40 Stunning NYC Rooftop Bars Perfect For The Summer

With the summer weather heating up the city, it’s time to plan out your must-visit rooftops for when the sun is shining, and only a refreshing cocktail could do the trick!

From Midtown mainstays to brand new spots, there are tons of amazing options.

These 40 places (separated by area) are the perfect spots for rooftop cocktails and dining in the summer. Cheers!

Midtown

The Skylark

Located 30-stories high, The Skylark is an upscale lounge boasting views of nearly every iconic NYC landmark from the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, One Vanderbilt, Hudson Yards, to the Time Square New Year’s Eve Ball. Get cozy in one of their private nooks and enjoy floor-to-ceiling sliding windows. Make sure to head out to the rooftop terrace to catch a gorgeous sunset while you sip one of their refreshing cocktails!

Where: 200 W 39th St.

Hours: Hours vary, see here.

Refinery Rooftop

Where: 63 W 38th St.

Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 11:30 am – 10 pm, Thursday – Saturday 11:30 am – 12 am

Get an up-close view of the Empire State Building at this terrace atop the Refinery Hotel. They have fun handcrafted cocktails, along with light bites like sliders, cacio e pepe tater tots or a chocolate cookie skillet to indulge your sweet tooth!

Sushi Lab Rooftop

Where: 132 w 47th St.

Hours: Hours vary, see here.

Have a fine dining rooftop experience at Sushi Lab Rooftop, atop the gorgeous midtown Sanctuary Hotel. The fairly new rooftop restaurant features Japanese small plates along with creative sushi, plus an incredible omakase experience, utilizing only the freshest ingredients. The space features seats at the chef’s counter and additional outdoor tables.

Elsie Rooftop

Where: 1412 Broadway, New York

Hours: Hours vary, see here.

Check out this rooftop located right near Bryant Park and 25 stories up. This upscale rooftop will have you feeling giddy with its gorgeous views and not just from their cocktails! Try their Cold Poached Lobster Sliders or their Truffle Grilled Cheese along with a Sunset cocktail made with Tanqueray, strawberry, lemon, sugar, and soda. Learn more here.

Magic Hour Rooftop

Where: 485 Seventh Avenue, New York

Hours: Hours vary, see here.

Currently still decorated for their pink winter lodge, Magic Hour Rooftop is known to makeover their space come spring. The 18th floor rooftop normally transforms closer to May. Last year, it turned into a pink rose garden, complete with 10,000 roses, and of course pink themed treats and cocktails!

Monarch Rooftop

The Monarch Rooftop takes over 5,000 square feet and maintains a clubby atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Soak in the sun hundreds of feet above street level with a drink in hand. Enjoy their cozy couches and choose from an extensive menu with refreshing light bites and top-notch cocktails.

Where: 71 W 35th St, New York

Hours: Hours vary, see here.

Cloud Social

Where: 6 W 32nd St, New York

Hours: Sunday – Thursday 3pm – 12am, Friday – Saturday 3 pm – 1 am

From hand-crafted cocktails to your favorite bar food snacks, Cloud Social offers a friendly atmosphere with hip decor and a beautiful indoor to outdoor transitional space. Order a Juicy Watermelon made with rum, peach schnapps, watermelon, lime juice, watermelon juice and rose syrup for summertime in a cocktail!

Daintree

Catch some of the best views the city has to offer at Daintree Rooftop & Lounge. Pair one of their craft cocktails with 1/2 dozen beau soleil oysters and you’re in paradise! See more here.

Where: 25 W 38th St 29th Floor

Hours: Hours vary, see here

 Ophelia (Midtown East)

This dazzling rooftop is the perfect haven in the sky. From astounding river views to classy cocktails, you can’t go wrong spending an evening at Ophelia!

Where:3 Mitchell Pl 26th floor, New York

When: Sunday – Wednesday 5 pm – 11 pm, Thursday – Saturday 5 pm – 2 am

East Side

Kips Bay

Roof at Park South

Pair your spicy marg with some delicious oysters at this luxe rooftop located in Rose Hill. The expansive cocktail bar offers four unique spaces: Umbrella Lounge, Floral Area, Fireside Lounge, and Private Garden. So whether it’s a rainy day or warm and sunny, it’s always a good time to hang at this spot.

