11 of the Best Rooftop Bars in NYC With Unforgettable Views

Blog credit: Laura Ratliff – esquire.com

Whether you’re looking for an upscale bar to sip champagne high above the city streets in Manhattan or a laidback Brooklyn spot to enjoy beer and the game with friends. NYC has no shortage of excellent perches across the city. This list includes 11 of the best indoor and outdoor rooftop bars that offer breathtaking views, delicious drinks, small bites (along with full menus), and an impeccable atmosphere. So whether you’re a local or a visitor, these sky-high lounges are sure to leave a lasting impression.

1. Starchild

Image: James Greenspan Photography

Located on the 27th floor of the Civilian Hotel, this rooftop bar offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The inclusion of bottle service and caviar options matches the posh, upscale design of the space. For those looking to make a late night of it, the menu includes an entire section devoted to espresso martinis—including the Scorch, made with habanero, Reposado tequila, and coconut cold brew.

305 West 48th Street, starchildrooftop.com

2. The Highlight Room

Image: Michael Kleinberg

The Highlight Room, perched atop the Moxy Lower East Side, is the Tao Group’s attempt to bring their notable L.A. hotspot to New York City. To match the elegant aesthetic of the original, the space is filled with lush greenery, an olive tree, paper lanterns, chandeliers, and red velvet seating. Meanwhile, an outdoor terrace has views of landmarks, like the Empire State Building, on full display.

145 Bowery, taogroup.com

3. Electric Lemon

Image: Courtesy Starr Restaurants

Electric Lemon, Equinox Hotel’s restaurant, also features an 8,000-square-foot rooftop terrace with serene views of the Hudson River and the city skyline. The space offers dinner and a weekend brunch and is a perfect way to escape the city below to refresh and recharge. The hotel, located in the trendy Hudson Yards development, is an upscale destination, perfect for special occasions.

33 Hudson Yards, 24th Floor, electriclemon.com

4. Beast & Butterflies

Image: Courtesy Citizen M

Far above Times Square’s noise, Beast & Butterflies offers small bites and cocktails within the M Social Hotel. The space features a wraparound terrace, offering a unique vantage point of the neon glow below. The space boasts two different menus of craft cocktails—appropriately named Beast & Butterfly, respectively—so you can order to suit your mood.

226 West 52nd Street, milleniumhotels.com

5. PHD Rooftop Lounge

Image: Courtesy PHD Rooftop Lounge

Situated in the Dream Downtown, this chic venue from TAO Group flaunts Italian Portoro marble, Macassar ebony, nickel-finished walls, and amber Venini glass chandeliers that make this hotspot an ideal location for an unforgettable penthouse party. Shareable plates from chef Mike Armstrong pair well with bespoke cocktails, bottle service, and live DJs to create one of NYC’s hottest rooftop dance parties.

355 West 16th Street, taogroup.com

6. LilliStar

Image: Michael Kleinberg

This newcomer to the Brooklyn bar scene is set in the Moxy Williamsburg hotel and features indoor and outdoor seating with views of the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The space aims to blend Indo-Aussie beach culture with the unmistakable energy of Brooklyn, offering an array of tropical-inspired cocktails, along with Balinese barbecue. Those looking to share can try one of LilliStar’s large-format cocktails, which incorporate tropical fruits and Southeast Asian spices.

353 Bedford Avenue, marriott.com

7. CATCH NY

Image: Courtesy CATCH NY

This Meatpacking District mainstay offers a substantial bottle service program for anyone who wants a flashy night out. On weekends, expect top DJs to keep the party rocking. Catch has a seafood-heavy menu of poke bowls, shrimp, and crab rolls. A 3,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor penthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows highlights the views of the Meatpacking District below.

21 9th Avenue, catchrestaurants.com

8. Nubeluz

Image: Björn Wallander

For a classic hotel bar experience, Nubeluz in the Ritz-Carlton Nomad has the classic old-school elegance of a hotel bar, but with the lofty views of a trendy rooftop bar. Light bar bites from renowned chef José Andrés elevate the spot even further, with lux takes on everything from grilled cheese to bagels and lox. The panoramic view of the city can be enjoyed from two different outdoor terraces.

25 West 28th Street, nubeluzbyjose.com

9. Ophelia

Image: Courtesy Ophelia

Found atop the Art Deco Beekman Tower along the East River, Ophelia includes a wraparound terrace with a 360-degree view of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The space pays homage to its Art Deco roots with plenty of classic cocktails and reinventions of old favorites. On weekends, DJs spin hits to make the space feel more like a downtown lounge than an uptown cocktail joint.

3 Mitchell Place, 26th Floor, ophelia.com

10. cloudM

Image: Jeroen C. van Zijp

At 20 stories high, cloudM towers over the Lower East Side, giving visitors a panoramic view of the neighborhood. The outdoor deck has couches and benches for lounging during warmer months, while the warmly-lit bar is lined with cozy plush couches for enjoying a cocktail during the winter. The space also features dumplings from nearby favorite Nom Wah Tea Parlor.

189 Bowery, citizenm.com

11. Magic Hour

Image: Courtesy Moxy Times Square

Magic Hour, 18 stories above Times Square, is touted as New York’s largest indoor and outdoor all-season rooftop bar and lounge. The outdoor space is divided into two sides, with the East Terrace overlooking landmarks, like the Empire State Building, and featuring an elegant garden-party vibe. In contrast, the West Terrace is more playful, including one seating area that rotates slowly like an antique carousel. The space even includes an extra-mini golf course.

485 7th Avenue, 18th Floor, moxytimessquare.com