Drinking outdoors is always better. Thankfully, with stellar views and some REALLY tall buildings to gaze at, NYC has some of the best rooftop bars, lounges, and restaurants in the world. Whether you want waterfront views, a covered rooftop, or a place that slowly turns into a party after sunset, these are the spots worth heading upstairs for.
76 Ainslie St | Williamsburg
Photo: Ainslie
Wood-fired pizza, rosemary wings, and an all-you-can-drink brunch? Ainslie’s got you. Chef John DeLucie and pizzaiolo Mino Lassandro are serving up pasta, steak, salmon, and more – plus plenty to sip, whether you're in the beer garden or rooftop!
525 Greenwich St | Soho
PHOTO: AZUL ON THE ROOFTOP
Take a trip to Havana at this cantina-style spot that offers a 360-degree view of the city right above Hotel Hugo in SoHo. Walk around their patio deck full of lights hanging all over like you're at a beach house with a view of Manhattan while choosing from a menu full of traditional Cuban bites and cocktails.
605 W 48th St | Hell's Kitchen
PHOTO: Cantina Rooftop
Tacos, margs, and a DJ spinning tracks define this Hell's Kitchen classic. Cantina Rooftop offers a close vibrant view of Midtown while spicing things up with their specialty in mezcal-ritas. If you go with a group, you can also order the “Big Ass Taco” which, according to a solid Yelp review, left a party of six feeling full.
25 W 38th St | Midtown
Photo: Daintree
Nestled atop Hotel Hendricks, Daintree is an intimate cocktail lounge and rooftop blending Australian roots with NYC glam. With floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the Empire State Building, it’s a Midtown gem made for golden hour. This summer, head up to the open-air terrace to sip natural wines from around the world, savor freshly shucked oysters and curated bites, and raise a glass to rooftop season.
599 Johnson Avenue | Bushwick
PhotO: Elsewhere
Elsewhere is a multi-room venue bringing you the best artists, DJs, and events in NYC. If you're looking for somewhere to dance under the stars be sure to check out their event calendar to see who is coming next.
1412 Broadway | Garment District
Photo: Elsie Rooftop
Perched 25 stories above the city near Bryant Park, Elsie Rooftop offers a chic, sophisticated escape. This stylish rooftop spot features both indoor and outdoor seating and is the go-to for fiery Friday Salsa nights, weekend brunches, and killer after-work cocktails. With a seasonal menu and drinks crafted by Liquid Lab NYC, Elsie nails every vibe from chill hangs to electric celebrations with friends.
Brooklyn Bridge Park - Pier 6 | Brooklyn Heights
Photo: Fornino
Fornino offers an elevated seasonal spot at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, open daily (weather permitting). Enjoy stunning sunsets from this spacious rooftop while indulging in chef-owner Michael Ayoub’s wood-fired pizzas, salads, sandwiches, Blue Marble ice cream, and of course, seasonal summer cocktails!
60 Furman St | Brooklyn Heights
Photo: Harriet’s Rooftop
If you're looking to feel like you're on vacation, even with the stunning view of Manhattan’s skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge right in front of you, Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is the spot. This waterfront gem serves up Asian-inspired bites and innovative cocktails, offering a luxurious escape right in BK.
132 W 47th St | Midtown
Photo: HaveN
Haven Rooftop, above the Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown, is the perfect escape year-round. Enjoy delicious food and craft cocktails, with favorites like sliders, tuna tartare, wings, and branzino. Pair that with a Cloudtini or summer sangria for the ultimate experience! Haven is open daily and offers a bottomless brunch on weekends.
653 Eleventh Avenue | Hell's Kitchen
Photo: Hudson Vu
There’s a new rooftop bar in town – say hello to Hudson VU! Sitting atop the Ink48 Hotel, this stunning waterfront spot offers 360° views, perfect for catching the sunset with a drink in hand. With stylish decor, a prime location, and laid-back vibes, Hudson VU feels like an escape from the city without ever leaving it.
133-42 39th Ave | Flushing
PHOTO: Leaf BAR AND LOUNGE
This botanical, casual-chic eatery is a feature of the Hyatt Place in Flushing. The upscale rooftop offers Taiwanese cuisine and signature cocktails like the Chrysanthemum Old Fashioned and their specialty, "Queens Boy". This also calls for a good location for a Mets game afterparty.
71 W 35th St | Koreatown
Photo: Monarch Rooftop
Perched atop the 18th floor, Monarch Rooftop offers stunning Empire State Building views, signature cocktails by expert mixologists, and both indoor and outdoor lounge space for any occasion. In need of a drink rec or two? Be sure to try their Kiwi Cool Down or a Zodiac-inspired Margarita.
63 W 38th St | Midtown South
Photo: Refinery Rooftop
Looking for an upscale rooftop with incredible food, drinks, and views? We’ve got just the spot. Head to Refinery Rooftop in Midtown for up-close views of the Empire State Building and sweeping sights of the city skyline. Hungry? Try the kale salad and don’t skip the yucca fries. Thirsty? Go for their signature Pinky Ring, Cool Cool Cool, or spice things up with the Beat The Heat.
47 W 38th St | Midtown
PHOTO: Spyglass ROOFTOP BAR
Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window, this Midtown hotspot offers guests that desirable je ne sais quoi, with the perfect view to watch the city’s hustle and bustle unfold below. And with one of the best, closest views of the Empire State Building, even the locals are impressed.
6 Times Square | Midtown
PHOTO: St. CLOUD ROOFTOP
Located high above the city streets atop the Knickerbocker Hotel, St. Cloud Rooftop will make you feel like you're on Cloud 9. Enjoy a luxurious indoor-outdoor setup with a wrap-around terrace, delicious craft cocktails, and seasonal bites. Plus, this spring they're opening Akoya, the 28-seat sushi bar featuring temaki hand rolls and so much sake!
132 W 47th St | Midtown
Photo: Sushi Lab
Also at The Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown, you’ll find Executive Chef Frankie Chen’s Sushi Lab, set in a gorgeous canopied rooftop space. The menu offers creative spins on traditional sushi, featuring Japanese small plates alongside Nigiri, Sashimi, and Maki rolls. But the true star of the show is the omakase experience, made with only the freshest ingredients.
145 E 50th St | Midtown East
Photo: Upstairs
Upstairs, 31 floors above at The Kimberly, offers sick views of the Chrysler Building with Modern American cuisine in a rooftop garden oasis. The fully retractable glass roof makes it the perfect spot for any occasion, whether it’s a fun night out, after-work hang, or weekend vibe, rain or shine. Plus, live DJ sets every Wednesday to Saturday keep the energy going all week!
303 Lexington Ave | Murray Hill
Photo: Vintage Green Rooftop
Vintage Green is a rooftop restaurant and bar atop the Shelburne Sonesta Hotel in Murray Hill, offering brunch, skyline views, craft cocktails, and indoor/outdoor seating all season long in a garden-inspired atmosphere. Need a drink suggestion? Try our favorite spritz, Walk In Central Park.
If you're looking to change it up, also check out our list of NYC's Best Local Breweries.
Updated June 2026
