Rocco
A rooftop bar is one of the best types of bars to take in the stunning New York City skyline. Rooftop bars in the Big Apple come in many different vibes, from an outdoor oasis in the heart of Manhattan to a luxurious uptown spot.
All of these establishments offer something unique, but they all provide an excellent backdrop for sipping drinks with friends, family, and coworkers.
Here are some of the top rooftop bars in NYC.
Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.
1150 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: (347) 725-3061
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Located near Pulaski Bridge, Green point Beer & Ale Co. is a German-inspired brewery that doesn’t fail to deliver some of the most delicious craft beers in the city.
This spot also features a killer rooftop patio, making it a great place to spend a lazy summer afternoon. I recommend the I Got Next West Coast IPA for those who love hoppier beer.
Monarch Rooftop
71 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 630-9993
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When I go to Monarch Rooftop Bar, located near Herald Square, I feel like I’ve somehow found my way into the penthouse of a very wealthy friend.
It’s upscale but super cozy and welcoming, the perfect place to sip on whiskey while throwing down peach and prosciutto pizza.
Overstory
70 Pine St 64th Floor, New York, NY 10005
Phone: (212) 339-3963
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Overstory is a creatively designed cocktail bar near Federal Hall with a hip, sophisticated atmosphere.
The best thing to order here is the Gyokuro Martini, which will make you feel elegant as ever while enjoying sweeping views of the city.
A.R.T. SoHo (Arlo Roof Top)
231 Hudson St 11th Floor, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 518-8882
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A.R.T. SoHo, near Freeman Plaza West, has two sections – a dimly lit, moody interior and a bright, welcoming outdoor rooftop patio.
I enjoy sitting in the outdoor area in the spring and summer but frequenting this bar’s inside section for late-night drinks in the fall and winter. I recommend ordering Angel’s Envy Bourbon.
Elsewhere
599 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237
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Elsewhere is not only a lively rooftop bar but also a fun live music venue. This bar, located near the corner of Johnson and Flushing Ave, is one of the most fun places to get drinks because of its spacious, bustling settings, live music shows, and house DJ sets.
It’s also helpful to note that there are gender-neutral bathrooms, which makes many of its visitors feel more comfortable.
Westlight
111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (718) 307-7100
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Westlight is a high-end, modern-art-inspired cocktail bar offering stunning panoramic skyline views. Located between McCarren Park and the Bushwick Inlet, this rooftop bar is known for its classic cocktails.
I recommend trying one of the margaritas or martinis as well as their shrimp dumplings if you get hungry.
The Crown
50 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (646) 639-4901
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If you’re looking for a chic yet unpretentious rooftop bar in Lower Manhattan, look no further than The Crown.
Located on the roof of Hotel 50 Bowery, this bar is one of my favorites to go to when I want to order well-made craft cocktails alongside tasty charcuterie boards.
On Saturday nights, it has a fun club vibe, thanks to a live DJ.
Panorama Room
22 N Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044
Phone: (929) 447-4717
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Panorama Room is aptly named because it provides 360 views of NYC’s iconic skyline.
Located near the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge on Roosevelt Island, this trendy spot has glass walls, so you can see the city without feeling the cold during the fall and winter.
In addition to their craft cocktails and draft beer, I highly recommend splitting the seafood tower with a few friends.
Mr. Purple
180 Orchard St 15th floor, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 237-1790
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Mr. Purple might not have as much of a self-explanatory name as the Panorama Room discussed above, but trust me that you’ll enjoy the city views from this 15th-floor bar and restaurant.
It sits atop Hotel Indigo, near The Slipper Room, and offers lots of tasty bar snacks and a semi-casual, welcoming vibe. I love how you can order french fries and champagne in the same setting!
LoHi
314 Scholes St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Phone: (347) 566-3662
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LoHi is one of the more casual rooftops in NYC, located in Brooklyn near Justice Gilbert Ramirez Park.
My friends and I like to frequent this rooftop terrace for its delectable chicken sandwiches, reasonable drink prices, and rooftop dancing at night! I highly recommend trying their Lavender Vodka Cocktail.
Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar
310 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (917) 261-6908
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Dear Irving is an elevated bar in Midtown specializing in cocktails, on top of the Alia Hotel in Midtown. This bar is the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks, especially on date night.
It provides a romantic vibe, especially if you make it for sunset! Gratuity is automatically included, but don’t worry – you’ll be pleased with the high level of service.
Refinery Rooftop
63 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (646) 663-5951
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Refinery Rooftop is the epitome of old-world glamor, located near Bryant Park. This stunning rooftop bar sits on top of the Refinery Hotel and is the perfect spot for romantic dates or special occasions.
I recommend going to their brunch on the weekend, sipping their mimosa or Bloody Mary, and taking in the skyline views!
