Food and Drink Bars + Clubs The Best Rooftop Bars in NYC By Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Instagram Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on August 2, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Courtesy of Z Hotel Whether you want to gaze at Manhattan’s skyscrapers while enjoying a rooftop brunch or watch their shimmering lights under the stars, New York City has the best rooftop bars for any time of the day. These spots have more to offer than great views and clever libations — although that would be enough to make most of us happy. Music, games, comfy furniture, tantalizing treats to go with your drinks, a fireplace for chilly nights and a pool for warmer ones, create inviting options for a rooftop happy hour, date night, or partying with pals. Can’t get away for a weekend escape? Your respite is just an elevator ride away to a resort-like scene around the pool at Jimmy or Mr. Purple. If a lush garden with flowers and greenery is your perfect setting, visit Gallow Green for an after-work cocktail or Sunday brunch. Use a bit of imagination and head to the tropics as you sit under a palm tree at 230 Fifth or sample Mexican snacks at Pod 39. If fun, games, music, and a bit of whimsy are your idea of a holiday, drop in to Magic Hour. From casual rooftop bars to rooftop restaurants, and from downtown to midtown rooftop bars, NYC has it all. While there’s something about summer that gets us thinking about the fresh air, starry nights, and warm breezes of NYC rooftop bars, most of these spots let you enjoy the views in comfort all year long. Tropical cocktails might give way to warming toddies, but the escape from the day works just as well when it’s cold outside. And if anything can enhance the looks of Manhattan’s glass-clad giants, it’s the warm colors of sunset and a cocktail in your hand. 01 of 21 The Polynesian, Pod Hotel 42: Hell's Kitchen Courtesy of Major Food Group Just opened this spring, The Polynesian has already gained a steady following thanks to its inventive tropical cocktails, perfect-for-sharing rum punch bowls, tempting bites, and tiki bar vibes. The vibrant space is an ode to the South Pacific inside and out, from the teak doors and pirate portraits to the lava stone bar and the flaming Vaya Kon Tiki drink served in a skull. Grab a table inside for dinner or just hang out by the expansive bar on the deck for happy hour or late-night drinks under the twinkling lights. More info: thepolynesiantiki.com 02 of 21 The Press Lounge, Kimpton Ink48 Hotel: Hell's Kitchen Courtesy of The Press Lounge/Kimpton Ink48 Hotel This 16th-floor Hell's Kitchen location, surrounded by glass walls, offers Hudson River and city views. Elegant décor and classy cocktails give it a swanky feel, and the outdoor area with reflecting pool, fireplace, and cushioned rattan sofas make for comfortable surroundings in all seasons. Enjoy small plate snacks with cocktails or a full dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Print. More info: thepresslounge.com 03 of 21 Broadway Lounge & Terrace, New York Marriott Marquis: Times Square Courtesy of Marriott Eight stories above exciting Times Square, guests enjoy stunning views of Midtown Manhattan and snacks from their extensive menu. Two new outdoor terraces are ready for summer, and the lounge is open from noon until midnight for both afternoon and evening fun. Friday Jazz & Gin Cocktail Hour features music from jazz trios, special gin cocktails, and choice of appetizers. More info: marriott.com 04 of 21 Living Room Bar and Terrace, W New York Downtown: Financial District Courtesy of W Hotels Not your ordinary living room, this fifth floor lounge features unobstructed views of Manhattan and the One World Observatory through floor-to-ceiling windows. The view inside is just as spectacular, with thousands of lights reflecting from ceiling to floor and a wraparound terrace covered by a glowing canopy. Music, plush furniture, small plates, and inventive cocktails make this all-season lounge the place to be in the Financial District. More info: wnewyorkdowntown.com 05 of 21 Monarch Rooftop Bar, Courtyard by Marriott Herald Square: Midtown Courtesy of Addison Hospitality Group Guests enjoy views of the Empire State Building and midtown Manhattan from this 5,000-square-foot, 18th-floor penthouse lounge. The floor-to-ceiling glass doors open to an outdoor heated patio, and inside the creative décor includes vintage brick, custom Terrazzo tile, raw iron columns, and plush sofas. Flatbreads, tacos, a “skinny” lobster roll, short rib sliders, boneless wings, and more are served starting at 2 