Where: 125 E. 27th Street, New York

Hours: See on their website here.

East Village

Where: 112 E 11th St, New York (The Moxy East Village)

Hours: Wednesday – Friday 4 pm – 10 pm and Saturday – Sunday 12 pm – 10 pm

Located at the Moxy East Village, The Ready Rooftop is ready to bring all the spring/summer vibes you’ve been looking for. The space “evokes a coveted New York City backyard” that stays open all year long, thanks to their retractable glass roof. With colorful seating and a hand-painted mural, the space gives of beer garden vibes while paying homage to the East Village neighborhood. There’s even a beer pong table that serves as a communal table!

LES

Make Believe

Where: 190 Allen St, New York

Hours: Monday – Wednesday 6 pm – 12 am, Thursday 6 pm – 2 am, Friday 6 pm – 3 am, Saturday 2 pm – 3 am

This rooftop oasis feels like a tropical paradise 7 floors above Manhattan. Lounge on their plush pink couches while you dance to the energetic DJ set and sip on cocktails until the sun has long set. Try their Falcon Punch for a refreshing drink on a sunny day. Learn more on their website.

Mr. Purple

Where: 180 Orchard St 15th floor, New York

Hours: Monday – Wednesday 5 pm – 2 am, Thursday 5 pm – 3 am, Friday 5 pm – 4 am, Saturday 2 pm – 4 am, Sunday 2 pm – 2 am

Though known for their luxurious winter chalet theme, don’t forget that Mr. Purple is the rooftop to be on all year-round. On top of Hotel Indigo’s 15th floor, this vibrant spot is just what’d you’d expect to find in the funky Lower East Side neighborhood. Not feeling like drinking but still want the view? No worries, they serve cold pressed juices and coffee that are just as tasty!

cloudM

Have a toast in the clouds! Take in the best view of the Lower East Side from 20 stories high at CloudM. This dreamy rooftop bar is located within citizenM New York Bowery Hotel and fits up to 200 people when its outdoor deck is open.

Where: 189 Bowery, New York

When: Hours vary, see here.

West Side

Hell’s Kitchen

Where: 605 W 48th St.

Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 5 pm – 12 am, Saturday: 11 am – 12 am, Sunday: 11 am – 2 pm

Cantina Rooftop on 48th Street has been open since 2014 and offers a “modern Mexican menu” as well as specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails. But the main attraction? It boasts a climate-controlled retractable glass rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Manhattan, that can be enjoyed no matter the season—or the weather. Right now it’s decked out with brightly colored umbrellas, making a gorgeous photo op.

And while you’re there, don’t forget about their gigantic 12-pound taco!

The Press Lounge

Did somebody say rooftop pool?! Find this swanky spot atop the Ink48 Hotel and though you can’t go for a splash, the pool sure adds to the ambiance. Stay warm on chilly nights by their elegant fireplaces and cheers your friends with some seasonal cocktails and local wines.

Where: 653 11th Ave., New York

When: Hours vary, see here.

Chelsea

Where: 152 W 26th St.

Hours: Sunday – Thursday 4 pm -12 am, Friday – Saturday 4pm – 1 am

If you want to channel summer vibes, and if you don’t get out to the Hamptons as much as you might want to, the Sandbar Rooftop in Chelsea is ready for you! They have a retractable roof and those swing seats we adore!.

Where: 112 W 25th St, New York

Hours: Hours vary, see here.

This two-level nightclub & lounge located on the 38th & 39th floor of the Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel is also the tallest hotel rooftop with a pool in the city! It’s secret garden theme and enchanting decor will transport you to a mystical wonderland. Enjoy live DJs, pool parties, and immersive dinners all summer long at this go-to spot. See more information here.

Gallow Green

This secret garden rooftop is the ultimate oasis to escape the city and drink some delicious cocktails while you’re at it. Voted time and time again as one of NYC’s best rooftops, it’s definitely a spot you’ll want to check out. And for chillier nights, guests can still enjoy the fresh air by staying warm by their outdoor fire pit. Read more here.

Where: 542 W 27th Street, New York

Hours: Hours vary, see on website here.

