New York City has plenty of bars, but why drink at street level when you can sip a cocktail several floors above it? From glamorous hotel rooftops to downtown hideaways, the best rooftop bars in NYC turn happy hour into an actual event.
One perennial favorite is The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel, where downtown views, cocktails and a stylish crowd come together high above the Lower East Side. It is the sort of place where you can arrive for one drink and somehow find yourself staying until the skyline starts changing colors.
PUBLIC Hotel
For a more classic Manhattan experience, 230 Fifth Rooftop offers expansive views of the Empire State Building and Midtown skyline. The massive rooftop makes it particularly popular for groups, visitors and anyone who wants their cocktail accompanied by a very obvious reminder that they’re in New York.
Then there are the hotel rooftops, where the vibe can range from sophisticated to downright party-ready. Spots around Midtown, Chelsea, SoHo and the Lower East Side offer everything from craft cocktails and wine to DJs and late-night crowds.
The best rooftop bars in NYC also have one major advantage: the view does some of the decorating for them. Why stare at a blank wall when you can look at the Manhattan skyline?
Of course, rooftop season comes with a few rules. Check the weather, bring a light jacket and understand that “outdoor seating” does not necessarily mean “pleasant when the wind is blowing 30 miles per hour.”
Whether you’re planning a NYC date night, rooftop happy hour, birthday celebration or summer night out, New York’s rooftop bars offer plenty of options.
Just remember: the higher the bar, the more impressive the Instagram story.
And yes, you absolutely should take the skyline photo.
