Rooftop Bars in New York
A jewel box above FiDi with a wraparound terrace and gracious service, Overstory blends Art Deco glamor with meticulous cocktails. Recognized by North America’s 50 Best Bars and praised by Condé Nast Traveler, it’s a must for skyline-chasing cocktail fans.
From Brooklyn’s William Vale, Westlight surveys Manhattan with a sharp cocktail list and small plates from the NoHo Hospitality team. Reviewed by Condé Nast Traveler and lauded by New York Magazine, it’s the polished yet local Brooklyn rooftop that never misses sunset.
Atop the independent Wythe Hotel, Bar Blondeau pours crisp martinis and natural-leaning wines with seafood-forward snacks, framed by floor-to-ceiling Manhattan views. Featured in Time Out New York and spotlighted by Food & Wine, it draws both locals and travelers without feeling scene-y.
A downtown classic with a year-round fireplace lounge and a summertime pool deck, JIMMY leans stylish without the attitude. Covered by New York Magazine’s The Thousand Best and kept current through its official listings, it’s a reliable SoHo rooftop for sunset into late night.
Since 2002, Alma’s heated rooftop has paired tequila-forward drinks and regional Mexican plates with a straight-shot view of Lower Manhattan. Noted by New York Magazine and beloved by locals, it’s a relaxed, long-running neighborhood staple with real staying power.
A laid-back Williamsburg beer hall with a big, view-filled roof deck, Berry Park is where locals watch soccer, sip European beers, and catch breezes. Included on Eater New York’s rooftop guide, it’s easygoing, affordable, and authentically neighborhood.
High above Midtown with a direct Empire State Building shot, Daintree brings Australian-leaning hospitality, a martini-forward menu, and a leafy terrace. Time Out New York’s 2025 review captures the vibe: stylish but welcoming, with drinks worth lingering over.
Roosevelt Island’s sleek rooftop lounge delivers wraparound river views, raw bar snacks, and polished cocktails. Time Out New York highlights its singular vantage point—ride the tram up for a sunset that feels worlds away yet firmly NYC.
A Midtown classic for after-work martinis and twilight views, The Skylark keeps things refined with indoor lounges and an open-air deck. Its official listings and steady press keep it current; New York Magazine touts it for elevated cocktails and city lights.
Perched on the rooftop of the Hoxton hotel in Williamsburg, this new outpost from Israeli American chef Michael Solomonov and restaurateur Steve Cook balances a spectacular Manhattan skyline — complete with a nightly "We clap for the sunset" ritual that stops service as diners applaud the glowing orb — with food that feels equally essential rather than being overshadowed. The meal centers on an abundant salatim spread delivered with any grilled item: exquisitely silky whipped hummus finished with olive oil, za’atar, and parsley, pillowy warm pita, baba ghanoush, creamy white gigante beans with torn Castelvetrano olives, a refreshing diced pineapple and shaved celery tossed in smoked-pineapple purée, and earthy roasted mushrooms with kale and a hint of sour-cherry juice. The ordering is simple — pick a cocktail (the Saz-Arak, two cold, crisp fingers of rye and arak, is a stunner) and a skewer — and I recommend the double-cooked thick-cut French fries sparkling with salt and the gently spicy, sticky-sweet date-harissa wings (served with tahini ketchup and tahini ranch). Grill highlights include short rib braised in passion-fruit amba and charred over coals, coriander- and caraway-crusted tuna glazed in harif, a gamy steak shishlik, and a satisfying koobideh of house-ground beef and lamb seasoned with sumac, turmeric, dill, and celery seeds. Sitting at the counter (I accidentally reserved there once) offers a front-row view of the ballet of the kitchen — the perfume of fried garlic and amba from a grilled eggplant, whole cauliflowers dry-rubbed in shawarma spices, and neat coils of brown-sugar soft serve topped with pistachios, cherry preserves, and tiny puffed-rice pearls — and I found myself applauding the kitchen as much as I did the sunset. (Grill items, including salatim and soft serve, $43–$175.)
An independently owned rooftop above Randolph Beer’s DUMBO brewpub, this terrace looks out to the bridges and harbor with a straightforward cocktail list and local taps. Its official info confirms seasonal hours and the walk-in friendly, community-first setup.
