You’re looking for the ultimate summer rooftop experience in NYC? You’re in luck! From trendy Brooklyn hotspots to classic Manhattan lounges, the city’s rooftop scene is sizzling. Imagine sipping craft cocktails amidst lush gardens or taking in breathtaking Hudson River views. With 25 exceptional options to choose from, you’ll find the perfect spot to soak up the sun and take in the iconic NYC skyline. So, which rooftop oasis will you escape to first?

Trendy Rooftop Bars in Brooklyn

As you’re exploring the best summer rooftop bars in NYC, you’ll likely find yourself in Brooklyn, where trendy spots abound.

You’ll discover Brooklyn breweries and rooftop food, offering a unique experience with great views, making Brooklyn a must-visit destination.

Manhattan’s Classic Lounges

You’re heading to Manhattan to experience the best of its classic lounges, and you won’t be disappointed.

As you explore these top spots, you’ll discover the best views of the city, from the Hudson River to the glittering skyscrapers.

You’ll sip on classic drinks, from old fashioneds to Manhattans, at iconic locations that’ll make your summer nights unforgettable.

Top Spots

Several iconic spots make the cut for Manhattan’s classic lounges, and they’re must-visits for you.

Lounge	Rooftop Ambiance	City Skylines
230	trendy	yes
Roof	upscale	yes
Top	chic	yes
Bar	sophisticated	yes
Lounge	elegant	yes

Best Views

Manhattan’s classic lounges don’t just serve up craft cocktails – they offer breathtaking views of the city skyline.

You’ll capture stunning skyline photography and enjoy sunset cocktails, making for an unforgettable experience.

Classic Drinks

How do you define a classic drink in the city that never sleeps?

You’ll find classic cocktails and signature sips at Manhattan’s top lounges, offering timeless flavors that never go out of style, making them a must-try during your summer rooftop bar hopping adventures in NYC.

Best Views of the Hudson River

As you’re exploring the city’s rooftop bar scene, you’ll find that some of the best views of the Hudson River come with a side of craft cocktails and chic vibes.

Hudson River views
Scenic Sunset
Craft cocktails
Chic vibes

Rooftop Bars With Outdoor Seating

You’re looking for the best spots to soak up the sun and enjoy a drink, and rooftop bars with outdoor seating are a must-visit.

These outdoor spaces offer a unique experience, and you’ll want to check out the top bars that provide stunning views and trendy vibes.

From lush gardens to sleek terraces, you’ll find the perfect spot to relax and unwind at one of NYC’s top rooftop bars with outdoor seating.

Outdoor Spaces

New York City’s rooftop bars offer some of the most stunning outdoor spaces to enjoy a drink, with many featuring spacious decks and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.

You’ll love the outdoor ambiance and summer atmosphere with:

Green roofs
Fire pits
Lounge chairs
Gardens

Top Bars

Rooftop bars with outdoor seating are a staple of NYC’s summer scene, and you’ll find plenty of options to choose from.

You can grab craft beer or sunset cocktails at top bars, enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Upscale Cocktail Bars in NYC

As the sun sets over Manhattan, sophisticated spots to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail become a top priority, and that’s where upscale cocktail bars come in.

You’ll experience the best of craft cocktail culture and mixology trends with:

Expert bartenders
Unique flavors
Craft spirits
Innovative techniques

Summer Nights in the City

Summer nights in the city are all about soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, and you’re likely looking for spots that offer more than just a great cocktail.

You crave summer vibes and city nightlife, making NYC’s rooftop scene a must-visit for an unforgettable experience.

Rooftop Pools and Bars

You’re looking for a unique summer experience, and rooftop pools and bars in NYC are a must-try.

As you explore these trendy spots, you’ll discover pool bars that offer revitalizing summer drinks, perfect for hot days and nights.

You can enjoy a cool cocktail by the pool, taking in the stunning city views, and making the most of your summer in the city.

Pool Bars

Several rooftop bars in NYC take their amenities to the next level with poolside lounging.

