Whether you’re a tourist or a local, New York City rooftop bars aren’t just for summer. Most offer heated areas and cozy lighting to enjoy the views year-round.
With a swanky penthouse apartment vibe and specialty cocktails, Darling is one of the most stylish NYC rooftop bars. Enjoy a drink and a DJ set with sweeping Manhattan skyline views.
Freehold Rooftop
Located on the 17th floor of Pod 39 Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, FREEHOLD Rooftop is an open air rooftop with stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline. Designed by Freehold Hospitality, the location offers craft cocktails, beer and wine as well as exotic cuisine. The design of the rooftop is inspired by the iconic hotel itself, a modern and contemporary structure that pays tribute to its rich history of hosting the world’s elite.
The owners of Broken Shaker, the new cocktail bar atop the Freehand in Gramercy Park, want it to be unlike other swanky New York City rooftop bars. So they’ve nixed the bottle service and dramatic door policy, play reggae and other eclectic music, and are filling the space with plants. And they’re welcoming New Yorkers like themselves instead of the yuppies and media types that crowd most other rooftops.
The rooftop is a perfect spot to get together with friends after work. The atmosphere is vibrant and the drinks are reasonably priced for a rooftop in NYC. They also serve some nice snacks, which are a welcome addition to the drinks menu. And, if you’re looking to take your party to the next level, there are cabanas available for private events.
Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.
If you’re looking for a rooftop bar that is a lot more than just a place to grab some drinks, you should check out Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. The brewery is located in Greenpoint and serves their own brews as well as some other craft beers. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service staff is incredibly friendly. You can enjoy your cold brew in peace and take the time to nurse it like you would with a good bottle of wine.
The food menu includes items such as spicy chicken sandwiches and salads. They also serve a variety of cocktails. The drinks are reasonably priced and the service is fast. If you’re looking for a place to have a nice dinner with friends, this is the right place for you.
Located in the heart of Greenpoint, this rooftop is a great place to enjoy the city views and relax with some friends. The restaurant is open year round and features a large indoor space that looks like a 1960s tropical lounge, as well as a spacious outdoor space. The roof is dotted with vines, and you can sit on picnic tables or bench swings while enjoying your beverage of choice.
Dear Irving on Hudson
Dear Irving on Hudson is a swanky rooftop bar with panoramic views and lots of cozy nooks to relax in. It draws a strong after-work crowd and roving travelers looking for the quintessential New York City experience. Located on the 40th floor of a building just west of Times Square, this retro-chic spot features opulent lighting and plush lounge seating.
Designed by Dauphine Mauroit, the creator of the original Dear Irving in Gramercy Park, this sibling spot occupies two floors of the Aliz Hotel in Times Square. The bi-level cocktail lounge is themed around a “time travel” concept, with one floor reminiscent of 1960s James Bond and another decked out in Art Deco styling.
The bar offers a wide range of cocktails, including the siesta swizzle and pearl collins. It also serves a variety of wine, beer, and spirits to pair with the lavish surroundings.
The bar is available for private events, and can accommodate groups of up to 150 people. Full floor buyouts are also available, so you can host a rooftop party your guests won’t soon forget.
Aliz Hotel Times Square
With a conscious approach to hospitality, Aliz Hotel Times Square offers comfort through featured amenities such as the cycling studio by Peloton, 24-hour concierge service, and valet parking. It is also pet-friendly and certified by the Green Hotel environmental program.
This 4-star property is within walking distance of Madison Square Garden and New York Public Library. It also provides free WiFi and a rooftop bar with Manhattan skyline views. All rooms at the hotel include iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels. They are also equipped with refrigerators and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms have designer toiletries and rainfall showerheads.
Guests can try out the gym and relax with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant. Breakfast is available for a surcharge and cooked-to-order.
The hotel offers a business centre and meeting rooms for those who need to keep in touch while travelling. Other facilities include a terrace, a fitness centre, and a sauna.
ElNico
New to the Brooklyn scene, elNico is one of the most impressive rooftop bars for food and drinks east of Manhattan. The new restaurant and bar, which is open for dinner daily, is perched atop the art-forward Penny Williamsburg hotel from Sydell Group (the same folks behind NoMad and Freehand). Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, elNico showcases an enchanting space with vibrant hues, lots of greenery, and whimsical lotus hangings.
The menu is a reflection of chef Fernanda Serrano’s Mexican roots and global kitchen experiences. The resulting dishes offer an intriguing fusion of cherished family recipes and exotic ingredients. A table-must-have is the mouth-watering guacamole served with totopos and an array of dips.
The curated drinks program is a nod to the city’s Latin American heritage with a strong focus on agave-based spirits. The cocktails are as playful as they are tasty with fun references like the We Were on a Break in honor of Friends, or the Moira Rose in tribute to Catherine O’Hara on Schitt’s Creek. For something non-alcoholic, the on-tap sparkling water is a unique touch. This is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great spot to dine, drink, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Westlight
Located on the 22nd floor of Williamsburg’s William Vale Hotel is this stylish, glass-encased bar with some of the most amazing views in Brooklyn. Run by Chef Andrew Carmellini’s NoHo Hospitality Group, expect a menu with both classic and original cocktails alongside rare spirits, wine and beer. And if you’re hungry, there are also some tasty small plates to choose from that reflect inspiration from global street food.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, and transforming into a cosy Winter Village in the colder months, Westlight is a year-round rooftop to visit. And while it may be a bit on the pricey side, it’s definitely worth your money, especially for those incredible cityscape views you can enjoy as you sip your drinks.
The Apartments at Westlight are designed to appeal to all of the senses, capturing the warmth and beauty of natural sunlight filtering through floor-to-ceiling windows and the clean scent of fresh air flowing through open concept floor plans. The distinctive cantilevered glass building exterior and lighting sculpture by renowned artist Ingo Maurer further add to the feeling of luxury and privacy. Studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are available for rent. All residents will enjoy on-call concierge services, distinct art installations and a fully outfitted fitness center with Peloton bikes.
Rooftop Reds
Rooftop Reds is located inside the Brooklyn Navy Yard in a warehouse that once produced warships. As you walk up the stairs of Building #275, you’ll find a vineyard that doubles as one of NYC’s most fun rooftop bars. Guests can enjoy a privileged view of Manhattan while laying in hammocks and sitting at picnic tables. They also serve beer and wine, mainly their own wines that come from their own vineyard in upstate NY. Reservations are required, and the price includes water and chips.
Devin Shomaker, the co-founder of Rooftop Reds, worked in the corporate world for a long time before he decided to change career paths and become a vintner. He started working on the side at a wine bar in Virginia, and eventually decided to pursue his passion full-time. The goal of the establishment is to educate inner city youths about agriculture and viticulture, and show them that there’s more than just the concrete jungle.
The wine list here includes whites like the Traminette with hints of hibiscus and lime zest, as well as red blends, rosés, and cabernet sauvignon. They also produce some of their own wine on site, but most of the grapes come from their vineyard upstate.
