It wouldn’t be summer in New York City without rooftops, terraces, pop-ups, festivals, and cocktails. LOTS of cocktails.
This handy list of rooftop bars and outdoor drinking spots is your ultimate guide to neighborhood favorites and hidden gems across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, Staten Island, waterfront Connecticut, and Jersey City.
Pro tips:
- Vibe Check: Not feeling it after visiting the venue’s website? Try a Google search, click “see photos,” then select “vibe” for an unofficial visitor’s perspective.
- Call Ahead: Always call for reservations, hours of operation, dress code, and minimum spend.
- Golden Hour: Time your rooftop and west side visits to arrive 60-90 minutes before sunset for the best views.
- Share Your Favorites: Email us if you have a secret, not-for-tourists rooftop or outdoor bar to add to the list.
- Bookmark this page!
MANHATTAN
BATTERY PARK CITY
Leonessa @ Conrad New York Downtown Hotel
Deliciously colorful Italian cocktails, Amalfi Coast-inspired décor, and views of the Statue of Liberty. Bellissimo!
102 North End Avenue, 16th Floor
BOWERY / CHINATOWN
The Crown @ Hotel 50 Bowery
A boutique hotel rooftop bar in an unexpected neighborhood, with sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and One World Trade Center.
50 Bowery, 21st Floor
CHELSEA
Creatures Rooftop @ Hotel Alameda Highline
Coastal flavors meet liquid therapy for the ultimate reward after a stroll along The High Line or a concert at Little Island.
518 West 27th Street
EAST VILLAGE
The Ready Rooftop Bar @ Moxy East Village Hotel
An eclectic, all-season rooftop bar with a casual, backyard beer garden vibe.
112 East 11th Street
FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Overstory
A wraparound terrace with views galore. Try for walk-in seating, or make a reservation and foot the $100 per person food and beverage minimum.
70 Pine Street, 64th Floor
FLATIRON
230 Fifth
This Flatiron staple boasts the city’s largest rooftop space with views that beg for your best TikTok game. Ask to borrow a cozy red robe if the weather is chilly.
230 Fifth Avenue
HARLEM / EAST HARLEM
The Terrace
East Harlem’s hidden treasure, this dimly lit, speakeasy-style classic cocktail bar also offers an elegant outdoor terrace to sip the night away.
332 East 116th Street
HARLEM / WEST HARLEM
Harlem Tavern
A favorite with the locals, this beer garden is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. There’s plenty of shade, and you can catch the game on one of the many screens.
2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd @ West 116th Street
Skinny’s Cantina on the Hudson
A casual courtyard and rooftop terrace steps from the Hudson River, this “College Hang Out in Harlem” offers 2-for-1 drink specials to college and university students who present their student ID.
701 West 133rd Street @ 12th Avenue
HELL’S KITCHEN
Dear Irving on Hudson @ Aliz Hotel
Manhattan’s highest open-air hotel bar and lounge gives major retro-chic, vintage décor, and sophisticated style.
310 West 40th Street, 40th & 41st floors
HUDSON YARDS
Electric Lemon Rooftop Terrace Bar @ Equinox Hotel
Come ready for the ultimate urban respite at this luxurious alfresco terrace atop a five-star hotel. Bring someone special and watch the sun set into the Hudson River.
33 Hudson Yards, 24th Floor
INWOOD
Republica Restaurant & Rooftop
Missing the food and party vibes of Dominican Republic? We got you.
160 Dyckman Street
LOWER EAST SIDE
The Roof @ Public Hotel
Local and international DJs set the mood on this landscaped terrace with panoramic views. Check the website for the DJ lineup.
215 Chrystie Street
MIDTOWN – NEAR CENTRAL PARK
Le Jardin @ Baccarat Hotel
This lush garden dreamscape and selection of Rosés from the Côtes de Provence will leave you longing for lavender fields, vineyards, and the French Riviera. Reserve a table on the terrace.
28 West 53rd Street
Le Jardin Rooftop Bar @ Le Meridien Hotel
Gorgeous décor, crafted cocktails, with views to Central Park… perfect for when you deserve something fancy.
120 West 57th Street
Vida Verde Mexicana
Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, Tequila Thursdays, Friday and Saturday Fiestas, and Sangria Sundays. Take your pick!
248 West 55th Street, 2nd Floor
MIDTOWN – NEAR BRYANT PARK
Bookmarks @ Library Hotel
Intimate and cozy, this is the year-round rooftop cocktail lounge room you wish you owned. The Writer’s Den Terrace and Poetry Garden are a fitting nod to the nearby New York Public Library on 42nd Street.
