11 Best Rooftop Bars In New York City: Experience the Sky-High Excitement

Welcome to New York City, a thriving and busy metropolis! New York City, which is famous for its iconic skyline and vibrant nightlife, has a ton of great rooftop bars where you can relax, mingle, and take in stunning views.

Finding the best rooftop bars in the city, whether you’re a local or just visiting, is an important part of the New York experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the most luxurious spots that serve delicious drinks, amazing food, and a memorable ambiance.

Prepare to upgrade your evenings as you explore the magical rooftop bar culture in the city that never sleeps!


📃 List of 11 Best Rooftop Bars In New York City That Will Make Your Trip Memorable

After considering the guest’s reviews we have shortlisted some of the best rooftop restaurants in NYC that make your evening memorable forever.

  • Castell Rooftop Lounge
  • The Press Lounge
  • Westlight
  • Manhattan
  • St. Cloud Rooftop Bar
  • JIMMY SoHo
  • Elsie Rooftop
  • Mr. Purple
  • Bar 54
  • Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar
  • Overstory

1. Castell Rooftop Lounge

Castell Rooftop Lounge

The highlight of the AC Hotel Times Square is its Castell Rooftop. It’s the perfect location for a memorable night out, with a beautiful terrace, a warm indoor space, amazing vibes, and the New York skyline in the background.

The bar offers a fantastic assortment of unique cocktails crafted from an inventive list of traditionally reimagined drinks.

The deliciousness of their products will astound you; you’ll remember every taste for a very long time.

The Smoked Manhattan, which may be made with whisky or rum, Beeswax Old Fashioned, which uses bourbon, and Night Cap, which uses vodka and espresso for a more daring option, stand out the most.

You can enjoy it with an order of Smoked Salmon Flatbread with crème fraiche, caviar, and dill or Beef Sliders with cheddar cheese and garlic aioli. Oh, and throughout the week, happy hour is from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Address: AC Hotel, 260 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018
Website: castellnyc.com
Contact Number: (929) 284-3761

Ratings

Also Read: 10 Incredible Gyms in NYC That Provide One-Day Passes: Maintain Fitness While Travelling


2. The Press Lounge

The Press Lounge

Your next destination should be The Press Lounge, where you may enjoy a beautiful 360-degree vista while taking in the bright Manhattan cityscape, the refreshing Hudson River breezes, and the breathtaking sunsets all year!

Highlights include Too Many Kisses, Cuffin’ Season, and Hampton’s Jitney, some of their hallmark drinks.

Too Many Kiss tastes creamier, richer, and more chocolate-like, while Cuffin’ Season has a zesty, bitter, yet delightful flavor. Another option is to have one made to your specifications!

Don’t forget to pick up some food with your beverages; we especially encourage you to sample their House Hummus and Warm Soft Pretzels. Excellent in comparison to the cocktails!

Address: 653 11th Ave 16th Floor, New York, NY 10036
Website: thepresslounge.com
Contact Number: (212) 757-2224

Ratings


3. Westlight

Westlight

In addition to the exquisite food and your favorite classic cocktails, Westlight is a chic place to meet up with friends and enjoy the captivating cityscape.

We’re confident you won’t regret checking out this gorgeous rooftop! Get the crowd-pleasing Charred Octopus Skewer and Ginger-glazed Ribs for dinner!

The ribs are meltingly tender with a spicy, garlicky flavor, in contrast to the gentle, sweet taste of the octopus.

which is topped with vibrant, fresh pomegranate salsa made of sweet, ruby-red pomegranates and crunchy cucumbers.

Try the renowned Don’t Call It A Throwback drink, which favors bases like gin, rum, herbal undertones, and smokey overtones. Stunning!

Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Website: westlightnyc.com
Contact Number: (718) 307-7100

Ratings


4. Manhattan

Manhattan

It would help if you never missed Manhattan, another gorgeous bar in New York with a view.

Seat on the 60th floor in Manhattan’s Financial District to completely appreciate the magnificence of the city skyline and river vistas. Visit them today to savor their upscale New American food.

