New York City really comes alive in the summer. And us New Yorkers love taking advantage of the sunshine by enjoying afternoons and evenings spent at some of the best rooftop bars in NYC. But I suppose rooftop bars are a universal love affair- aren’t they? Over the past few weeks a plethora of you have reached out and asked which bars you should visit while in New York, so I decided to put together a list of my go-to rooftop bars.
- Gallow Green :: This rooftop is converted into what feels like a secret garden amongst the craziness of New York City. It has a great vibe day or night and a fabulous brunch. It’s one of my go-tos.
- Havens Rooftop :: Located on 47th, the location is great for drinks after work or before a Broadway show. The views are great and there is an abundance of seating.
- Le Bain :: Located at the top of the Standard Hotel, this rooftop is always crowded. Don’t be daunted by the line to get up, it does move.
- Monarch :: Located near the Empire State Building, this rooftop offers views of the city & yummy finger foods.
- Pod 39 Rooftop :: Does it get any better than a rooftop, skyline views and Mexican?
- Refinery Rooftop :: I love this place year round. They have a great outdoor area for the summer and a glass-inclosed space for the winter.
- Roof at Park South :: A great go-to, as it is larger than most other rooftop bars. It does get quite crowded, but they have some delicious finger foods and a great atmosphere.
Rooftop Alternatives:
- Classic Harbor Line :: As you may have seen here, I love these cruises year round!
- Tavern on the Green :: I love sitting outside at Tavern on the Green for a glass of wine and their cheese board. It’s iconic for a reason. We go here more often than we should probably admit. And Chris, one of the bartenders, is our favorite!
What is your go-to drink of choice at a rooftop bar?
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I’m about due for a NYC trip soon!! Thanks for the great recommendations~
Having a cocktail while watching the NYC skyline is one of the greatest things the city offers! I also enjoy to walk along the skyline which offers similar views and you can avoid the high priced drinks! I haven’t been to your go to rooftops. but I was on the circle line tour and enjoyed the wonderful views as we were moving along the water. I will look out for your recommendations on my next trip!
Great list! I used to frequent the rooftop bars in the summer when I lived there. So unique and somehow not too many tourists know about many of them, so it was a nice escape.
Having a drink on the rooftop in NYC is a staple scene in a lot of movies and TV shows. Guess you have to experience it to really understand it. I also assume that the views must be great and the air up there must be nicer too.
You said the magic words – rooftop bar! I’m actually making my way to NYC this summer. I imagine my SATC moment with my girlfriends drinking wine at a rooftop bar overlooking central park. I pinned this guide for future reference. I’m sure it will come in handy!
*cries* I wish I’d had this for our trip to New York a few weeks ago! Rooftop bars are the essence of summer, I swear, and NYC sounds like the perfect place for them. I would love to check out Gallow Green (you won me at “secret garden”) or Tavern on the Green. Both sound utterly magical! Ah well. Next time for sure!
I used to live in NYC but haven’t been to many rooftop bars. I love Mexican food so Pod 39 Rooftop sounds like a great place to hang out! Tavern on the Green sounds wonderful as well! I will be sure to check them out next time I’m in the city!
To have a drink at a sky scraper with the view of the Statue of Liberty sounds just perfect!
Watching cruises would also be a great option too.
Will check out whatever possible when I head to NYC!
Great recommendations for bars! Will keep this in mind next time I go to NYC!
These sound great! I went to a rooftop when I was there it was so fun, and we loved the boat tour!
This is such a useful article! I love a good rooftop bar, I’m a sucker for sunset drinks on a rooftop. But I always struggle to find the ideal place – this will be my guide when I’m in New York for sure!