The 13 Hottest Rooftop Bars in NYC
New York is a bustling city full of tourists, millions of residents and crazy, honking taxis. It is rightfully known as the city that never sleeps because you will always find something going on at all hours of the day.
In this Concrete Jungle sometimes it’s nice to have a little getaway to relax and get away from the craziness of it all at the ground floor.
Grab a seat and get ready for my picks of the hottest rooftop bars in NYC.
( Some of the links in this post are probably affiliate links meaning I might make a small percentage of any purchases you make. All opinions remain my own. For my disclosure policy click here. )
The Hottest Rooftop Bars in NYC
These rooftop bars are located in many of the different boroughs (aka not just Manhattan). But if you’re looking for a rooftop bar in NYC that has incredible views and incredible drinks, you’ve come to the right place. Here are my favorites in the Big Apple.
1. 230 Fifth
View this post on Instagram
Stepping into this rooftop garden and bar (with an insane view, might I add), you have a dazzling close-up of the skyline from Midtown. This includes a birds-eye view of the Empire State Building. This is New York’s largest outdoor rooftop garden, and you’ll feel it right away as you’re surrounded by green and met with a serene and easy going vibe.
Tip: You’ll want to come to this spot when it’s happy hour as the drink prices are actually insanely priced. Weekdays from 2-7pm you can order $6 beers, $7 wines, and $8 well cocktails.
2. The Crown (50 Bowery)
View this post on Instagram
You’ll find this trendy spot on the 21st floor of the 50 Bowery Hotel among the streets of Chinatown. There are two outdoor terraces that give you jaw dropping views of whichever direction you might be wanting to see: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or even New Jersey.
Order a cocktail or small appetizer upstairs at the Crown while enjoying the sweeping views. Lounge in the cozy, but trendy, seating. You can get great shots of you living your best life (with ornate cocktail in one hand) with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
Tip: You can make a reservation before heading to the Crown or put your name on the entry list online before you head here in order to avoid some of the headache of waiting.
3. The Roof at Public Hotel
View this post on Instagram
In one word: wow!
This is a spot on the Lower East Side that you can’t miss while you’re in Manhattan. This rooftop has it all: the 360 stunning views of the city in every direction (in case you weren’t sure what the 360 meant) along with a great atmosphere full of greenery that will transport you to what feels like your own private oasis into the vibrant energy of the city.
The Roof terrace is set up in a way that is cozy and inviting but also hip and energetic. Many who come here feel as if they are “floating on the skyline” of Manhattan. Not only can you enjoy and most definitely Instagram the views you’ll witness but you’ll also be in company to order a number of well-crafted cocktails.
Tip: Come here for sunset for an epic view with friends and a cocktail in hand.
4. Mr. Purple
View this post on Instagram
Another popular Lower East Side spot that you’ll find 15 floors high above the Manhattan skyline.
One of those classic New York rooftops that has the desired pool + view combination. Guests who visit the rooftop have the chance to see not only the east side of the city but also an amazing view of the west side.
On the west side, you’ll have the chance to experience the view of the skyline with a well-lit and “warmed” pool. You can also choose from the many casual tables or lounge areas for those that might enjoy the more casual vibe from a city rooftop.
Year-round with great weather or less-than-best weather outside you can still enjoy this particular rooftop and view from their indoor space. At the bar, or a choice of tables inside, you can enjoy beer, wine, or cocktails with a view.
This spot also offers the opportunity to order food such as grilled cheese, healthy salads or even franks in a blanket (pigs in a blanket?). You won’t be left wanting here for anything you might be looking for.
5. Jimmy at the James Hotel
View this post on Instagram
This sleek rooftop located in Soho Manhattan can be another wonderful spot to enjoy the New York skyline as well as the company and vibe you’ll be surrounded by.
It’s located on the 18th floor of the James Hotel and caters to the classy but also sophisticated crowd. You’ll pay a little extra for the cocktails and drinks you have here (even for New York, I think these drinks are pricey!) so be aware of that. This rooftop comes with great music, velvet sofas, and chic designs.
You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the skyline with a beautiful bar filled with futuristic lighting and a sophisticated pool centered rooftop where you can admire all of the views surrounding you.
6. Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge
View this post on Instagram
Harriet’s Rooftop is another spot for an incredible view from “the other side.” The other side meaning Brooklyn. Specifically you’ll find this rooftop atop 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.
You’ll find some of the most panoramic of views at this green, dreamy oasis. It captures the essence of an old-fashioned cocktail bar so you should definitely stop for a cocktail with a view here in this 4,000 square foot venue that has both an inside and outside area for lounging. You’ll also find fire pits on the rooftop here to relax near along with chairs for lounging and enjoying the view.
You’ll see sweeping views that span the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and even all the way to Uptown Manhattan. Enjoy the umbrella covered chairs and savor in the greenery that surrounds you with the urban back drop.
Tip: You can book a reservation online for both the inside and outside spots in order to bypass lines and waiting. Also, the outside rooftop charges $20 for admission.
7. Azul on the Rooftop
View this post on Instagram
This cozy, intimate rooftop feels as if you’re transported to the streets of Old Havana. Azul on the Rooftop gives off a Cantina vibe but it’s placed strategically in a spot in Hudson Square Manhattan that offers an insane backdrop of 360 views of Lower Manhattan from the top of Hotel Hugo. The string lights and lounge chairs give anyone the feeling of being at home and a time to relax.
This rooftop is not only cozy but it also offers a diverse crowd of people as well as a variety of music types. There is both a mixed indoor/outdoor area as well as a fully outdoor area. This spot is an outdoor tropical oasis for anyone!
Tip: Great happy hour drink prices! Also, try the Passionfruit Mojito and the Pineapple Ciprihana.
