The Ready Rooftop 

Perched atop the Moxy East Village, The Ready Rooftop Bar offers a vibrant, all-season escape that captures the eclectic spirit of downtown New York. The eclectic space is outfitted with lots of lush greenery, serving backyard vibes with rooftop views. Come for the variety of local beers and frozen drinks, stay for the tacos – and a game of beer pong, if you’re up for it. 

Overstory 

Perched atop the 64th floor of 70 Pine Street in Manhattan’s Financial District, Overstory is a sophisticated rooftop cocktail bar offering panoramic 360-degree views of New York City’s skyline. This intimate venue features an Art Deco-inspired interior and a wraparound terrace, creating a chic atmosphere for guests to enjoy. Recognized for its exceptional offerings, Overstory was ranked No. 15 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024. 

Glass Ceiling Nomad 

Nestled in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, The Glass Ceiling is a rooftop cocktail lounge that seamlessly blends botanical elegance with panoramic views of the Empire State Building. Its retractable glass roof and lush greenery create a “secret garden” ambiance, offering both indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy. The venue transitions from a daytime coworking space into a vibrant evening lounge, featuring a menu that highlights women-owned brands and businesses. Beyond its culinary offerings, The Glass Ceiling serves as a platform for community engagement, hosting events that support emerging women-led enterprises in collaboration with Luminary, a career and personal growth platform located just below the lounge. With its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, The Glass Ceiling offers a unique and inspiring rooftop experience in the heart of New York City. 

Panorama Room 

Located on the 18th floor of the Graduate New York hotel on Roosevelt Island, the Panorama Room offers a unique vantage point of New York City’s skyline, encompassing Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Accessible via the scenic Roosevelt Island Tramway, this rooftop bar combines breathtaking views with a chic, futurism-inspired interior. With its distinctive location and thoughtfully curated offerings, the Panorama Room provides an elevated and memorable experience in New York City. 

The Water Tower Bar at the Williamsburg Hotel 

Take in crazy good views of both Brooklyn and Manhattan through the floor-to-ceiling windows encasing this luxe bar atop the Williamsburg Hotel. Expect a see-and-be-seen crowd when it transitions into a nightclub vibe in the later hours – and expect some high price tags (they have a $150 cocktail on their menu) – but if you’re looking to shell out some money for a special occasion in a unique space, this is your spot. 

Nubeluz 

Perched on the 50th floor of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, Nubeluz by José Andrés is a luminous rooftop bar that combines modern elegance with panoramic 270-degree views of the Manhattan skyline. The name “Nubeluz” merges the Spanish words for cloud (“nube”) and light (“luz”), reflecting its ethereal ambiance. For a daytime experience, Nubeluz offers a High Tea service on weekends, presenting items like lemon scones and truffled grilled cheese, complemented by caviar and Champagne options. With its sophisticated setting and innovative offerings, Nubeluz provides a distinctive and elevated experience in the heart of New York City. 

Broken Shaker Flatiron 

This rooftop bar at Flatiron’s Freehand Hotel has a James Beard Award nom and the title of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar to its name. The stylish rooftop space boasts a bar menu of tasty bites (try the Shaker Hot Chicken Sandwich) and expertly crafted cocktails, including a rotating daily punch. Plus, it features ample indoor and outdoor space should you encounter inclement weather. 

Jaffa Cocktail & Raw Bar 

Nestled on the second-floor terrace of The Hoxton in Williamsburg, Jaffa Cocktail & Raw Bar offers a breezy, indoor-outdoor oasis inspired by the coastal charm of Jaffa, Israel. The space is adorned with lush greenery and vibrant murals, creating a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere perfect for sipping cocktails on warm summer nights. Signature cocktails, such as the frozen “Jaffa Orange”—a blend of vodka, Aperol, orange, and vanilla—pay homage to the city’s famed citrus heritage. With its inviting ambiance and innovative offerings, Jaffa provides a unique and memorable rooftop experience in the heart of Brooklyn. 

Daintree 

Located on the top floor of Hotel Hendricks in Midtown, Daintree is a chic rooftop lounge with an extensive martini menu. The drink menu was created by beverage consultants Tristan Brunel and Gates Otsuji, and prominently features martinis, but also offers customers cocktails, wine, and beer. If you’re in the mood to snack, check out their great food menu, featuring delicious and shareables dishes that will be enjoyed by everyone in attendance.  
 

Westlight 

Perched atop the 22nd floor of The William Vale in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Westlight offers sweeping 360-degree views of New York City, encompassing Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. This rooftop bar, part of Chef Andrew Carmellini’s NoHo Hospitality Group, features a dynamic menu of original and classic cocktails, rare spirits, craft beer, and wine.  The interior, designed by Studio Munge, combines industrial elements with vibrant furnishings, creating an inviting atmosphere that highlights the panoramic vistas. For an elevated experience, guests can visit the seasonal Turf Club on the 23rd floor, an open-air lounge space perfect for enjoying the skyline. 

Written by Sabrina Rollings