You’ll enjoy

poolside cocktails
cabana vibes
loungers
city views, making it a perfect spot.

Summer Drinks

As you soak up the sun at one of NYC’s rooftop pools and bars, it’s the energizing summer drinks that’ll keep you coming back for more.

From revitalizing spritzers to fruity concoctions, artisan mixers craft unique pairings with tropical flavors, herbal infusions, and citrus blends.

Enjoy frozen delights, light sippers, and sparkling wines, all featuring seasonal ingredients and signature garnishes that pop with vibrant colors and exotic flavors.

Casual Spots for a Summer Drink

When the summer heat becomes unbearable, a casual rooftop bar is just what the doctor ordered, and NYC has plenty to choose from.

You’ll find laid-back vibes and invigorating cocktails at these spots:

230 Fifth: A chill rooftop bar in the Flatiron District with stunning city views.
The Top of the Strand: A hidden gem in Midtown with creative cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.
Gallow Green: A lush oasis in Chelsea with craft cocktails and a whimsical vibe.
The Roof at The Viceroy Central Park: A stylish spot with invigorating drinks and breathtaking park views.

NYC’s Highest Rooftop Bars

Reaching new heights, literally, are NYC’s highest rooftop bars, where the views are as breathtaking as the drinks are potent. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, sipping sky-high cocktails and taking in breathtaking sunsets.

Rooftop Bar	Height	Must-Try Drink
230 Fifth	22nd floor	Watermelon Martini
Sky Room	34th floor	Spicy Mango Margarita
Ophelia	26th floor	Lavender Gin Fizz

Bars With Live Music and Events

You’re looking for a rooftop bar that’s more than just a spot to grab a drink – you want to be entertained!

Luckily, some of the best summer rooftop bars in NYC offer live music and summer events that’ll keep you coming back for more.

From DJs spinning tracks to outdoor movie screenings, these bars know how to throw a party.

Live Music

What’s a summer evening in NYC without some live tunes to set the tone?

You’re in luck! Some of the best rooftop bars in the city also double as live music venues.

Catch a summer concert at:

230 Fifth, where DJs spin tracks on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Top of the Strand, featuring live jazz on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Roof at The Viceroy Central Park, with DJs on weekends.
Gallow Green, hosting live music events throughout the summer.

Summer Events

As summer heats up, NYC’s rooftop bars transform into vibrant event spaces, offering an array of festivities to elevate your warm-weather experience.

You’ll find summer festivals, outdoor concerts, and themed parties at these rooftop hotspots. From DJs spinning beachy tunes to wine tastings, there’s an event for every style and vibe.

Rooftop Restaurants With a View

When the sun shines bright, nothing beats a rooftop restaurant with a view in NYC.

You’ll want to soak up the city’s energy while enjoying rooftop dining with skyline views. Here are some top spots:

230 Fifth: Savor American cuisine with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
The Top of the Strand: Enjoy modern American fare and cocktails on the 21st floor.
Gallow Green: Dine on seasonal small plates surrounded by lush greenery and city views.
JIMMY: Delight in Mediterranean-inspired dishes on the 18th floor of the James Hotel.

Hidden Gems in the City

You’re looking for more than just your average rooftop bar experience, and that’s where the city’s secret spots come in.

Tucked away in unexpected neighborhoods, these urban oases offer a revitalizing escape from the hustle and bustle of NYC.

From speakeasy-style cocktail bars to intimate gardens, you’ll discover unique hideaways that will make you feel like a true insider.

Secret Spots

Beyond the flashy rooftop bars in Midtown, secret spots await discovery, offering an unpretentious, laid-back vibe that’s quintessentially New York.

You’ll find:

230 Fifth, a hidden rooftop with secret cocktails and stunning views.
The Top of the Strand, a rooftop bar with a speakeasy-style vibe.
Gallow Green, a whimsical rooftop oasis with inventive cocktails.
The Roof at The Viceroy Central Park, a chic spot with park views.

Explore these secret spots for a truly unique NYC experience.

