Where to Drink
The best rooftop bars in NYC
New Yorkers are blessed with quite a few rooftop bars that offer drinks, food, and majestic views of the cityscape.
A city of dreams and soaring skyscrapers, New York has its fair share of rooftop bars. Made to suit all your needs from exclusive parties to lounging with a drink on high rise structures, the fun never stops at these towering rooftop bars.
So, whether you are in the mood to get straight into an evening of eventful drinking or planning to bask in the sun for brunch, we have a list of some of New York’s finest drinking destinations.
230 Fifth - Igloo Bar
Offering a unique winter experience, Igloo Bar at 230 Fifth is a great place to cozy up in heated igloo cabins, whilst sipping on drinks like the boozy hot chocolate, vodka apple cider, pumpkin pie hot chocolate, and more.
Each cabin has the capacity to accommodate upto 10 guests at a time, wrapping a layer of transparent heated blanket, from where you have the view of the spectacular city.
Happy hours - 4 pm to 7 pm
Location - 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001.
Timings - 2 pm to 1 am (Monday to Thursday)
2 pm to 4 am (Friday)
11 am to 4 am (Saturday)
11 am to 1 am (Sunday)
Spyglass
Spyglass rooftop bar at Archer Hotel, Source: Facebook
A rooftop bar in close proximity to the Empire State Building, Spyglass can be found on the 22nd floor of Archer Hotel. The bar has a range of beers, wines, and craft cocktails in their locker to go with shareable bites.
What better way to admire the staggering Empire State Building, than with the Empire cocktail made with brandy, green apple purée, agave, and lemon.
Location - 47 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018.
Timings - 4 pm to 11 pm (Monday to Saturday)
4 pm to 10 pm (Sunday)
Magic Hour
Magic Hour rooftop bar, Source: Facebook
Discover 5 distinct environments at Magic Hour, 18 floors above the ground with two separate outdoor areas and whimsical animals topiary, passing an urban-industrial vibe. The indoor lounge is small and compact, where you can sip on spirits, wine, beer, or cocktails, surrounded by wire mesh panels riveted to the ceiling and walls.
Choose from a list of delectable cocktails like The Diplomat, Hot Pink Summer, Berry Bubbly, Low Battery, and more as you make yourself comfortable at this vibrant playground.
Location - 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018.
Timings - 3 pm to 12 am (Monday to Wednesday)
3 pm to 2 am (Thursday)
3 pm to 4 am (Friday)
11.30 am to 4 am (Saturday)
11.30 am to 12 am (Sunday)
Read Next: New York's best beer gardens
Salon de Ning
Chalet inspired dome at Salon de Ning, Source: Facebook
Enchanting guests with magical chalet inspired domes, Salon de Ning’s western part is tailor made for those who like a drink under the lights. The remarkable experience will transport you to the snow capped hills of the Alps, without having to endure the chilly breezes of the mountain range.
Their menu takes inspiration from the Engadin region of Switzerland, from which you can choose a specialty cocktail, to take a dip in Swiss culture.
Dress code: smart casuals.
Location - 700 5th Ave Floor 23, New York, NY 10019.
Timings - Closed (Sunday to Monday)
5 pm to 12 am (Tuesday to Saturday)
St. Cloud Rooftop
Rooftop party at St. Cloud, Source: Facebook
Named after the late 19th century hotel that originally occupied the site, St. Cloud Rooftop is an ultimate terrace on The Knickerbocker Hotel for hosting parties at its three plush corner space.
Try the St. Cloud cocktail made with Patron Reposado, Singani 63, Allspice Dram, lemon, and egg white, as you endow yourself in tasty bites such as chips & guacamole, roasted spiced almonds, herb hummus & pita, and more.
Location - 6 Times Square 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Timings - Closed (Sunday to Monday)
4 pm to 11 pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
Bar 54
Bar 54, Source: Instagram
Enjoy delicious craft cocktails, fine wines, and the light gourmet fare at Bar 54, New York’s highest open-air hotel rooftop bar. Once you make your way to the 54th floor, soak in the sublime views of Manhattan and a spectacular skyline that runs across the city.
For those looking for a gala night, the Ball Drop Live at the tallest rooftop lounge in Manhattan is one of its kind events to kickstart your New Year’s Eve with.
Make a reservation for Ball Drop Live.
Location - 135 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036.
Timings - 4 pm to 12 am (Sunday to Wednesday)
4 pm to 1 am (Thursday to Saturday)
Azul Rooftop
Azul Rooftop, Source: Website
Located on the 20th floor of Hugo Hotel, Azul Rooftop passes Cuban cantina vibes with panoramic views of the Hudson River. Either relax in the lounge sparkling with brown lanterns or pick a spot from where you can appreciate 360 degree views of Lower Manhattan.
You will find an array of refreshing coolers like mojitos and slushy frozen cocktails to go with street tacos and home made guacamole.
Happy hours - 5 pm to 8 pm
Location - 525 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013.
Timings - 5 pm to 12 am (Monday to Friday)
3 pm to 12 am (Saturday to Sunday)
The Ready Rooftop Bar
The Ready Rooftop Bar, Source: Facebook
A rooftop backyard with murals, planters, casual seating, and a retractable roof, The Ready Rooftop Bar is capable of hosting upto 150 people. From a range of canned and frozen drinks, order one at the bar decorated with a collage of multi colored milk crates.
We relished the chicken tinga tacos, paired with the Mezcalrita cocktail made with Ilegal Mezcal, agave, and fresh lime, with views of the East Village.
Also, the spiked apple cider donuts are worth the try, especially if you like sweet boozy delicacies.
Location - 112 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003.
Timings - 4 pm to 10 pm (Monday to Friday)
12 pm to 10 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
The Roof
Sunset view from The Roof, Source: Facebook
Exposing panoramic views of New York City with its floor ceiling windows and open terrace, The Roof takes cover on top of the Public Hotel. From high profile parties to low key jam sessions, the rooftop bar hosts events in the cityscape skyline.
At the vibrant and energetic bar, you will find a variety of drinks such as beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails, as you rejoice in the celebratory mood.
Location - 215 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002.
Timings - 5 pm to 12 am
5 pm to 2 am
5 pm to 4 am
Haven Rooftop
Seating area at Haven Rooftop, Source: Website
Perched on top of the Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, Haven Rooftop cloaks itself in tent-like shaded roofs and wooden furniture. With a separate menu for brunch, lunch, and dinner, the bar is an ideal destination to spend quality time with your friends and loved ones, away from the hurly burly of New York.
Go for the signature Safe Haven cocktail made with La Luna Mezcal, pineapple juice, agave, and tajin for a quick buzz.
Dress code: business casual.
Happy hours - 3 pm to 6 pm
Location - 132 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
Timings - 12 pm to 3 pm, 4 pm to 11 pm (Monday to Friday)
11 pm to 3 pm, 4.30 pm to 11 pm (Saturday to Sunday)
Header image - Public Hotels, Source: Facebook
