14 Must-Visit Rooftop Restaurants In New York City Right Now
New York City’s energy doesn’t stop at street level.
Up above the honking cabs and crowded sidewalks, there’s a whole other world where cocktails come with skyline views and meals feel like mini getaways.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets over the Hudson or neon lights reflecting off skyscrapers, rooftop dining in the city is more than just a trend.
It’s a vibe. And if you’re hungry for a view with your entrée, you’re in the right place.
1. The Fulton
Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s seafood haven perches perfectly at Pier 17, offering jaw-dropping Brooklyn Bridge views that’ll make you forget your lobster is getting cold.
The outdoor terrace feels like you’re floating on the East River.
Maritime-inspired cocktails complement the fresh catches, while the sophisticated yet approachable vibe attracts both special occasion diners and casual happy hour seekers.
Not technically a rooftop, but this elevated waterfront gem delivers the same breathtaking perspective with fewer crowds.
2. Castell Rooftop Lounge
Hidden above the AC Hotel in Times Square, this Barcelona-inspired oasis serves up spectacular skyline panoramas alongside Spanish-influenced small plates.
Cocktails arrive adorned with aromatic herbs and edible flowers, making your Instagram followers collectively swoon.
Plush seating areas create intimate conversation nooks despite the venue’s popularity.
The name “Castell” means “castle” in Catalan, and you’ll certainly feel like royalty watching the city lights twinkle from this 21st-floor perch while nibbling on patatas bravas and jamón ibérico.
3. Bar Cima
Tequila enthusiasts, rejoice! This mezcaleria in the sky brings authentic Mexican spirits to Midtown’s rooftop scene.
Agave-forward cocktails steal the spotlight, crafted by mixologists who treat each pour with reverence.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Empire State Building perfectly, while the outdoor terrace offers unobstructed views of Manhattan’s concrete jungle.
The small but mighty menu features elevated Mexican street food—think huitlacoche quesadillas and duck carnitas tacos—that pairs brilliantly with their impressive collection of rare mezcals and tequilas.
4. Leonessa
Mama mia! This Italian dreamscape transports you straight to the Amalfi Coast despite being perched atop a Chelsea high-rise.
Lemon trees in terracotta pots dot the space, while striped umbrellas provide shade from the summer sun.
Wood-fired pizzas emerge perfectly blistered from the outdoor oven, their aroma mingling with the scent of fresh herbs growing along the perimeter.
The cocktail program leans heavily on Italian aperitifs and amari, with the house Negroni achieving near-legendary status among Manhattan’s cocktail connoisseurs.
5. Dear Irving on Broadway
Time-travel through cocktail history at this glamorous rooftop bar perched on the 40th floor of the Aliz Hotel.
Each section channels a different era—from 1960s James Bond vibes to art deco splendor—creating multiple experiences under one roof.
Push a button at your table for discreet service (how very 007!), summoning bartenders who craft some of the city’s most meticulously balanced drinks.
The panoramic Times Square views provide sensory overload in the best possible way, especially at dusk when the city’s lights begin their nightly dance.
6. Elsie Rooftop
Channel your inner Gatsby at this Prohibition-inspired penthouse lounge named after legendary 1920s socialite Elsie de Wolfe.
Gilded accents, velvet seating, and crystal chandeliers create an atmosphere of bygone opulence 25 floors above Midtown’s hustle.
Bartenders in vintage-inspired attire shake up classic cocktails with modern twists.
The outdoor terrace offers breathtaking Empire State Building views, particularly magical at sunset when the sky turns the same pink hue as their signature champagne cocktail.
7. Refinery Rooftop
Industrial-chic meets garden oasis at this year-round hotspot crowning the Refinery Hotel.
Exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and iron beams nod to the building’s history as a millinery factory, while string lights create a magical ambiance after dark.
The retractable glass roof ensures weather never ruins your plans—snow-dusted Empire State Building views in winter are just as spectacular as summer sunsets.