Lower Manhattan

SoHo

JIMMY

Where: 15 Thompson Street, New York

Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 5 pm – 12 pm, Thursday – Friday 5 pm – 2 am, Saturday 3 pm – 2 am

The iconic JIMMY rooftop atop the new Modernhaus SoHo Hotel turns 11 this year. Enjoy creative cocktails like the Blushing Lady and Legal in Vermont along with global bar fare. Make sure to check out the outdoor pool deck and unobstructed panoramic view of the city.

FiDi

Where: 100 Broad St.

Hours: Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 10 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm

Ampia Rooftop, which comes from the owners of the popular Gnoccheria, has charming plastic mini greenhouses adorning their terrace. Located in FiDi, the rooftop has greenhouses for tables of two that diners can cuddle up in for light bites and drinks. Oh and another positive–a little rain won’t bother you! Last year, they were totally decked-out with florals, so we can’t wait to see what they come up with this year.

Overstory

Head up 64-stories and enjoy tasty drinks and unparalleled views of New York City (and beyond) at this sky-high bar. See more here.

When: Tuesday – Saturday: 5:30pm – 12:00am

Where: 64th floor of 70 Pine Street

Chinatown

The Crown NYC

Where: 50 Bowery

Hours: Sunday – Friday 4 pm – 11 pm, Saturday 2 pm – 11 pm

This go-to NYC rooftop at Hotel 50 Bowery in downtown Manhattan is ready for patio season! Enjoy incredible views plus a rotating selection of Gerber Group’s classic and seasonal cocktails alongside an expansive collection of small-batch spirits, regionally brewed craft beers, and universal wine offerings.

NoMad

Mondrian Terrace

Where: 444 Park Ave S.

Hours: Tuesday- Saturday 5 pm -12 am

This NYC hotel has a beautiful terrace on the 15th floor, overlooking the city. Tables are fit with comfortable booth seating and surrounding plants, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a peaceful garden oasis. An oasis with an incredible cocktail menu, that is! The craft cocktails available on the rooftop are light, bright and perfect for summer. 

Glass Ceiling

Where: 1204 Broadway (5th Floor), New York

Hours: Tuesday – Friday 4 pm – 9 pm, Saturday – Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm

Named after its retractable glass ceiling, this rooftop botanical-themed bar has the perfect ambiance with a marble bar and luxurious seating (both indoor and outdoor). Catch the perfect view of the Empire State building while you order tasty cocktails like the Frozen Rosé or the Cucumber Champagne Mojito.

Flatiron

Where: 200 Fifth Avenue

Hours: Everyday 11:30 am – 9:30 pm

One of the city’s favorite rooftops, SERRA by Birreria, will soon transform into their eagerly awaited spring/summer theme. Last year’s was inspired by “a greenhouse with flower buds, greenery, and plants, inspired by nature’s own flowering transformation.” Whatever this year’s may be, it’s sure to transport you to the Italian countryside with a bright, fun ambiance. Learn more here.

230 Fifth Rooftop

Where: 230 5th Ave, New York

Hours: Monday – Thursday 2 pm – 1 am, Friday 2 pm – 4 am, Saturday 11 am – 4 am, Sunday 11 am – 1 am

You simply can’t beat the view of the Empire State Building from 230 Fifth Rooftop. You can rent your own private igloo or choose to dine completely outdoors. With comfortable seating, tropical palm trees, and frozen drinks you’ve got all you need for a good time! Make your reservation on their website.

Brooklyn

Williamsburg

Ainslie

Where: 76 Ainslie St., Brooklyn

Hours: Hours vary, see here.

Enjoy mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas, pastas, Wood Fired Rosemary Wings and more, along with an extensive beer, wine & cocktail menu. Plus their All You Can Drink Brunch is from 11am – 4pm on the weekends. Learn more here.

Night of Joy

This rooftop patio only opens up seasonally, but when it does it’s a must-visit spot for those summer days when you’re in need of a frozen margarita. More here.

Where: 667 Lorimer St, Brooklyn

When: Sunday – Thursday 5pm – 12am, Friday – Saturday 5pm – 2am

Westlight NYC

Where: 111 N 12th St., Brooklyn

Hours: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 12 am, Saturday & Sunday 1 pm – 12 am

On top of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this 22nd floor rooftop bar comes from Chef Andrew Carmellini. Enjoy sweeping views of the city while you sip on one of their original or classic cocktails.

