NYC summers are all about nabbing a spot, drink in hand, on a fabulous rooftop and admiring the city from afar. Wondering where to head in NYC for breathtaking views, creative cocktails, and delicious food? Search no further, as I’ve compiled a list of my personal favorites below. Some of these spots are great for grabbing a bite, while others are best for just drinking; but without a doubt, you’ll find an elevated experience to match your elevated view of the city.
And the best news? You can actually get into these spots without a reservation.
1. A.R.T. NoMad (Arlo Hotel Rooftop)
Location: NoMad
Best for: Cocktails and light bites
Points to note: There are actually several Arlo hotels and rooftops in NYC. I’ve been to both the NoMad and SoHo locations and enjoyed both experiences, which are relatively similar.
2. Azul Rooftop (Hotel Hugo)
Location: Hudson Square
Best for: Groups (I especially recommend for birthday parties)
Points to note: There are two floors that comprise the “rooftop” – the lower floor is more modern/club vibes, while the upper floor is more open and casual. For a 360-degree view, head to the upper floor.
3. JIMMY SoHo
Location: SoHo
Best for: A taste of rooftop luxury. Located around the corner from one of my other favorite NYC spots (A Pasta Bar – check this post out for more restaurant recs), JIMMY is a luxurious cocktail bar with a pool and a 360-degree view of the NYC skyline.
Points to note: Best to have a reservation or arrive in a small group. If you arrive post 9pm, there will be a bouncer at the door, and JIMMY is very popular
4. Rooftop Reds
Location: Brooklyn Navy Yard
Best for: A day of wine! Enjoy multiple different wine flight options (reds, roses, and whites).
Points to note: They don’t serve actual food with the wine, just bags of chips. Be sure to grab food before or after.
5. Darling Rooftop
Location: Central Park South
Best for: Early evening cocktails and small dinner bites, as the rooftop doesn’t open to the public until 5pm
Points to note: This spot is quite new and opened earlier in 2023, so many people haven’t visited yet.
6. Upstairs at the Kimberly
Location: Midtown
Best for: Boozy brunch with a view. This is one of the most accessible rooftops with a real food menu.
Points to note: They also have a private area at the back of the rooftop which can be booked for events.
7. Broken Shaker
Location: Flatiron – Freehand NYC hotel
Best for: Small bites (think French fries) and cocktails
Points to note: Similar to some of the other rooftops on this list, most of the space at Broken Shaker is indoors. There is a small wraparound balcony (pictured above) where you can head out for a view, and where tables of 2 are permitted to sit.
8. Brass Monkey
Location: Meatpacking District
Best for: Day drinking with a group
Points to note: This bar has three separate floors – head all the way up for the roof.
9. VERSA
Location: Midtown South (near Penn Station)
Best for: Drinks and apps in a fun, buzzy atmosphere
Points to note: Although VERSA is a rooftop, it’s only on the 3rd floor.
10. Highlight Room
Location: SoHo
Best for: A night out (on weekends)
Points to note: The outdoor balcony tables have the best view and have the added benefit of being a bit removed from the club scene inside. If you are able to sit outside, I would take it.
Let me know if you’ve tried any of these rooftop spots and what you thought!
