magazine | Food & Drinks | Bars & Nightlife

13 of the Best Rooftop Bars in NYC

photo: Kara Bianca

It’s hard to deny that rooftop drinking in New York is something of a sport these days. But with the warmer weather finally hitting the city and with so much to choose from, how do we know the best spots to spend our hard-earned al fresco drinking dollars at?

Luckily for you, we’ve partnered with Just Opened NYC to compile a list of the 13 best rooftop bars in New York City here just for you from the experts themselves.

Location: Mr. Purple

Photo:Kara Bianca

1 / 13

Mr. Purple

Lower East Side

This is a must-visit for those that like their crowd with a side of cool. Situated at the top of Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side, Mr. Purple comes complete with great views of the city, a huge indoor bar, a sprawling outdoor terrace and a pool. This spot is perfect for day time drinking with your friends and staying until the wee hours of the morning. Head to any nearby bar when you decide it’s time for a change of scene and you won’t be disappointed - it’s the Lower East Side.

Words by Just Opened

Photo:greeneggzannsam

2 / 13

Cantina Rooftop

Hell’s Kitchen

Another spot that’s recently reopened for the summer is the Mexican fun-time joint, Cantina Rooftop. Head here for rooftop drinks and great Mexican food whatever the weather - with a retractable glass roof, these guys are good to go, come rain or shine. Head here for brunch and chow down their tasty tacos alongside classic Mexican cocktail staples like frozen Margaritas to keep you cool.

Words by Just Opened

Photo:Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar

3 / 13

Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar

Financial District

This is the one to take your Instagram-obsessed friend that’s looking for that perfect cocktail shot with the New York City skyline behind it. On the 16th floor of The Conrad Hotel, The Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar’s cocktails are why people come here. Get their signature ‘Pop’ cocktail - a glass of prosecco with your choice of alcohol-infused popsicle stuck inside it. Choose from a Sangria pop or a strawberry & gin pop as well as others and let the Insta-snapping commence.

Words by Just Opened

Photo:Westlight

4 / 13

Westlight

Williamsburg

Westlight is a recent addition to the Williamsburg drinking scene and definitely a spot to rival some of Manhattan’s better rooftops as far as views go. Located at the top of the newly opened William Vale Hotel, Westlight’s uninterrupted views of the Manhattan skyline are truly second to none. With the warmer months now upon us, their outdoor terrace has plenty of tables and comfy sofas to relax on and there’s even a pool that comes complete with city views which opens Memorial Day weekend for the summer.

Words by Just Opened

Photo:Magda Biernat

5 / 13

Boom Boom Room

Chelsea

The Standard Hotel’s Boom Boom Room is pretty iconic as far as NYC drinking destinations go so, safe to say, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a seat if you go at peak times. Head here early evening or afternoon though and you’ll be greeted with probably some of the best views of Manhattan. Or head outside onto their terrace and lounge on comfy sofas while you sip on Margaritas and watch the sun go down over the city.

Words by Just Opened

Photo:Blair Mielnik Design

6 / 13

Gallow Green

Chelsea

A very cool rooftop and literal oasis is Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel. Covered in lush greenery, this secret garden-inspired cocktail spot and restaurant offers something a little different to the NYC rooftop scene - emphasis is more on the ambience and the garden setting of the space itself than on the views. But that doesn’t mean the magic is lost - the abundant greenery, romantic lighting and hidden spots to get cosy in make this the perfect spot for a romantic drink or place to impress. The hotel also hosts the famous production ‘Sleep No More’ which is well worth trying out too.

Words by Just Opened

Photo:Ennis Mcintosh

7 / 13

Gilligan’s

Soho

A new rooftop spot that has just opened for the summer is the Soho Grand’s tropical oasis; Gilligan’s. Soak up the island-inspired atmosphere nestled atop this hotel and enjoy seasonal, locally sourced food and perfect summer-ready cocktails like a frozen watermelon margarita while you munch on lobster rolls and steamed mussels.

Words by Just Opened

Photo:Haven Rooftop

8 / 13

Haven Rooftop

Times Square

This bar at The Sanctuary Hotel has just reopened for the summer. You’ll be right in the thick of the New York City action here, surrounded by breathtaking views of the city wherever you look. Filled with plenty of tables and shade and even a VIP area, this swanky rooftop will transport you from the craziness of Times Square and into the perfect al fresco drinking den.

Words by Just Opened

Photo:The Jane Hotel

9 / 13

The Jane Hotel

West Village

This secret cocktail den only opened to the public recently so it’s still a bit of a hidden secret in the city. Heading up to the top of the Jane Hotel, you’ll be greeted by a sleek interior bar that is like stepping back in time. A large elegant bar surrounded by dark walls serves up classic cocktails like a Hemingway-inspired daiquiri before stepping outside onto their small terrace where you’ll be greeted with views of the Hudson River.

Words by Just Opened

The Ides learn more

New York

Before the William Vale Hotel came along, there was the Wythe Hotel and their bar, The Ides, which still offers some of the best views of Manhattan, outside of Manhattan. The sleek indoor bar offers plenty of space to nestle in and grab a drink but, make sure you take it outside and onto their open-air terrace where you can take in the skyline.

Words by Just Opened

view profile

Submit your Venue

Would you like to list your venue, hotel, restaurant, or home on The Venue Report?

learn more

Photo:The Delancey

11 / 13

The Delancey

Lower East Side

This nightlife spot on the Lower East Side offers a canopied roof deck complete with palm trees to shade you from the hot sun. The space is actually tri-level and also includes a plush lounge and basement space offering a range of performances. It’s the perfect spot that you never have to leave. It’s where you can come for sundowners with a view and stay for the air conditioning in their lounge and basement club when that NYC heat gets too much.

Words by Just Opened

Photo:Pod 39 Rooftop Lounge & Bar

12 / 13

Pod 39 Rooftop Lounge & Bar

Midtown

Sitting 17 stories above ground, this rooftop bar offers some great views of the East River. The brick architectural details, romantic lights, and colorful, Latin American-leaning décor make this spot feel much less like you’re in Midtown Manhattan and more like somewhere actually worth going to in this part of town. Add to that the sightseeing you’ll get in while you sip on craft cocktails - there’s the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building (to name a few) all in plain sight.

Words by Just Opened

Photo:Northern Territory

13 / 13

Northern Territory

Greenpoint

Located in a low-foot-traffic section of Greenpoint, this Aussie bar and restaurant is the perfect place if you want uninterrupted views with booze and don’t want to fight for a seat. The sprawling rooftop space comes with great views and plenty of spots to sit with your friends. From their cabana-themed bar to raised seating areas along the edges that come with a side of a lower Manhattan views - it’s worth the trip to Greenpoint.

Words by Just Opened