299 Madison Avenue, 14th Floor
Daintree @ Hotel Hendricks
Spectacular Manhattan rooftop views with Australian hospitality are just the trick when you need a taste of home. Sign up to “Become a Local” and receive mates rates when you visit.
25 West 38th Street, 29th Floor
Refinery Rooftop Bar @ Refinery Hotel
An easy walk from Bryant Park, this industrial-chic hotspot is open seven days a week and always popular with after-work crowds.
63 West 38th Street
MIDTOWN EAST
L’Avenue at Saks
Philippe Starck design meets Parisian elegance in one of New York City’s most iconic luxury shopping destinations. Ask about the terrace overlooking Fifth Avenue.
8 East 50th Street, 9th Floor (inside Saks Fifth Avenue)
Upstairs at the Kimberly
Escape the noisy midtown streets via the express elevator and relax among oases of living green walls and designer details.
145 East 50th Street
MIDTOWN WEST / GARMENT DISTRICT
The Skylark
Instagram-worthy views of the Empire State Building, Times Square, and the Hudson River, this upscale, air-conditioned rooftop is only open on weekdays to the public (private events on weekends).
200 West 39th Street, 30th Floor
MURRAY HILL
Artie’s Backroom & Rooftop @ The Pod Hotel
A fun after-work drinks spot near Grand Central, featuring the largest sports viewing screen in the neighborhood.
145 East 39th Street
Vintage Green Rooftop @ The Shelburne Sonesta Hotel
A year-round serene garden oasis with views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and East River.
303 Lexington Avenue (cnr 37th Street)
NOMAD
Everdene Bar @ Virgin Hotel
Drink, dine, dance. There’s always something cool and exciting happening here.
1227 Broadway, 3rd Floor
ROOSEVELT ISLAND
Panorama Room @ Graduate Hotels Roosevelt Island
Stunning views of New York City that will make your heart skip a beat. Take the Roosevelt Tram over the river and make an evening of it.
22 North Loop Rd, 18th Floor
SOHO
Azul @ Hotel Hugo
Zagat describes Azul as “a taste of Havana in Hudson Square.” Quench your thirst with a frozen cocktail or classic mojito.
525 Greenwich Street
Twenty Three Grand
Not in the mood for a meal at the gorgeous giant greenhouse restaurant? Grab a cocktail at the luxe bar indoors, or the Back Bar and Upper Terraces outdoors.
23 Grand Street
SOUTH STREET SEAPORT
Old Mates Pub
You’ve gotta be quick to snag a table outside this Aussie favorite. There are still plenty of reasons to be inside though, like free pool seven days a week, Trivia Tuesdays, footy on every screen, and the best pies and counter meals in town.
170 John Street
Watermark @ Pier 15
Open-air, waterfront, casual beach vibes await you on the East River. Perched at the end of Pier 15, this is your go-to venue for a coldie, and breathtaking views of the Brooklyn skyline, and the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges.
78 South Street
TIMES SQUARE
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge @ Moxy Times Square Hotel
This summer’s “oversized garden in the sky” display runs through September 2025. Reserve a spot on the West Terrace.
485 7th Avenue, 18th Floor
St. Cloud Rooftop @ The Knickerbocker Hotel
A treat for out-of-towners euphoric from their first visit to Times Square, this is the place to keep the buzz buzzing.
6 Times Square, 17th Floor
TURTLE BAY
Ophelia Lounge
Brunch on Sundays, cocktails every day of the week, and Latin Night on Fridays.
3 Mitchell Pl, 26th Floor (49th St & 1st Ave)
UNION SQUARE / GRAMERCY PARK
Hidden Lane Bar
Steps away from Gramercy Park, tucked away from the street hustle, you’ll find a bi-level bar indoors and an intimate garden patio outdoors. Expect neighborhood vibes.
129 East 15th Street
UPPER EAST SIDE
Avoca
Yes, it has a patio beer garden, happy hours, and bottomless dinners. But what sets this apart from other drink spots is its Dog Menu, including dog-friendly ice cream.
1678 First Avenue
The Cantor Roof Garden Bar @ The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Experience The Met’s Arts of Oceania artworks from indigenous communities across New Guinea, Island Southeast Asia, and Australia, then head to the roof for spectacular views of Central Park.
1000 Fifth Avenue
UPPER WEST SIDE
Ellington in the Park
A beach-themed hidden treasure in Riverside Park overlooking the Hudson River. A kids’ menu is available, and you’re welcome to bring your dog as long as they’re leashed.
