I’ve visited nearly every rooftop bar in NYC. Here are the top picks for summer 2024.

The skyline of New York City is renowned for its towering skyscrapers that nearly touch the sky. However, until recently, enjoying a cocktail with that view was quite rare.

Welcome to the era of rooftop bars.

We’re not sure why it took so long, but we’re relishing this moment when New York’s rooftop bar scene is at its peak, offering expertly crafted cocktails alongside breathtaking views of the vast cityscape below.

Discover the 14 best rooftop bars in New York City.

1. Ophelia, Midtown East

The ultimate rooftop bar for art deco fans

Established in 1928 as a women’s-only hotel, Ophelia epitomizes classic New York City charm. Now part of the Beekman Tower hotel, which welcomes all guests, it features art nouveau designs, towering ornate cathedral windows, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from 26 stories up—perfect for sipping a dirty martini, a Manhattan, or one of the 14 signature cocktails crafted nightly. Plus, here’s a fun fact: Frank Sinatra was known to frequent this very spot.

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2. Daintree, Midtown

The top rooftop bar for enjoying a martini above the city

Just two blocks from Bryant Park and 30 stories up, you'll find Daintree, an elegant lounge adorned with plants, offering a delightful selection of inventive signature cocktails. After a few drinks, you might find yourself squinting at the Empire State Building and wondering if there’s a giant gorilla perched atop it!

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3. Jimmy, SoHo

Top rooftop bar to visit year-round

Perched 18 stories high at the ModernHaus SoHo hotel, Jimmy offers stunning views of the iconic cast-iron buildings lining SoHo's cobblestone streets. Enjoy a refreshing Tequila Martini (made with Clase Azul Reposado, lime, orange, and olives) or a grilled-pineapple mojito on the outdoor terrace. When temperatures drop, retreat indoors to cozy leather seating, a fireplace, and a menu of warm cocktails that evoke the essence of autumn.

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4. Overstory, Financial District

Top rooftop bar for a drink before or after dinner

Located 64 floors high, Overstory is the brainchild of the team behind Saga, the refined restaurant just below, and Crown Shy, the stylish eatery on the ground level of this art-deco skyscraper in the Financial District. Indulge in a finely crafted signature cocktail (the Frenchie, featuring cognac, elderflower, pear, and soda is a favorite) or opt for a timeless classic like a Manhattan while enjoying the vibrant city scene below. Be sure to reserve ahead: Overstory was ranked among the top 50 bars in the world in 2023.

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5. Skylark, Midtown West

Top rooftop bar for cocktails that match the stunning views

Offering breathtaking 360-degree views of towering skyscrapers and a vibrant sunset over the Hudson River, the Skylark delivers a visual feast alongside a seasonal menu of expertly crafted cocktails. The drinks are so impressive that you might imagine a hipster in vintage suspenders and a waxed mustache serving them. Perched 30 floors above, this bi-level rooftop bar in Midtown is elegantly styled with art deco accents, featuring cozy semi-private areas that make it a perfect spot for a romantic date.

6. The Ready, East Village

Top rooftop bar for that backyard party atmosphere

Perched atop the Moxy in the East Village, this rooftop bar exudes a lively energy, making you feel like you've just crashed a friend's backyard overflowing with beer. Imagine that friend having a retractable roof and tables filled with chilled beer cans and wine bottles. If you're in the mood to kick things off early, take advantage of their happy-hour specials: $9 margaritas and $1 tacos from Tuesday to Friday, 4 to 6 PM, and on weekends from noon to 3 PM. For a more substantial meal, head downstairs to the hotel’s restaurant, Cathédrale.

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7. Terrace on 7, SoHo

Top rooftop bar for a vibrant Mexican-luau atmosphere

Situated on the seventh floor of the Dominick Hotel in west SoHo, this terrace bar transforms annually, launching in May. Recently, it has featured El Ta’koy, a dining and lounge experience (with locations in Chicago and London) that melds Mexican and Hawaiian flavors to serve delightful pork-and-pineapple tacos and tuna-and-caviar taquitos, alongside a variety of fruity cocktails to complement the stunning SoHo views.

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8. Azul Rooftop, SoHo

Top rooftop bar for a taste of Havana

Experience a slice of Havana-on-the-Hudson at Azul, a vibrant 200-seat rooftop bar soaring 20 stories high in SoHo, adorned with palm trees, reclaimed wood tables, and teal accents. Here, you can enjoy refreshing mojitos, indulge in a pork-packed Cuban sandwich, and immerse yourself in Afro-Cuban jazz, mambo, and rumba tunes all night long.

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9. The Crown, Chinatown

Best rooftop bar for Asian-inspired cocktails and breathtaking views of Chinatown

Perched atop the 50 Bowery hotel, this 21st-floor bar in Chinatown features a spacious rooftop deck with stunning sights of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges—perfect for savoring delicious pastrami-stuffed steamed buns and veggie spring rolls while sipping on a Singapore Sling.

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10. RT60, Times Square

Best rooftop bar for enjoying vibrant views and lively music

At this 34th-floor bar, servers wear name tags featuring their favorite bands or artists, making it easy to spark a conversation—think Depeche Mode, Prince, or Led Zeppelin. RT60, perched atop the Hard Rock Hotel near Times Square, offers stunning views from its outdoor terrace along with tasty snacks like hummus and sliders, and expertly crafted cocktails. For a heartier meal, the Yankees-themed NYY Steak is a fantastic option just a floor below.

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11. TWA Pool Bar, JFK Airport

Top rooftop bar for aviation enthusiasts

At this unique rooftop bar located at the TWA Hotel in John F. Kennedy International Airport, you can roam freely while watching planes take off and land. Enjoy themed cocktails like the Jet Fuel and the Control Tower Sour as you guess their destinations. Just be careful not to tumble into the infinity pool after too many (rum-based) Floatation Devices—real flotation may become necessary! Reservations are essential, with a cover charge starting at $25 for non-hotel guests, so plan ahead.

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12. Night of Joy, Williamsburg

Ideal for sipping creative cocktails surrounded by antiques

This charming bar filled with antiques is just a few floors above the bustling streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. While it may not be the highest rooftop, it more than compensates with its inviting atmosphere. Enjoy a seat on the lush rooftop deck as you savor one of their many unique cocktails, rich in botanical flavors and herbal infusions. (The menu is updated frequently.) If you prefer something more casual, there's also a frozen margarita machine available on the deck.

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13. Bar Blondeau, Williamsburg

Top rooftop bar for admiring the Manhattan skyline...without stepping into Manhattan

Perched just six stories up, Bar Blondeau at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg boasts breathtaking views of Manhattan across the East River. The culinary team from the popular French-Canadian restaurant Chez Ma Tante revamped the menu in 2021, giving this spot a distinctly Gallic flair. With such a remarkable view, the food could be an afterthought—but luckily, it’s excellent here.

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14. Panorama Room, Roosevelt Island

The ultimate rooftop bar on Roosevelt Island and the best reason to visit

Visitors flock to Roosevelt Island for the iconic cable car ride connecting Second Avenue to E 59th St, but many simply hop on and off without exploring. A handful may venture to the island's southern tip to admire the historic ruins of a smallpox quarantine hospital or the beautiful Four Freedoms Park. However, a new cheerful destination awaits: the Panorama Room. Located 18 floors up in the Graduate Hotel, it offers sweeping views of the East Side of Manhattan, Queens, and parts of Brooklyn. The menu features an eclectic mix of treats, from caviar nachos to truffle fries.

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