New York City, a metropolis celebrated for its towering skyscrapers and vibrant energy, offers a unique perspective from above. While the iconic Empire State Building and Top of the Rock observation decks provide breathtaking panoramas, the city’s rooftop bars present an equally captivating experience, elevated by the convivial atmosphere and the clinking of glasses. These elevated oases, concentrated primarily in Midtown Manhattan and along the Brooklyn waterfront, each offer distinct advantages. Manhattan’s rooftop bars, often perched atop soaring buildings, grant a bird’s-eye view of the urban landscape. Conversely, Brooklyn’s rooftop venues provide the coveted full panorama of the New York City skyline, a view that captures the city’s majestic breadth.
Regardless of your chosen locale, advance reservations are highly recommended, as rooftop bars are among the first to reach capacity, especially during peak seasons. While many establishments offer enclosed, climate-controlled spaces for year-round enjoyment, others are open-air and operate seasonally, closing their doors during the colder winter months. Prepare to ascend and discover the city’s most remarkable rooftop bars, each offering a singular blend of captivating views, delectable libations, and unforgettable experiences.
Here’s a curated list of the 17 best rooftop bars in 17 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC, each promising a unique experience:
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The Fleur Room at The Moxy Chelsea
Perched on the 35th floor of The Moxy Chelsea, The Fleur Room stands as one of New York City’s highest rooftop bars, commanding 360-degree views of the captivating Manhattan skyline, including the iconic Statue of Liberty. The bar’s design embraces a floral theme, with many of its creative cocktails incorporating real flowers sourced from the nearby flower market. Retractable glass walls ensure that the bar remains open regardless of the weather, but the ambiance is particularly enchanting on warm summer evenings, when the walls are fully open, allowing guests to bask in the gentle breeze. It is the perfect place to start your tour of the 17 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC.
- Address: 105 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001
- Phone: +1 646-790-3476
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Serra by Birreria at Eataly
Located atop Eataly in the Flatiron District, Serra by Birreria is a seasonal rooftop destination that embodies the essence of Italian hospitality and culinary excellence. The rooftop’s decor is lavishly adorned with elaborate floral displays, creating a visually stunning backdrop for memorable photographs, whether you’re a professional photographer or simply capturing moments for Instagram. The botanical theme extends to the cocktail menu, with many drinks infused with exotic flowers. The rooftop is a popular destination, so arriving early or making reservations well in advance is highly recommended. If there are no immediate openings, consider exploring the Eataly food market while waiting for a table.
- Address: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
- Phone: +1 212-937-8910
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Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Nestled alongside Brooklyn Bridge Park, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is a LEED-certified, sustainable hotel that offers unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges from its 10th-floor rooftop, Harriet’s Rooftop. The already stunning views are amplified at night when the city is illuminated, creating a magical ambiance. The bar specializes in old-fashioned craft cocktails with innovative twists, such as the "Al Pastor," featuring pineapple-infused tequila and serrano pepper bitters. DJs provide a vibrant soundtrack throughout the night. Although the rooftop features a stunning pool, it is exclusively reserved for hotel guests.
- Address: 60 Furman St Floor 11, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Phone: +1 347-696-2554
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Lemon’s Rooftop at Wythe Hotel
A visit to Lemon’s, the Wythe Hotel’s rooftop bar in trendy Williamsburg, is a quintessential summer experience in New York City. Lemon’s evokes the spirit of summer in Italy, complemented by breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Guests can savor grilled calamari, sugar snap peas, and tuna carpaccio while enjoying fine Italian wines surrounded by lush greenery. To cool off, the spiked lemonade (mixed with fresh lavender) is a refreshing choice, served in a vintage pitcher.
- Address: 80 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
- Phone: +1 718-460-8006
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The Press Lounge at Kimpton Ink48 Hotel
While reaching the Press Lounge requires a trek through Hell’s Kitchen, the journey is well worth the reward. This lounge offers some of the most dramatic views of the city’s skyscrapers, bridges, and rivers, particularly breathtaking at sunset. The swanky bar offers a selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, with prices reflecting the premium location, but the views more than compensate for the cost. A dress code is enforced, prohibiting beachwear, baseball caps, logo t-shirts, excessively ripped clothing, tank tops, and athletic wear.
- Address: 653 11th Ave 16th Floor, New York, NY 10036
- Phone: +1 212-757-2224
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Summerly Rooftop Bar at The Hoxton, Williamsburg
The Summerly Rooftop Bar in Brooklyn, which opened in 2019, quickly established itself as one of the city’s summer hotspots. This intimate bar offers a cozy atmosphere, ideal for couples or small groups of friends. The decor is soft and floral, and the menu features seasonal favorites like lobster rolls and an extensive selection of rosé. The views overlooking the East River and the Manhattan skyline provide a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening.
- Address: 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
- Phone: +1 718-215-7150
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St. Cloud Rooftop Bar at The Knickerbocker Hotel
Located high above Times Square at The Knickerbocker Hotel, St. Cloud Rooftop Bar offers a respite from the neighborhood’s frenetic energy. Guests can rent one of the three sky pods that overlook the city’s vast skyscrapers or mingle with patrons at the indoor/outdoor bar. The menu, curated by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, features delectable appetizers like the St. Cloud Crisps, a specialty of root vegetable chips with broccoli cheddar dip.