Gallow Green
542 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 904-1880
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Gallow Green has a garden-inspired rooftop theme. It’s a bar in the Chelsea neighborhood located atop the McKittrick Hotel. This whimsical spot is adorned with plants, string lights, and cabanas.
You can order a few drinks under the stars while taking in views of the Empire State Building. You’d be remiss not to try their Butterfly Pea Flower-infused Vodka.
Bar Blondeau
80 Wythe Ave 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (718) 460-8006
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Bar Blondeau is a classy, intimate, French-inspired cocktail bar with an emphasis on seafood bar bites.
I go to this spot, located near Bushwick Inlet Park, whenever I’m craving fresh oysters and delicious espresso martinis at the same time. You can also get tasty scallops, leeks, and tuna tartare.
Ophelia Lounge NYC
3 Mitchell Pl 26th floor, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 980-4796
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If you’re hoping to visit a swanky rooftop lounge with sophisticated interiors, Ophelia Lounge NYC in Midtown is my go-to spot for this vibe.
Make sure to ask for a seat by the window in order to get the best views of the city while enjoying both classic and innovative cocktails. It’s a great place to celebrate an anniversary or birthday.
Night of Joy
667 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 388-8693
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Night of Joy is a unique rooftop bar to the southeast of McCarren Park filled with antiques and other retro-chic decors.
I absolutely love that this bar emphasizes herbal infusions in its cocktails, making for some truly delicious drinks in a vibrant summer atmosphere.
Daintree
25 W 38th St 29th Floor, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (332) 799-7399
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Daintree sports an upscale, elevated appearance that perfectly matches its well-crafted cocktails and beautifully set up skyline rooftop.
This lounge is located near MOMA and is the perfect place to go with a couple of friends to share oysters, deviled eggs, or chicken katsu sliders while sipping on fancy cocktails.
Berry Park
4 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 782-2829
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Many rooftop bars in the city have delicious cocktails, but Berry Park, located right next to McCarren Park, is one of the best rooftop bars in NYC for beer lovers.
I appreciate their extensive list of European beers as well as their German-styled interiors. It’s a great spot to host a large group gathering or birthday.
Broken Shaker at Freehand New York
23 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 475-1920
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Broken Shaker’s name gives you a clue as to how much these bartenders mean business! I love going to Broken Shear, close to Gramercy Park, because of its tropical design that matches its tropical-inspired cocktails.
I usually order margaritas or mai tais, but you can also get classics like a Manhattan or old-fashioned if that’s what you’re feeling.
Rooftop Reds
63 Flushing Ave Building 275, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (917) 434-1288
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Rooftop Reds, just north of Commodore Barry Park, holds a special place in my heart because of its first-date friendly vibes, extensive types of wine list, and fun-themed nights like yoga and movie nights.
Whether you’re going for a wine tasting with friends or to play cornhole with your first date, this spot is one-of-a-kind. Make sure to order a pizza with your wine!
cloudM New York Bowery
189 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 372-7274
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If you love sitting in a stylish setting just as much as you like drinking tasty cocktails and appreciating exceptional service, you’ll fall quickly in love with cloudM New York Bowery, near Sara D. Roosevelt Park.
Their drinks are notably well-priced for New York, especially considering the awesome views you’ll get. I love their delicious daiquiris in the summertime, but you can’t go wrong here.
the Press Lounge
653 11th Ave 16th Floor, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 757-2224
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Another classy spot with stunning views is the Press Lounge, located atop Ink48 Hotel on the corner of 11th Ave and W 48th St.
This bar is one of my favorites when I’m feeling like dressing up nicely and splurging for the night. All of the signature cocktails are to die for, but make sure to order a charcuterie board to go with them.
The Skylark
200 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 257-4577
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The Skylark, located near the corner of W 29th St. and 7th Ave, is a gorgeous, swanky cocktail bar that’s elevated in both style and attitude.
I love going to this 30th-floor rooftop not only for the views but also for their signature Skylark Cocktail.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 725-4300
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230 Fifth Rooftop Bar is named after its address, which I always consider a power move. It’s one of the biggest rooftop gardens in NYC and is located right near Madison Square Park.
I love their raspberry-flavored Mojito drink more than anything, and the views of the Empire State Building are really incredible, especially at night.
Elsie Rooftop
1412 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (646) 834-2291
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Elsie Rooftop is another sophisticated and hip lounge that offers delicious cocktails and elevated bar bites.
I love going here, near Bryant Park, for a glass of peach sangria and the delicious flatbreads.
Upstairs
145 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 888-1220
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Not only is Upstairs one of the most clever names for a rooftop bar, but it’s also one of my favorites to go to in the fall and winter due to its heated seating.
You can get gorgeous views of the Chrysler Building while munching on coconut shrimp and sipping on a garden margarita.
