The 16 best rooftop bars in NYC to check out right now

What is it? The seasonal terrace at Bar Blondeau, the rooftop bar at the Wythe Hotel, is a lovely low-rise platform for the East River and NYC skyline landscape ahead. 

Why we love it: A favorite activity at Bar Blondeau? Watching the sun sink over the New York City skyline, as the entire bar with its bold emerald green tiles and blond woods gets washed in a fleeting sunshine. Another second favorite? Having a drink in hand while it all goes down. The sixth-floor spot features a lengthy cocktail list, alongside natural wines, beers and zero-ABV drinks. Seeing as how the gig is run by the Le Crocodile team down below, you can also expect better-than-average bar food such as steak frites, pâté toasts and bouncy scallops in a broth so zippy we have been known to drink it. 

Time Out tip: Pop up during “Sunset Hour” from 5pm to 7pm for $11 cocktails like the Martini Blonde; otherwise, you can, of course, find a spread of natural wines and small plates—this is Williamsburg, after all.

Address: 80 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5pm–midnight; Sat 2pm–midnight; Sun 1pm–midnight

What is it? Perched on the 64th floor of 70 Pine Street, just above sibling spots Crown Shy and Saga, Overstory is the cherry on top of the trio of outstanding spots. 

Why we love it: Overstory is as cozy as a music box in the sky, with views that seem to go on forever out on the wrap-around terrace. A good stretch away from its 2021 opening, Overstory is still a tough reservation to come by, but space can be had with a little patience and a lot of advance planning. Coordinate and you’ll be rewarded with truly out-of-sight skyline tableaus that even a hot air balloon pilot would admire. Overstory also allegedly accepts walk-ins, and the bar at Crown Shy downstairs is a lovely place to wait.

Time Out tip: Test your tastebuds with The S.D.G, a smokey, fruity and earthy number due to the infusion of sal de gusano salt (aka salt made out of agave worms). The little square of chamoy fruit leather that goes on top of the cube ties it all together.  

Address: 70 Pine St, 64th Floor, New York, NY 10005

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5pm-midnight; Thu 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 4pm–1am; Sun 4pm–midnight

What is it? Ophelia is a place to trade conversation and maybe a few secrets, rather than shout over the soundtrack. Fashioned with soaring cathedral windows that look out onto the East River and jewel-toned blue walls, this is one of the most elegant rooftop experiences in town.

Why we love it: If Lewis Carroll’s Hatter (colloquially known as the Mad Hatter) moved to Manhattan and brought his love of imbibing, curating and menacing to bear on the hospitality industry, the resulting operation might look like Ophelia. Everything just seems a little outsized here, including the black and white checkerboard tile floor, high ceilings, geometric windows behind the bar, velvety banquettes and the city view.

Time Out tip: As you might expect from a rooftop bar, cocktail-making is the thing here. There are a lot of nice tweaks on standards and some that get a little out there. We enjoyed the Purple Tuxedo with gin, aquavit, vermouth, falernum, absinthe and plum bitters.

Address: Beekman Tower, 3 Mitchell Pl, Brooklyn, NY 10017

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5-11pm; Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 5pm–2am; Sun noon–11pm

What is it? Found inside the Nomad’s Ritz-Carlton, Nubeluz from chef José Andrés lives high on the hotel’s 50th floor. Its position offers precise 270-degree views from 500 feet off the ground, a view that more than earns the venue's name—it blends the Spanish words for cloud (“nube”) and light (“luz”). 

Why we love it: Nubeluz has such mindbendingly good views of the southern tip of Manhattan that once you get to the edge of the floor-to-ceiling windows, you may just get a touch of vertigo. Right yourself with bites that make you feel on top of the world again: jamón iberico tacos with caviar bumps and two grilled cheeses with truffle butter for dipping. A few of Andrés's tried and trues can be found up here as well, salt foam margaritas included.

Time Out tip: There are tons of velvet couches for canoodling here. But for the best view, we suggest booking a mirrored two-top that sits right at the edge of the window for all of the views. 

Address: 25 West 28th St, New York, NY 10001

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 3pm–midnight; Thu 3pm–1am; Fri, Sat 4pm–1am; Sun 4pm–midnight; High tea Fri–Sun 11am–3pm

What is it? The 2019 follow-up to Dear Irving, this bi-level cocktail bar offers an “Ode to The Empire State” with spirits made in New York.

Why we love it: Dear Irving is surprisingly chic, given its Times Square address. Velvet couches, brass finishes and rounded doorways seem straight out of the set design for a 1960s James Bond movie. And after a couple of drinks, you might just get into your own espionage.

Time Out tip: The place was designed for you and a date to locate the perfect nook. Different corners each have their own vibe, ranging from a 1970s living room to a retrofuturistic afterparty. 