- Address: 6 Times Sq 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036
- Phone: +1 212-204-5787
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Good Behavior at Made Hotel
Good Behavior, a New York City rooftop bar at Made Hotel, encourages a playful atmosphere with its tiki-themed cocktails, craft beers, and large-format cocktails designed for sharing. The bar is adorned with lush greenery and offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, making it a year-round destination. Good Behavior tends to be less crowded than other rooftop bars, making it one of Midtown’s best-kept secrets. Reservations are still recommended to guarantee a table.
- Address: 44 W 29th St 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001
- Phone: +1 212-213-4429
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Brass Monkey New York City
Brass Monkey is a neighborhood bar in the Meatpacking District with a stellar rooftop. The atmosphere is casual, with wooden picnic tables arranged in rows, encouraging guests to socialize and make new friends. The menu features classic pub fare, such as burgers and pints, perfect for enjoying while gazing at the Hudson River. The bar is popular with neighborhood employees after work, so arriving early is recommended. On weekends, Brass Monkey transforms into a vibrant dance floor.
- Address: 55 Little W 12th St, New York, NY 10014
- Phone: +1 917-765-6746
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Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square
The Moxy Hotel chain is known for its playful atmosphere, and Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Moxy Times Square embodies that spirit. This expansive rooftop is themed as an "urban amusement park," with games, toys, and statues creating a feast for the senses. The food reflects the theme, with items like disco waffle fries topped with nacho cheese and pickled jalapeños. Don’t miss the boozy cupcakes for dessert or the Float my Boat cocktail, made with Don Julio Blanco tequila, caramelized pineapple, and fiery jalapeño syrup. Magic Hour makes the 17 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC list due to its unique and exciting theme.
- Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018
- Phone: +1 212-268-0188
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Bar 54
Bar 54, the tallest rooftop bar in New York City, offers unparalleled views. Situated atop the Hyatt Centric Times Square hotel, Bar 54 offers sweeping views of both the Hudson River and the East River. The signature cocktails are expertly crafted, and the experience is so exceptional that even locals brave the crowds of Times Square to enjoy an evening at this sumptuous bar. As expected, enjoying a drink on NYC’s highest rooftop comes at a premium, with cocktail prices nearly double those at ground level.
- Address: 135 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
- Phone: +1 646-364-1234
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Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel
Gallow Green, located atop the McKittrick Hotel, is an unexpected forested oasis amidst the urban jungle of Manhattan. Located in Chelsea, the bar feels like stepping into a mystical wooded fairyland, with trees and shrubbery overhead. The bar and restaurant offers a menu featuring items like lobster rolls, pork belly bahn mi sandwiches, and grilled corn elotes.
- Address: 542 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
- Phone: +1 212-904-1880
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Rooftop Reds
Rooftop Reds, a hip Brooklyn wine bar, is more than just a bar; it’s an urban vineyard. The owners employ innovative growing techniques to cultivate their own grapes and produce their own wine on top of the building in the industrial Navy Yard. Instead of traveling upstate to the Finger Lakes or Hudson River Region, you can visit an actual working winery by taking the subway to Brooklyn.
- Address: 299 Sands St Building 275 Building 275, Brooklyn, NY 11205
- Phone: +1 917-336-8211
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Top of the Standard
The Top of the Standard at the Standard Hotel is one of New York’s sexiest rooftop bars, located in one of the city’s most romantic hotels. The bar offers three different seating times: afternoon for tea and drinks with daytime views, evening for sunset views with live music, and nighttime for an after-hours club experience. A "smart casual attire" dress code is enforced.
- Address: The Standard, High Line, 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014
- Phone: +1 212-645-4646
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Refinery Rooftop
Refinery Rooftop at the Refinery Hotel is a year-round favorite among travelers and locals. The bar offers breathtaking views of New York’s tallest skyscrapers, a delectable food menu, and signature cocktails prepared by trained mixologists using natural ingredients and creative infusions.
- Address: 63 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018
- Phone: +1 646-663-5951
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Westlight
This Williamsburg bar, perched atop the William Vale Hotel, offers stunning views from 22 floors up. The open-air terrace overlooks the East River and the Manhattan skyline, with cozy sofa seating and observation binoculars for closer views. The eclectic food menu is based on "global street food," with highlights like shrimp dumplings, duck carnitas tacos, and charred octopus skewers.
- Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
- Phone: +1 718-307-7100
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Dear Irving on Hudson
Dear Irving on Hudson, another rooftop bar near Times Square, distinguishes itself with its retro design, curated drink menu, and cocktail classes. The signature drinks feature New York-made spirits to celebrate local distilleries, and guests can learn to make their own libations at regular workshop events led by expert mixologists. It is a great way to cap your exploration of the 17 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC.
- Address: 310 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
This curated selection of the 17 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC offers a diverse range of experiences, from lush floral settings to playful amusement park themes and breathtaking panoramic views. Whether you’re seeking a romantic evening, a lively gathering with friends, or a unique culinary adventure, New York City’s rooftop bars provide the perfect setting to elevate your experience.
