They may not admit it, but not even New York City locals tire of experiencing the iconic skyline from epic heights—so rooftop bars are the places to be in The Big Apple, no matter the time of year. On a summer night in particular, though, there’s nothing quite like catching up with friends while taking in panoramic views of sights like the Empire State Building, the Hudson River, the East River, Times Square, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, or the Brooklyn Bridge. And don’t even get us started on NYC sunsets from up above.

Whether you’re looking for an upscale bar to sip Champagne high above the city streets in Manhattan or a laidback Brooklyn spot to enjoy beer and the game with friends, Gotham has no shortage of excellent perches across the city. We’ve compiled a list of the 40 best indoor and outdoor rooftop bars that offer breathtaking views, delicious drinks, small bites (or, in some cases, full menus), and an impeccable atmosphere. Some of them even have pools. So whether you’re a local or a visitor, these sky-high lounges are sure to leave a lasting impression.

1

Starchild

Located on the 27th floor of the Civilian Hotel, this rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The inclusion of bottle service and caviar options matches the posh, upscale design of the space. For those looking to make a late night of it, the menu includes an entire section devoted to espresso martinis—including the Scorch, made with habanero, Reposado tequila, and coconut cold brew.

305 West 48th Street, starchildrooftop.com

2

The Highlight Room

The Highlight Room, perched atop the Moxy Lower East Side, is the Tao Group’s attempt to bring their notable L.A. hotspot to New York City. To match the elegant aesthetic of the original, the space is filled with lush greenery, an olive tree, paper lanterns, chandeliers, and red velvet seating. Meanwhile, an outdoor terrace has views of landmarks, like the Empire State Building, on full display.

145 Bowery, taogroup.com

3

Electric Lemon

Electric Lemon, Equinox Hotel’s restaurant, also features an 8,000-square-foot rooftop terrace with serene views of the Hudson River and the city skyline. The space offers dinner and a weekend brunch and is a perfect way to escape the city below to refresh and recharge. The hotel, located in the trendy Hudson Yards development, is an upscale destination, perfect for special occasions.

33 Hudson Yards, 24th Floor, electriclemon.com

4

Beast & Butterflies

Far above Times Square’s noise, Beast & Butterflies offers small bites and cocktails within the M Social Hotel. The space features a wraparound terrace, offering a unique vantage point of the neon glow below. The space boasts two different menus of craft cocktails—appropriately named Beast & Butterfly, respectively—so you can order to suit your mood.

226 West 52nd Street, milleniumhotels.com

5

PHD Rooftop Lounge

Situated in the Dream Downtown, this chic venue from TAO Group flaunts Italian Portoro marble, Macassar ebony, nickel-finished walls, and amber Venini glass chandeliers that make this hotspot an ideal location for an unforgettable penthouse party. Shareable plates from chef Mike Armstrong pair well with bespoke cocktails, bottle service, and live DJs to create one of NYC’s hottest rooftop dance parties.

355 West 16th Street, taogroup.com

6

LilliStar

This newcomer to the Brooklyn bar scene is set in the Moxy Williamsburg hotel and features indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The space aims to blend Indo-Aussie beach culture with the unmistakable energy of Brooklyn, offering an array of tropical-inspired cocktails, along with Balinese barbecue. Those looking to share can try one of LilliStar’s large-format cocktails, which incorporate tropical fruits and Southeast Asian spices.

353 Bedford Avenue, marriott.com

7

CATCH NY

This Meatpacking District mainstay offers a substantial bottle service program for anyone who wants a flashy night out. On weekends, expect top DJs to keep the party rocking. Catch has a seafood-heavy menu of poke bowls, shrimp, and crab rolls. A 3,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor penthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows highlights the views of the Meatpacking District below.

21 9th Avenue, catchrestaurants.com

8

Nubeluz

For a classic hotel bar experience, Nubeluz in the Ritz-Carlton Nomad has the classic old-school elegance of a hotel bar, but with the lofty views of a trendy rooftop bar. Light bar bites from renowned chef José Andrés elevate the spot even further, with lux takes on everything from grilled cheese to bagels and lox. The panoramic view of the city can be enjoyed from two different outdoor terraces.

