The 18 best rooftop bars in NYC to check out right now

What is it? 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. 

Why we love it: 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. 

Time Out tip: Now approaching three years old, high in the sky downtown, 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.  

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? 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: The sixth-floor spot has a lengthy cocktail, wine, beer, and zero-ABV drink list and a better-than-rooftop bar selection of small and large plates. 

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? Located on the 18th floor of Roosevelt Island's Graduate hotel, the "jewel box" space by Med Abrous and Marc Rose—who are food and beverage partners of the hotel and co-founders of the hospitality group Call Mom—opens up to incredible views of the boroughs, the bridges and the East River, which shine like stars at night.

Why we love it: Designed by James Beard Award-winning design firm Parts and Labor Design, Panorama Room is visually dramatic. Its palatial vibes are set by luxurious velvet vintage-inspired tubular lounge sofas, chrome and marble touches, mosaic tile columns and its giant, tubular acrylic chandeliers that hover above the massively long bar. It's not only luxe but it's somehow simultaneously futuristic and retro.

Time Out tip: Check the forecast before you go, then sit outside. Seriously. When we say the views here are breathtaking–some of the best in NYC–believe it. The RI tram isn’t like Central Park carriage rides–it’s not a gimmick, it’s not meant for tourists. Do everyone who has a commute home a big favor and take the F train. 

Address: 22 N Loop Rd, New York, NY 10044

Opening hours: Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri, Sat 3pm-1am; Sun 3pm-midnight

What is it? Night of Joy may not have the sprawling, multi-level rooftop, or over-the-top views that social media posts are made of, but its cozy space (open spring through fall) is still among the best. Its frozen margaritas are some of the city's finest, too. 

Why we love it: Billyburg’s bar scene skews divey, but this bi-level drinks den offers laid-back boozing sans the stench of stale beer. The vibe is vaguely Victorian, complete with ottomans, throw pillows and antique-looking tchotchkes. 

Time Out tip: While the ground-floor bar also stocks beers (including Sixpoint and Kronenbourg) and organic French wines, the real draw is upstairs—scale the steps in the back to find a roof deck with a frozen-margarita station.

Address: 667 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 5pm-2am, Sun; Fri, Sat 5pm-4am

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: It's surprisingly chic given its Times Square location. 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? New to Nomad’s Ritz-Carlton from chef José Andrés, Nubeluz lives high on the hotel’s 50th floor. Its position boasts precise 270-degree views from 500 feet off the ground, the view more than earning the venue's name—it blends the Spanish words for cloud (“nube”) and light (“luz”).

Why we love it: The same innovative deliciousness you can find at Andrés's other food-and-drink establishments is on offer here, from the salt foam margaritas to the bagel-and-lox cones filled with Dill cream cheese and marinated salmon roe.

Time Out tip: The menu includes novel and classic cocktails but also a selection of no-booze beverages like the "Ticket to Nowhere," but note that just because you're saving on alcohol doesn't mean you'll save on cash. The mocktails are $24 a pop.

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

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 3pm-midnight; Thu 3pm-1am; Fri, Sat 11am-1am; Sun 11am-midnight

What is it? Daintree, on the top floor of midtown’s Hotel Hendricks, is the latest venture from Parched Hospitality, the group behind another recently opened chic rooftop lounge, The Sentry Flatiron, among other NYC venues. 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 all 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.

Time Out tip: 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 in cooler weather? The Empire State Building looks cooler then, anyway.

Address: 25 West 38th Street, New York, NY 10018

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 4-10pm; Wed-Sat 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 the nearby rooftop bar Ides at the Wythe Hotel and offers sweeping views of three boroughs (Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan).

Time Out tip: A wraparound terrace—encased with a plexiglass railing and dotted with bright-yellow viewfinders for sky-high people-watching—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.

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? 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.

Time Out tip: 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. 

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

Opening hours: Thu, Sun 3-9pm; Fri, Sat 3pm-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 stand-alone restaurant 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.

Time Out tip: Gather friends for a round of minigolf or cornhole (beanbag toss) outdoors. After hitting the greens, grab a picnic table and dig into simple coastal fare, such as peel-and-eat shrimp and steam pots brimming with lobster, Jonah crab and mussels, along with potatoes and corn.

Address: 24 Reed St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

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

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. It’s fun but pricey. We enjoyed the Purple Tuxedo–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? 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.

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 space taking 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 hotel is open year-round, and it's especially festive this time of year. Up on the 18th floor, you’ll find poolside seats 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. 

Time Out tip: The line to go up to the 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. Head up to the roof before 9pm for craft cocktails sans crowds.

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 wrap-around windows that spotlight the New York City skyline like it’s 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? This Broken Shaker follows the Miami original—in addition to its indoor bar, the 18th-floor terrace area is one of our favorite places to sip summery cocktails with a side of sweeping views.

Why we love it: The New York outpost brings the same tropical energy—think bamboo with lots of plants and drinks heavy on fresh fruit—as the original location in Florida.

Time Out tip: As one of the few truly cool places around Gramercy for rooftop drinks, the 18th-floor terrace is ideal for grabbing a refreshing cocktail with some small bites like empanadas and shrimp tacos.

Address: Freehand New York, 23 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10010

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 4pm-midnight; Thu-Sat 4pm-1am

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