Happy hour hangs, day drinking sessions, and city views are just a few of the reasons NYC’s rooftop bars will always have our hearts. And hey, maybe it’s the altitude messing with our minds, but a sky-high perch somehow makes a drink taste better? From a hotel oasis with its own herb garden and striking statuary to a downtown destination known for its matcha-infused co*cktails and electronic DJ sets, here are the best rooftop bars in New York City.
Rooftop Bars in Manhattan
NoMad
With a flagship in Chinatown plus an outpost in LA, Apotheke NoMad has a reputation as a trendy co*cktail destination that excels in botanical beverages. The space is separated into two sections: a 74-seat cellar speakeasy and a penthouse lounge featuring floor-to-ceiling stained-glass windows and velvet seating. Choose from quirky sips like the Scarlet Dance (vodka, raspberry, rhubarb, aloe vera, thyme, champagne) and Among the Sunbathers (pisco, bitter melon, clementine shrub, orange blossom water).
Central Park South
Sweeping views of Central Park South and the uptown skyline are reason enough to visit the famed Park Lane New York hotel’s rooftop bar, Darling. Perched on the 47th floor, the spot’s swanky penthouse-apartment aesthetic, specialty beverage program, and weekly DJ sets are the recipe for a chic evening out. While hanging on the colorful terrace, sip on a Bali Colada (vodka, coconut, ginger, sherry, lemon) or Supermodel Summer (tequila, basil brandy, raspberry, yuzu, orange bitters).
Hudson Yards
The chic patio at Electric Lemon is something of aesthetic dreams. From stunning views of the Hudson River and its own herb garden to a reflective water feature and towering sculptures of heads by artist Jaume Plensa, there’s plenty of eye candy to keep you entertained at the Equinox Hotel’s 8,000-square-foot rooftop terrace. From the Garden (herb-infused gin, snow pea, celery, cucumber, shisho) and Scarlet Sky (vodka, cherry brandy, tart cherry) pair with health-conscious—this is a wellness-centric hotel after all—shareables such as the Fancy Vegetables and Dip, which comes with carrot juice and a fermented soybean dip.
Lower East Side
Alongside Loosie’s (a nightclub) and Silver Lining (a jazz lounge), Highlight Room completes the Moxy Lower East Side’s trio of lively nightlife spots. Known for its wild weekend parties and expansive terrace, Highlight Room also offers plenty of photo opps against the skyline or the interior’s massive olive tree as a background. Drop by for a casual pre-dinner drink or peruse the events calendar for an upcoming DJ set.
SoHo
A longtime favorite of locals and tourists, Modernhaus Soho Hotel’s 18th-floor rooftop covers all the essentials: dance floor, pool deck, craft co*cktails, and approachable small bites. With the bliss of spring (and soon enough summer) upon us, an evening at JIMMY pairs perfectly with a warm evening, some flirting, and a Golden Sunset (tequila, passion fruit, apricot, lemon).
Lower East Side
Boozy nights filled with immaculate sunset views and bumping electronic beats are the standard practice at the Sixty Hotel’s tropical-themed haven, Make Believe. Slide into one of the vibrant pink booths and order the table a round of signature matcha co*cktails before meandering to one of the two terraces or the dance floor. You can expect this rooftop to reach full capacity early on weekend nights, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Lower East Side
Although it might have a “basic” reputation, Hotel Indigo’s rooftop, Mr. Purple, is popular for good reason: It’s a top tier, sky-high bar. Two terraces allow the choice between a more intimate lounging space or a lively rooftop pool and bar with communal tables and a wide variety of banquettes. For an ideal start to any night, accompany your Espresso Martini with an order of Tuna Tartare or Chips and Guac.
Roosevelt Island
Hopping on a tramway or subway ride to an island in the middle of the East River is well worth it for an evening spent at The Graduate Hotel’s gorgeous drinking destination. Sporting a photogenic design of neon ceiling lights melded with vintage velvet touches, the 168-seat Panorama Room serves up a dramatic look with views of Queens, Manhattan, and the Queensborough Bridge. There are drinks like Study Session (vodka, gin, cold brew, vanilla), to accompany raw bar offerings like oysters or the Seafood Tower.
East Village
This spot is designed to emulate a chill backyard garden that’s always in the midst of a party. While scooping locally brewed beers or canned co*cktails from the coolers, work up an appetite for made-to-order tacos at the beer pong table. Alternatively, hit up $1 taco and $9 margarita happy hour from 4 pm–6 pm Tuesday to Friday and 12 pm–3 pm Saturday and Sunday. All the while, top hits and ’90s throwbacks provide ample opportunity for singing your heart out.
Murray Hill
After an extensive renovation, the ultra-luxe The Prince Kitano New York hotel has debuted its highly anticipated rooftop bar on the 18th floor. Wraparound terraces, an impressive roster of rare Japanese whiskey, and phenomenal views of the Empire State Building make for a thrilling trifecta. The bites menu sports everything from savory selections like Crab Cakes and Wagyu Beef co*cktail Frankfurters to sugar fixes like Thin and Crispy Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream. Lavish house drinks that are sure to impress the masses on your IG story include the Lucky 66 (vodka, ginger liqueur, matcha, gold flakes).