Oysters Manhattan with uni and champagne sabayon, which provides such distinctive flavors, is a highly recommended meal. Another dish is beef tartare with crispy sweet potato and hazelnut miso!

There is also such a thing as barbecued freshwater eel, which has a rich flavor profile and is a little bit sweet.

The wonderful and unique Honey Yogurt Mousse with Tiger Figs and Pistachio Ice Cream will let you finish your meal on a high note.

Address: 28 Liberty St 60th floor, New York, NY 10005
Website: manhattarestaurant.com
Contact Number: (212) 230-5788

Ratings


5. St. Cloud Rooftop Bar

St. Cloud Rooftop Bar

contemporary and opulent. On top of the five-star Knickerbocker Hotel is the St. Cloud Rooftop Bar.

Enjoy a blend of the rooftop bar and discotheque with eargasmic music selections while you bask in the beauty of skyscrapers across from Times Square, where the New Year’s ball will shine.

St. Cloud’s expensive experience offers stunning views, impeccable service, and delicious food and drinks, making it an unbeatable choice for any budget.

Experience their Miss Pavlova and Saints and Sinners, combining Empress 1908 Gin, St. Germain, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, and other ingredients.

Talk about giving back: each cocktail ordered at the bar comes with a $5 gift to the St. Cloud charitable organization. The posh bar has a smart casual dress code, so look your best, everyone!

Address: 6 Times Sq 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036
Website:  charliepalmer.com
Contact Number: (212) 757-2224

Ratings


6. JIMMY SoHo

JIMMY SoHo

JIMMY, a chic rooftop bar at the ModernHaus Soho (formerly The James), is well-known for its unimpeded views of New York. Whenever you turn, Manhattan is seen.

Also, during special occasions, the bar has a pool where you may cool off while sipping a martini. They have a well-crafted menu with specialty drinks, wines, beers, and savory snacks.

Since it’s so excellent, their Blushing Woman cocktail, which combines Milagro tequila, La Pinta pomegranate liqueur, and lime, will make you blush.

The Purple Rain, which blends Empress gin, lychee liqueur, lime, and edible flower, stands out among their specialty drinks.

Every food goes great with their cocktails, but our favorites are the tomato basil flatbread and maitake mushroom tempura.

Address: 15 Thompson St, New York, NY 10013
Website:  jimmysoho.com

Ratings


7. Elsie Rooftop

 Elsie Rooftop

Elsie Rooftop is appropriately named after the well-known socialite Elsie de Wolfe, who lived in the 1920s.

In homage to Lady Mendle’s status as the first female interior designer, this luxury rooftop club and terrace features a stunning arrangement that seamlessly blends modern and historical styles.

Prioritize their life-saving cocktails like Elsie de Wolfe, Sunset, and Versailles to enjoy a variety of unique and delicious drinks.

Elsie is a bottomless haven for fans of sangria, mimosas, and bellini. During brunch, which lasts 90 minutes, their drinks are bottomless – pure ecstasy!

Address: 1412 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Website: elsierooftop.com
Contact Number: (646) 834-2291

Ratings


8. Mr. Purple

 Mr. Purple

Put yourself at home in Mr. Purple’s roomy rooftop bar while admiring the stunning views of Manhattan.

The Lower East Side’s energetic and artistic spirit is reflected in the bar, which is situated on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo.

The bar’s two terraces offer a memorable outdoor experience, while the extensive selection of spirits, craft beers, wine, cocktails, and light fare ensure a satisfying dining experience.

Enjoy enticing cocktails like Who’s That Ginger, a blend of Patron Silver tequila, ginger, lime, and candied ginger, or Les Spritz, a mix of Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain, Ruffino Prosecco, and lime juice.

The chilled Cranberry Casamigos Margarita is an excellent remedy for the summer heat. Besides these fantastic options, Mr. Purple also carries your favorite brands of vodka, whisky, cognac, champagne, and more.

Address: 180 Orchard St 15th floor, New York, NY 10002
Website: mrpurplenyc.com
Contact Number: (212) 237-1790

Ratings


9. Bar 54

Bar 54

Bar 54, located on the Hyatt Centric in Time Square, is known as NYC’s highest open-air rooftop bar, offering inventive drinks, fantastic ambiance, and excellent service.