p.m. for a tempting late lunch and cocktail. More info: addisongroupnyc.com 06 of 21 Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Moxy NYC: Times Square Courtesy of Moxy Hotels With five distinct environments in the 18th-floor indoor/outdoor lounge, the city’s largest, guests can choose their favorite vibe and view. The east side outdoor area, an elegant garden party scene, overlooks the Empire State Building, while the west is done up carnival style with a rotating antique carousel. Games, mini-golf, whimsical animal sculptures, and entertainment from DJs and artists, along with a menu of snack and small plates, create an “urban amusement park.” More info: moxy-hotels.marriott.com 07 of 21 The Crown, Hotel 50 Bowery: Chinatown Courtesy of The Crown/Hotel 50 Bowery On the hotel’s 21st floor, two outdoor terraces provide views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey. Cushy lounges outside and inside, along with floor-to-ceiling windows, make this location ideal whatever the weather. Order Asian-inspired cocktails and small bites at The Crown or head to the first floor restaurant, Rice & Gold, serving globally-influenced cuisine in a hip space featuring colorful graffiti art. More info: thecrownnyc.com 08 of 21 Gallow Green, McKittrick Hotel: Chelsea Courtesy of The McKittrick Hotel This rooftop bar offers not only city views, but the atmosphere of a lush garden with flowered trellises, fairy lights, wooden tables, and even an antique train car with shabby-chic décor. A full dinner menu includes pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. Their Sunday brunch offerings include an omelet station, hot and cold buffets, and a selection of pastries. Live music and theater performances attract loyal fans to this venue, so be sure to call ahead for a reservation. More info: mckittrickhotel.com 09 of 21 230 Fifth: Flatiron Courtesy of 230 Fifth Enjoy the rooftop garden with huge umbrellas, greenery, and palm trees or a glamorous indoor penthouse, all with prime views of the Empire State Building. Open year-round with inflatable igloos in winter and heat lamps for chilly spring and summer evenings, the lounge offers a happy hour on weekdays from 2-7 p.m. with special beverage and appetizer prices. An expansive buffet brunch is served on weekends from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Music and theatrical entertainment add to the experience. More info: 230-fifth.com 10 of 21 Westlight, The William Vale: Williamsburg, Brooklyn Courtesy of Westlight/The William Vale This trendy hotel boasts two great ways to enjoy the New York City views. Their 22nd-floor rooftop bar, Westlight, offers unobstructed vistas along with street food-inspired bar snacks and cocktails, wines, beer, and spirits. Vale Pool, the longest outdoor hotel pool in Brooklyn, also provides city views, and Vale Terrace on the same level is an expansive outdoor seating area where guests can enjoy poolside snacks and beverages. More info: westlightnyc.com 11 of 21 Pod 39 Rooftop, Pod 39 Hotel: Midtown East Courtesy of Pod Hotels The atmosphere and menu are Mexican style in this rooftop bar, with tacos, guacamole, margaritas, colorful tiles, and brick archways. Views of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings remind you that you’re still in the Big Apple, but the flavors are definitely tropical. Fruity drinks, tequila, and creative tortilla-wrapped specialties by Salvation Taco continue the South of the Border theme. It’s truly an open-air rooftop lounge, so check the weather before you go. More info: thepodhotel.com 12 of 21 Refinery Rooftop, Refinery Hotel: Midtown West Courtesy of Refinery Hotel This spacious rooftop lounge welcomes guests all year long, with its cozy wood and brick interior section, outdoor terrace, and indoor/outdoor area covered by a retractable glass roof. Views of the Empire State Building enhance the rooftop experience both night and day. An extensive lunch menu includes sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, and appetizers, while the focus in the evening is on their signature cocktails based on creative combinations of natural ingredients. More info: refineryhotelnewyork.com 13 of 21 Jimmy, The James Hotel: SoHo Courtesy of JIMMY at The James This year-round destination on the hotel’s 18th floor affords panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan, the Financial District, and the Hudson and East Rivers. The inside bar area is ideal in chilly weather when guests enjoy the cozy yet luxurious interior. When warm weather arrives, the outdoor deck, with a rooftop pool, is the place to be for the best