Rooftop bars and New York City go together like gin and tonic, especially when it involves the famous skyline. So we gathered 10 New York rooftop bars that provide world-class cocktails and, of course, epic views of the city we can’t help but fall in love with.
Le Bain – The Standard, High Line
This penthouse discothèque and rooftop bar has established itself in the Meatpacking District of New York City’s nightlife scene. Set on the top floor of The Standard High Line, Le Bain starts as a relaxing place to enjoy afternoon drinks and ends as a vibrant cocktail party, complete with world-famous DJs, state-of-the-art sound systems and epic panoramic views of the city. During summer, there’s a plunge pool on the dance floor and a creperie on the “grass” covered rooftop for soaking in the sun.
The Skylark
The Skylark is a sophisticated rooftop bar and lounge offering guests the chance to sip signature cocktails 30 stories high in the heart of Times Square. The contemporary, yet classic tiered lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows, boasting panoramic views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline including iconic buildings—the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building. Whether you’re looking for post-work drinks or a night out, The Skylark is an all-season destination with both indoor and outdoor spaces designed by Meyer Davis Studio. Spoil yourself with tastes from an exclusive mixologist cocktail menu based on classic inspirations, and pair it with light bites including short rib bites, lobster quesadilla and warm cookie skillet for something sweet to top off the night.
Make Believe
The Lower East Side is no stranger to rooftop bars, but one that stands out is Make Believe, a rooftop social club designed by SIXTY Hotels in conjunction with innovative nightlife duo Jack Mulqueen and Thatcher Shultz. Evoking a feeling of exotic and far-off lands, Make Believe is an escape from reality and borrows an eclectic blend of visual cues from around the globe. Its dynamic aesthetic, city views and abundance of natural light make it the ideal place for either a midday meet-up in between shows or a late-night rendezvous with friends.
Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room
Toast to the sweeping skyline views that come with residing in the Rockefeller Plaza and watch as the city below disperses when the sun begins to dawn. Perched on the 65th floor, Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room offers a classic drinks list that pays homage to history while the contemporary list celebrates the present and nods to the future. Whether you prefer a traditional gin and tonic or look to the future with a Mezcaliente, chances are Bar SixtyFive has it. Its extensive beverage menu ranges from 24 types of tequilas, New York distilled spirits, to champagne and Seneca Lake wines.
1 Rooftop Garden and Bar
This beautiful open-aired rooftop bar with unparalleled views is something to look forward to in the warmer days. 1 Rooftop Garden and Bar sits on top of Dumbo’s 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and gives a whole new meaning to rooftop views. Guests can enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine as they watch the sun disappear behind skyscrapers. You can also catch sight of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and of course, the Manhattan skyline. The wood and stone patio features a shallow pool, perfect for cooling off in summer days.
Good Behavior at Made Hotel
New York’s Good Behavior resides as an 18th-floor lounge, opposing the concrete jungle and instead creating a space lavished with tropical plants. Resting on top of MADE Hotel, the tropical jungle lounge offers views of the city and Tiki-inspired cocktails to keep with the theme. The intimate setting is ideal for small get-togethers, or reserve the entire space for a private event and make it yours for a night. Whatever your heart desires, Good Behavior prevails, including creating a whiskey-centric Gentleman’s Directory, perfect for pairing with views of the Financial District.
The Roof at PUBLIC
The Roof at PUBLIC is a vibrant and energetic bar with 360-degree panoramic views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. During the day, the outdoor terrace is a great place to take in the sun. Sunset cocktails are all the rage, but when dark falls, this lounge transforms into a sexy-late night hotspot, hosting the best local and international DJs from around the world. The Roof at PUBLIC guarantees good times in the Lower East Side.
Mr. Purple at Hotel Indigo LES
The Lower East Side is known for its vibrant and artistic spirit, which is exactly what Mr. Purple provides. This rooftop bar and restaurant sits on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo LES and uses downtown New York as a spectacular backdrop. The space recreates an artist-loft ambiance with indoor and outdoor areas, including a large terrace on the west side outfitted with a swimming pool, bar, chaise lounges, banquettes, and high top tables. Guests can sip on an extensive collection of small-batch spirits, regionally brewed craft beers, universal wine offering and a rotating selection of Gerber Group’s classic and modern cocktails.
The Heights at Arlo NoMad
Arlo NoMad’s 31st-floor rooftop terrace is a casual lounge serving inventive cocktails named after New York neighborhoods that end in heights: Brooklyn Heights, Crown Heights, and Jackson Heights. The Heights commands a perfect spot for close-up views of the Empire State Building, downtown, and uptown Manhattan—and thanks to a glass bottom floor—the streets below. The terrace also features a full bar and comfortable seating for up to 100 people.
Magic Hour
Designed to forever change the New York rooftop game, Magic Hour is the city’s largest indoor and outdoor hotel rooftop bar and lounge occupying 10,000 square feet. The adults-only urban amusement park sits atop the Moxy Hotel Times Square and offers epic Empire State Building skyline views with cocktails to match. Guests enter through a dark and mysterious lobby with a giant funhouse mirror that leads to five distinct environments. Laugh at the whimsical topiary animals in naughty positions, and Foreplay, the miniature putt-putt course also known as the hotel’s most Instagrammed feature. Savor the lobster rolls, and baby back ribs, channel your inner kid on the carousel and simply take in the views with a cocktail in hand as you realize New York is the best city in the world.
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