10 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
Nothing beats a cocktail with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop. These rooftop bars deliver the views, the vibes, and (some of them) prices that wont destroy your wallet.
1. Westlight (Williamsburg)
Address: The William Vale Hotel, 111 N 12th Street, Brooklyn. 22nd floor with 360-degree views of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. The sunset here is unreal. Cocktails $18-22. No reservation needed for the bar area but arrive by 5 PM for sunset seats.
2. 230 Fifth (Flatiron)
Address: 230 5th Avenue. The most famous rooftop in NYC. Direct Empire State Building view — its RIGHT there. They give you robes in winter so its open year-round. Touristy but the view is undeniable. Cocktails $16-20.
3. The Roof at Public Hotel (Lower East Side)
Address: 215 Chrystie Street. Ian Schrager hotel rooftop. Fashion crowd, DJ sets, and a view that spans from the Williamsburg Bridge to One World Trade. Cocktails $18-24.
4. Mr. Purple (Lower East Side)
Address: Hotel Indigo, 180 Orchard Street. 15th floor with a pool (summer only, hotel guests). The indoor/outdoor bar has great views south toward the Financial District. Cocktails $17-22.
5. Harriets Rooftop (Brooklyn)
Address: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, 60 Furman Street. Right on the Brooklyn waterfront with the Manhattan skyline filling your entire field of vision. Pricey ($20-28 cocktails) but the view is the best in Brooklyn.
6. The Press Lounge (Hells Kitchen)
Address: Ink48 Hotel, 653 11th Avenue. 16th floor overlooking the Hudson River and Midtown skyline. Less crowded than the famous spots. Cocktails $18-22. Great for a quieter date night.
7. Berry Park (Williamsburg)
Address: 4 Berry Street. The budget-friendly option. A beer garden rooftop with Manhattan views. Beers $8-12, no cover, no dress code. The vibe is casual Brooklyn at its best.
8. Magic Hour (Midtown)
Address: Moxy Times Square, 485 7th Avenue. Carnival-themed rooftop with mini golf, topiary animals, and Empire State Building views. Instagram heaven. Cocktails $20-26.
9. Ophelia Lounge (Midtown East)
Address: Beekman Tower, 3 Mitchell Place. Art deco vibes on the 26th floor. Chrysler Building and East River views. Less known than the big names so easier to get in. Cocktails $18-24.
10. Rooftop Reds (Brooklyn Navy Yard)
Address: Brooklyn Navy Yard, Building 275. A literal rooftop vineyard — they grow grapes up here. Wine by the glass $14-18, with Manhattan skyline views. Open spring through fall. Unique and underrated.
Rooftop Bar Tips
- Reservations: Book on Resy or OpenTable for popular spots, especially weekends
- Timing: Arrive 30-45 min before sunset for the best experience
- Dress code: Most enforce smart casual. No flip flops, no tank tops for guys
- Budget move: Go for happy hour (usually 4-6 PM) for $12-15 drinks
- Weather: Check the forecast — most close or move indoors when it rains
We filmed sunset at several of these spots — watch on NewYorkNoNavro YouTube.