Urban Oases

From secret spots to urban escapes, NYC’s rooftops offer a surprising array of hidden gems. You’ll discover tranquil urban gardens and city hideaways, perfect for a summer escape. Check out these top urban oases:

Rooftop	Features
230 Fifth	Lush greenery, garden seating
The Top of the Strand	Intimate setting, handcrafted cocktails
Gallow Green	Whimsical garden, seasonal drinks
The Roof at The Viceroy Central Park	Panoramic views, sophisticated vibe

Rooftop Bars With Happy Hour Specials

What’s better than sipping on a revitalizing cocktail atop a swanky rooftop bar on a warm summer evening?

You’ll score big with these rooftop bars offering happy hour deals and sunset pricing:

230 Fifth: Monday to Friday, 4 pm to 6 pm, enjoy $7 drinks and $5 beers.
The Top of the Strand: Daily, 5 pm to 7 pm, get 2-for-1 drinks and $7 apps.
Refinery Rooftop: Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 7 pm, indulge in $10 cocktails and $8 beers.
The Roof at The Viceroy Central Park: Daily, 5 pm to 7 pm, savor $12 cocktails and $10 wines.

Unique Cocktail Menus

You’re in for a treat when it comes to the creative concoctions at these rooftop bars!

From signature drinks that showcase a bar’s personality to summer specials that incorporate seasonal fruits and flavors, you’ll want to try them all.

With unique cocktail menus that change with the seasons, you’ll always find something new and exciting to sip on.

Signature Drinks

Sixteen stories above the bustling streets of Manhattan, you’ll find some of the city’s most inventive mixologists shaking (and stirring) things up at NYC’s best summer rooftop bars.

Try these signature cocktails:

Rooftop Spritz at 230 Fifth, a invigorating blend of prosecco, peach puree, and lemon-lime soda.
Summer Sunset at The Top of the Strand, a fruity mix of vodka, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
Cucumber Cooler at the Roof at The Viceroy Central Park, a revitalizing combo of gin, cucumber, and lime.
Pimm’s Cup at the Peninsula’s Salon de Ning, a classic British cocktail with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade, and garnished with cucumber and mint.

Summer Specials

Summer’s sizzling heat calls for a rejuvenating twist on the classic cocktail menu, and NYC’s rooftop bars are delivering with unique summer specials that will quench your thirst and ignite your taste buds.

You’ll find invigorating summer cocktails, like fruity blends and citrus-infused libations, perfectly paired with seasonal events and live music to elevate your rooftop experience.

Panoramic Views of the City Skyline

As the sun sets over the concrete jungle, nothing beats sipping a revitalizing cocktail while taking in the breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline from a rooftop bar.

To make the most of this experience, consider:

Bringing your camera to capture stunning skyline photography.
Opting for evening cocktails with unique flavors and twists.
Snagging a spot near the edge for an unobstructed view.
Visiting during sunset for a truly unforgettable experience.

Rooftop Bars in Iconic NYC Buildings

While exploring the city’s rooftop bar scene, you’ll stumble upon some of the most iconic NYC buildings, transformed into trendy hotspots where architecture meets mixology.

The Top of the Strand at the Strand Hotel offers sleek rooftop architecture with stunning views of the Empire State Building.

Similarly, 230 Fifth’s rooftop bar boasts panoramic views of the iconic Flatiron Building.

Seasonal Summer Menus

You’ve sipped on craft cocktails amidst iconic NYC architecture, now it’s time to indulge in invigorating flavors tailored to the season.

This summer, rooftop bars are serving up revitalizing eats that highlight seasonal ingredients and creative pairings.

Be sure to try:

Watermelon salads with feta and mint
Grilled shrimp skewers with citrus-herb marinade
Heirloom tomato sandwiches with burrata and basil
Cucumber-lime gazpacho shooters

Rooftop Bars With Fire Pits and Heat Lamps

When the summer sun dips below the Manhattan skyline, the rooftop bars transform into cozy retreats.

