Some of the most spectacular views in the world are located on New York rooftop restaurants! The best part is that the atmosphere doesn’t dim down once the sun falls, like it does in most places. In fact, New York gets even more dreamy with its city lights!
From the views to the vibes, the libations to the delicious food, you can’t go wrong visiting a NYC rooftop during spring and summer! In this article, discover the best rooftops and scenic bars to visit during the warmer season.
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Getting to and Around the Big Apple:
If you’re looking for the most accessible destination from around the world, New York is where it’s at! There are three large airports in the New York City area: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Laguardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner.
Once you’ve arrived in the Big Apple, the easiest and most affordable way to visit New York’s rooftop restaurants is by taking the MTA New York City Subway. Other ways to get around NYC’s five boroughs are by taxi or rideshare. You could also bring your own vehicle into and around NYC (or rent a car), but please be mindful of traffic delays, expensive parking and toll fees.
(Click hereif you are planning a road trip around theUnited Statesand want to rent an RV.)
If you’re traveling into the city within the Tri-State area, taking the train is easiest. Those traveling from Westchester, the Hudson Valley and Connecticut can take the Metro-North into Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street. Jersey folks can take the NJ Transit train to Penn Station. Long Islanders can also take the Long Island Railroad into Penn Station on 34th Street.
Those traveling into New York from Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark or Harrison, NJ can take the PATH train from Newark-Penn Station, Harrison Station and Hoboken Station, as well as Journal Square, Grove Street, Newport and Exchange Place in Jersey City to World Trade Center, Christopher Street, 9th Street, 14th Street, 23rd Street and 33rd Street in Manhattan.
For anyone traveling from other destinations in the USA, especially cities like Philadelphia, D.C., Boston, etc., it’s best to take the Amtrak train into the Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station.
The bus is another good way to visit New York! Click here to see the bus schedule for the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Times Square.
Ferries are a great way to travel around NYC, especially on a beautiful summer day! From Weehawken, NJ (Port Imperial), you can sail with the NY Waterway into Midtown/West 39th Street or Downtown/Pier 11 Wall Street.
Along with having a terminal in Weehawken, you can sail the NY Waterway from Edgewater, Hoboken, Jersey City and Battery Park in Downtown Manhattan.
The NYC Ferry is a more affordable ferry option that travels from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. There is also a Staten Island Ferry, which is free for all riders.
Top Rooftop Hotels to Book in New York City:
What’s great about visiting New York City during summertime is that there are plenty of fabulous hotels to suit all budgets that also have a fun rooftop to enjoy great food and drinks.
Luxury Accommodation: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (Located in Dumbo, this hotel boasts Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge.)
Boutique Accommodation: Refinery Hotel (Located in Midtown, by Bryant Park, this hotel boasts the Refinery Rooftop.)
Mid-Budget Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Lower East Side (Located Downtown, this hotel boasts Mr. Purple.)
Budget Accommodation: YOTEL New York Times Square (Located in Midtown, this hotel boasts Social Drink and Food)
In addition to all the above accommodations, NYC has many superb rental properties to book in each of its thriving neighborhoods.
Best New York Rooftop Restaurants to Visit this Summer:
There’s no better place to be on a gorgeous spring or summer day in New York City than on a rooftop, having fun with friends, family and loved ones.
Below is a roundup of fun and unique rooftops to visit during the warmer season in the “Greatest City in the World!”
Memorable Rooftop Restaurants and Bars in Manhattan:
The Cantor Roof Garden Bar:
The Cantor Roof Garden Bar is among the best New York rooftop restaurants. Most people don’t even know it exists, which makes it even more special!
What also makes The Cantor Roof Garden Bar a fantastic place to visit is that it’s located above one of the most famous museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art! The museum is located on the east side of Central Park in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Once you make it to the rooftop, you’ll be greeted with one of the best places to see the New York skyline and Central Park.
The rooftop garden is just that, a garden! It’s a lush area with benches and tables overlooking the Big Apple.
