The 10 best rooftop brunches in NYC

What is it? A tri-level Mexican eatery where the year-round rooftop patio is the place for Pueblan and Oaxcan cuisine. 

Why we love it: You can always dine alfresco at Alam, where diners vie for a spot on the rooftop patio year-round. No degree of hangover stands a chance against hearty morning fare like chilaquiles con huevos with jalapeño home fries or the loaded breakfast burritos, which are offered in both vegetarian and meat-lover formats. If you’re looking for a little hair of the dog that bit you, Alma's frozen margaritas are amongst the best in the city. 

Time Out tip: We say, its never too early for a marg. Go for the classic or go for the tamarindo for a tart kick. 

Address: 187 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231-14

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

What is it? A rooftop on the 11th floor of The Penny Hotel where mornings (should) start with birria chilaquiles and neon-hued prickly pear sours. 

Why we love it: Williamsburg is actually home to quite a few aerial stunners, with the elNico Rooftop rising to one of the best. Atop the hybrid hotel, the rooftop restaurant and bar has clear-eyed views of Brooklyn and the Manhattan skyline, with the loungey outdoor terrace taking the cake as the best place to park with a round of prickly pear sours or tequilas during summer months. But even as things chill, the roof stays active with a covered greenhouse, making it a nice place for a brunchy morning over verde-lashed chilaquiles and benedicts bumped with shreddy tangles of birria. 

Time Out tip: Are Gibsons a daytime drink? If it is the Tomatillo Gibson, a vegetal, pickly slightly spicy riff on the classic, then we are here to tell you, yes, yes it is. 

Address: 288 N 8th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Opening hours: Sun 9am–10pm; Mon–Thur 4–10pm; Fri 4pm–1am; Sat 9am–1am Brunch Sat, Sun 9am–4pm

Outdoor seats abound at this darling bistro, and while brunching on the sidewalk or in a garden has its charm, you have to admit that everything just tastes better on a rooftop. Pair the Pepino, a sparkling vodka-cucumber lemonade, with Francophilic fare like the croque monsieur on house-baked brioche for the ultimate summer morning meal. Mon-Fri 11am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm.

Unlike most NYC rooftops, the best views atop Eataly’s flagship outpost are inside the restaurant, which is redecorated seasonally with the lush florals of the Tuscan countryside.  Brunch favorites here get the full Italian treatment: think tiramisù pancakes and eggs Benedict with prosciutto cotto. Mon-Sun 11am-9:30pm.

Make your way up to The Glass Ceiling, where you’ll feel comfortably nestled in an urban oasis that juxtaposes its tropical paradise decor with NYC’s iconic architecture and decadent takes on old favorites, like the candied croissant sandwich, their version of a baconeggandcheese. Expect to have a good time rain or shine, thanks to the retractable glass roof (and the $25pp, 90-minute “DIY bottomless bubbles” and bloody Marys).

Enjoy a mix of classic brunch staples like steak and eggs alongside cinnamon roll pancakes and Asian-inflected seafood plates like Wagyu surf-and-turf hand rolls in the glass-encased lounge and rooftop terrace roof of this three-story mega-popular Meatpacking restaurant. Sat-Sun 11:30am-3pm. 

Located atop Stage 48, this modern rooftop restaurant offers a wide variety of classic brunch and Mexican-inspired dishes. Pick from plates like cinnamon- and sugar-dusted ricotta fritters, huevos estrellados (eggs with avocado, bacon, fry cheese and maduros) and a Pat LaFrieda burger topped with pickled jalapeños and American cheese. Sat-Sun 11am-10pm.

Find French-Mediterranean fare from chef Seth Levine and classically inspired cocktails at this posh tri-level bar and restaurant, where you can take your weekend brunch with a side of sunny rays at its 2,000-square-foot Parisian-inspired rooftop. Go full haute with truffle pizza (topped with roasted mushrooms, goat cheese, Parmesan and shaved black truffles) or keep it classic with chicken & waffles (served with bourbon hot honey and maple syrup cotton candy). Sat-Sun 11am-5pm.

Post up at a Biergarten-style picnic table on the lit-strung rooftop of this bi-level gastropub, where craft beers from more than twenty taps are complemented by a brunch menu featuring Buffalo chicken dip, avocado toast and a “hangover pizza” loaded with béchamel sauce, bacon and two sunny-side eggs. If you’re in a boozy mood, tack on the 90-minute bottomless brunch for just $25 more. Fri-Sun 11am-4pm (last seating at 2:30pm).

It’ll take you a while to get into this massive rooftop bar—not because of the door policy, but because of its popularity. Take in views of the Empire State, MetLife and Chrysler Buildings during 230’s famed 90-minute, $45 brunch, which includes an entree and a bottle of champagne for every two guests. Come summer, take refuge from the sun under 230’s shady umbrellas, and in winter, gather in pop-up igloos to protect your party outfit from the elements. Sat-Sun 11:30am-4pm.