Sky-high places to socialize

Up on the roof -- it's the newest nightlife trend on Long Island. Three Nassau County venues have opened top-floor spaces that invite patrons to socialize in a sky-high setting.

Here's how they stack up:

Jacks on the Rocks at the Allegria Hotel

80 W. Broadway, Long Beach

INFO 516-889-1300, allegriahotel.com

THE SETTING The glamorous hotel's ninth-floor has been transformed into a sophisticated indoor-outdoor space with a pool and cabanas. Inside, there's chic lounge furniture with plenty of room for parties (and air conditioning).

THE VIEW Sweeping, unobstructed views of the ocean, surf and sand -- plus the sunset -- from the outdoor terrace. After dark, it's hard not to catch a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

THE SCENE By day, the pool is open only to hotel guests or those who splurge for a day pass ($50 Monday-Thursday only) or cabana ($200). The real draw is bound to be Jacks' new Wednesday night classic disco, new wave and freestyle party (7 p.m., no cover). On select Monday nights, the hotel's popular salsa party will be moved up to the rooftop ($10 cover).

Mint

1 Ring Rd., Garden City

INFO 516-307-8677, mintny.com

THE SETTING The new Indian-Asian fusion restaurant has a rooftop lounge that seems plucked from the Hamptons -- potted palm trees, small tables and daybeds under the sun or shrouded by curtains.

THE VIEW Not the best -- Mint is across the parking lot from Roosevelt Field mall.

THE SCENE Beautiful people, tanned skin, expensive clothing. Mint is drawing a fair after-work crowd for its weekday happy hours (4-7 p.m.). Its new club night, Sky-bar Thursdays, will feature an upscale lounge vibe with a special late-night menu of sushi and other fixings. There's no cover -- but want to cozy up in one of those gorgeous cabanas? Expect to spend at least $1,000 for table service (516-724-5001, skybarthursdays.com).

RoofTop 32

23 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre

INFO 516-766-5049, kaseysnightlife.com

THE SETTING Perched on the roof of Kasey's Kitchen & Cocktails, RoofTop32 is a welcome respite in this already pub-heavy village -- but first you have to find it. (Hint: You can't get up there from inside Kasey's). Head to the parking area behind retail row and look for a small alley that leads to a flight of stairs marked by a pair of palm trees. Climb 32 steps to the top, and you'll find a landscaped outdoor patio dressed with tables, red umbrellas, couches and a bar equipped with two flat-screen TVs.

THE VIEW Just the sky, thanks to shrubbery that serves as makeshift walls.

THE SCENE RoofTop 32 is a strictly 25-and-over crowd, so expect a more reserved atmosphere than the nightlife crowd downstairs. Dining begins at noon with New American fare such as Black Angus sliders ($13) and Chilean sea bass ($24) served until 10. After that, live bands and DJs will play Thursday-Sunday nights. Consider it a warm weather place to grab drinks, relax and gab with friends.