8. The Skylark
View this post on Instagram
This cocktail lounge offers epic views of Midtown from its open-air rooftop or its indoor multi-level space. Often this area might be a spot that you avoid due to the chaos surrounding it, but this lounge on the 30th floor offers not only beautiful views of Manhattan, the Hudson River, and prime sunset viewing but also cocktails mixed with a classy vibe and artsie decor.
You can enjoy small plates or well crafted cocktails all while experiencing an up close and personal view of the Empire State building as well as Times Square and the Hudson Yards.
Tip: This rooftop spot is ideal for a full western view of (you guessed it) the sunset!
9. Le Bain- The Standard
View this post on Instagram
Le Bain is one of New York’s most famous rooftops, especially come summertime. You’ll have to get past the doormen at this rooftop bar located at the Standard High Line in the meatpacking district in the city.
This rooftop is made up of two whole floors, with a separate bar on each floor. The vibe of the outdoor rooftop area is more of a summery feel offering casual lounge furniture along with green astroturf grass to hang out on while enjoying the views all around you. The inside is more chic as it offers more of a black tile and black sofa vibe along with disco balls and even a jacuzzi!
Enjoy the smartly priced by-the-pitcher cocktail choices such as: gin strawberry grapefruit, tequila watermelon jalapeno, vodka cucumber lime and several other cocktail choices. You can also enjoy a savory or sweet crepe at the food truck-like stand on the rooftop (nutella crepe anyone?!).
There is an epic view of the Lower West Side and downtown with the Freedom Tower standing tall in the distance. This view makes for a great spot to view the sunset. Dress code is chic casual if you want to be allowed inside and keep up with the trendy guests that frequent this spot.
Tip: Arrive early as there is usually a little bit of wait time involved for this rooftop plus you’ll want to grab a good spot (preferably on the astroturf in the summer) once you’re here!
10. Bar SixtyFive
View this post on Instagram
In the famous 30 Rock Building on the 65th floor, you’ll find the ever scenic and well located Bar SixtyFive. This bar and cocktail lounge is five floors below the Top of the Rock. It’s also the highest outdoor terrace bar in New York.
If you’re looking to visit this rooftop location, you’ll want to make sure you take a look at their dress code. They have a strict dress code so be sure to dress your best and wear something fancy. Per the website, “proper attire is required, including collared shirts for men.”
The lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows with a wrap around view of Manhattan. You will not be disappointed with the view. Grab one of the in-house created cocktails after work or with your friends on the weekend. There is a minimum per person if you’re looking to sit outside so be aware of that.
Tip: Make a reservation on Open Table to reduce wait times.
11. City Vineyard
View this post on Instagram
City Vineyard is not a tall, middle-of-the-city vibe kind of rooftop. But it just so happens to be one of my favorite rooftops in New York! Not only is it in one of my favorite neighborhoods, it also offers insanely jaw-dropping views all while having a more laid back vibe.
This bar is located at Pier 26 in Tribeca. There are two parts to this bar: the downstairs and the upstairs. Downstairs has a more classy feel to it and it consists of a garden outdoor seating area along with an indoor floor-to-ceiling window dining area and a bar. The upstairs rooftop bar has a younger more chill and low-key vibe with fantastic views of the Hudson River, New Jersey, and downtown Manhattan.
The wine here is great so be sure to order drinks and food as you take in a venue that offers music, a riverfront view, and a great atmosphere.
12. William Vale’s Turf Club Brooklyn
View this post on Instagram
If you’re ready for a New York City lawn party, look no further. You’ll be more than happy and relaxed at the Turf Club which is a green space located directly above the Westlight at The William Vale.
This is a summer long pop-up that offers all day rooftop hangs 23 stories up. This green lawn space offers games, good music, amazing cocktails, sunset viewing and a great crowd. You aren’t in the middle of the city, you’re directly across from Manhattan. And everybody knows that the best views of Manhattan are from Brooklyn right??
This bar is open every summer from May 16th through September every Thursday through Sunday. This rooftop is Brooklyn’s best kept secret and is a California meets New York kind of vibe.
Tip: Don’t forget to excite your inner child by indulging in all of the lawn games provided including: Giant Jenga, Twister, Mega Connect 4, Cornhole, and Foosball tables. Also, don’t forget to enjoy the popcorn on the roof!
13. Refinery
View this post on Instagram
This trendy modern and spacious rooftop is located in the Refinery Hotel in the Garment District. It offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere complete with brick walls and wooden furniture and trim along with its braided twinkling lights throughout the rooftop area.
This is a great spot for more of a laid-back and relaxed feel. No need to get all dressed up as you might for other NYC rooftops (although you totally can of course).
Also note how dangerously close the Empire State Building is as it looms overhead this rooftop spot. This rooftop is no stranger to weather patterns as it offers an inside/outside area that is covered by a retractable glass roof.
Several types of food are offered such as sandwiches, salads, flatbreads and other appetizers. More importantly, their signature cocktails are served in “bulk” offered in four-serving caddies. You can choose from several classic cocktails with a special Refinery take that focuses on natural ingredients- the Bangkok Mule, the Yuzu Margarita or the Exotic Whiskey Smash.
Tip: Seriously don’t leave here without ordering a four-serving caddie.
Summing Up: Hottest Rooftop Bars in NYC
There are far too many good rooftop spots in New York that this list was a hard one to create. Just as New York has endless amounts of restaurants and spots to visit, the same can be said for its rooftops.
While many of these spots aren’t totally budget friendly, they will be an unforgettable visit and you’ll enjoy crazy views with unique cocktails and small plates in the process.
Happy rooftop season! Hope you enjoy the hottest rooftop bars in NYC for that trip you have planned.
Do you have a favorite rooftop in NYC? Any places I left out on this list that you want to add?
