Best Rooftop Bars NYC: 12 Stunning Must See Skyline Views
A melting pot of ethnic flavors, culture, and cuisine, New York City is undoubtedly one of the greatest food cities on the planet.
Nevertheless, sometimes nothing beats the open air for an afternoon or evening of panoramic views and perfectly shaken martinis. Follow along to discover the 12 best rooftop bars NYC.
NYC rooftop bars deliver equal parts scenery and style. From classic cocktails to social media-worthy selfies in front of the Empire State Building, the perfect rooftop bar and lounge can set the scene for your next Big Apple adventure.
Recaffeinate yourself for a night on the town with a bold expresso martini, or cuddle up in a rooftop igloo at 230 5th.
Treat yourself to tropical libations at Broken Shaker, or show off like the VIP you are with a reservation at Park Lane.
Whether you are searching for ‘rooftop bars NYC midtown’ or ‘hotels with rooftop bar NYC’ we’ve done the due diligence to bring you the creme de la creme of NYC rooftops.
Rooftop Bars NYC
Panorama Room
Roosevelt Island might seem like an unlikely locale for a sizzling new rooftop bar, but the Panorama Room is already making waves. Also known as the Graduate Roosevelt Island Hotel rooftop bar, this jewel box-like space boasts a James Beard award-winning design team and a swoon-worthy menu.
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Perched on the 18th floor of this knockout space, guests will feel like they are floating through a dream-like outdoor terrace. Take a moment to ponder their menu of bespoke cocktails such as the High Tide, Dreamboat, and the Old Man and the Sea.
Let yourself be blown away by the 360-degree views of the city before you settle into one of the red velvet banquets for a snack of Hamachi Crudo or Avocado Hummus Tartine.
The Crown
Want to feel like your King (or Queen) of the world sans cruise ship? Prime yourself for your very own Leo/Kate moment when you stare out into the panoramic scenery afforded by the Crown. The rooftop of Hotel 50 Bowery, a glittering oasis of views and Asian-inspired cocktails draws quite the crowd.
While you may have to fight some crowds, the sweeping landscape of lower Manhattan provides views of the Manhattan Bridge Arch and Colonnade making a visit to the Crown well worth the trouble.
An ideal locale for an after-work get-together or a low-key birthday hang, we recommend their whiskey-forward Manhattan or vodka and tea-based Black Dragon cocktail.
Park Lane New York
The timeless charm of Central Park, a pinch of garden mystique, and a thought-provoking cocktail program make Park Lane’s Darling a sweet sky-high reprieve. Let yourself become part of a world that effortlessly mixes jungle couture, fragrant blooms, and stunning scenery. Located on the 47th floor, Darling is the only rooftop lounge on Central Park South.
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Here diners can delight in the drama of a seafood tower, weekly entertainment, and a citrus-forward Carte Blanche cocktail. The vino-obsessed can choose from a selection of both new and old-world wines, or assuage a craving for comfort with a hearty order of Lobster Mac and Cheese.
230 5th
As far as NYC rooftops go, perhaps none is as ubiquitous as 230 5th Ave. This beloved bar establishment offers an unreal view of the Empire State Building in addition to the fun decor and weekly theme parties.
The largest rooftop bar in the Big Apple, 230 5th, delivers over 30,000 sq feet of both indoor and outdoor space in the Flatiron district. Partygoers can sip a 230 Sparking Candy, frozen rose, or piping hot libations in winter.
Work on that smize, as 230 offers plenty of opportunities to photo bomb with both their heated igloos and signature red Snuggies.
Daintree
Swanky, stylish, with a heavy hand for flair. Even hard-to-impress Manhattanites will be charmed by Daintree’s jaw-dropping skyline views, string lights, and quirky aesthetic. Located at 25 West 38th St, Daintree’s rooftop and lounge manages to create a welcoming ambiance with pink velvet shell seats and lush tropical plants.
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Snag a seat and start snapping away to capture an elusive Empire State Building selfie before ordering an intriguing Umami Old Fashioned or a pineapple and rum-based Tropic Thunder.
Feeling peckish? Nothing hits the spot quite like their crispy Halloumi Lafa served with grilled asparagus and lemon tahini.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Expansive, electric, and thoroughly aquatic. Diners looking to splash out on incredible scenery and perhaps score a tan will find lots to love at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Swing by 60 Furman Street Brooklyn to pay a visit to Harriet’s Rooftop.
An intriguing mix of luxury and function, rooftop goers will be instantly smitten by the unforgettable waterfront landscape and seasonally inspired libations. Visitors during the warmer summer months can pair their cocktails with a dip in the rooftop plunge pool, or plan their party’s arrival to coincide with sunset.
Sundown sessions include live DJ entertainment in addition to a slew of handcrafted cocktails and eclectic Asian-inspired light bites.
Dear Irving on Hudson
Times Square and chic don’t usually go hand in hand, but Dear Irving on Hudson may be the Midtown West rooftop refuge we’ve been fantasizing about. Located on the 40th and 41st floors of the Aliz Hotel, Irving’s rich color palette, wood paneling, and 60s-inspired art will leave you feeling groovy.