This acts as the perfect escape from the museum without leaving. The rooftop bar serves a selection of sandwiches, salads and co*cktails. They also have a housemade lemonade that is perfect on a spring or summer afternoon.
The Cantor Roof Garden Bar is only open seasonally from the spring until the fall. Most years, the rooftop also boasts a different art installment theme, making it a unique spot to visit. The past year’s installment was a fun spin on Ancient Egypt, so you can expect something spectacular this upcoming season.
Submitted by Samantha of Find Love and Travel.
Overstory:
Ranked 17th on the “World’s 50 Best Bars” and seventh best bar in North America, few rooftop venues have received Overstory‘s acclaim.
Overstory, the sister bar to Michelin-starred SAGA, is a swanky open-air wraparound terrace perched 64 floors above NYC’s Financial District. It’s one of the best rooftop bars in New York City to visit in the warmer months, and it’s a buzzy indoor art deco co*cktail haunt that is booming when temperatures drop. Additionally, there are no terrible photography angles at Overstory, especially when the views are unobstructed.
At Overstory, the food riffs off nostalgic bar favorites! Don’t miss out on trying the tater tots, a local favorite. Additionally, the craft co*cktails strive to reach the same lofty levels as the space, tapping into trending flavors through a refined New York lens that rivals the best West Village co*cktail bars.
Overstory is bliss on a perfect summer night with a coveted sunset table on the outdoor terrace. If and when you decide to go, be quick with your reservation, as tables at Overstory sell out nearly immediately during the warmer months. Sunset tables are the first to go!
Submitted by Eva of Eva Darling.
Pier 57 Rooftop Park:
Pier 57 is one of the newest food halls and public recreational spaces on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. Historically, Pier 57 was a shipping port for famous ocean liners, next to the original destination for the Titanic.
After its most recent renovation, Pier 57 reopened as a food hall with a large rooftop park. Located right next to Little Island, this two-story, two-acre rooftop park has a direct view of the island itself, Chelsea Piers and the New Jersey skyline. From Pier 57 Rooftop Park, you can also enjoy sweeping views of downtown and Hudson Yards.
Plenty of seating on the rooftop park makes it a great place to relax along the Hudson River in Chelsea on a lovely spring and summer day while enjoying the view of the city.
The food hall downstairs includes some of the trendiest, independently-owned restaurants, including Zaab Zaab, Nom Wah, Local Roots and Bessou, as well as a beer bar and coffee shop. There are classrooms, tables and couches in the vast space of Pier 57, making it the ideal spot for anyone who wants to get some work done remotely.
Submitted by Serena of Serena’s Lenses.
Grand Banks:
Even though it’s not a rooftop, Grand Banks in Tribeca is one of the best dining experiences during NYC’s warmer days. This fun venue is located on a historic fishing boat along the Hudson River and is the perfect place to spend an early evening watching the sunset.
What’s cool about Grand Banks is that it was inspired by the floating oyster barges of New York City from the late 18th to early 19th centuries. It offers some of the most fresh and delicious seafood dishes in the Big Apple!
Not only does Grand Banks have sustainably harvested oysters, delicious food, craft co*cktails and a great wine and beer list, but it also offers a wonderful crowd, making it one of the best places for singles in NYC to mix and mingle.
During a beautiful spring, summer or even early fall day in Lower Manhattan, you can enjoy stunning views along the Hudson, listen to live music and make memories with friends and family at Grand Banks. It truly is one of the best places to be during a trip to New York City during the warm weather seasons.
Submitted by Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child.
Fun NYC Rooftop Restaurants in Midtown:
SERRA by Birreria:
If you’re looking for one of the best New York rooftop restaurants that doubles as one of the coolest Instagram spots in NYC, then you cannot beat SERRA by Birreria at Eataly’s Flatiron location.
Owned and operated by acclaimed Italian Chef Mario Batali, this fantastic Italian eatery and rooftop bar sits atop one of the largest food markets in New York City.