Address: Aliz Hotel Times Square, 310 W 40th St, New York 10018

Opening hours: Mon 5pm–midnight; Wed, Thu 5pm–1am; Fri, Sat 4pm–2am; Sun 4pm–midnight

What is it? A stylish glass box capping the neighborhood’s tallest skyscraper, Williamsburg's William Vale Hotel

Why we love it: Westlight is located sixteen stories higher than its sister rooftop bar—Ides, also inside the Wythe Hotel—and offers sweeping views of three boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan). Encased with a plexiglass railing and dotted with bright-yellow viewfinders for sky-high people-watching, the wraparound terrace is fixed with lounge chairs for warmer weather. But when the chill sets in, the best seats in the house are the low-slung leather couches and velvet banquettes set directly in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Sit back and enjoy the show below.

Time Out tip: Grabbing a drink here, post a spa sesh at the Winter Spa at The William Vale hotel, seems like an ideal way to continue the relaxation. 

Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 4pm–midnight, Fri 4pm–1am; Sat noon–2am; Sun noon–midnight

What is it? Channeling Maine's minigolf clam shacks, this hulking 250-seat eatery brings putt-putt facilities and seaside tastes to Red Hook's waterfront. Elevated on stilts, the three-story restaurant known as the Brooklyn Crab is done up with wharf-themed flourishes: lobster traps, fishing rods, Christmas lights and a mounted shark's head. 

Why we love it: The supersized shack is very on-brand, with nautical decor, buckets of beer, tons of cocktails, fishbowl drinks and a menu overflowing with all manner of oysters, shrimp, lobster, and, of course, crab. It also boasts one of our low-key favorite views across the East River that’s as enticing as a seafood tower. Speaking of, spend the afternoon digging into simple coastal fare, such as peel-and-eat shrimp and steamed pots brimming with lobster, Jonah crab and mussels, along with potatoes and corn.

Time Out tip: Gather friends to hit the greens down below for a round of minigolf or cornhole. 

Address: 24 Reed St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Mon—Thu, Sun noon—10pm; Fri, Sat noon—11pm

What is it? Daintree, on the top floor of midtown’s Hotel Hendricks, is the latest venture from Parched Hospitality. And, just like Parched's last opening, Daintree is notable for its Manhattan skyline views. 

Why we love it: The flora, color scheme and vistas at Daintree bring the outside in, while a 70-seat terrace does the reverse. The south-facing vantage point has a clear line to the Empire State Building with plenty of possible snapshots from myriad angles. The place is open year-round but feels geared to the warm months. Thing is, the terrace isn’t super spacious, so as cool as the views are, you’re probably going to view them through windows anyway. Why not forego the hubbub and come on a rainy night or on a cooler day? The Empire State Building looks cooler then, anyway.

Time Out tip: Just this month, another Daintree has opened in the Lower East Side. And just like its sister spot, you too can get views of the city beyond. 

Address: 25 West 38th St, New York, NY 10018; 139 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 

Opening hours: Vary by location

What is it? The sixth-floor bar at The Rockaway Hotel has views of the Atlantic Ocean and the NYC skyline, plus it's close to the beach. 

Why we love it: An oasis in the city, The Rockaway Hotel feels like a beachy, remote retreat even though it's just over an hour's subway ride from midtown. And the rooftop extends those relaxing vibes with ample greenery, tons of terrace space and delicious drinks. Take all of it in over large-format margaritas or mezcalomas with pals, or order standard sizes to sip on your own. Big and small snacks like charcuterie, lobster sliders and raw bar platters are also on the menu.

Time Out tip: Even if you visit in the off-season, aka when the wind hurts your face, don't worry, the roof becomes completely encased in the cooler months. 

Address: 108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive, Brooklyn, NY 11694

Opening hours: Thu, Sun 3–9pm; Fri, Sat 3pm–midnight

What is it? A rooftop atop the UNTITLED hotel that mimics the grit of the city below it, with heavy concrete and graffiti balanced with Wagyu hot dogs and disco balls. 

Why we love it? UNLISTED feels a little like a secret, since finding it involves a dip through a heavily graffiti-ed alleyway and a sneak up to the 11th floor. The inside feels effortlessly cool with even more graffiti on the walls that you can admire from a collection of jewel-toned couches and chairs. Take in the art over clarified negronis with matcha and a round of nuts for the table, comically served out of a New York trash can. But, of course, you are on a rooftop after all. So set your eyes on the spacious 2,300-square-foot patio when the weather is nice and take in the 360-degree views.

Time Out tip: Keep in mind, weekend warriors: beverages go up in price after 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Address: 3 Freeman Alley, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10002 

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 6pm–midnight; Fri, Sat 6pm–1am

What is it? This rooftop bar in East Williamsburg manages to simultaneously offer sprawling city views and intimate vibes.

