The best rooftop brunches in NYC

What is it? A Philly import from Michael Solomonov that celebrates salatim and skewers charred over a charcoal-powered grill.

Why we love it: When Laser Wolf first arrived from Philadelphia in 2022, the shipudiya (aka grill house) was one of the more hopping tickets in town, with New Yorkers clamoring up to the roof of the Hoxton Hotel, with many willing to wait close to two hours to do so. But luckily for us, two things happened: one, the waits died down; and two, the grill stayed ever so hot. Now, keep in mind, Laser Wolf doesn't have a separate brunch menu. But when little tins of mezze spread across the table, be it the babaganous or a truly excellent hummus, paired with a selection of skewers that retain that telltale charcoal-tinged bite, you really won't need one.  

Time Out tip: When booking, go for a table seat versus the bar. You won't want to miss out on that spectacular view. 

Address: 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun noon–3pm

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 as 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 it 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 salsa verde-lashed chilaquiles and benedicts with tangled chile-flecked strands 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

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 9am–4pm

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

Why we love it: You can always dine alfresco at Alma, 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 loaded breakfast burritos, 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 it's never too early for a marg. Go for the classic or opt for the tamarindo for a tart kick. 

Address: 187 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 11am–3pm 

What is it? The rooftop restaurant inside Equinox’s very first hotel is as sleek as can be, with a terrace that actually gives you a good look at all of the build-up around Hudson Yards.

Why we love it: Yes, Electric Lemon is born from the very own luxury (and slightly elitist) gym brand, Equinox. But no, you don't need a membership or be any variety of a health nut to get in. However, if you do want something a tick healthier, hoofing it to this Hudson Yards spot yields pretty good results, as brunch cycles through little gem lettuces and fancy veggies and dips to chia seed bowls. If you need to up your protein count and care a little less about your macros, you can do so with the dry-aged cheeseburger.  

Time Out tip: Brunch is best experienced on the outdoor terrace overlooking a reflective pool and sculpted art pieces. As the weather cools, blankets and heaters let you soak up the sun longer.

Address: 33 Hudson Yards 24th Floor, New York, NY 10001 

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 8am-3pm

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What is it? A charming French bistro that's delighted Williamsburg residents for 20 years. The lush rooftop patio only adds to the charm of it all. 

Why we love it: This darling bistro has plenty of outdoor seating. 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, particularly at Juliette. 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. 

Time Out tip: The brunch menu does stray a bit from the classics, with chicken karrage sandwiches and tuna tartare atop crispy rice. But spins on the usuals, such as the banana-stuffed French toast, are kind of up our alley. 

Address: 135 N 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 10am–4pm

What is it? A rooftop at the OG Eataly locale that swaps out views with the season. 

Why we love it: Unlike most NYC rooftops, the best views at Eataly’s flagship outpost are inside the restaurant, which is redecorated seasonally with lush florals from the Tuscan countryside. This current season brings the spirit of the Italian coast to the table as lemons hang from trees and are placed on tablescapes and spritzes are so plentiful. Brunch favorites here get the full Italian treatment: think eggs Benedict with prosciutto cotto and carbonara with guanciale. 

Time Out tip: To really live the fantasy, there is a housemade limoncello bar that you can take neat or in a spritz. 

Address: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 11am–3:30pm

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What is it? Cantina Rooftop is a fiesta in the sky with taco towers, sparklers and year-round rooftop fun thanks to a glass roof.  

Why we love it: Located atop Stage 48, this modern rooftop restaurant offers a wide variety of classic brunch and Mexican-inspired dishes. Pick from a trio of guacamoles, from classic to chipotle and grilled corn topped (or order all three), flautas with queso Oaxaca and patacón con birria (smashed plantains with beef birria, fried cheese, guacamole and chile de Árbol sauce).  

Time Out tip: Can't choose between the frozen pineapple mezcal marg or the habanero margarita? You can always get a margarita flight anytime of day. 

Address: 605 W 48th St, New York, NY 10019

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun noon–4:30pm

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What is it? A year-round rooftop garden in Nomad, great for watching sports and people-watching.

Why we love it: 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. 

Time Out tip: If you’re in a boozy mood, tack on the 90-minute bottomless brunch—that includes mimosas and bellinis to IPA and PBR tallboys—for $30 more. 

Address: 47 E 29th St, New York, NY

Brunch hours: Sat, Sun 11am–4pm