New York City

The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC

The best rooftops, whether you’re looking to relax or party, or something in between.

By 

Brooklyn Bonus: Upper Elm at the King & Grove Hotel

160 North 12th Street in Brooklyn (in Greenpoint, Brooklyn) website

This locale allows for a quick escape from Manhattan, while still enjoying the amazing New York skyline. This rooftop lounge offers a huge saltwater outdoor pool. It’s the perfect place to enjoy delicious cocktails with your fellow hipsters.

The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC

Upper Elm, in Brooklyn

So? What are you waiting for? Get out there and have some fun!!

Tell us: Did we miss any great spots? Have you been to these; what did you think?

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Avatar of Hilary Rowland

A writer, artist, and designer since she was young enough to put pencil to paper, Hilary taught herself code and created Urbanette when she was a teenager. Currently, she lives in Monte Carlo, but spent the past decade living in NYC, still considers herself a New Yorker, and visits regularly. She's always traveling, looking for hot new topics, destinations, and life hacks to bring to Urbanette readers.

Reader Discussion: 32 Comments

  1. Avatar of Camilla Collins

    Camilla Collins

    I still like my bars on the ground thank you very much. being drunk on multiple occasions has thought me that stairs and elevators are the wort places to be when your piss drunk. So it’s a no go for me.

  2. Avatar of Genesis White

    Genesis White

    With The big Apple being crowded and all. Rooftop bars are like havens for open space longing individuals as my self. But the thing is, I always doubt the safety of said establishments being on the rooftop and mixing in alcohol. It’s bound to become a disaster real quick, luckily there haven’t been any case of fallen drunk on any bars. YET!

  3. Avatar of Bruce Irving

    Bruce Irving

    That 5th at 82nd bar is legit awesome. Great view great crowd awesome drinks. A must visit whenever you guys are in NYC…

  4. Avatar of Abigael Fisher

    Abigael Fisher

    It’s not always easy to get into the rooftop bar at Tribeca’s James Hotel (bouncer, clipboard, all that), but it’s worth a try — If you have time please try it guys. 🙂

  5. Avatar of Grace Stirling

    Grace Stirling

    Was here for a friend’s birthday party with some close friends. I was super excited about the Delancey Rooftop Garden because it looked like such a cool and unique place to hang out with friends. The people are friendly and the energy is high. There’s trees and it turned out exactly what I thought it would be: a spacious, comfy and tropical setting for chilling out. Overall, cool spot if you are in the area.

  6. Avatar of Elsie Spurlock

    Elsie Spurlock

    Every year brings a spate of new rooftop bars to the city. When summer rolls around here in NYC, we and visitors alike love spending time outside. Preferably with a refreshing cocktail in hand. Everywhere you’ll look in New York there’s no shortage of awesome views to enjoy. Thank you for guiding me and others.

  7. Avatar of Aimee Marks

    Okay, personal observation, you might agree or disagree, rooftop bars are places where these people meet: professionals, prima donna types, trust-fund babies, regulars (like me) and tourists!

  8. Avatar of Melissa Mendez

    One thing I’ve learned about rooftop bars: If you just want to chill, relax and not fond of big groups, go early! You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the space and take pictures! But if you’re in the mood for partying, then go late! (of course you have to check on the opening and closing hours to know early and late times… LOL)

    I usually go early!

  9. Avatar of Andrea Clark

    I love rooftop bars with pool! Thanks for including in your list 😉

  10. Avatar of Crystal Nicholson

    In my search for the “NYC best rooftop bar,” I try to google and compare recommendations of various articles. And I noticed that Gallow Green is always part of the list. I guess, it’s a must visit place for me in my upcoming trip to NYC. I’d like to commend you for you have the most fantastic photos, great job! (I’ve checked out 6 articles).

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