Why we love it: Although it's only on the 4th floor, LoHi’s panorama stretches wide over the surrounding East Williamsburg. Its twinkling backdrop is more understated than some corporate behemoths in the rooftop category, giving the space an incidentally beautiful feel. It is constantly a fun scene with weekly drag performances and DJ sets that turn a vibe. 

Time Out tip: The “rooftop tax” that tends to inflate prices elsewhere is absent here, too, and Lohi’s beer, wine and cocktails are a few bucks cheaper than you’ll find at many Manhattan counterparts. 

Address: 314 Scholes Street, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 4pm—midnight; Fri, Sat 4pm—2am; Sun 2pm—midnight

What is it? A playful rooftop that takes up the top floor of the Moxy East Village.

Why we love it: This elevated downtown destination has a backyard party vibe with abundant greenery, twinkling hanging lights, eclectic outdoor furniture and plenty of sunlight. It kind of feels like you’re hanging out in a friend’s (very clean) backyard except you don’t have to worry about getting yelled at by angry neighbors.

Time Out tip: A large, retractable glass roof offers varying experiences based on the weather—transitioning the space from a party-in-a-greenhouse situation to an open-air hang in a matter of seconds. (The bar, made of plastic milk crates, looks particularly striking against the lower Manhattan skyline with the roof fully retracted.)

Address: 112 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 4–11pm; Sat, Sun noon–11pm

What is it? The rooftop at the ModernHaus SoHo hotel is open year-round, and it's especially festive no matter the time of year. Up on the 18th floor, you’ll find poolside seats when the weather is nice and cocktails like the grilled pineapple mojito. 

Why we love it: The atmosphere is intimate and refined, with stylish furniture and a working fireplace—perfect if you're one of those people who are chilly, even in summer—all surrounded by 14’ windows with panoramic views of New York below. Yes, you can get in the pool (we've seen a few people do it), but it is definitely more of a status symbol than a swimming one. 

Time Out tip: The weekend lines that accumulate when attempting to visit Jimmy can be disheartening, especially on a warm summer night. Thankfully, hotel guests don’t have to queue to check out the bar for themselves. 

Address: 27 Grand St, New York, NY 10013

Opening hours: Mon 5–10pm; Tue 5–11pm; Wed 5pm–midnight; Thu, Fri 5pm–2am; Sat 4pm–2am; Sun 4:30–10:30pm

What is it? New York's largest all-season indoor and outdoor rooftop bar features multiple bars, live DJs, rotating seasonal pop-ups and epic views of the Empire State Building skyline.

Why we love it: Magic Hour updates its look fairly frequently for photo ops that keep 'em coming back, and previous iterations spanning the Moxy hotel's 18th floor rooftop have included oodles of faux pastel blooms, disco balls and photogenic food and drinks.

Time Out tip: Don't miss the carousel! 

Address: Moxy Times Square, 485 Seventh Ave, New York, NY 10018

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 5pm–midnight; Thu 5pm–2am; Fri 5pm–4am; Sat 11:30am–4am; Sun 11:30am–midnight

What is it? The rooftop bar of the still-trendy Standard Hotel, Le Bain boasts two floors with sweet views of the Hudson River and New Jersey, not to mention a friggin’ jacuzzi (taking a dip is optional) and a dance floor for househeads.

Why we love it: This is not the kind of place we suggest for a casual pop-in, but it does have its place in NYC nightlife as a go-to destination for a night out. Expect wraparound windows that spotlight the New York City skyline like an enormous museum exhibit, alongside celebrity sightings and late-night dancing.

Time Out tip: As far as the crowd is concerned, think the children of the Meatpacking clubbers of yore—not their literal offspring, but models and model types.

Address: 444 W 13th St, New York, NY 10014

Opening hours: Mon 4pm–midnight; Tue–Fri 4pm–4am; Sat 2pm–4am; Sun 2pm–midnight

What is it? A popular destination on Columbia Street’s restaurant row, three-story Alma serves fancy regional Mexican food in a giddy, casual atmosphere. 

Why we love it: The food ranges from old standards (fresh, cilantro-heavy salsa and creamy, addictive guac) to sophisticated dishes like huachinango a la naranja, a red snapper with orange sauce, which is as airy and light as the view.

Time Out tip: Although the ground-floor bar and mid-level dining room are great, diners clamor for a seat on the rooftop patio (open year-round!) for inspiring views of the Manhattan skyline and the glittering, accidental beauty of cargo loaders below. Sidle up to sip its standout margaritas, frozen or otherwise and often available in fruity varieties.

Address: 187 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 5–10pm; Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–9pm

Elevate your drinking game at our favorite rooftop bars across the country, from elegant aeries to bare-bones patios