Their lobster roll has developed a cult following among midtown lunchers, best enjoyed with one of their cucumber-forward gin cocktails while watching the fashion crowd strut through the Garment District below.
8. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
The granddaddy of NYC rooftop bars sprawls across 14,000 square feet, offering the city’s most iconic Empire State Building views.
Winter transforms the space into a wonderland of transparent igloos filled with cozy blankets and spiked hot chocolate.
Summer brings a tropical paradise vibe with palm trees and frozen cocktails. Despite its tourist popularity, locals still flock here for the sheer spectacle of the panorama.
Pro tip: arrive for sunset and stay as the city lights begin to twinkle—it’s worth battling the inevitable crowds.
9. Magic Hour Rooftop (Moxy Times Square)
Carnival meets cocktail lounge at this playful adult playground spanning 10,000 square feet atop the Moxy Times Square.
The rotating carousel-inspired seating areas, oversized topiary animals, and putt-putt course with suggestive obstacles create an atmosphere that’s anything but stuffy.
Shareable punch bowls and over-the-top garnished drinks fuel the perpetual party vibe.
Come for the Empire State Building views, stay for the pink fuzzy wall backdrops and cheeky photo ops that have made this the city’s most Instagrammed rooftop since opening.
10. Haven Rooftop (Sanctuary Hotel)
Nestled above the Theater District, this year-round rooftop transforms with the seasons—from summer garden party to winter ski lodge complete with furry throws and heaters.
Broadway stars often unwind here post-performance, making celebrity spotting part of the experience.
The French-influenced menu offers comfort food with a sophisticated twist. Twinkling lights and ivy-covered trellises create a romantic atmosphere that’s made this a popular proposal spot.
Their weekend brunch features a DJ and bottomless mimosas, attracting a lively crowd even in morning hours.
11. The View (Revolving Restaurant)
NYC’s only revolving restaurant completes a 360° tour of the skyline every hour while you dine 48 floors above Times Square.
Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure there’s not a bad seat in the house as landmarks glide slowly past your table.
The buffet-style dining might seem touristy, but the quality surpasses expectations with carving stations and fresh seafood displays.
The slowly spinning floor creates a uniquely disorienting yet enchanting experience—especially after a couple of their signature cocktails. Remember to note your coat check location before the rotation begins!
12. The Water Club
Forget skyscrapers—this floating restaurant on the East River offers a completely different rooftop experience with its upper deck providing sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline from water level.
The nautical elegance extends from the white-jacketed servers to the seafood-focused menu. Watching boats glide by while dining feels quintessentially New York yet surprisingly peaceful.
The Crow’s Nest upstairs bar attracts a mix of suited finance types and casual date-nighters, especially during summer months when the breeze offers sweet relief from Manhattan’s heat.
13. Terrace on the Park (Queens)
Originally built as a heliport for the 1964 World’s Fair, this Queens landmark stands 120 feet high with 360-degree views spanning from Manhattan to Long Island.
The T-shaped building creates multiple outdoor terraces, each offering different perspectives of the city.
While primarily hosting weddings, their public restaurant and lounge areas welcome visitors seeking skyline vistas without Manhattan prices.
The retro space-age architecture adds unique character you won’t find at trendier Manhattan spots. Plus, the surrounding Flushing Meadows Corona Park provides lush greenery rarely seen from other rooftops.
14. Saga (63rd floor, 70 Pine Street)
Culinary wizardry meets sky-high luxury at this Financial District crown jewel from the team behind Michelin-starred Crown Shy.
The four-story penthouse space features multiple outdoor terraces where you can sip champagne while gazing at both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
The tasting menu changes seasonally, highlighting global influences through hyperlocal ingredients.
Securing a reservation requires planning months ahead, but the reward is experiencing one of the city’s most ambitious dining concepts with vertigo-inducing views.
The adjoining Overstory cocktail bar offers a slightly more accessible entry point to this lofty culinary kingdom.