Rooftop Bars in New York: 9 Places to Drink with a View

No matter why you have decided to travel to New York City, there are many things to do when you are in town besides the main reason for your trip. From excellent shopping to historical places like the Empire State Building, and museums, you will never be bored in New York City. This is also a great place to head if you want to make the most of NYC rooftop bars. There are so many amazing rooftop bars in New York that you will easily be able to visit a new one every day during your stay.

The first thing that you should take care of before you do anything else in New York City is to make sure that your luggage is safe and secure. Visit a Bounce New York luggage storage and let us worry about the bags for a bit. New York City is much more enjoyable when you are not dealing with your luggage, and most of the rooftop bars in New York are not the right place to be dragging large bags with you. You also won't want those heavy bags if you're in town to explore the best shopping in New York.

Once your bags are securely stored, you will be ready to head out and have lots of fun in New York!

A.R.T. NoMad

What It's Like:

Located 31 stories above the city skyline at the Arlo Roof Top, this swanky bar is always a great choice when you are in New York City. The skywalk glass floor is a super cool feature in this amazing bar high above New York, and cozy loungers and comfortable bar stools await you when you walk over it to this rooftop lounge. This is a peaceful, quiet location that is easily one of the best rooftop bars in New York.

Our Recommendation:

Try the Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, which is made with botanical Ketel One vodka, or shop through their amazing list of frozen cocktail options. This is a bar that always employs really friendly and fun bartenders as well, so you can chat them up and ask for a recommendation. You will also be able to snack on bar bites here while you drink, which is a great bonus.

Location:

11 E 31st St, Rooftop

Harriet's Rooftop Bar & Lounge

What It's Like:

If you want to see Times Square and the Statue of Liberty, this is the place to sit down for a drink. Harriet's is so Brooklyn that you will feel like you've stepped into another world when you sit down. One of the best rooftop bar options in the city, this is also a rooftop lounge with its own unique character. The stadium seating and the firepits are super unique for a rooftop bar. Instead of the hustle and bustle of the city, you'll feel like you are camping or maybe hanging out in the suburbs.

Our Recommendation:

This spot is also a restaurant, so you can head to this indoor lounge with outdoor views of the city from the rooftop patio for food and drinks. Try the Harriet's Margarita for a vacation-themed classic. They also have a lot of great beers on tap, which is not always the case in New York bar locations.

Location:

60 Furman St, Brooklyn

Somewhere in Nolita

What It's Like:

Perched atop the Nolitan Hotel, this is a great place for Mexican food, delicious cocktails, and beautiful views. This is a unique spot among the best rooftop bars in New York and you will love the outdoor terrace and indoor lounge space. There are always seasonal cocktails on offer here as well as tasty food. The view is a bit different here but you will see a whole new side of New York City from this rooftop bar.

Our Recommendation:

All the traditional Mexican food on the menu is excellent and you will want to save a little room for the Kimka in Nolita drink or the Mile High Julep. There are many seasonal cocktails on offer here and you can have a full meal at the same time due to the rooftop restaurant location that is attached to the bar. You can only get in by reservation, so make sure you make one before you head here.

Location:

30 Kenmare St

Cantina Rooftop

What It's Like:

This really cool rooftop spot is unique for many reasons, not least of which for its retractable glass roof. This is one of the only NYC rooftop bars that offer year-round seating, all because of the retractable glass roof. You can get excellent Mexican food here and really good margaritas, and you will love the open-air rooftop feel even when the top is closed due to the weather. This location is a little spendy, but you will get a lot for your money here since this is one of the only rooftop bars in NYC that serves this much food along with its craft cocktails.

Our Recommendation:

The mezacalritas are excellent here as are all the drinks made with fresh fruit. This is one of the best rooftop bars in New York for full meals as well, and you can order delicious ceviche or tacos to go with your classic cocktails. They also offer rooftop brunch here, and there is a full and delightful dessert menu too. Make sure you come hungry!

Location:

605 W 48th St, New York

Panorama Room

What It's Like:

For incredible views of the Manhattan skyline, this is the place to be. The name really says it all. You will be treated to lovely open-air rooftop views of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn from this spot. There is a mixed clientele at this really chill spot, and students, as well as older people, come here for access to this lovely new York City rooftop bar view. This location is really cool as well because this is a rooftop bar that rotates! There is a dress code so make sure you check this out before you assume that you can walk right in.

