NYC's 20 best rooftop bars for colder weather

Breathtakingly beautiful Manhatta skyrocketed to the top of NYC best-of lists in short order when it first opened on the 60th floor of a downtown skyscraper in 2018. The views were stunning and, at under $100, its three-course prix fixe eschewed the typically towering rooftop tax. It became a new NYC classic fast, before ultimately closing in early 2020. We've had an eye on the place ever since, with dwindling expectations. But Manhatta is now finally open once more. Reservations are as hard to come by as ever, but walk-ins are also welcome. 

New to Roosevelt Island, the Graduate hotel’s Panorama Room is breathtaking. Its slinky inside is a little bit mod and plenty chic, but it’s the vista through its enormous windows and from out on the terrace would give even the most seen-it-all New Yorker pause. It also has a nice lineup of drinks and snacks. 

Overstory is as cozy as a music box in the sky inside, with views that seem to go on forever out on the wrap-around terrace. Perched on the 64th floor of 70 Pine Street above sibling spots Crown Shy and Saga, it's the just-drinks cherry on top of the trio of outstanding spots. The futniture's plush, the cocktails are crafty and even the ice is extra nice at what's become one of NYC's most elegant cocktail destinations since it opened last year. 

Ophelia’s Art Deco design is stylish all year ‘round, and its recent transformation into a “snowglobe in the sky” makes it especially magical. Behold its glittering crystal snowflakes and marvel at how they twinkle brighter after a tipple or two. We’re partial to the Beekman’s classic martini and other options include novelties and riffs on the classics. 

This is the reward for moments passed in Times Square. Its two floors (the 40th and 41st) in the Aliz Hotel are intended to evoke “James Bond and Art Deco time travel themes” but the sum of those parts avoids verging into the actual “themed” territory that you might find at other operations nearby. Its cocktail menu also aims to include spirits from New York State. 

The Wythe Hotel’s latest has an impressive battery of cocktails, wine, beer and zero-alcohol drinks, seafood-centric snacks and larger plates. Bar Blondeau also has sweeping views of Manhattan beyond the East River through huge windows. 

Another newcomer, The Ready Rooftop opened on the top floor of the Moxy East Village at the outset of last year’s warm weather rooftop season, and it’s riding through this year's cold one with its retractable roof. It also has a convivial atmosphere underscored with coolers full of beer and patio-style furniture. 

Take the dedicated elevator 22 stories up to the stylish glass box capping Williamsburg's tallest skyscraper. The industrial yet swank space is set with black-and-white tiled floors, bright globe lights, a beamed ceiling and incredible views through floor to ceiling windows when its too cold to dip a toe on the sprawling terrace. 

Hotel Hendricks’ 29th floor bar has cozy couches and armchairs, a dedicated martini menu, sweet and savory bites, unlimited chicken salt seaweed popcorn with your drinks and an amazing view of the Empire State Building. Nab the pair of chairs in the far right corner near the wall of windows for shots you can drink and ones you can post on your Instagram. 

See the sensational NYC skyline from the 21st floor of Hotel 50 Bowery. It has a terrace for prime posing, of course, plus plenty of room to lounge in the far toastier space inside. Peer at the glittering city like its a cluster of inverted icicles over beer, wine, cocktails and snacks. 

Though you may be enticed by Bar Chrystie, the Public hotel’s sparkly new lobby level cocktail bar, rooftop views still beckon from above. The Roof boasts a 360-degree cityscape, DJ sets and thousands of square feet between its indoor and outdoor areas. 

This Williamsburg Hotel cocktail bar is aptly named for its unique location in what appears from the outside to be–you guessed it!–a water tower. Inside you’ll find velvet sofas, work by local artists and walls of windows. 

Though it’s changed names and menus over the years, the bar on the 18th floor of what’s now known as the hotel ModernHaus still has one key component we now consider a part of cold weather rooftop tradition: its fireplace. Gather ‘round with hot toddys for a spirited taste of winter in New York. 

Most rooftop bars rely on their expansive vistas to woo the crowds, noting the sky-high vantage as the main attraction. For Magic Hour, its view of midtown and the Empire State Building is just a footnote. Interchanging installations like its pink rose garden and winter wonderland make it a particularly photogenic roof to top. 

The Kimberly Hotel’s penthouse has a portrait-perfect snapshot of the Chrysler Building, appealing drink list, menus that make it more than a ‘just drinks’ place and a cozy glass enclosure where you can enjoy it all. 

This place is packed with so many plants you might just forget you’re so close to the traffic chaos on the Williamsburg Bridge. The entire operation spans three floors, including a top level with a weather-slaying retractable roof. 

NYC’s archetype trendy rooftop is on the top floor of The Standard High Line. Up in the sky you’ll catch the requisite views and be able to gather around a hot tub for a little extra warmth once the Hudson River starts looking especially icy. 

This cocktail den sprawls across two terraces. In the evening, string lights, sunsets and the moon and stars illuminate its outdoor areas, and the loft-inspired lounge inside is lined with exposed-brick walls and reclaimed-wood tables. 

One of the first signs of winter in NYC has nothing to do with the temperature outside or what candy’s on the shelves at the Duane Reade: it’s the return of the domes at 230 5th. Each bubble is available for walk-ins until April 15 (get there early!) and they’re heated and transparent for maximum outdoor ambiance without the pesky chill. 

The Sultan Room is on the lowrise rooftop deck at the recently reopened Turk’s Inn. It gets a little extra coverage in the colder months and features live music and special cocktail programs some evenings.