25 West 28th Street, nubeluzbyjose.com

9

Ophelia

Found atop the Art Deco Beekman Tower along the East River, Ophelia includes a wraparound terrace with a 360-degree view of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The space pays homage to its Art Deco roots with plenty of classic cocktails and reinventions of old favorites. On weekends, DJs spin hits to make the space feel more like a downtown lounge than an uptown cocktail joint.

3 Mitchell Place, 26th Floor, ophelia.com

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

10

cloudM

At 20 stories high, cloudM towers over the Lower East Side, giving visitors a panoramic view of the neighborhood. The outdoor deck has couches and benches for lounging during warmer months, while the warmly-lit bar is lined with cozy plush couches for enjoying a cocktail during the winter. The space also features dumplings from nearby favorite Nom Wah Tea Parlor.

189 Bowery, citizenm.com

11

Magic Hour

Magic Hour, 18 stories above Times Square, is touted as New York’s largest indoor and outdoor all-season rooftop bar and lounge. The outdoor space is divided into two sides, with the East Terrace overlooking landmarks, like the Empire State Building, and featuring an elegant garden-party vibe. In contrast, the West Terrace is more playful, including one seating area that rotates slowly like an antique carousel. The space even includes an extra-mini golf course.

485 7th Avenue, 18th Floor, moxytimessquare.com

12

Harriet’s Rooftop

Located right next to the Brooklyn Bridge, this rooftop bar in the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has stunning views of both the bridge, Lower Manhattan, and the East River. The bar offers craft cocktails and small bites while you enjoy the sunset over the city. An indoor lounge space can be found one floor below, with equally impressive views and nightly DJs to keep the party going.

60 Furman Street, 1hotels.com

13

Darling

Perched along Billionaire’s Row, a whopping 47 stories above Central Park, Darling features a main indoor lounge and a lush, green outdoor patio with expansive views of the park below. DJs play a mix of funk and pop tracks, giving the space a playful vibe next to its magnificent, penthouse-like views. Small bites, like petite portobello burgers and basil arancini, round out the menu here.

36 Central Park South, darlingrooftop.com

14

The Ready Rooftop Bar

This East Village rooftop hopes to be your replacement for one of the most covetable NYC amenities around: a backyard. The Ready is decorated with outdoor lawn furniture and incorporates milk crates into the design, giving the bar a laidback, house party vibe—perfect for enjoying happy hour, featuring margaritas and tacos. Adding to the backyard aesthetic are tableside coolers filled with a mix-and-match selection of local beers and canned craft cocktails and wine.

112 East 11th Street, moxyeastvillage.com

15

The Rooftop at the Rockaway Hotel + Spa

Boasting a massive 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, this rooftop bar is located on the sixth floor of Queens’ beachfront Rockaway Hotel and Spa. The bar features panoramic views of both Manhattan and the Atlantic Ocean, making it the perfect place to end a long beach day or have a drink after a relaxing visit to the spa.

108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive, therockawayhotel.com

16

Le Jardin at Baccarat Hotel New York

Take in the lush scenery—tall trees, manicured topiaries, vibrant blooms, and a treillage wall cloaked in ivy—at this lavish rooftop bar in the Baccarat Hotel. While drinking high-end cocktails from beautiful Baccarat glasses in the garden-themed space, you can also sample lauded chef Gabriel Kreuther’s mouthwatering dishes and small bites.

28 West 53rd Street, baccarathotels.com

17

The Skylark

The Skylark has a breathtakingly beautiful view of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building, and Times Square from its 30th-floor terrace near Times Square. The space is only open to the public on weekdays, but you’ll get a stunning view of the area, should you opt for a drink here during an after-work outing. Enjoy the view year-round from outdoor and indoor lounges, with floor-to-ceiling windows in the colder months.

200 West 39th Street, theskylarknyc.com

18

JIMMY

Located at the top of the ModernHaus SoHo, the JIMMY is a sleek and modern offering that has been recently redesigned, but still boasts some of the city’s best, most unobstructed views. Relax on one of the chaise lounges on the terrace or dip in the rooftop pool during pool party weekends in the summer.

