Best Rooftop Bars in New York City: A Guide to Elevated Drinking

The Roof at Park South

New York City is known for its iconic skyline, and what better way to take in the view than from a rooftop bar? From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn, there is no shortage of rooftop bars to choose from in the city.

Whether you're looking for a romantic date spot or a place to catch up with friends, rooftop bars offer a unique atmosphere that can't be found anywhere else. Many of them boast stunning views of the city, making for the perfect backdrop to enjoy a cocktail or two. In this article, we'll explore some of the best rooftop bars in New York City, each with its own distinct vibe and charm.

Manhattan Rooftop Bars

Manhattan is home to some of the best rooftop bars in New York City, offering stunning views of the city skyline, Hudson River, and Central Park. Here are some of the top rooftop bars in Manhattan that are definitely worth checking out:

  • The Roof at Park South: Located in Midtown, The Roof at Park South offers a stunning view of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline. This rooftop bar has a chic and modern atmosphere, with a great selection of cocktails and small plates.

  • Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge: Situated in Times Square, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is a unique rooftop bar that features a whimsical carnival theme. This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and has a great selection of cocktails and food.

  • Westlight: Located in Brooklyn, but offering an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline, Westlight is a rooftop bar situated on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel. This rooftop bar offers a panoramic view of the city, including the Empire State Building and the Hudson River.

  • The Skylark: Situated in Midtown West, The Skylark is a chic rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. This rooftop bar has a sophisticated atmosphere, with a great selection of cocktails and small plates.

  • The Crown: Located in the heart of the Financial District, The Crown is a rooftop bar that offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline. This rooftop bar has a modern and sleek atmosphere, with a great selection of cocktails and small plates.

  • The Press Lounge: Situated in Hell's Kitchen, The Press Lounge is a rooftop bar that offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. This rooftop bar has a sophisticated atmosphere, with a great selection of cocktails and small plates.

Overall, Manhattan has some of the best rooftop bars in New York City, offering stunning views of the city skyline and a great selection of cocktails and food. Whether you're looking for a sophisticated atmosphere or a whimsical carnival theme, Manhattan has a rooftop bar that will suit your taste.

Brooklyn Rooftop Bars

Brooklyn is a borough of New York City that is known for its vibrant nightlife and trendy bars. The area is home to several rooftop bars that offer stunning views of the city skyline and the East River. Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn:

  • Westlight: Located on the 22nd floor of the William Vale hotel, Westlight offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. The bar serves craft cocktails and small plates in a modern, industrial-chic setting.

  • Harriet's Rooftop: This rooftop bar is located on top of the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The bar serves craft cocktails and small plates in a stylish, plant-filled setting.

  • Wythe Hotel: The Wythe Hotel's rooftop bar, the Panorama Room, offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. The bar serves craft cocktails and small plates in a cozy, rustic setting.

  • Night of Joy: This rooftop bar in Williamsburg offers stunning views of the Brooklyn skyline and the Manhattan skyline. The bar serves craft cocktails and small plates in a laid-back, bohemian setting.

  • Berry Park: Berry Park is a rooftop bar in Greenpoint that offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn skyline. The bar serves craft beers and pub food in a relaxed, casual setting.

  • Arlo Roof Top: This rooftop bar in Williamsburg offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. The bar serves craft cocktails and small plates in a trendy, industrial-chic setting.

  • Brooklyn Navy Yard: The Brooklyn Navy Yard is home to several rooftop bars, including Bar Blondeau and Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. These bars offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River, as well as craft cocktails and beers.

The Best for Cocktails

When it comes to rooftop bars in New York City, there are plenty of options for those looking to enjoy a great cocktail with a view. Whether you prefer classic cocktails, creative concoctions, or something in between, there is a rooftop bar in the city that will satisfy your cravings.

One of the best rooftop bars for cocktails in New York City is The Ides at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg. This trendy spot offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and a wide variety of cocktails, including classic drinks like the Old Fashioned and Negroni, as well as inventive creations like the Cucumber Collins and the Spiced Pear Margarita.

