New York's rooftop bar scene divides between view-bars (where the panorama justifies an average drink) and serious cocktail rooms with rooftops. The 10 below balance both. Most are in Manhattan or Brooklyn; some require reservations months ahead.
Part of our 50 Best Rooftop Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best rooftop bars in New York
01 · New York
Midtown South
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Empire State view
The view bar New Yorkers send their out-of-town friends to. The Empire State sits directly across the street.
Order: A negroni and the panorama
02 · New York
Williamsburg
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Brooklyn skyline + Manhattan
On top of The William Vale. The 22-floor view back at Manhattan is one of the city's best.
Order: A frozen drink at sunset
03 · New York
Hell's Kitchen
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Hotel rooftop · River view
On top of the Ink48. Direct view of the Hudson and the Empire State.
Order: A martini with the river view
04 · New York
Times Square
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30th floor · Times Square
On the 30th floor near Times Square. Less touristy than expected; the Times Square view at night is genuinely impressive.
Order: A French 75 at sunset
05 · New York
Times Square
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Carnival rooftop · Loud
On top of the Moxy. Carousel horse, putting green, panoramic view.
Order: A frozen drink with the Times Square panorama
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06 · New York
NoMad
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Hotel rooftop · Empire State
On top of the Park South Hotel. Direct view of the Empire State Building.
Order: A signature with the building's silhouette behind
07 · New York
Midtown East
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Hotel rooftop · Indoor-outdoor
On top of the Kimberly Hotel. Glass-roofed indoor-outdoor option, year-round operation.
Order: A martini with the midtown view
08 · New York
Chelsea
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Spanish rooftop · Tapas
Spanish restaurant with one of Chelsea's prettiest rooftop terraces. Sangria-and-tapas atmosphere.
Order: Sangria de cava on the terrace
09 · New York
Williamsburg
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Beer garden rooftop
Williamsburg rooftop beer garden. Casual, no reservations, the most affordable Manhattan-view rooftop in NYC.
Order: A craft beer + the cheap view
10 · New York
Garment District
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Hotel rooftop · Indoor-outdoor
On top of the Refinery Hotel. Indoor-outdoor sections, year-round operation, casual cocktail program.
Order: A spritz on the terrace
How to drink on a NYC rooftop properly
230 Fifth gives you the Empire State view; Westlight gives you the Manhattan-from-Brooklyn view; The Skylark gives you Times Square at night. Pick one for the view, then graduate to a serious cocktail room. Most peak between 5 and 7 PM (sunset hour) and again 10-11 PM.