To visit SERRA by Birreria, walk inside the entrance to Eataly in Flatiron and go to the counter at the back of the market. (You will see a sign for SERRA.) Once you check in, you can take the elevator to the roof. You are encouraged to make reservations if you plan to eat at SERRA by Birreria.
This venue is renowned for its over-the-top décor, which changes four times a year to reflect the fall, winter, spring and summer seasons. When you visit during the spring and summer months, you can enjoy vibrant flowers and colorful decorations adorning every surface of the rooftop.
If you plan to take photos at SERRA by Birreria and don’t want to worry about crowds, it’s best to arrive when the rooftop opens at 11 am. Additionally, the food and drink menus change based on the season.
Submitted by Kelly of Girl with the Passport.
Gallow Green:
One of the best things to do in NYC is to visit The McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea. Please note that The McKittrick Hotel is not an actual hotel; it’s a five-story theater that features Sleep No More, an immersive show based on William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. (This theatre production will be ending in April 2024.)
Also located at The McKittrick Hotel is one of the best NYC rooftop bars – Gallow Green. This dreamy spot is one of the leading New York rooftop restaurants because it boasts an enchanted garden with lush greenery. It’s only open during the warmer months.
What’s nice about visiting Gallow Green during the spring and summer is that it will transport you away from the concrete jungle. There are beautiful plants, picnic tables and wooden benches, along with stunning views.
At this unique rooftop, you and your friends and family can also savor seasonal craft co*cktails and delicious food, from fresh seafood to pizza and salads to steak. You and your party can also enjoy a buffet brunch for $50 USD on the weekends.
If you visit The McKittrick Hotel in winter, you can also enjoy great drinks and live entertainment at the Manderley Bar and The Overlook Bar.
Submitted by Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child.
Monarch Rooftop:
One of the best New York rooftop restaurants with a view of the Empire State Building is Monarch Rooftop. It’s best to make a reservation to visit this awesome Herald Square rooftop. Otherwise, you’ll likely have to wait in line at the elevator.
The indoor décor gives off nightclub vibes, with oversized chairs in animal prints. Whether it’s day or night, head outside for breathtaking views and “Instagrammable” spots. There’s plenty of seating and room to stand with your drink.
The drinks range from staples like mojitos and margaritas to creative specialty co*cktails made with pear, pineapple or cactus liqueurs. They may not have the best food in Manhattan, but the small plates at this venue, like hummus, truffle fries and grilled cheese bites, will hold you over if you’re hungry.
Submitted by Denise of Chef Denise.
Spyglass Rooftop Bar:
Spyglass Rooftop Bar is one of the best hotel rooftops in Midtown Manhattan. It’s located at the top of The Archer, 22 floors high. The rooftop bar looks out to the Empire State Building and is the perfect place for sunset drinks.
The Archer has beautifully appointed rooms with treats such as artisan chocolates and Malin+Goetz bath products. It’s a perfect spot for a weekend getaway in NYC. However, you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy the rooftop bar. Just catch the elevator from the lobby and head to the top floor.
While the panoramic views from this bar are the main attraction, the drinks and food menu are great, too! Choose from small bites and shareable appetizers like calamari, cheese fondue or a charcuterie board to burgers and salads.
Spyglass Rooftop Bar’s weekend brunch is also worth booking! Enjoy classic co*cktails and great food every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm.
Additionally, in the evening, you must enjoy Spyglass Rooftop Bar’s signature co*cktails like the Archer’s Redemption or Hibiscus Margarita.
Overall, Spyglass Rooftop Bar will provide you and your friends and family with the entire New York experience—spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, perfectly crafted co*cktails and a great weekend brunch.
Submitted by Jane of The Family Conscience.
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge:
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is among the best New York rooftop restaurants. Not only can you enjoy it during the summer months, but it’s also one of the best places to visit during the winter season in New York City due to its magical and festive themes, which are different every year.