Another great option for cocktail lovers is The Roof at the Viceroy Central Park. This sophisticated rooftop bar offers an extensive cocktail menu, with options ranging from classic martinis to creative drinks like the Tequila Mockingbird and the Lavender Sour. The bar also offers a great selection of wine and craft beer, making it a great spot for happy hour or a night out with friends.

For those looking for a rooftop bar with a laid-back vibe and a great selection of craft beer, The Folly at the Pod Hotel in Midtown is a great choice. This cozy rooftop bar features a rotating selection of local and international craft beers, as well as a small but well-curated cocktail menu.

No matter what your cocktail preferences are, there is a rooftop bar in New York City that will meet your needs. From classic drinks to creative concoctions, these rooftop bars offer some of the best cocktails in the city, all with stunning views of the skyline.

Rooftop Bars with a View

New York City is famous for its skyline, and what better way to enjoy it than from a rooftop bar? Here are some of the best rooftop bars in the city that offer stunning panoramic views.

Westlight

Located on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, Westlight offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline. The bar has a spacious outdoor terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide an unobstructed view of the city. Westlight serves a variety of cocktails and small plates.

The Ides

The Ides is a popular rooftop bar located on the 6th floor of the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg. It offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. The bar has indoor and outdoor seating, and its floor-to-ceiling windows provide a panoramic view of the city. The Ides serves a variety of cocktails and small plates.

The Press Lounge

Located on the 16th floor of the Ink48 hotel in Hell's Kitchen, The Press Lounge offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. The bar has a spacious outdoor terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide an unobstructed view of the city. The Press Lounge serves a variety of cocktails and small plates.

The Crown

Located on the 21st floor of the Hotel 50 Bowery in Chinatown, The Crown offers a stunning 360-degree view of the city. The bar has a spacious outdoor terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide an unobstructed view of the city. The Crown serves a variety of cocktails and small plates.

Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Located on the 18th floor of the Moxy Times Square hotel, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge offers a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline and the Empire State Building. The bar has a carnival theme and features a miniature golf course, carousel seating, and a rotating bar. Magic Hour serves a variety of cocktails and small plates.

With so many rooftop bars in New York City, it can be hard to choose just one. These bars offer some of the best views of the city's skyline and are definitely worth a visit.

Unique Rooftop Experiences

The Ides at the Wythe Hotel

New York City is known for its many rooftop bars, but some stand out for their unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a place to dance the night away, enjoy a game of cornhole, or simply soak up the sun on an outdoor terrace, these rooftop bars have something for everyone.

The Ides at the Wythe Hotel

Located in Brooklyn, The Ides at the Wythe Hotel offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from its rooftop terrace. But what sets this bar apart is its retractable roof, which allows guests to enjoy the space year-round. The bar also features a rotating cast of DJs, making it a great spot for a night out.

Westlight at the William Vale

Westlight at the William Vale in Brooklyn is another rooftop bar with impressive views. But it's the outdoor terrace that really sets this spot apart. With its lush greenery and comfortable seating, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cocktail. And if you're looking for a little friendly competition, the bar offers a selection of games, including ping pong and cornhole.

Magic Hour at the Moxy Hotel

If you're looking for a rooftop bar with a lively atmosphere, Magic Hour at the Moxy Hotel in Midtown is the place to be. This bar features a rotating carousel, a mini-golf course, and even a giant topiary giraffe. And if you're in the mood to dance, there's a dedicated dance floor and a lineup of DJs spinning tunes all night long.

Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to enjoy a drink or a place to dance the night away, these rooftop bars offer unique experiences that are sure to impress.

Rooftop Dining

New York City is famous for its skyline, and what better way to enjoy it than from a rooftop bar? In addition to stunning views, many of these rooftop bars also offer delicious food options. Here are some of the best rooftop bars in New York City for rooftop dining.

Westlight

Located in Brooklyn, Westlight offers breathtaking views of Manhattan's skyline. The menu features a variety of small plates, including tacos and dumplings, as well as seafood options like oysters and shrimp cocktail. The cocktails are also a highlight, with creative options like the "Bee's Knees" and "Hibiscus Margarita."

