It is the middle of August, and it is still very much summer in New York City [NYC]. Summers are exhausting for me; the heat, overcrowded spaces, and the bugs get overwhelming. On the other hand, my friends live for NYC Summers and have been having so much fun trying new places and things. But they also wanted to try a few Rooftop restaurants and bars before Autumn gets here. So I put together a list of 20 places for them but here are the ones that they considered a “vibe” [the words of Viv] and the hottest to visit before the summer ends. So while my friends are out taking full advantage of the sunshine and Rooftop bars and restaurants, I have been hiding out at home from the heat while taking things easy.
Before the mercury drops, it is time to enjoy the rooftop season in NYC. As the city gears up for the Autumn season in a few weeks, the rooftop bars and restaurants are in full swing and are ready to welcome you for a fabulous time with amazing views. From plush decors to autumn-special menus, there is everything to set the mood.
Read below for the top ten of the hottest rooftop lounges, bars, and restaurants to visit in NYC now.
- 230 Fifth (Igloo Bar), NYC
- Westlight, the William Vale, Brooklyn
- The Press Lounge, Ink 48 Hotel, NYC
- Monarch Rooftop Bar, Courtyard by Marriott, NYC
- Bar 54, Hyatt Centric Times Square, NYC
- The Crown, Chinatown
- Life Rooftop, Williamsburg
- Panorama Room, Roosevelt Island
- Water Tower at the Williamsburg Hotel
- Jimmy, SoHo
10 Best Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in New York City
230 FIFTH (IGLOO BAR), NYC
230 Fifth is the largest rooftop bar with an embellished terrace garden in NYC. Entertainment, delightful delicacies, and exotic drinks- 230 Fifth has everything to keep you busy for hours.
The place features rustic wooden furnishings on the open terrace and posh comfy seats indoors.
No reservations are needed on the weekdays. The venue accommodates 1000 people for an event. Relish the gourmet food and cocktails while enjoying glimpses of the Empire State Building, the New York skyline, and much more.
The venue is ideal for an outdoor winter date. Stay warm and enjoy your day inside the transparent, heated igloo.
Don’t miss the bottomless brunch buffet available every weekend from 11 AM to – 4 PM. You must be 21+ years to get entry.
230 5th Ave – Flatron
WESTLIGHT, THE WILLIAM VALE, BROOKLYN
Westlight has more than expansive views of New York City, good food, and slushy drinks. Relax in the opulent comfy couches and spot the Brooklyn surroundings, East River, and Manhattan skyline. Views of the sunset over Manhattan from the rooftop are simply incredible.
The bar serves the widest selection of wines, beers, champagnes, and cocktails. Pair your drinks with a selection of small and large bite dishes prepared with local gourmet ingredients.
This place is also available for small private and corporate events offering room for 90-110 guests in the indoor banquet area. In addition, the open terrace has seating provisions for up to 240 guests.
111 N 12th Street – Williamsburg
THE PRESS LOUNGE, INK 48 HOTEL, NY
This place is known for its scenic beauty. Book your table at the open terrace to get panoramic views of the Hudson River and 360° Manhattan skyline.
It is a popular place to find the finest selection of local wines, vodkas, gins, rums, scotches, cocktails, and more. There is also a selection of small dishes to pair with a curated menu of drinks.
The best time to visit The Press Lounge is at night for a post-dinner cocktail. There is limited space for 100 guests at a time. The venue is also available for private parties and small events.
653 11th Ave 16th Floor – Hell’s Kitchen
MONARCH ROOFTOP BAR, COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT, NY
This chic Scandinavian-themed lounge bar is spread over 5000 Square feet of indoor and outdoor space designed in traditional wooden decor. The bar features cozy seats, patio umbrellas, bar stools, and hefty potted plants.
This place offers the most stunning views of the Empire State Building and Midtown Manhattan. The menu boasts a combination of juices and signature cocktails with an option to pair with several small plate dishes.
Have a great time with friends as you enjoy the bites of tuna tartare tacos, roasted mixed nuts, Margherita pizzas, and more.