Castell Rooftop Lounge
AC Hotel, 260 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (929) 284-3761
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Many rooftop bars offer small bar bites, but Rooftop Lounge, near Madame Tussaud’s New York, is my go-to spot when I’m looking for both well-made cocktails and filling small plates.
I love their flavored sangria and wine just as much as I love smoked salmon flatbread and roasted eggplant.
Bookmarks
299 Madison Ave #14, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 204-5498
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Bookmarks, located across the street from a fun game bar, is definitely a bar you’re going to want to bookmark!
It’s a highly sophisticated spot with both indoor and outdoor seating, and it’s called bookmarks because you can drink delicious cocktails on top of the Library Hotel.
Zona De Cuba
558 Grand Concourse, The Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: (718) 292-1400
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If Cuban rooftop bars are what you’re after, Zona De Cuba is a great option. This one is located near Yankee Stadium, and I love their robust selection of tequilas, which pair really well with their tostadas and sandwiches.
I also highly recommend their lychee martini, which is perfectly sweet without being too sweet.
SERRA by Birreria
200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 937-8910
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SERRA, near Madison Square Park, is a lovely rooftop bar option for the greenery and floral arrangements alone.
This scenic rooftop has delicious beer and even tastier Italian cuisine like potato gnocchi and arancini rice balls.
Sandbar Rooftop
152 W 26th St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212) 434-0445
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Sandbar Rooftop is a local hip hotspot known for providing a unique beach-themed space in the city.
If you’re feeling cooped up and dreaming of vacation, this Hilton Hotel rooftop bar is the perfect place to go with a group of friends to relax, laugh, and drink pineapple margaritas.
Azul on the Rooftop
525 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 608-4848
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Azul is a Greenwich gem with a vibrant, lively vibe and panoramic views of the close by Hudson River.
I love coming here during sunset to listen to good music and appreciate the true beauty of New York. In addition to the lychee martini, I recommend getting their chicken tacos.
Top of the Strand Rooftop Bar
33 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (646) 368-7032
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One of my favorite rooftop bars by the Empire State Building is Top of the Strand due to its relaxed and intimate vibes.
This spot is a fantastic choice for a casual Monday or Tuesday night when you don’t want anything too loud but just want to enjoy a nice cocktail with one or two pals.
St. Cloud Rooftop Bar
6 Times Sq 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 204-5787
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St. Cloud Rooftop Bar, located in Times Square near Bryant Park, has a cozy, elegant lounge feel, especially during the fall when they bring out the heaters.
I like to escape the Times Square crowd by going up here, cozying up with blankets, and ordering a Volcano Ash cocktail – maybe get some cigars if I’m feeling extra fancy.
Spyglass Rooftop Bar
22 47 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 730-0538
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If viewing the Empire State Building is the number one thing you want to prioritize with your rooftop bar selection, you can’t go wrong with Spyglass Rooftop Bar.
This cocktail bar stands out with its luxurious interior design and stunning Empire State Building views. In addition to the views, you can expect all of the cocktails you know and love – negroni, dirty martini, old-fashioned, and more.
The Empire Rooftop
44 W 63rd St., New York, NY 10023
Phone: (212) 265-2600
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Near the Lincoln Performing Arts Center, the standout view from The Empire Rooftop is the Lincoln Center itself.
I love the peach flavored martini in their martini bar, but you’ll also love their avocado toast and ribs.
Rooftop93
93 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 966-9033
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Rooftop93 is the spot to be for happy hour throughout the week.
I frequent here whenever I’m in Little Italy, as it’s the perfect place to go for pre-dinner drinks before a filling pasta dinner.
Final Thoughts
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of fun places to go out across the five boroughs of NYC. But the rooftop bar scene is second to none because you get to enjoy tasty drinks and a jaw-dropping cityscape.
If you’re an NYC local and have other rooftops in mind, don’t hesitate to tell us where to get a drink in the comments below!
Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
- Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.
- Monarch Rooftop
- Overstory
- A.R.T. SoHo (Arlo Roof Top)
- Elsewhere
- Westlight
- The Crown
- Panorama Room
- Mr. Purple
- LoHi
- Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar
- Refinery Rooftop
- Gallow Green
- Bar Blondeau
- Ophelia Lounge NYC
- Night of Joy
- Daintree
- Berry Park
- Broken Shaker at Freehand New York
- Rooftop Reds
- cloudM New York Bowery
- the Press Lounge
- The Skylark
- 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
- Elsie Rooftop
- Upstairs
- Castell Rooftop Lounge
- Bookmarks
- Zona De Cuba
- SERRA by Birreria
- Sandbar Rooftop
- Azul on the Rooftop
- Top of the Strand Rooftop Bar
- St. Cloud Rooftop Bar
- Spyglass Rooftop Bar
- The Empire Rooftop
- Rooftop93
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