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This bi-level cocktail bar’s furnishings work hand in hand with their creative Empire City-inspired menu which features a bevy of spirits made in New York State. Fight off that NYC chill with a warming Battle Annie composed of whiskey, vermouth, lemon, and ginger. Or, opt for a zero-proof concoction of cold brew, cinnamon, and fever tree Indian tonic.
Brooklyn Crab
Searing rooftop views plus some damn good seafood? What could be better? Get your fill of shrimp, crab, mussels, and more when you settle in for a seafood feast at Brooklyn Crab. While Brooklyn Crab may be (duh) located in Brooklyn, it’s well worth the subway schlep to savor the Red Hook waterfront scenery and split a bucket of beer with friends.
Get your fingers greasy with an order of cajun dusted peel n’ eat shrimp to start before sharing their signature Brooklyn Crab Royale for two. Want to feel like you are truly on vacation? Racket the seaside vibes up to 100 with an order for a frozen Pina Colada.
The Ready Rooftop
Creeping vines, a retractable roof, and twinkling hanging lights give the Ready Rooftop the irresistible ambiance of your best friend’s backyard, but better. Eclectic and colorful garden furniture plus a milk crate-constructed bar come together to create a welcoming ambiance where friends can lounge and sip away the afternoon.
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Revel in the striking lower Manhattan skyline, as your group debates which party cooler option to go with. Satisfy a medley of desires with the Mix and Match cooler featuring a choice of any 6 beers, wines, or canned cocktails.
Or, really go for broke with the Out of Office Cooler. Containing 64 oz Blueberry Mezcalita Party Flask and 6 Cans Sip Mango Margs. Soak up all that tequila and salt with an order of fresh Chicken Tinga. Or Carnitas tacos and watch the sunset in the East Village.
Broken Shaker
Vacation to the Caribbean not looking likely? While we can’t help you achieve that bronze vacation glow, a trip to Broken Shaker will bless you with tons of tropical treats. Inhale that fresh rooftop air as you make your way to 23 Lexington Avenue.
A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar, Broken Shaker knows a thing or two about a perfectly crafted drink.
Each libation has been expertly mixed to include a precise amount of herbs, fresh juices, and exotic spirits. Take in the staggering scenery as you sample the Wizard of Park Avenue. Featuring Tarragon Apple Infused Angels Envy Bourbon, Cointreau, Honey, Aquafaba, Lemon, and Red Wine Float.
For some epic nibbles, don’t forget to order a side of crispy polenta. Or shareable steak Bo Ssam.
Gallow Green
A magical land located within the McKittrick Hotel. Plant lovers of all ages will be seeing green when they escape to this establishment of flora. Gallow Green is a portal into a place of lush beauty. Overflowing with flowers, blossoms, and bamboo, Gallow Green is a love letter to the whimsy and wonder of a secret garden.
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Settle into a comfortable chaise and tempt your senses with a perfectly purple cocktail. Or ignite your passion with an Absinthe forward Manderley libation.
Keep things light and fresh with a vegan Buddha Bowl topped with avocado and mint. Or share a platter of fromage to keep with the garden party-inspired theme.
Azul at Hotel Hugo
A festive atmosphere, sparkling Hudson River views, and some crave-worthy Cuban eats make Azul at Hotel Hugo a go-to hotel rooftop escape. Snag a seat on a cream-colored couch and watch the barges go by as you sip a passion fruit Mojito.
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Swear you’ve been whisked away to Old Havana, as you sway in time to the Afro-Cuban rhythmic beats. Witness the mesmerizing views of Lower Manhattan before you dig into their menu of cantina favorites.
Devour an order of pico de gallo and chips to share before savoring the mango slaw-topped tuna tacos. Or perfectly pressed Cuban Sandwich.
NYC Hotels
Before you discover your next favorite rooftop bar NYC, you’ll need to secure some epic Empire City lodgings. Make the most of your time in the Big Apple, when you reserve some juicy accommodations.
From luxurious and modern suites overlooking Bryant Park to convenient Club Quarters located right in Times Square, you’ll have your pick of top-tier New York City Hotels. As always, make your booking worry-free knowing you are guaranteed our lowest rates online.
New York, New York, the city so nice they named it twice. From the glittering lights of Broadway, to long languid walks past the Imagine mosaic in Central Park. There’s much to love in this concrete jungle.
However, when life on the street has got you beat, abscond the heavens above. Rooftop bars in NYC offer the perfect antidote to a crowded club or speakeasy.
Feel yourself breathe and let your thoughts unwind as you raise a glass of Rose to a picture-perfect East River snapshot. Or savor a shishito pepper-infused Margarita while reveling in the glory of a Manhattan skyline sunset.
From eating your weight in snow crab and lobster to keeping things low-key with a basket of beer in the East Village, there’s never a bad time to discover the best rooftop bars in NYC.
Tell us, What’s Your Best Rooftop Bar NYC?
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