71 W 35th Street – Midtown West
BAR 54, HYATT CENTRIC TIMES SQUARE, NYC
A visit to this highest rooftop lounge & bar is always a rewarding experience. Situated on the 54th floor at the Hyatt Centric Times Square, the resto-bar features a luxurious glass-paneled lounge and comfy open-air alfresco.
Soak in the sheer pleasure of breathtaking views of the surroundings ranging from East River to Hudson River, the Chrysler Building, and lower Manhattan.
Whether planning a rooftop party or a romantic date, this place has the perfect ambiance, an assortment of signature cocktails, and delectable dishes. The bar section offers the finest quality whiskeys, rums, berry gins, beers, wines, and much more.
135 W 45th Street – Theater District
THE CROWN, CHINATOWN
This rooftop terrace bar is the best place to get magnificent panoramic views of the NYC and Brooklyn skyline. The Crown indoor lounge boasts classy modern interiors, glass window walls, cozy extended sofas, and dim lights.
The bar offers the best-in-class drinks ranging from the best quality liquor in bottles to a massive assortment of cocktails. Enjoy your frozen cocktail here with the choicest nibbles, including blistered shishito peppers, tortilla chips, chicken dumplings, and lots more.
The open-air terrace is the perfect place to have fun with your buddies. From elegant seats to rustic sofas and bar stools to big circular seats, there is plenty of space to get a fresh breath and watch the surroundings, see the Brooklyn Bridge, Big Apple, Empire State Building, One World Trade, and the city skyline.
50 Bowery – Chinatown
LIFE ROOFTOP
This classy rooftop lounge bar is situated above Le Meridian, NY. Whether you reserve a table indoors or want to get the fresh air outdoors, Life Rooftop privileges the guests with stunning views of the lush green Central Park. When visiting with friends, relax indoors on the extended angled sofas, soak in the serene views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, or enjoy your meal at the table.
The bar section serves a selection of cocktails, wines, and beers. However, there are more choices for those looking for bottle packages- vodka, tequila, gin, champagne, cognac, rum, etc. Enjoy your fav drink at this place with bites of small plate foods, including pretzels, cajun chicken fries, etc.
120 W 57th Street – Midtown West
PANORAMA ROOM, ROOSEVELT ISLAND
Panorama Room is a captivating rooftop bar on the 18th-floor Graduate Hotel on Roosevelt Island.
The indoor lounge has chic interiors, full-length glass windows, and Part and Labor Design custom-crafted furnishing and lightings. Everything is designed to perfection, adding a sophisticated ambiance to the place.
You can order large or small plates with the drinks. The menu is dominated by a selection of seafood recipes served with a range of tartines. Drinks are available in bottles, glass servings, and a wide variety of cocktails.
22 N Loop Road – Roosevelt Island
WATER TOWER AT THE WILLIAMSBURG HOTEL
Are you looking for the best destination to relax on a summer afternoon?
Reserve your seat at Water Tower Pool and Bar Spot. Those who want to avoid UV exposure can book a cabana. There are comfy chaise lounges, round sunbeds, cushiony indoor seats, and matchless hospitality to ensure utmost comfort. In addition, this place offers magnificent views of the NYC skyline, Manhattan, and surrounding Brooklyn.
Eat, drink, and have fun here from noon until late at night. There is a provision for ordering full-course lunch or dinner on the rooftop along with your drinks.
96 Wythe Avenue – Williamsburg
JIMMY, SOHO
Established atop ModernHaus SoHo, this exquisite rooftop bar has the ultimate ambiance for a romantic date. The rooftop got a gorgeous makeover with a swimming pool after the renovation in 2020.
Relax in the comfy chaise lounges or beat the heat at the pool on a scorching summer afternoon. A huge plus is the scenic beauty of the surroundings, all of Manhattan, the Empire State Building, Freedom Tower, and New Jersey.
The menu comprises high-quality drinks, including a selection of specialty cocktails, wines, and beers. In addition, there is a range of titbits to order with your favorite alcoholic beverages- French fries, tacos, spiced bread, chicken brochettes, chocolate cookies, etc.
15 Thompson Street – South Village
Note: These venues are densely crowded throughout the year. If you have a specific date in mind, it is wise to reserve your table in advance.
What is your favorite rooftop spot in NYC?
Share your experience in the comments below.
