27 Must-Visit Rooftop Bars in NYCNew

Rooftop bars in NYC with a view attract many people for good reasons. These establishments offer incredible food and drinks alongside breathtaking views of the unforgettable skyline that can’t be beaten. If you are searching for the best rooftop bars in NYC, there are plenty to choose from! 

Which is the highest rooftop bar in NYC with the best views? What is the rooftop bar that spins in NYC and do I need a reservation to visit there? You can find answers to those questions and more in this article. Let’s look at some of the most popular NYC establishments with rooftop views. 

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• Rooftop Bars in NYC With the Best Views
• Rooftop Bars in Times Square
• Rooftop Bars in NYC Midtown
• Rooftop Restaurants in NYC

Rooftop Bars in NYC With the Best Views

1.  Westlight

Perched atop The William Vale in Williamsburg, Westlight is a rooftop bar in NYC that offers inspiring panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline. The menu borrows influence from global street food, while the open-air seating provides breathtaking views of the East River and NYC’s twinkling lights and expansive skyline.

2. The Roof at PUBLIC

This Lower East Side rooftop bar in NYC provides a hip atmosphere perfect for mingling and sipping cocktails. The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel is a scenic space with 360° views of Manhattan that are difficult to beat. Known for its lively atmosphere, the menu includes classic cocktails and light bites, making it an excellent choice for a night out on the town with friends. 

3. RH Rooftop Restaurant

Located in the Meatpacking District atop Restoration Hardware, RH Rooftop is a rooftop bar in NYC with a serene, garden-inspired setting. The space offers beautiful views of downtown Manhattan. The glass atrium, greenery and American-inspired menu make it perfect for an upscale city retreat in a natural setting that provides guests with an escape from the typically bustling city streets.

4. Serra by Birreria

Atop Eataly in the Flatiron District, Serra by Birreria is a seasonally themed Italian restaurant and rooftop bar in NYC with picturesque views of the Empire State Building. The establishment has an ever-changing seasonal menu, meaning you will always find something new to enjoy here. Its rustic setting makes this an ideal place to enjoy a cozy, charming night out amongst the Midtown scenery. 

5. Ophelia Lounge NYC

Perched atop the Beekman Tower in Midtown East, Ophelia is a rooftop bar in NYC where guests can enjoy a vintage art deco feel. The 360° views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline are also breathtaking. The mixologists here serve up signature cocktails that pair beautifully with the kitchen’s selection of small plates. This is an excellent choice for an upscale evening with panoramic vistas.

6. Gansevoort Rooftop

At the top of the Gansevoort Meatpacking, this rooftop bar in NYC delivers sweeping views of the Hudson River and the expansive downtown skyline. With a modern, open design and an all-season retractable roof, Gansevoort Rooftop is ideal for any night out on the town with someone special or a group of friends. The Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and signature cocktails compliment the picturesque views of the skyline at dusk.

7. The Ready Rooftop

Located on top of the Moxy East Village, The Ready Rooftop bar in NYC brings the city a playful, laid-back vibe. They achieve this with their colorful decor and soft white string lights. Offering views of the East Village and downtown Manhattan, The Ready Rooftop has a fun menu that includes tasty tacos, oversized plates of nachos and refreshing cocktails in a lively open-air setting.

Rooftop Bars in Times Square

8. Bar 54 

Bar 54 is a popular rooftop bar in NYC on the 54th floor of the Hyatt Centric in Times Square. This is one of the highest rooftop bars in NYC, boasting impressive skyline views. It provides an open-air setting with panoramic views of the city skyline, making it a perfect spot for an intimate date idea in NYC or a birthday dinner in NYC.

9. Castell Rooftop Lounge

This popular rooftop bar in NYC is on the 21st floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott New York Times Square. Castell is decorated in a classic style and serves incredible cocktails. With a stylish, warm indoor area featuring a fireplace and a lush open-air terrace, it's an all-season rooftop bar with a view. 

10. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Atop the Moxy in Times Square, Magic Hour is the best rooftop bar in NYC . The whimsical amusement park-themed appearance is inviting and unique, providing guests with a fun ambiance during their special evening out. This is a fun venue for a bachelor party idea in NYC, complete with mini-golf and rotating seating. The east side overlooks the Empire State Building, while the west provides a lively, carnival-like space.

11. St. Cloud Rooftop Bar

The Knickerbocker Hotel's rooftop comes alive at night. St. Cloud offers plush Sky Pods overlooking Times Square, an ultra-luxe private room and energetic entertainment. It's a sophisticated rooftop bar in NYC and a hidden gem to visit if you want to enjoy signature cocktails, small bites and a splurge-worthy evening of soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere.

12. Dear Irving on Hudson

This stylish, multi-level drinking and dining establishment is elevated on the 40th and 41st floors of the Aliz Hotel. It features comfortable indoor lounges and multiple open-air terraces. At the top level, Dear Irving is one of the highest rooftop bars in NYC and the sweeping 360° views of the Manhattan skyline are impressive. The menu includes expertly crafted cocktails with a focus on local spirits.

13. cloudM New York Times Square 

On the 17th floor of the citizenM Hotel in NYC, the rooftop establishment cloudM provides indoor and outdoor terraces hidden within the urban oasis of Times Square. Guests can enjoy select spirits, beers, wines and exclusive cocktails while enjoying breathtaking views and a lively atmosphere. 

14. Haven Rooftop

Accessible via a private elevator to the 9th floor of the Sanctuary Hotel New York, Haven Rooftop bar in NYC offers a seasonally themed and year-round retreat. The venue serves modern American cuisine and deluxe handcrafted cocktails. The atmosphere is lively and vibrant, making it ideal for casual drinks with coworkers, dinner with your plus one or a festive night out to celebrate a graduation or birthday. 