This fun outdoor and indoor lounge and rooftop is located at the top of the Moxy Times Square. It has a pink amusem*nt park theme and includes numerous photo opportunities, creative co*cktails, pink food and even mini-golf. There are also incredible views of the Empire State Building.
Situated 18 floors above Midtown’s thriving streets, Magic Hour has five different spaces. Although you and everyone in your party must be 21 and older to enjoy Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, those who are underage can still experience the incredible rooftop brunch on the weekends.
During brunch at this lively spot, you and your friends can enjoy pink co*cktails, pink pancakes and a giant pink croissant! It’s perfect for a birthday celebration. (Please make sure to make reservations ahead of time if you plan to have brunch at Magic Hour!)
In addition to visiting for photo opportunities and the pink weekend brunch, you and your friends can also appreciate a great happy hour and bottle service at this NYC hotspot.
Submitted by Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child.
Scenic Rooftop Bars in Brooklyn to Check Out:
Rooftop Reds:
There’s nothing like wine tasting during the spring and summer months. One of the best places to visit in New York City this summer is Rooftop Reds. It’s the world’s first commercially viable urban rooftop vineyard in Brooklyn.
Located in the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard, Rooftop Reds is planting the seeds for urban viticulture, thanks to the help of Finger Lakes wine industry leaders (from Point of the Bluff Vineyard) and Cornell University. It’s one of the best places to visit with friends and a great mother-daughter activity in NYC.
You and your friends and family can enjoy incredible wine, live music and great vibes while visiting Rooftop Reds. Regarding food, you can purchase light bites or order from Il Porto Pizza, which will be delivered to the rooftop.
To visit Rooftop Reds, there is a $15 USD cover charge, which includes sustainably boxed water to keep you hydrated during a hot day.
Submitted by Taylor of Brown Eyed Flower Child.
Time Out Market New York:
It’s no secret that Time Out Market in Brooklyn is one of the best New York rooftop restaurants. Time Out Market New York is the second market opened by the media company after the smash hit in Lisbon.
Located in the trendy Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn, overlooking the East River, the Time Out Market rooftop offers incredible views of the Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane’s Carousel and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
Time Out Market is in the historic Empire Stores Building and has 24,000 square feet filled with 21 of the city’s most delicious restaurants, three bars, and, on the 5th floor, the best rooftop to enjoy during the summer months. The market also has art installations and games!
This foodie destination has the trendiest eateries and creative co*cktails that change monthly. The space also has shows and events that showcase New York’s creative spirit. It offers live music, DJ acts, pop-up performances, interactive workshops and more.
There are seven Time Out Markets worldwide. In addition to NYC, Montreal is another amazing destination to visit during summer where you can enjoy a Time Out Market experience.
Submitted by Melanie of BRB Travel Blog.
Westlight:
Westlight is one of the top rooftop restaurants in Brooklyn and has a great bar! Open year-round, Westlight boasts a spectacular view of the city skyline, including the iconic Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.
Overall, Westlight is on top of The William Vale, a boutique hotel located in Williamsburg and not far from Greenpoint. This beautiful rooftop offers swanky lounge vibes and a fantastic co*cktail and food menu.
There’s plenty of seating in the outdoor space and close-knit tables inside. Please note that the reflections on the glass at night will inhibit the view for those dining indoors.
If you plan to visit Westlight, it’s best to reserve a spot in advance as this venue gets busy. Also, try to be at the rooftop bar before sunset to see the transition of the sky changing and city lights slowly starting to come on. It’s one of the most special NYC rooftop bars and will surely be a highlight of your New York City itinerary!
Submitted by Martha of May Cause Wanderlust.
If you loved this article, then you’ll enjoy the below:
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I hope you all enjoyed discovering the best New York rooftop restaurants to visit this spring and summer. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.
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Currency: United States Dollar, Capital: Washington D.C., NY State Capital: Albany, Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
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