Riverside Drive @ West 105th Street (Enter @ 103rd and Riverside)
Pier i Café
100% al fresco with umbrella shade at every table, this is as outdoorsy casual as it gets. Start your day at the espresso bar, stroll along the pier, then settle in with a book, a glass of wine, and endless fresh air and river views.
500 West 70th Street
The Empire Rooftop Bar & Lounge @ The Empire Hotel
Across the road from Lincoln Center, this is the perfect place to meet before or after the show with over 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor options.
44 West 63rd Street
BROOKLYN
BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK PIER 6
Fornino Pier 6
Done with the nearby beach volleyball, flower field, and kids’ playgrounds? Head upstairs for pizza, sangria, beer, and wine.
Bridge Park Drive
BUSHWICK
Brooklyn Beer Garden
Savor the murals by local artists and brews from local favorites like Five Borough and Brooklyn Cider House. Open seasonally.
33 Wyckoff Avenue
DUMBO/BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
Harriet’s Rooftop @ 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Sip the summery sights of Manhattan’s skyline – especially beautiful after sunset.
60 Furman Street, 11th Floor
WILLIAMSBURG
ART Williamsburg @ Arlo Hotel
Take your pick of the rooftop bar, Water Tower Bar (yep, a real NYC water tower!), or book a day pass and cabana and enjoy the rooftop pool with a cocktail in hand.
96 Wythe Ave
Berry Park
A 100% women-owned business. Casual, relaxed, and plenty of room for everyone.
4 Berry Street
El Nico @ The Penny Hotel
Brooklyn and Manhattan skyline views, and a menu featuring modern takes on Mexican traditions. Come ready to try the tequila and mezcal cocktails.
288 North 8th Street, 11th Floor
QUEENS
ASTORIA
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden
New York City’s oldest beer garden has been around since 1910. You’ll rarely meet a New Yorker who hasn’t visited this neighborhood’s low-key favorite at least once.
29-19 24th Avenue
LONG ISLAND CITY
The Greats of Craft – The LIC Warehouse
Craft beer, good coffee, live music, a gourmet market, and a low-rise building rooftop. Open from breakfast till late.
10-15 43rd Avenue
SUNNYSIDE
Ida’s Nearabout
A quiet, leafy patio out back, taxidermy display inside. Just go with it.
43-13 Queens Boulevard
THE BRONX
BRONX LITTLE ITALY
The Bronx Beer Hall
It’s not outdoors, and it’s not a rooftop, but it is in one of the most interesting locations in New York City. Nestled in the heart of Bronx Little Italy’s historic Arthur Avenue Retail Market, this is where locals go for craft beer.
2344 Arthur Avenue
STATEN ISLAND
ST. GEORGE FERRY TERMINAL
River Dock Café
For when you’ve taken a free ride on the Staten Island ferry, waved at the Statue of Liberty on the way over, and need a quick drink before (or after) you hit the Staten Island Mall.
1 Richmond Terrace
CONNECTICUT
MILFORD
Dockside Brewery
A craft brewery and waterfront Biergarten on the banks of the Housatonic River. The perfect place to enjoy over 40 draft lines, from hazy IPAs to crisp Pilsners.
40 Bridgeport Ave
STAMFORD
The Wheel
Industrial chic waterfront setting, live music every Wednesday and Thursday, and an ever-changing menu featuring produce grown and harvested on the rooftop garden.
4 Star Point, Suite 101
NEW JERSEY
JERSEY CITY
The Ashford Rooftop and Lounge
Overlooking the Newark Pedestrian Plaza, this popular garden rooftop bar in the heart of Jersey City is known for its $3 mimosas every Saturday and Sunday.
145 Newark Avenue
Rooftop at Exchange Place
It’s like the best Manhattan bars had a rooftop baby in New Jersey, only this one has views of NYC from across the Hudson River. A quick walk from the PATH train and you’re in NJ heaven.
1 Exchange Place
OPEN-AIR FOOD MARKETS – BROOKLYN & MANHATTAN
Smorgasburg 2025
For when you don’t want a bar, but you do want a quintessential New York outdoor experience, head to a Smorgasburg open-air food market! Open every weekend through the last weekend of October.
- Fridays at World Trade Center
- Saturday in Williamsburg
- Sundays at Prospect Park
Sun’s out, fun’s out. Remember to stay hydrated, and tell us about your favorite summer rooftop or outdoor bar.
CHEERS!
AWNY | Australian Women in New York 