Are you looking for the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC?
If you’re looking for the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, you’ve come to the right place!
If you’re visiting NYC in the spring or summer, there’s no better way to spend a warm evening than sipping cocktails at one of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
There are loads of amazing ones in the city, from big swanky rooftop bars, to intimate and boutique rooftop hideaways.
Whatever kind of place takes your fancy, hopefully you’ll find it on this list of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
Here are my best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC…
The Rooftop at Time Out Market
First on my list of outdoor rooftop bars in NYC… This is a pretty new addition to the rooftop bar scene in NYC. It’s based on the top floor of the Time Out Market (which is a huge indoor food hall with some of the city’s best food vendors).
On the top floor however, there is an outdoor seating area where you can enjoy some of the best views of the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Manhattan skyline behind it.
Finding the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC is the key to a great summer night, and this place ticks the boxes!
If you haven’t been to this place – make sure you put it on your list! It’s affordable, the views are great, and there are plenty of seats too.
Broken Shaker Cocktail Bar
Broken Shaker is next on our list of outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
It’s located at 23 Lexington Avenue, and (as the name suggests) they’re known for their amazing cocktails and extension cocktail menu.
You’ll find just about every creation on their drinks menu, but our vote goes for the ‘coffee old fashioned’. Overall, this place is just a great choice for outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
This place isn’t super glamorous like some of the others on this list, but if you want somewhere kind of low-key – then this is a great choice.
Read more NYC recommendations: The 18 best happy hours on the Upper West Side, NYC
Mr Purple @ The Hotel Indigo
Mr Purple is another fantastic suggestion for outdoor rooftop bars in NYC. This place is a rooftop bar with the most glamorous setting you’ve ever seen.
If you’re going for the “instagram shots” then this might be one you want to put on your list when searching out the top outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
It’s open late too (2am) and they do delicious food, so you can schedule in a really decent drinking session! Perfect pick for top outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
Read more about NYC: The best brunch in NYC – 15 places to try!
Spyglass Rooftop Bar
Next on our list of outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, it’s Spyglass Rooftop bar! You’ll get Empire State Building views (iconic NYC vibes), and they even have weekday happy hour offers between 4 – 7pm.
This place is fun, cool, and has a neighborhood vibe, which some of the bigger places on our list don’t.
If you’re after somewhere intimate and cosy, which incredible views – then this place should make your list of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
Read more NYC recommendations: 22 Best Bars in Midtown, NYC
Azul on the Rooftop
Azul on the Rooftop is next on our list of outdoor rooftop bars in NYC. This place is a great choice if you’re looking for some amazing river and city views.
This bar is located at the top of Hotel Hugo, and has a big menu of delicious cocktails, frozen drinks and food too (tacos anyone?).
If you’re searching for outdoor rooftops bars in NYC located in SoHo, then this is a great option!
Read more about visiting NYC: 15 amazing upscale restaurants in NYC
Cantina Rooftop
Cantina Rooftop is our next suggestion for the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
We love this bar because it features a climate-controlled retractable glass rooftop (which means this place is good for all weather). And we all know how unpredictable NYC weather can be!
There are spectacular skyline views at Cantina Rooftop (as you’d expect) and they serve up some delicious Mexican food too, alongside some yummy speciality cocktails too.
It’s a great all rounder, which is why it makes our list of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC!
Read more NYC food recommendations: Top 14 Brooklyn restaurants with a view of NYC
The Crown
Located in the heart of Chinatown, The Crown rooftop bar has some insane views over downtown, which is why it’s next on our list of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
We love this place because it’s laid back, and the views are insanely cool. Unlike many of the bars on this list (which are located in Midtown) this place is nestled in the older neighborhood of Chinatown – so the views you get are a little different!
It’s a fantastic choice for the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
Salon de Ning
Next on our list of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, it’s a cosy, romantic option! Salon de Ning is a sophisticated rooftop atop of the Pennisula Hotel, and it’s truly a beautiful spot for evening cocktails.
If you want to feel like you’ve discovered a true hidden gem in the city, then this place will tick all your boxes. It’s like a corner of home, nestled in this huge sparkling city.
It’s certainly one of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
Broken Shaker at Freehand New York
Next on our list of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, it’s Broken Shaker from Freehand Hotels. This is such a lovely bar, with plenty of personality too – which we love.
Located in the Flatiron District, you’ll have plenty of landmark views to enjoy from their rooftop bar!
Read more NYC inspiration: What is the best pizza in New York City
Sandbar Rooftop
Next on our list of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, it’s the Sandbar Rooftop! This place has all the Hamptons and beach vibes – so it’s perfect for those sunny NYC wekeends in the spring and summer.
