge, overlooks the mighty Potomac River over into the nation's capital.

D.C. doesn't have the towering buildings most other major cities do, but you get a nice view of Georgetown University and parts of the lower Northwest quadrant.

9) Top of the Hub, Boston

Head to Top of the Hub when you're in Beantown for 52-floor-high views of Boston's Back Bay. Or enjoy some relaxing riffs at the jazz lounge, where ensembles serenade guests every evening.

	Top of the Hub, Boston

10) Sun Dial Restaurant Bar and View, Atlanta

OK, so Atlanta gets two entries here. But they both deserved it. The Sun Dial is 73 stories up in the Westin(HOT Quote) Peachtree hotel and is another revolving restaurant. From there, you can see the Atlanta skyline, and even catch a glimpse of nearby cities, along with sights such as the Georgia Dome and Stone Mountain.

11) Little Rock Club, Little Rock, Ark.

This is a private club, so you've got to be a Friend of Bill -- or, well, just have some sort of "in" to get in. But once you do, you've got beautiful vistas all across Little Rock and beyond.

12) Continental Midtown, Philadelphia

The Continental Midtown has a sweet rooftop bar. It's a younger crowd than a lot of the places listed here (and more for drinking than dining), but if you've got a gorgeous summer night in the City of Brotherly Love, it's worth a trip.