You’ll crave the warmth and ambiance of fire pits and heat lamps at spots like 230 Fifth or the Roof at the Viceroy Central Park.

These rooftop bars offer unforgettable fire pit experiences and heat lamp ambiance, perfect for chilly summer nights.

Waterfront Rooftop Bars

Summer nights in NYC just got a whole lot cooler, and we’re trading in fire pits for sea breezes.

You’re in for a treat with these waterfront rooftop bars serving up sunset cocktails and laid-back vibes.

The Roof at The Viceroy Central Park offers stunning Hudson River views.
230 Fifth boasts a sprawling rooftop with waterfront vibes.
Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar at the Conrad Hotel serves up sunset cocktails.
The Top of the Strand at the Strand Hotel features a rooftop garden with Manhattan views.

Historic Hotels With Rooftop Bars

Step into the past at these iconic hotels, where rooftop bars offer a revitalizing twist on classic luxury.

You’ll experience historic charm blended with rooftop elegance at spots like the Knickerbocker’s St. Cloud or the NoMad Hotel’s rooftop bar, offering craft cocktails and stunning city views.

Rooftop Bars With Private Event Spaces

Elevate your celebration at rooftop bars that offer private event spaces, where you can toast to milestones and make unforgettable memories with friends and family.

For private events and exclusive gatherings, consider:

230 Fifth, a chic rooftop bar with indoor and outdoor spaces for up to 1,500 guests.
The Top of the Strand, offering stunning city views and customizable event packages.
Monarch Rooftop, featuring a sleek, modern design and capacity for 200 guests.
The Roof at The Viceroy Central Park, providing luxurious amenities and breathtaking park views.

Bars With Creative Summer Drinks

As the mercury rises, you’ll want to cool down with invigorating summer drinks that are as Instagrammable as they’re delicious.

Head to these rooftop bars serving creative concoctions that showcase revitalizing flavors.

Try the Watermelon Basil Martini at 230 Fifth or the Cucumber Gimlet at the Roof at the Viceroy Central Park.

Rooftop Bars in Downtown Manhattan

Downtown Manhattan’s rooftop scene is alive and thriving, with trendy bars offering stunning views of the city’s southern tip.

You can soak up the summer sunsets and rooftop vibes at these hotspots:

230 Fifth: Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and small plates in a chic setting.
The Top of the Strand: Savor classic drinks and snacks at this stylish rooftop bar.
Roof at The Viceroy Central Park: Take in the city views while sipping on craft cocktails.
The Roof at The James Hotel: Unwind with friends and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Upscale Hotels With Rooftop Lounges

You’re ready to take your rooftop bar experience to new heights – literally.

Upscale hotels with rooftop lounges offer luxury experiences that elevate your summer nights. At spots like 230 Fifth and the Top of the Strand, you’ll find elevated ambience, craft cocktails, and stunning city views.

Treat yourself to a sophisticated summer evening.

Rooftop Bars With Stunning Sunset Views

Savoring a sunset over the Manhattan skyline is the ultimate summer experience, and these rooftop bars deliver.

You’ll want to grab your camera for stunning skyline photography and toast to the view with sunset cocktails.

Here are the top spots:

230 Fifth: This Flatiron rooftop bar boasts unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline.
The Top of the Strand: Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and a sunset view from the 21st floor of the Strand Hotel.
Gallow Green: This Westlight rooftop bar in the William Vale Hotel offers a lush atmosphere and breathtaking sunset views.
The Roof: Located in the Viceroy Central Park, this rooftop bar provides a chic setting for sunset cocktails and skyline gazing.

Conclusion

You’ve got the ultimate NYC summer rooftop guide! From trendy Brooklyn bars to upscale Manhattan lounges, and from Hudson River views to creative summer drinks, you’re all set for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for outdoor seating, stunning sunset views, or a luxurious hotel rooftop, NYC’s got you covered. Get ready to soak up the sun and take in the iconic skyline at one of these 25 amazing rooftop bars and lounges.