15 Thompson Street, jimmysoho.com

19

Bar Blondeau

This French-style bar comes from the talents behind Brooklyn hotspots Le Crocodile and Chez Ma Tante. The seafood-forward menu is accompanied by a natural wine selection and a creative list of zero-proof drinks. Coupled with unobstructed Manhattan views, it’s a top pick for a fun and casual night out in Brooklyn.

80 Wythe Avenue, 6th Floor, barblondeau.com

20

The Daintree

This swanky rooftop is set on the top floor of Hotel Hendricks. Guests can enjoy the cozy 180-seat interior or head to the 70-seat outdoor terrace, which has plenty of opportunities for Empire State Building photoshoots. The menu here is martini-heavy, and the bites shouldn’t be missed.

25 West 38th Street, 29th Floor, daintreenyc.com

21

Westlight

Notable chef Andrew Carmellini brought his talents to a Williamsburg rooftop when he opened Westlight in 2016. Set on the 22nd floor of the William Vale Hotel, the bar is the ideal place to take in an iconic NYC summer sunset—with a cocktail in hand.

111 North 12th Street, westlightnyc.com

22

Panorama Room

A special spot, thanks to its Roosevelt Island location, Panorama Room is set on the 18th floor of the Graduate Hotel. Drinks range from traditional (a white Negroni or a Manhattan riff) to incredibly unique (try the Roosevelt Island Yacht Club, a blend of fig-infused gin, Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz gin, Lillet Blanc, cinnamon liqueur, vanilla, botanicals, and lime.)

22 North Loop Road, graduatehotels.com

23

Dear Irving on Hudson

Reservations are required at this 41st-floor, retro-chic boîte, so don’t miss out. As Manhattan’s highest open-air hotel bar and lounge, Dear Irving on Hudson has creative cocktails, a sommelier-crafted wine list, and plenty of tasty small plates, like filet mignon bites.

310 West 40th Street, dearirving.com

24

Gallow Green

This hidden rooftop bar, above the ever-popular “Sleep No More,” has been a favorite for years, thanks to its ethereal garden environment. While it’s most popular in the spring and summer, the bar transforms into a cozy “lodge” during the fall and winter. It’s an excellent spot for a date or simply a casual afternoon or evening.

542 West 27th Street, mckittrickhotel.com

25

Broken Shaker

Regarded as one of the best hotel bars (rooftop or otherwise), Broken Shaker uses creative housemade syrups, infusions, and fresh juices to craft perfectly balanced drinks. The cute retro-inspired space is only open to walk-ins, so you don’t need to worry about making a reservation weeks in advance.

23 Lexington Avenue, freehandhotels.com

26

The Roof at PUBLIC

This energetic bar on the rooftop of the Lower East Side’s chic PUBLIC Hotel has 360-degree panoramic city views, making it a great place for a sunset drink or a comfortable co-working space during the day. It’s an even better late-night hotspot once renowned local and international DJs hit the decks.

215 Chrystie Street, publichotels.com

27

Mr. Purple

Mr. Purple, boasting a pool on the 20th floor of Hotel Indigo, is a long-standing rooftop favorite for locals and visitors alike. The menu has a range of classic cocktails and innovative creations, like a frozen Casamigos cranberry margarita.

80 Orchard Street, 15th Floor, mrpurplenyc.com

28

Somewhere Nowhere

There’s never a dull moment at Somewhere Nowhere, a rooftop hotspot on the top of the Renaissance New York Chelsea Hotel. With various events, happy hours, and top-class DJs, it’s a great place to gather friends for a night out—and there’s even a pool.

112 West 25th Street, somewherenowherenyc.com

29

Refinery Rooftop

The crown jewel of Midtown’s Refinery Hotel, this buzzy rooftop draws everyone from fashionistas for brunch to men in suits making a happy hour toast. The retractable roof means it’s an ideal spot for year-round imbibing. Reservations are a must.

63 West 38th Street, refineryhotelnewyork.com

30

Serra by Birreria

Eataly’s charming rooftop space is reminiscent of the Italian countryside and changes with the seasons, offering a rotating rustic menu featuring Italian specialties. Enjoy an aperitivo with fresh pasta or a cocktail with a plate of burrata. The 15th-floor terrace is covered, and while it still offers a nice view, it is more suited for those looking to soak up the atmosphere of the space.