The Ides

The Ides, located in the trendy Williamsburg neighborhood, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The menu features a mix of Mediterranean and American cuisine, with options like lamb meatballs and a burger topped with bacon jam. The rooftop bar also offers a variety of cocktails, including a refreshing "Cucumber Collins."

The Roof at Park South

The Roof at Park South, located in the Flatiron District, is a great spot for seafood lovers. The menu features a raw bar with oysters, clams, and shrimp, as well as entrees like lobster rolls and fish tacos. The rooftop bar also offers a variety of cocktails, including a spicy "Jalapeño Margarita."

Whether you're in the mood for tacos, seafood, or dumplings, these rooftop bars in New York City have something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning views while sipping on a delicious cocktail and savoring some tasty bites.

Rooftop Bars for Every Season

New York City is home to some of the best rooftop bars in the world. From open-air terraces to enclosed glass lounges, there's a rooftop bar for every season in the city that never sleeps.

For those looking for a rooftop bar that's open year-round, The Ides at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg is a must-visit. This trendy spot offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and is heated during the colder months. The Ides is known for its creative cocktails and small plates, making it the perfect spot for a night out with friends.

During the summer months, Westlight at The William Vale in Williamsburg is the place to be. This rooftop bar offers breathtaking views of the city and is the perfect spot to catch a sunset. The bar features an extensive drink menu with a focus on craft cocktails and local beers.

Another great summer spot is the Rooftop at The Refinery Hotel in Midtown. This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Empire State Building and is known for its lively atmosphere. The Rooftop features a retractable glass roof, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a drink on a warm summer night.

For those looking for a cozy spot during the winter months, The Lodge at Gallow Green in Chelsea is a must-visit. This rooftop bar is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and cozy blankets. The Lodge offers a variety of hot cocktails and comfort food, making it the perfect spot to escape the cold.

No matter what season it is, there's a rooftop bar in New York City that's perfect for any occasion.

Notable Rooftop Bars

New York City is famous for its rooftop bars, offering stunning views of the city skyline. Here are some of the most notable rooftop bars in the city:

  • Moxy Times Square Rooftop - Located in the heart of Times Square, this rooftop bar offers a fun and lively atmosphere with great views of the surrounding area.

  • Overstory - This rooftop bar is located in the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel and offers a relaxing atmosphere with lush greenery and a retractable roof.

  • The Crown - Situated on the top floor of the Hotel 50 Bowery, The Crown offers panoramic views of the city skyline and delicious cocktails.

  • Jimmy - Located on the top floor of The James Hotel in SoHo, Jimmy offers a chic and sophisticated atmosphere with stunning views of the city.

  • Magic Hour Rooftop Bar - This rooftop bar, located in the Moxy Times Square hotel, offers a carnival-themed atmosphere with a rotating carousel and mini-golf course.

  • The William Vale - This rooftop bar in Brooklyn offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and a sleek, modern design.

  • Nubeluz/www.nubeluzbyjose.com/ - Located on the rooftop of the Hotel Indigo in the Lower East Side, Nubeluz offers a colorful and vibrant atmosphere with Latin-inspired cocktails.

  • The Press Lounge - This rooftop bar, located in the Ink48 hotel, offers panoramic views of the Hudson River and a sophisticated atmosphere.

  • Bar 54 - Situated on the 54th floor of the Hyatt Times Square, Bar 54 offers stunning views of the city skyline and a sophisticated atmosphere.

  • The Skylark - This rooftop bar in Midtown offers panoramic views of the city skyline and a sophisticated atmosphere with live music.

  • Le Bain - Located on the top floor of The Standard hotel, Le Bain offers stunning views of the city skyline and a lively atmosphere with a dance floor and pool.

  • Saga - This rooftop bar in Long Island City offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and a relaxed atmosphere with craft cocktails.

  • Somewhere Nowhere - Located on the rooftop of the Arlo NoMad hotel, Somewhere Nowhere offers stunning views of the city skyline and a laid-back atmosphere with craft cocktails.

These notable rooftop bars offer a variety of atmospheres and views, making them a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best rooftop bars in New York City.