Lower East Side
Gritty design features like street art-covered walls, a stickered elevator, and an on-property tattoo parlor make the Lower East Side’s UNTITLED Hotel stand out among the city’s many lodgings. On the eleventh floor of the downtown spot, New Yorkers can find a hidden-gem rooftop bar dubbed UNLISTED. Here, the Lower Manhattan aesthetic flourishes with city-inspired co*cktails served in everything from fake spray can bottles to mini water towers. While gazing out at views of One World Trade and the Empire State Building, sip on a Lloyd’s Famous (carrot cake, pecan, rye) or a No Sleep Til… (coffee, cardamom, vodka).
Rooftop Bars in Brooklyn
Williamsburg
The Wythe Hotel lays claim to one of Brooklyn’s top spots for aerial views of Manhattan and the East River, Bar Blondeau. Full of green velvet banquettes and romantic two-tops, the interior of the sixth-floor bar can be just as appealing as its spacious, outdoor terrace. In addition to local beers and natural wine, the bar offers signature co*cktails like the Martini Blonde (gin, cucumber vodka, vermouth, lemon oil, olive, house-pickled onion) and Desierto Alto (mezcal, smoked pineapple, all spice, lemon, cacao). Drop by during the week from 5 pm–7pm and take advantage of happy hour specials like $11 martinis and $9 glasses of wine.
Williamsburg
After grazing the day away in McCarren Park, cross the street to Berry Park’s rooftop beer garden. As weather reaches peak form, the spot starts screening sport games via three large projectors. Even the most seasoned beer drinker will be impressed by the extensive list of German and Belgian brews (ask about the seasonal specials). Complement your lager with an order of Frickles (fried pickles) or a Bavarian Pretzel.
Williamsburg
El Nico offers visitors a low-key alternative to wilder Brooklyn rooftop spots. Located atop the Penny Williamsburg, El Nico serves Mexican-inspired small plates including Caviar Sope (osetra caviar, salsa cruda, creme fraiche) and Caramelized Onion Tlayuda (cheddar cheese, pear). These snacks go well with playful sips off of the beverage menu like a Michelada (lacto-fermented habanero pepper, white miso, sour beer) or Tamarind Paloma (tequila, tamarind, coriander, honeydew, lime). Settle into a cushy seat inside or take in the sights on one of the two terraces.
Greenpoint
The calling card for Greenpoint’s resident small-batch brewery is an easily recognizable stained-glass water tower—which sits atop the building like a beacon for beer lovers. Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. is known for its non-rowdy crowd of regulars who sip on specialty ales and lagers within the 2,000-square-foot picnic bench-scattered rooftop. Classic bar bites include Beer Battered Frickles (Southern-fried pickles) and a Giant Bavarian Pretzel. Also, stay tuned for upcoming events like trivia nights and DJ sets.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
For unparalleled Brooklyn Bridge views, the 1 Hotel Brooklyn’s rooftop is the answer. Overlooking the iconic River Cafe and touting panoramic Manhattan views, the rooftop’s industrial look includes a spread of couches, wide-brimmed umbrellas, lounge chairs, and an extensive bar. A menu of specialty co*cktails (floral garnishes are a recurring theme) and small bites like Edamame and Chicken Gyoza make it a favorite among hotel guests and visitors alike.
Williamsburg
Joining its popular siblings K’Far and Laser Wolf, Jaffa co*cktail and Raw Bar is the third concept within The Hoxton, Williamsburg. Although Jaffa doesn’t sit up high—it’s on the second floor—it features a dedicated side entrance, al fresco seating, and an expansive indoor bar. The concise menu spotlights dishes like Jumbo Shrimp co*cktail and Fluke Crudo, alongside several variations of hummus. Under the twinkling string lights, sip on beverages like the Jelly Donut (olive oil-washed vodka, raspberry, lemon) and The Jaffa Orange (vodka, aperol, orange)—which comes frozen. For afternoons or evenings out with the crew, tables can order co*cktail pitchers or liters of wine.
Williamsburg
LilliStar is Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg’s rooftop gem. With eleventh-floor views of the Williamsburg Bridge and East River, the space is decorated with hanging lotus flowers, string lights, and plenty of greenery. Seasonal drinks pack a tropical punch like the Elote Twisted Tea (elote-washed whiskey, black tea, lemon oleo, smoked paprika salt). LilliStar also hosts DJs, clothing brands, and record labels throughout the season.
Williamsburg
Westlight is one of those famously popular rooftops everyone has to experience firsthand. Take in the 360-degree views of all five boroughs while sipping on signature co*cktails like the Green With Envy (tequila, green chartreuse, dry vermouth, green apple, lime) and Plum Perfect (vodka, plum liqueur, orange, vanilla). Keep your energy up and the night going with global street food-inspired snacks like Coconut Curry Cashews or Mezcal-Cured Salmon Tostadas.
Izzy Baskette is the New York City Staff Writer for Thrillist. Talk to her at izzy.baskette@voxmedia.com or find her on Instagram.