Berry Park

Berry Park‘s rooftop is open all year round, but there’s something extra special about it when summertime hits. Admire sweeping skyline sights and catch a game inside on their big projection screen.

Where: 4 Berry St, Brooklyn

When: Hours vary, see here.

Slate Rooftop

A Chelsea favorite has opened a new spot over in Brooklyn atop The Pod Brooklyn Hotel. Enjoy Slate’s signature larger-than-life games, but this time paired with gorgeous city views. Find out more here.

Where: 247 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn

When: Tue-Thur 3pm – 11pm, Fri: 3pm – 12am, Sat: 1pm – 12am, Sun: 1pm – 11pm

LoHi (East Williamsburg)

Head over to this Brooklyn rooftop for trivia night and exciting DJ sets! LoHi is the perfect spot for gathering with a large group of friends, and as they hashtag, #boozewithaview!

Where: 314 Scholes St., Brooklyn

When: Wednesday – Saturday 5 pm – 12 am

Brooklyn Heights

Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge

Where: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn Heights

Hours: Hours vary, see here.

After their popular Polar Lounge, keep enjoying Harriet Rooftop’s unmatched views of the Brooklyn Bridge as the weather continues to warm up! Located on the 10th floor of 1 Hotel Brooklyn you’ll find the perfect escape. Whether its brunch or dinner, the menu features incredible dishes from Chilaquiles to Steak & Fries…not to mention delicious cocktails!

Bushwick

Elsewhere

Though Elsewhere is better known as one of Brooklyn’s favorite music venues, their open-air rooftop is the perfect place to enjoy a drink while catching some incredible live music. Order a frozen cocktail and dance the night away while the sunset and skyline make the most striking backdrop. The rooftop will officially reopen on May 26th, 2022. View their summer lineup on their website here.

Where: 599 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn

Hours: See here.

Brooklyn Navy Yard

Rooftop Reds

Head out—or shall we say up—to a vineyard right here in NYC. Taste a variety of wines from the Brooklyn vines growing at this unique urban vineyard. Rooftop Reds‘ custom urban planter system covers the 14,800 square-foot rooftop to bring New Yorkers distinctive wines with a city view.

Where: 299 Sands Street, Building 275, Brooklyn

Hours: Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 5 – 9 pm; Saturdays & Sundays 12 – 4 pm and 5 – 9 pm

Queens

LIC

Vista Sky Lounge

Wow your date with stunning views when you take them to this candlelit rooftop. Stretching 3,000 sq. feet of terrace, get a drink at Vista Sky Lounge‘s 30 foot bar and watch Manhattan glitter from across the river.

Where: 27-05 39th Avenue Top Floor, Long Island City

When: Hours vary, see here.

Jamaica

On top of being home to a retro runway roller rink, twister room, and cocktail lounge inside a 1950’s plane, TWA Hotel also has a jaw-dropping rooftop pool bar that looks out onto on of the biggest runways at JFK. It’s open year-round and has definitely one of the most extraordinary views out of this entire list.

Where: TWA Hotel One Idlewild Drive JFK Airport, Jamaica

Hours: Every day 11 am to 11 pm

Flushing

Moonbar Rooftop

This Flushing gem offers panoramic sights of NYC. Find it on the 9th floor and rooftop of The One Hotel. More here.

Where: 137-72 Northern Blvd, Flushing

When: Hours vary, see here.

Roosevelt Island

Where: 22 North Loop Road, RI

Hours: Hours vary, see here.

Take in never-before-seen views from Roosevelt Island’s new rooftop bar! Seating 168 guests atop the Graduate Roosevelt Island hotel, the theme is classic with a twist. Featuring a wide selection of martinis including lychee, apple and a draft espresso martini, the drinks are absolutely delicious. For food, enjoy elevated bites from Executive Chef Megan Brown (of Red Rooster Harlem, The Standard and Ace Hotel). It’s sure to be worth the trip! Find out more here.

Written by Claire Leaden and Justine Golata