Despite the lengthy wait for an outside table, the location is worthwhile. It is perhaps one of the best sites to see the sunset and the moon rise because you can view all of lower Manhattan from here!

Enhance your rooftop experience with their stirred and shaken menus, including Yuletide and Bed of Roses, made with gin, cranberry relish, lemon, rosemary, and pomegranate.

Choose from popular brands like Bacardi, Smirnoff, or Dorothy Parker, perfect with a charcuterie board or ponzu-glazed edamame dumplings for a winning combination.

Address: 135 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036
Website: Bar 54
Contact Number: (646) 364-1234

Ratings


10. Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar

Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar

Once Dear Irving opened its doors in 2018, rooftop bars were never the same. Socialize with friends over creative cocktails and mouth-watering food as you take in the stunning New York landscape.

Also, this time is perfect. Be it during the day or at night; the vistas are equally stunning! When you watch the most incredible sunset in NYC, take in the rainbow of hues.

Two standout choices are theirnnie, crafted with cinnamon, ginger, and pear notes, and Towards the Sun, reminiscent of an espresso martini and bitter winter.

The restaurant offers zero-proof mixes like the fresh and spicy Garden Party, as well as excellent snack options like Filet Mignon Bites and Croque Monsieur.

Address: 310 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018

Ratings


11. Overstory

Overstory

Overstory, an undiscovered gem, offers a 360-degree view of New York’s skyline, retro funk vibes, welcoming service, unique beverages, and mouthwatering food.

Overstory, an upscale bar in the Financial District, offers sophisticated cocktails made with exceptional ingredients.

The company offers unique drinks like the Supply Chain, a blend of Japanese whisky, rum, togarashi, chile, and champagne, and the Crème de la Creme, a risky dessert.

Try Overstory’s Dips & Falafel and Scallop Crudo for a taste of the world, reflected in its extensive menu.

Address: 70 Pine St 64th Floor, New York, NY 10005
Website: https://www.overstory-nyc.com/
Contact Number: (212) 339-3963

Ratings


🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQs For Best Rooftop Bars In New York City

While searching for the top rooftop bars in New York City, many questions cross our minds; some of the most frequently requested ones are addressed below.

Q. What is the highest rooftop bar in Manhattan?

A. The highest rooftop bar in Manhattan is 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, offering stunning views of the city skyline.

Q. What do you wear to a rooftop in NYC?

A. The dress code for rooftop bars in NYC is usually smart-casual attire.

Q. How much does it cost to get into the bar in NY?

A. The cost of entry to bars in NY varies, with prices typically ranging from $10 to $50 or more for special events.

Q. What is the most expensive section of Manhattan?

A. The Upper East Side is considered the most expensive section of Manhattan.

Q. What is the largest rooftop in the US?

A. The Rooftop at Pier 17 is the largest in the US, located in New York City.

Q. Are rooftop bars open year-round?

A. Rooftop bars in New York City have varying operating schedules, some open year-round and others seasonally.

Q. Are reservations necessary for rooftop bars?

A. Reservations are recommended for rooftop bars to secure a spot, especially during peak hours.

Q. Can rooftop bars accommodate large groups or private events?

A. Many rooftop bars in NYC can accommodate large groups or host private events, but it’s best to inquire directly with the specific bar.

Q. Are children allowed at rooftop bars?

A. Rooftop bars in New York City are primarily geared towards adult patrons, and age restrictions may apply. It’s best to check individual policies regarding children.

Q. Do rooftop bars offer food?

A. Yes, most rooftop bars in NYC offer a selection of food options, ranging from light bites to full meals.


😇 Conclusion

Embark on a journey through the skies of New York City with the best rooftop bars that redefine the concept of a night out. Whether you seek panoramic views, culinary delights, or vibrant nightlife, these rooftop gems offer an experience like no other. Elevate your time in the city and create memories that reach new heights.


✉ Which rooftop bar in New York City is the best? Please let us know in the comments.

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with Fiery Trippers. Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.



Avatar of Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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