Rooftop Bars in NYC Midtown

15. La Grande Boucherie Rooftop

Discover the appeal of intimate Parisian brasseries at this chic rooftop bar and restaurant in NYC. It sits atop La Grande Boucherie, with a stylish, French-inspired design that will make you feel like you are in the middle of Paris. Their focus is on prime cuts of beef and the restaurant boasts a high-quality in-house meat program.

The expansive views of Midtown’s skyscrapers make for a breathtaking evening. You will find classic French cocktails, a vast list of wines and delicious bites in an elegant setting. It is perfect for a sophisticated night out or a special date night. 

16. Top of the Strand

Visit the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse and be sure to make a reservation at the Top of the Strand. This rooftop bar in NYC offers impressive close-up views of the Empire State Building. Weather need not stop you from visiting, as the retractable glass roof makes this an all-season destination.

The city’s lights sparkle here, creating a jewel-like setting everyone should see at least once. The relaxed, intimate vibe makes it a popular spot for conversation and a girl’s night out with friends.

17. Refinery Rooftop

Located atop the Refinery Hotel, this rooftop bar in NYC is another place to visit if you want to look out at the Empire State Building under the night sky.  The lively atmosphere and industrial-chic vibe make this a fun spot to hang out and enjoy drinks with friends. With a retractable glass roof, it’s open year-round and serves craft cocktails and seasonal small plates in a warm, stimulating atmosphere.

18. Spyglass Rooftop Bar

Located on the 22nd floor of the Archer Hotel, Spyglass is a rooftop bar in NYC with an upscale setting and an intimate vibe ideal for conversation over a glass of wine. Direct and stunning views of the Empire State Building are always easy to enjoy here. You will find them from virtually every seat in the house.

The style of the establishment is old Hollywood or retro-glam, making the space visually appealing, quaint and comfortable. Spyglass Rooftop Bar serves creative cocktails mixed by experienced bartenders. 

19. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

230 Fifth Rooftop Bar in NYC is another spot to enjoy unbeatable views of the Empire State Building. The spacious outdoor area makes this spot perfect for mingling or gathering with larger groups of friends and coworkers. With igloos in the winter, palm trees in the summer and a fun, bustling atmosphere, it’s a favorite for tourists and locals looking for something a bit different and an energetic Midtown experience.

20. The Skylark

The Skylark is situated 30 floors up and combines the feel of a classic cocktail bar with sweeping views of the Hudson River, Times Square and Midtown’s expansive skyscrapers. The indoor and outdoor seating areas in this rooftop bar in NYC make it ideal for all-season enjoyment. It also delivers an upscale ambiance and delicious small plates for dining while enjoying a cocktail.

21. PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown

Enjoy a bi-level rooftop featuring luxurious decor, stunning views of Times Square and the Hudson River and a vibrant social scene. Be sure to snap pictures against the Instagram-worthy flower wall while there. PHD Terrace is perfect for those looking to enjoy a glamorous rooftop bar in NYC and a fun evening out with someone special or a group of friends.

Rooftop Restaurants in NYC

22. Gallow Green

Sitting atop the McKittrick Hotel is a magical restaurant that borrows inspiration from an enchanted garden setting. Gallow Green surrounds diners with lush greenery and a serene setting. The menu at this restaurant and rooftop bar in NYC offers a mix of New American fare, signature cocktails and seasonal specialties, making it a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city streets.

23. Cantina Rooftop

Located in the restaurant mecca of Hell’s Kitchen, Cantina Rooftop is a lively Mexican rooftop restaurant and bar in NYC featuring vibrant decor, breathtaking views of the Midtown skyline and an all-season retractable roof. It’s known for its delicious Mexican cuisine, which includes fresh tacos and inventive yet authentic margaritas. The lively, festive atmosphere is ideal for group outings.

24. Sushi Lab Rooftop

This intimate rooftop bar in NYC is located in the Theater District, which Loving New York states is one of the most frequently visited areas in NYC. The establishment serves a creative menu of vibrant cocktails, fresh sushi and other Japanese-inspired dishes.

Sushi Lab’s omakase tasting experience is a highlight, offering fresh fish and unique flavors against a backdrop of fairy-like string lights and expansive city views amidst the beautiful garden terrace setting.

25. The Crown

Situated atop Hotel 50 Bowery in Chinatown, The Crown offers sweeping views of multiple NYC skylines, including Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. The rooftop bar in NYC serves small plates with a unique Asian flair and inventive cocktails created by seasoned mixologists. This establishment is trendy and perfect for guests looking to enjoy a sophisticated meal with breathtaking skyline views.

26. Mr. Purple

Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side hosts a beautiful rooftop restaurant and NYC bar worth visiting the next time you are in town. Mr. Purple features a contemporary design and panoramic city views. The rooftop menu includes distinguished cocktails, upscale comfort food and several small plates that are ideal for appetizers and sharing. It is the perfect destination for a lively evening in a vibrant atmosphere.

27. Electric Lemon

Perched on the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards, Electric Lemon combines inviting, minimalist decor with elegant and expansive city views. The menu features seasonal American cuisine that uses primarily locally sourced ingredients. It is a sophisticated and upscale choice for lunch, dinner or brunch.

Rooftop bars in NYC are second to none. They are all the rage because of their fun cocktails, lively or intimate dining scene and incredible menus filled with various cuisines. The atmosphere in each is unique, but they all embody the city’s diverse and welcoming feel and vibrant energy.

Whether you're searching for a cozy hideaway with Empire State views, a chic lounge perfect for a sunset date or a lively spot to celebrate with friends, these rooftop bars are must-visit destinations to elevate any night out. The next time you are searching for a fun place to check out in the city that never sleeps, add one of these establishments to your list. Your new favorite destination awaits!

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