views. Their menu includes pizza, mini lobster rolls, wontons, cheeseburger sliders, and more, as well as specialty cocktails, wine, beer, and cider. More info: jimmysoho.com 14 of 21 Le Bain, The Standard: Meatpacking District NEIL RASMUS/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images This rooftop lounge includes a penthouse discotheque and an outdoor bar with a plunge pool on the dance floor. Casual chairs and grass underfoot create a summery feel when the weather is right. Open from 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Wednesday through Friday, the rooftop lounge opens at 2 p.m. on weekends. DJ music and fabulous views are the entertainment in this trendy spot where doormen determine who will be admitted for the fun. More info: standardhotels.com 15 of 21 Z Roof, Z Hotel NYC: Long Island City, Queens Courtesy of Z Hotel One of the best views of Manhattan is yours from this rooftop lounge, where you can sip one of their signature cocktails as you take it all in. This outdoor space is closed in winter and during unfavorable weather, so plan your visit for a balmy summer evening when both the view and the atmosphere will be perfection. More info: Tripadvisor.com 16 of 21 1 Rooftop Garden & Bar, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: Brooklyn Heights Courtesy of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and lower Manhattan make this rooftop bar a popular weekend spot for cocktails and snacks. Open daily from noon until 12 a.m., visitors enjoy the sunset and then city lights as the sky darkens. Check the weather before you go as it’s an outdoor area, and keep in mind that cooling down in the rooftop plunge pool is also an option from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. if you're a hotel guest. 17 of 21 Salon de Ning, The Peninsula New York: Midtown Courtesy of The Peninsula New York Overlooking Midtown Manhattan and Fifth Avenue and providing lovely city views from the 23rd floor of the exclusive Peninsula Hotel, this glamorous lounge features two outdoor terraces and an intimate interior bar. The style is 1930s Shanghai and the décor includes Chinese screens, paintings, and photographs. There’s music, specialty cocktails (think Ning Sling and Ning-groni), and small plates to enjoy while taking in the view. More info: peninsula.com 18 of 21 The Ides Bar, Wythe Hotel: Williamsburg, Brooklyn Matthew Williams/Courtesy of Wythe Hotel This indoor and outdoor space on the hotel’s sixth floor boasts views of Manhattan from the both areas, so choose your place on an indoor banquette or outside on the terrace. A bit more casual than some rooftop lounges, The Ides opens at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 2 p.m. on Fridays for those who want to get a jump on the weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, the bar opens at noon, and a menu of small plates is available until 10 p.m. More info: wythehotel.com 19 of 21 Penthouse 808, Ravel Hotel: Long Island City, Queens Courtesy of the Ravel Hotel Get an up-close view of the Queensboro Bridge, East River, and Manhattan skyline along with dinner from this Asian-inspired bistro and lounge. It’s climate-controlled for year-round dining, and the retractable rooftop opens an outdoor cocktail area with panoramic views when the weather is warm. Later, it gives off nightclub vibes with DJs and dance music. Their outdoor Estate Garden Grill offers a selection of draft beers and summer cocktails. More info: ravelhotel.com 20 of 21 Mr. Purple, Hotel Indigo: Lower East Side Courtesy of the Gerber Group Expansive views of downtown from the 15th floor let you choose to look eastward or westward from one of their inviting terraces. On the west side, lounges or casual tables near the pool provide a casual vibe, and indoor spaces let you enjoy the scenery in any weather. Sit at the bar for one of their specialty cocktails, craft beers, or wine and you can gaze at the unobstructed view through huge windows and the thoughtfully arranged bottles and clear pendant lights. More info: mrpurplenyc.com 21 of 21 The Skylark: Midtown West Courtesy of The Skylark Way up on the 30th floor, the Midtown views are spectacular from the open-air rooftop or the multi-level indoor space. Plush furnishings, warm lighting, and artful décor create a classy vibe inside, with a more casual feel on the open rooftop, equipped with glass walls and variety of seating. Enjoy small plates and clever cocktails amid views of the Empire State Building, Hudson River, Times Square, and Hudson Yards. More info: theskylarknyc.com Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit