The skies of New York City are a beautiful canvas painted with glittering stars and colorful sunsets.
This is why bars take their rooftop venue very, very seriously.
From hotel bars offering river-to-river views of Manhattan to rooftop buildings with glittering city views, here are the 15 best rooftop bars in NYC for a drink and stunning views!
1. Castell Rooftop Lounge
Castell Rooftop is the crown jewel of the AC Hotel in Times Square. It’s the ideal venue for an unforgettable night out, with a fantastic patio, cozy indoor area, incredible vibes, and the New York skyline in the background.
The bar offers an incredible selection of whimsical cocktails made from a creative list of reimagined classic beverages. You’ll be surprised at how delicious their creations are — each sip will stay in your mind for a long time.
What stands out the most are the Smoked Manhattan with whiskey or rum, Beeswax Old Fashioned with bourbon, and Night Cap with vodka and espresso for a bolder choice.
Pair it up with an order of Beef Sliders with cheddar cheese and garlic aioli or a Smoked Salmon Flatbread with creme fraiche, caviar, and dill, and you’re good to go! Oh, and happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays.
What to order: Smoked Manhattan, Dry-Aged Beef Sliders, Smoked Salmon Flatbread,
Address: AC Hotel, 260 W 40th St, New York, NY, United States
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2. The Press Lounge
The Press Lounge is your next go-to place for a dramatic 360-degree panorama view of Press take in Manhattan’s glowing skyline, the cool breezes off the Hudson River, and the stunning sunsets year-round!
Highlights are their signature cocktails, including Too Many Kisses, Cuffin’ Season, and Hampton’s Jitney. While Cuffin’ Season has a zest, bitter yet pleasant taste, Too Many Kisses is much creamier, and sweeter with a chocolate-y flavor. Or you can order a customized one that matches your liking as well!
Don’t forget to grab something to accompany your drinks, we highly recommend you try their House Hummus and Warm Soft Pretzel. Just as wonderful as the cocktails!
What to order: House Hummus, Warm Soft Pretzel, Too Many Kisses, Cuffin’ Season, Hampton’s Jitney
Address: 653 11th Ave 16th Floor, New York, NY 10036
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3. Westlight
Westlight is a classy meet-up spot with friends, where you’ll be amazed by not only the stunning food, and favorite classic cocktails, but also the mesmerizing view of the city! Trust us, you’ll never regret visiting this wonderful rooftop!
For food, don’t hesitate to get crowd-pleaser Charred Octopus Skewer and Ginger-glazed Ribs! While the octopus has a mild, sweet flavor, topped with a bright, fresh pomegranate salsa that features sweet, ruby-red pomegranates, and crunchy cucumbers, the ribs are meltingly tender with a spicy, garlicky taste.
For cocktails, try the signature Don’t Call It A Throwback cocktail favoring bases like gin, rum, hints of herbs, and smoky notes. Stunning!
What to order: Green Apple Salad, Don’t Call It A Throwback, Charred Octopus Skewer, Ginger-glazed Ribs
Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
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4. Manhatta
Manhatta is another stunning bar in New York with a view that you should never miss! Sit on the 60th floor in the Financial District, Manhatta is where you can fully admire the beauty of both the urban skyline and river views. Come by and enjoy their New American cuisine in a luxurious setting.
Some highly recommended dishes include Oysters Manhatta with uni and champagne sabayon that creates such unique flavors. Beef Tartare with hazelnut miso and crispy sweet potato is also something to consider trying too!
Barbecued Freshwater Eel is also a thing, providing a rich, slightly sweet taste profile that you can never forget. End your meal right with the Honey Yogurt Mousse with tiger figs and pistachio ice cream that is phenomenal and can’t be found elsewhere!
What to order: Beef Tartare, Dry Aged Duck, Grilled Lobster, Honey Yogurt Mousse, BBQ Eel
Address: 28 Liberty St 60th floor, New York, NY 10005
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5. St. Cloud Rooftop Bar
Luxurious and modern. St. Cloud Rooftop Bar sits atop the five-star Knickerbocker Hotel. Bathe in the glory of skyscrapers as you experience a mix of discotheque, open-air rooftop bar with eargasmic music selections setting the tone high above Time Square — with the New Year ball right across the street.
The St. Cloud experience comes with a higher price tag than some of the bars on the list, but you can’t simply ignore the fact that what you pay for will never be enough for the combined extraordinary vista and vibes, as well as impeccable service and delightful food and drinks.
With that said, don’t miss the chance to try their Miss Pavlova featuring Empress 1908 Gin, italicus liqueur, St. Germain, lemon juice,e and grapefruit juice, or the Saints and Sinners with Kettle One cucumber and mint, Singani 63, Yuzu Lime Soda, Lemon, and more.
Purchasing a cocktail from the bar is a $5 donation drive to St. Cloud’s charitable foundation — talk about giving back. Oh, and the upscale bar imposes a smart casual dress code, so dress to impress, folks!
What to order: Miss Pavlova, The Saints and Sinners, Mezcal Express, Southern Fried Chicken Sliders, Roasted Spiced Almonds
Address: 6 Times Square 17th Floor, New York, NY, United States
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6. JIMMY SoHo
JIMMY at the ModernHaus Soho (formerly The James) is a trendy and sleek rooftop bar known for its unobstructed view of New York. You can literally see all of Manhattan everywhere you look.
What’s more, the bar features a swimming pool where you can cool off with a cocktail in hand during special events. Their expertly prepared menu includes specialty cocktails, wines, beers, and savory bites.
Their Blushing Lady, a mix of Milagro tequila, La Pinta pomegranate liqueur, and lime, will really leave you blushing because it’s so good. Another standout among their specialty cocktails is the Purple Rain, which combines Empress gin, lychee liqueur, lime, and edible flower.
Any snack pairs well with their drinks, but our favorites are the Maitake Mushroom Tempura and Tomato Basil Flatbread.
What to order: Purple Rain, Blushing Lady, Maitake Mushroom Tempura, Tomato Basil Flatbread
Address: 15 Thompson St, New York, NY, United States
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7. Elsie Rooftop
Aptly named after the influential 1920s socialite Elsie de Wolfe, Elsie Rooftop needs no further introduction. This upscale rooftop lounge and terrace boasts a beautiful layout bridging modern and classic designs — an ode to Lady Mendle’s title as the first female interior designer.
Everything from their extensive list of cocktails, sangria, wines, and other beverages is worth checking out, but you’re missing a lot if you don’t prioritize their savior libations such as the Elsie de Wolfe with Ketel One cucumber and mint, lemon, Chandon sparkling rose, and Rose Water; a divine concoction called the Sunset, which is Empress 1908 gin, house-made strawberry lemonade, and soda; and the Versailles, which is Angel’s Envy, rosemary, canton ginger, and agave blended in harmony.
Elsie is a bottomless mecca for those who love mimosa, bellini, and sangria. Their bottomless drinks are available during brunch — 90 minutes of pure bliss!
What to order: Elsie de Wolfe, The Sunset, Versailles, Thai Chicken Kabobs, Bianca Flatbread
Address: 412 Broadway, New York, NY, United States
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8. Mr. Purple
Make yourself at home at Mr Purple’s spacious al fresco rooftop bar as you take in the breathtaking Manhattan scenery. The bar, located on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo, reflects the vibrant and creative spirit of the Lower East Side.
The bar’s two terraces boast a layout perfect for an unforgettable outdoor experience. But the expansive collection of spirits, brewed craft beers, wine offerings, classic and special cocktails, and delicious light snacks seal the Mr. Purple deal.
Chug in tantalizing cocktails like the Les Spritz featuring Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain, Ruffino Prosecco, fresh lime juice, Q Club soda, or Who’s That Ginger, a heavenly mix of Patron Silver tequila, ginger, fresh lime, and candied ginger.
The Cranberry Casamigos Margarita frozen cocktail is a refreshing answer to the summer heat. Besides these stellar selections, Mr. Purple offers some of your favorite vodka, whiskey, cognac, champagne, and more.
What to order: Les Spritz, Who’s That Ginger, Cranberry Casamigos Margarita
Address: 180 Orchard St 15th floor, New York, NY, United States
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9. Bar 54
Bar 54, perched above the Hyatt Centric at Time Square, offers breathtaking views of the city. Often referred to as NYC’s “highest open-air rooftop bar,” it is a must-see if you’re into creative cocktails, amazing vibes, first-class service, and everything nice to add to your dream night out – all while enjoying stunning views!
Though you’ll have to wait long for an outside table, the location is worth the wait. You can see all of lower Manhattan from here, and it’s arguably one of the best places to watch the sunset and moonrise!
Elevate your rooftop experience with exceptional cocktails like the Yuletide — gin, cranberry relish, lemon, rosemary — and the Bed of Roses — vodka, pama liqueur, italicus, and pomegranate from their stirred and shaken menu.
Or perhaps choose something from the more common selections of Smirnoff, Bacardi, or Dorothy Parker? You can’t go wrong with any of their options, especially when paired up with the Charcuterie Board or the Edamame Dumplings with ponzu sauce. The ideal end-game pairing!
What to order: Yuletide, Bed of Roses, Charcuterie Board, Edamame Dumplings
Address: 135 W 45th St, New York, NY, United States
10. Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars have never been the same since Dear Irving opened their doors in 2018. Enjoy the breathtaking New York cityscape while socializing with friends over inventive cocktails and delectable food.
What’s more, there’s no bad timing here. The views are equally beautiful, be it with the night sky or daylight! Feast in the spectrum of colors as you witness NYC’s most beautiful sunset.
There are a lot of options, but we find their Battle Annie made special with cinnamon, ginger, and pear notes, and Towards the Sun that gives off the kind of vibes when espresso martini meets the cold winter.
If you’re not in the mood for alcohol, their zero-proof mixes, particularly the Garden Party — fresh and zesty — are a must-try. The Filet Mignon Bites and Croque Monsieur from their snack menu are outstanding!
What to order: Battle Annie, Towards the Sun, Garden Party, Filet Mignon Bites, Croque Monsieur
Address: 310 W 40th St, New York, NY, United States
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11. Overstory
Unobstructed 360-degree view of the New York skyline, retro funk vibes, super friendly staff, incredible drinks, and delectable food? Overstory, the hidden gem, provides all of this and more!
Overstory, located above 70 Pine Street in the Financial District, serves classic and refined cocktails inside their posh and elegant bar. Their mixes are out of this world, expertly crafted with only the best ingredients in mind!
Nothing beats a sip of their Supply Chain, a unique blend of Japanese whiskey, rum, togarashi, chili, and champagne. Or try the daring Creme de la Creme — rum, passionfruit, creme fraiche, gochujang, soda, and egg white.
Overstory’s food menu is also a journey around the world, so try their Dips & Falafel and Scallop Crudo.
What to order: Supply Chain, Creme de la Creme, Dips & Falafel, Scallop Crudo
Address: 70 Pine St 64th Floor, New York, NY, United States
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12. Elsewhere
Elsewhere is the perfect hangout place for underground and unbound music in their three stories of dance floors and stages. Catch local performers and artists showcase their crafts in Elsewhere’s rooftop events — with a unique cocktail mix in hand!
The funky roof deck is an outdoor space infused with loud music and youthful touches that casts a spell on you and tells you to let loose. We recommend you sample their Margarita; a carafe would be a better option for the group.
They also have more refreshing cocktails and slushies, a wide selection of beers and wines, and savory small plates. Walk-ins are allowed, but it’s better to reserve in advance to avoid long queues of ravers!
What to order: Margarita Carafe, Cocktails, Beers
Address: 599 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237, United States
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13. Harriet’s Rooftop
Harriet’s Rooftop is a can’t-miss bar offering picturesque views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, the Statue of Liberty, and the city — as if you’re meant to look at New York from various vantage points.
The interior of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is already an architectural treasure, but Harriet’s Rooftop takes it a step further. The details and decorations are perfect; they are urban chic, sophisticated, and unpretentious!
The bar serves a deftly curated menu of sustainably handcrafted cocktails and delectable bites made with locally sourced ingredients. Anyone up for a Kombucha with vodka, honey, lime juice, and pomegranate rose, or an Espresso Martini with black coffee and Absolut Elyx?
Plus, their Tater Tots and Furikake Fries never disappoint! Yum!
What to order: Kombucha, Sustainable Espresso Martini, Harriet’s Margarita, Tater Tots, Furikake Fries
Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY, United States
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14. The Crown
The Crown, located atop the incredible Hotel 50 Bowery in Chinatown NYC, is an indoor bar with rooftop terraces offering jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.
Whether you’re sitting comfortably in their comfy lounge sofas or with gusto on their chairs by the bar, their menu of signature cocktails, crafts on draft, wines, and delectable bites takes appreciating the panorama up a notch higher.
Their signature Hibiscus Lemonade, Malfy gin infused with hibiscus and fresh lemon, and their GG Manhattan cocktail with bourbon, Carpano Antica Vermouth, and Angostura bitters are both highly recommended.
Pro-tip: For a more relaxing atmosphere, visit in the afternoon; for a vibrant and trendy crowd, head to the bar at night. Either way, The Crown is spectacular!
What to order: Hibiscus Lemonade, GG Manhattan, Chips & Guac, Pastrami Steamed Bun
Address: 50 Bowery, New York, NY, United States
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15. 230 Fifth
New York’s largest rooftop bar and restaurant, 230 Fifth, offers breathtaking views of the NYC skyline from its indoor penthouse and outdoor rooftop. They have igloos with fireplaces inside when it gets colder for reservations only and swings for warmer days. The indoor area hosts a photo booth for you to memorialize your stay. With spectacular service, 230 Fifth is one of the best places to catch the sunset.
If there is only one thing you could pair with alcohol in this place, 230 Fifth’s Chicken Strips are the bomb! Coming with a magical dipping sauce, this one is so good you’ll think twice about sharing it with others.
The perfect beverage on a warm, sunny day, the Frose hits all the right spots. The combination of vodka and rose wine creates a spectacular drink you’ll never forget. The same could be said for their Frozen Mango Margarita, which tastes so good you may forget it’s an alcoholic drink.
What to order: Chicken Strips, Frose, Frozen Mango Margarita
Address: 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001
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That sums up our best rooftop bars for the best night out experience in NYC. We’re thrilled about your visit to one of them soon!
Brooklyn hosts myriads of must-visit restaurants. For the ultimate cheatsheet, here’s a list of the best Brooklyn restaurants.
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