Our Recommendation:

There is a lot of seafood on the Panorama Room's food menu, and you will love this spot if you have been looking for a seafood tasting platter or oysters and claims. This is one of the best spots in New York City for fresh seafood. Try The Look Glass Cocktail or choose from the nice quality sparkling wine list. There is a lot of variety on the menu here, and this is one of the best NYC rooftop bars if you are looking for fine dining to go with your drinks.

Location:

22 N Loop Rd

Overstory

What It's Like:

While spendy, this Pine Street location is ambiance personified. This is a great rooftop bar for date night or if you want to have a really special experience. From specialty cocktails to delicious food, there is nothing that you will not love about this location. This is both an indoor lounge and a rooftop bar, so you can pick and choose where you want to sit and enjoy the views of New York. Make sure you reserve a table in advance, as this rooftop restaurant is so popular you will likely not be able to just walk in and sit down.

Our Recommendation:

All of the tequila drinks on the menu here are wonderful, and many specialty cocktails are sold during different seasons. There is also a full menu of non-alcoholic options if you have a friend with you who doesn't drink. The falafel and the BBQ lamb buns are really excellent here, and there are plenty of Mediterranean dishes that are offered as well that you might want to save room for.

Location:

70 Pine St., 64th Floor

Bar Blondeau

What It's Like:

For views of the Manhattan skyline and delightful ambiance, this is the rooftop bar to visit. This location is linked to the posh Le Crocodile and the Wythe Hotel. This location is chic, and it is intended to be a French-style bar. You will be treated to a rotating menu of French cuisine classics as well as local New York favorites. The chefs that work on the menu here are world-famous, and you can expect some of the best food in the city at this rooftop lounge location.

Our Recommendation:

While spendy, the specialty cocktails here are delicious. Make sure to try the Summer In Corfu made with Mexican rum, fino sherry, aloe, and mint or the Mutual Friend crafted with Bourbon, thyme, and seasonal berry shrub if you are in New York City in the summer and drop in to this rooftop bar.

Location:

80 Wythe Ave 6th Floor

LoHi

What It's Like:

This is an ideal place to head for a rooftop bar experience that is mellow, inviting, and fun. This is also a great stop for an excellent brunch if you would rather visit your rooftop bars during the daylight hours. The view here is excellent as well, but you might really focus more on the chill atmosphere, some people-watching, and the folks that you came to enjoy New York with. LoHi is very inviting, and you can choose to sit on the outdoor terrace or in the indoor lounge if you have already had too much sun.

Our Recommendation:

Frozen Drank is the best cocktail on the menu here, but you should also try the Spottieottiedopalicious; if you can say it, that is! Their One More Cup of Coffee is also really excellent if you love coffee-inspired cocktails. The cocktail menu here is extensive, and there are always new things to try out. The double-smashed burger is excellent, as is the steak frites. The menu here is crafted with love, Hawaiian influences, and excellent fusion choices.

Location:

314 Scholes St, Brooklyn

Slate Rooftop

What It's Like:

The original location that this company owns is in Chelsea, and this is the recent expansion that they have added to their lineup of locations. This location was opened on their 22nd anniversary of being in business, and the party atmosphere has not really waned since the grand opening. This spot allows you to wander, mingle, play oversize lawn games like Giant Jenga, and more. You can have so much fun here while also getting a great drink and enjoying some excellent New York views.

Our Recommendation:

The food here is classic pub food but so much tastier. The nachos are the star of the shareable menu, but you should also try the crispy Mac'n Cheese bites. The Philly Cheesesteak Empanadas are another really solid choice. You can also get donuts and pizza off the menu here. Make sure to ask about seasonal cocktails and specials and get recommendations for fun new drinks from the waitstaff.

Location:

247 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn

Rooftop bars in New York are unforgettable!

If you are heading to New York, you need to make sure that you stop in to visit one of the best rooftop bars in the city. These bars are truly unique, and the experience of sitting down at these spots is just as special as sightseeing around the city. From views of the Manhattan skyline to the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty, you can enjoy the city from a whole new perspective at these locations.

New York offers you access to so many great dining locations, and some of the best food can be found at rooftop bars in NYC. Enjoy foods that were handcrafted be specialty chefs, live music, and delicious cocktails as you look out over the city. The rooftop bar scene here is really special and you will not find anything like it anywhere else.