This place has the decor of dreams, and also has a retractable roof too (bonus for any surprise rain showers!).
The location is also great, right in the heart of Midtown, with some amazing views of the Empire State to enjoy as you sip on their cocktails.
This is a great pick for the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, you’ll love it!
230 Fifth
Next on our list of outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, it’s 230 Fifth. No guesses for where this place is located – it should be obviously from the name!
If you’ve ever seen those TikToks and Instagram images of the outdoor rooftop bubbles overlooking NYC’s skyline, well this is the place where those images were taken!
In the winter they have the bubbles outdoors, for a warm alternative to the open rooftop seating. And in the summer, you can expect a big rooftop with plenty of outdoor seating. Which makes this one of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC for all year round.
Cloud Social Rooftop Bar
Next up on our list of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, it’s the Cloud Social Rooftop Bar. This place is a great casual option, and has a lovely laid back vibe.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere for after work drinks, or a birthday gathering with friends – this place is an ideal pick for outdoor rooftop bars in NYC. We think you’ll love it!
The Royalton Park Ave Rooftop Lounge & Pool
If you’re after some serious summer vibes when looking for an outdoor rooftop bar in NYC, then this place is going to deliver. The Royalton Park Ave Rooftop Lounge, also features a pool – so it’ll give you immediate vacation vibes.
It’s like a secret rooftop oasis in the heart of the city – and it’s definitely one of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC!
Elsie Rooftop
Next up on our list of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, it’s Elsie Rooftop. This place is seriously cool, and the decor and styling is really perfectiong for city vibes.
We also look the outlook from this rooftop bar in NYC. It’s a little lower than the surrounding buildings, so instead of towering above your neighbors, you’re looking up at them (which is a different feeling, but equally awe-inspiring).
Overall, this is one of our top outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, especially for views and style. It’s a great pick.
Read more about visiting NYC: The ultimate NYC bucket list (80 ideas in the city!)
Last Light
Next up on my list of outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, Last Light oozes cool and has both outdoor and indoor seating.
It’s located in-between Spring St Station and 2nd Ave Station, so it’s super easy to get to – and the view are well worth a visit.
The Look Up Rooftop
As the name suggests here, The Look Up Rooftop isn’t on a super high floor, but it has that really cool feel of being surrounded by the city – and I love that. It’s a fantastic pick for outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
There’s loads of seating here, and the views are all around you – so it’s a great choice for outdoor rooftop bars in NYC. They only open up in the spring / summer season – so be sure to check they’re open before you visit.
If you want somewhere laid back and cool, then this is one of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
The Williamsburg Hotel
OK, so this isn’t necessarily an outdoor rooftop bars in NYC… It’s a slightly different suggestion!
The Williamsburg hotel has a rooftop swimming pool (and bar) that is open to the public for a fee after 12pm. So we had to add it to our list of the top outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
You have to spend an agreed amount on food and drinks, but that’s kind of worth it to have a couple of sun loungers and a heavenly pool in the summertime in NYC.
It’s only open during spring and summer – so definitely call ahead (or email) but if you’re looking for somewhere to relax and drink (not just your average ‘bar’) then this might be an amazing choice.
Read more NYC recommendations: 15 places to find the best cookies in NYC!
Harriet’s rooftop bar and lounge
Harriet’s Rooftop and Lounge is next on our list of the best outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
This place is a little oasis of calm in Brooklyn, it feels like a cosy back garden (but way more glamorous and with way better views).
I love this place because it feels really welcoming, the views of Manhattan are incredible, and the drinks are delicious. It’s the kind of place you could spend hours with friends, just chatting and watching the world go by.
It’s a great choice for the outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar
And last on my list of outdoor rooftop bars in NYC, If you’re looking for something in the heart of Manhattan, and you don’t want to stray too far from Times Square, then the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar is a great choice.
It’s really central, it looks over some of the city’s most iconic buildings, and it’s open all year round.
This place can get really busy, so if you plan on visiting and want the best experience – I’d aim to make a reservation beforehand.
Also worth remembering, because this place is in the heart of Midtown, you will end up paying slightly more for drinks and food here.
This is another great choice for outdoor rooftop bars in NYC.
Read more NYC food recommendations: Top 15 places for rooftop brunch in NYC!
I hope this blog post about outdoor rooftop bars in NYC is useful! Here are some other useful blog posts I have written about NYC, you might like to read…
- The ultimate New York City Travel Guide
- The best ways to view the Statue of Liberty
- Famous restaurants in NYC from movies and TV shows
- Things to do for couples in NYC
- Best places to take photos in NYC at night time
- How to take a great photo in Times Square
- Secret places to take amazing photos in NYC
- Touristy things to do with a baby in NYC
