The best rooftop brunches in NYC

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 vodka-cucumber cocktail, with Francophilic fare like the croque monsieur on house-baked brioche. Mon-Fri noon-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm.

Contrary to what the name might suggest, Sunday in Brooklyn is open for both brunch and dinner every day of the week. The rustic three-story space boasts an outdoor patio, marketplace, private dining room and rooftop garden. The brunch menu includes decadent twists on favorites like pancakes with hazelnut-maple praline and brown butter, an omelet with ​​mole, goat cheese, and oyster mushrooms and a breakfast sandwich piled with eggs, cheese, crispy potatoes and gochujang aioli (plus bacon, sausage and/or avocado for a little extra). Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-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. While the menu isn’t traditionally designed for brunch, dishes like burrata, panzanella and gnocchi are easy to enjoy during daylight hours. Mon-Sun 11:30am-9:30pm.

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 restaurant. Sat-Sun 11:30am-3pm. 

The dreamy, overgrown rooftop bar atop the warehouse that operates as the “McKittrick Hotel” for the wildly popular interactive show Sleep No More boasts a wide variety for its $55 weekend buffet brunch. Sample the frittata, suckling pig, fried chicken, shrimp cocktail and beet salad all in one go, plus a panier of fruit and yogurt, cinnamon rolls and chocolatines. Sat-Sun 10am-4pm.

Dine alfresco at this tri-level Mexican eatery, 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. Sat-Sun noon-4pm.

Located atop Stage 48, the 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-3:30pm.

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 the steak tartare (prepared with shallots, cornichon, quail yolk and pomme souffle) or keep it classic with chicken & waffles (served with bourbon hot honey and maple syrup cotton candy). Sat-Sun 11am-4:15pm.

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 the 90-minute, $45 brunch, which includes an entree and unlimited champagne and coffee. 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 11am-4pm.

During warm months, Mr. Purple’s brunch revelry sprawls across two terraces sporting a swimming pool and 6,000 square feet of panoramic outdoor space. While they no longer offer a brunch-specific menu, the setting is perfect for toasting rosé mimosas to weekend vibes amidst unobstructed cityscape views. Mon-Sun noon-late