200 5th Avenue, eataly.com

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

31

The Fleur Room

The glass-encased bar at the Moxy Chelsea features a 360-degree view of Manhattan from its 35th-story perch, including views of everything from the Statue of Liberty to the Chrysler Building. In the opulent space, you’ll find rich floral fabrics, a copper-clad bar, a water droplet chandelier, and—to drive the theme home—a massive vintage disco ball taken from the infamous L.A. club Vertigo. The glass walls of the Fleur Room are also retractable, so during the warmer months, the bar can be transformed into an al fresco dining space.

105 West 28th Street, moxychelsea.com

32

Rooftop Reds

A reservation-only rooftop spot inside the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Rooftop Reds is one of the more unique sky-high experiences in the city. The massive space, which features its own vineyard, is more akin to a large backyard party, with guests playing cornhole, laying in hammocks, and admiring the view of the city across the river. Their own wines aside, they also serve a selection of beers.

63 Flushing Avenue, Building 275, rooftopreds.com

33

Night of Joy

The rooftop patio of this grandma-chic Brooklyn cocktail lounge is open seasonally from spring through fall and is a great neighborhood option for sipping frozen margaritas with friends. There is not much of a view from the top, but you’ll be here mainly for the incredible botanical cocktails and the musician-curated DJ nights.

667 Lorimer Street, nightofjoybar.com

34

Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.

One of Brooklyn’s largest breweries is also home to a sprawling, casual rooftop where guests can try an assortment of beers, ranging from ales and lagers—all made in-house. Food options skew towards comfort food (think fried chicken, a soft pretzel with housemade beer cheese, and crispy French fries).

1150 Manhattan Avenue, greenpointbeer.com

35

Overstory

A dazzling contemporary bar in Manhattan’s Financial District, chic Overstory is set on the 64th floor and has a wraparound terrace, ideal for enjoying the views on a beautiful evening. Drinks here are elevated, relying on ingredients like bonito, peat, and husk cherry to develop complicated flavor profiles.

70 Pine Street, 64th Floor, overstory-nyc.com

36

Bar Cima

This intimate rooftop bar in the Grayson Hotel is mere steps away from Bryant Park and boasts views of the East and Hudson Rivers and many nearby skyscrapers. In addition to an expansive list of drinks made with authentic Mexican ingredients developed in collaboration with certified mezcalier Courtenay Greenleaf, Bar Cima has a luxurious, polished Mexican ambience with velvet jewel-toned seating and custom-made stone tables.

30 West 39th Street, barcimanyc.com

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

37

LoHi

This relaxed Brooklyn rooftop calls itself a “rooftop bar for just how you are feeling”—which is typically pretty laid-back. Bartenders are relaxed and friendly, shaking up drinks like the Magenta Mountain (rum, blackberry, sage, lime, and amaro). And the food is good too.

314 Scholes Street, lohibk.com

38

Castell

Cozy Castell is steps from Times Square, but it feels worlds away once you’re tucked away next to its fireplace or granite bar. The menu evokes a timeless feel by focusing mainly on classics with a twist, like a Negroni infused with strawberry Aperol. Next time you want a night out, Mad Men-style, embrace the sophistication of Castell.

260 West 40th Street, castellnyc.com

39

Make Believe

Atop the Sixty LES Hotel, Make Believe has stunning city views and a great outdoor patio for lounging on warm nights. The lush, green décor is right at home with the bar’s tiki-inspired menu, while DJs worldwide regularly come to perform.

190 Allen Street, sixtyhotels.com

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

40

Lost In Paradise

Long Island City’s proximity to Manhattan means you can be sure the view will be top-notch at this Queens bar. On Tuesdays, there’s a bottomless taco deal where you’ll be able to sample as many tacos from the menu as you like—a perfect pairing with their Berry Bloom cocktail (made with fresh berries, triple sec, and lime juice) or their Smokey Margarita made with mezcal.

11-01 43rd Avenue, lostinparadiserooftop.com