New York City is home to some of the coolest, hippest themed rooftop bars in the world. These are just a few of the city’s hottest places to hang out.
Jimmy at the James
Although it can be hard to get past the discerning bouncers here, this swanky bar is worth checking out if you can get in. It has a fantastic grilled pineapple mojito that’s worth the $19 price tag. While here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Wall Street, Midtown, and the Hudson River.
Lemon’s at the Wythe Hotel
The scene-y Wythe Hotel’s rooftop bar has skyline views, DJ sets and many cocktails, including six $16 spritzers. It’s also gorgeously decorated in cheery yellows and oranges paired with blonde wood, as befits its name.
Refinery Rooftop
The exposed brick walls and industrial-style furniture at this rooftop on top of the Refinery Hotel reference the Garment District’s history. Drinks can be ordered by the four-serving caddy, and you can choose some cool twists on classics such as the martini thyme, yuzu margarita, and coco Old Fashioned.
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Bookmarks
This bar is a literary oasis mere steps from the New York Public Library. You’ll find a bookish crowd here, and since this bar stays quiet even when it’s fairly full, you’ll actually be able to hear the people you’re with (or that chat with that cutie reading the New York Times).
Mr. Purple
This lounge makes and bottles carbonated cocktails in-house. It also has punches made with small-batch spirits and coffee (in case you need a perk-up drink).
Westlight
This bar on the 21st floor of The William Vale Hotel has amazing city views, fancy cocktails and refined bar bites. It offers drinks in the tiki, spritz, highball, martini, and daiquiri styles. Outside, there are semi-ironic Top of the Rock-style standing binoculars that magnify the Manhattan skyline.
The Top of the Standard and Le Bain
The Standard’s rooftop parties are well-known to the going-out crowd. During the day, The Top of the Standard serves tea and drinks. Once the sun sets, it turns into a cocktail party and supper lounge with live jazz and small parties. After 10pm, Le Bain becomes a jam-packed nightclub with dance parties, a plunge pool and a crêperie. To help navigate these crowded scenes, check out our tips on navigating crowded NYC bars.
Elsie Rooftop
Those pining for a taste of the Roaring Twenties’ heady glamour should go to this bar on the 25th floor of a Midtown building. This penthouse bar inspired by New York City socialite and interior designer Elsie de Wolfe is the place to live our your out Gatsby fantasies. The cocktails are simple, yet elegant, and the food menu includes classics such as lamb sliders and lobster rolls.
The Met Roof Garden Bar
The bar atop the Metropolitan Museum of Art boasts cocktails and installation sculptures. Museum-goers looking for libations while perusing the Met’s world-class art will love this bar. It’s only open for part of the year, though, from mid-April through October, so check the calendar before you try to head here.
Gallow Green
This rooftop bar atop the McKittrick Hotel has a secret garden with gorgeous greenery. It also often has live music in the summer. In the winter, this bar is transformed into a lodge with snug bunk beds and fire pits. When you come in the winter, you should try the very good mulled wine. Personally, I think this is one of the best New York City rooftop bars.
SERRA by Birreria
This rooftop beer garden and restaurant on top of Eataly in the Flatiron District has a retractable roof. It also has seasonal themes which are reflected in the food, drinks, and decor.
Broken Shaker
This rooftop bar atop the Freehand Hotel is mostly indoors, but you’ll still feel like you’re outdoors thanks to the plants strewn throughout it. Here, you can sit in rattan chairs and enjoy a variety of beachy cocktails, such as the Jake the Snake (tequila, mezcal, papaya, ancho verde and Szechuan peppercorn). As fits the theme, the food is also beach-inspired, including beef jerky and pillowy arepas.
Azul on the Rooftop
This rooftop bar on top of Hotel Hugo will take you to a Cuban paradise. Here, you can enjoy white sangria, mojitos, and Cuban sandwiches while surrounded by 1950s-era posters. On Sunday evenings, there are live Cuban bands; and on Mondays, there are weekly movie nights.
If you aren’t feeling boozy, check a tea bar: Feel Zen at These NYC Tea Bars
Magic Hour
This amusement park-themed bar has a mini-golf course, as well as gigantic food that’s fun to look at and eat. With two covered bars, a dance floor, and gigantic drinks, the best way to describe this place is as “extra.”
