
It’s once again the rooftop season in NYC!
Though summer weather has been a little sporadic this year with a blistering heat wave and lots of rain, it’s still the time to plan out your must-visit rooftops for when the heat is bearable and the sun is shining!
From Midtown mainstays to brand new spots with glass greenhouses for socially distant dining, there are tons of amazing options.
These 15 places are currently open for cocktails and dining, with COVID-19 compliant safety measures in place. Enjoy!
1. Ampia Rooftop
Where: 100 Broad Street
Hours: Monday – Friday: 4 pm – 10 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Ampia Rooftop, which comes from the owners of the popular Gnoccheria, makes socially-distanced dining even more charming (and safe) with these plastic mini greenhouses adorning their terrace.
Located in Financial District, the rooftop has greenhouses for tables of two that diners can cuddle up in for light bites and drinks. Oh and another positive–a little rain won’t bother you! There are also contactless menus, which diners only have to scan a QR code on the their phones to peruse.
2. Top of the Box
Where: 77 Box St, Brooklyn
Hours: Thurs 5:30pm – 10pm, Fri 5:30pm – 11pm, Sat 11pm – 4pm & 5pm-11pm, Sun 11pm –7pm
The Top of the Box is normally a stunning NYC wedding venue, but now it is opening up to the public for the first time ever as an amazing cocktail bar. The clever name refers to the rooftop on top of The Box House Hotel in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. The 10,000 square foot space features unobstructed panoramic views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Long Island City (just take a peek above!). The wrap-around marble bar opened up for signature cocktails this past summer.
3. Westlight
Where: 111 N 12th St 22nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Hours: Mon – Thurs 5pm – 12am, Fri 5pm – 12am, Sat 1pm – 12am, Sun 1pm – 12am
Westlight is one of those ubiquitous rooftops everyone has to experience firsthand. Take in the 360-degree views of all five boroughs while sipping on a signature cocktail like the Mt. Fuji (whisky, vermouth, apple, ginger, lemon, and soda). Keep up your strength under the summer rays with global street food-inspired small bites like coconut curry cashews or burrata.
4. Mondrian Terrace
Where: 444 Park Ave S.
Hours: Tuesday- Saturday 5pm -11pm
This NYC hotel has a beautiful terrace on the 15th floor, overlooking the city. Tables are six feet apart and with comfortable booth seating and surrounding plants, you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to a peaceful garden oasis. An oasis with an incredible cocktail menu, that is! The craft cocktails available on the rooftop are light, bright and perfect for spring.
5. Make Believe
Where: 190 Allen St, New York, NY 10002
Hours: 8 days a week 6PM till early.
Looking for a boozy summer night as the sun sets over the city? Located on the roof of Sixty Hotel is the tropical-themed haven Make Believe. Slide into one of the vibrantly pink booths and order the table a round of signature matcha or sake cocktails. Then meander on over to one of the two terraces or the dance floor for a live DJ set. You can expect this rooftop to reach full capacity early on weekend nights, so reservations are recommended
6. Elsie Rooftop
Where: 1412 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Hours: Tuesday- Sunday 5pm -12am
On the 25th floor of a nondescript building near Bryant Park sits a lavish penthouse bar: Elsie Rooftop. This ornately adorned 1920s-themed bar is designed in the image of Elsie de Wolfe, a world famous interior decorator. Looking for a high-tone spot for a light evening bite? Elsie has you covered with their upscale seasonally focused menu and passion for expert cocktails. Chase your truffled grilled cheese with an Earl Gray old fashioned while basking in the luxury of it all.
7. Refinery Rooftop
Where: 63 W 38th St.
Hours: Monday – Thursday 4:30 pm – 10 pm, Friday – Sunday 11:30 am – 10 pm
Get an up-close view of the Empire State Building at this terrace atop the Refinery Hotel. They have fun handcrafted cocktails, along with light bites like sliders, cacio e pepe tater tots or a chocolate cookie skillet to indulge your sweet tooth!
8. Eataly
Where: 200 Fifth Avenue
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:30am – 9:00pm, Friday-Saturday 11:30am – 9:30pm
One of the city’s favorite rooftops, SERRA by Birreria, has transformed into their current spring theme inspired by “a greenhouse with flower buds, greenery, and plants, inspired by nature’s own flowering transformation.” The enchanting space will transport you to the Italian countryside with a bright, fun ambiance.
9.The Ready
Where: 112 E 11th St, New York (The Moxy East Village)
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday from 4pm to 10pm
Located at the Moxy Hotel East Village is the newest spring rooftop destination. The Ready was “inspired by a casual backyard garden in the East Village the rooftop will be open year-round with their retractable glass roof! With colorful seating and a hand-painted mural, the space gives of beer garden vibes while paying homage to the East Village neighborhood. There’s even a beer pong table that serves as a communal table!
10. Sentry
Where: 37 W 24th St, New York, NY
Hours: 7 days a week from 4pm to 10pm
Searching for an escape from the masses? Look no further than The Sentry, a new members only rooftop pool and social club. Perched on the 42nd floor of the American Copper Buildings, a season membership pays off with unparalleled views of the city, a bespoke cocktail list, and carefully curated food menu. Cooling off poolside is priceless after all, right? For non-members, The Sentry Flatiron (found on the 18th floor penthouse lounge of Hotel Henri) offers signature cocktails crafted by some of the city’s most lauded mixologists.
11. Mr. Purple
Where: 180 Orchard St Fl 15 , New York, NY
Hours: 7 days a week from 12pm to 2am
Hotel Indigo’s party rooftop, Mr. Purple, provides a vibrant but relaxed atmosphere. The two terraces available allow a choice between either a more intimate experience or a lively rooftop pool plus bar with communal tables and a wide variety of lounging options. Pair your espresso martini or spiked lemonade with an order of truffles fries, finishing out with a Melt’s artisanal ice cream sandwich.
12. 230 Fifth Rooftop
Where: 230 5th Ave, New York
Hours: Monday – Friday 4pm – 12am, Saturday – Sunday 12pm – 12am
You simply can’t beat the view of the Empire State Building from 230 Fifth Rooftop. You can rent your own private igloo or choose to dine completely outdoors. With comfortable seating, tropical palm trees, and frozen drinks you’ve got all you need for a good time!
13. Magic Hour Rooftop
Where: 485 Seventh Avenue, New York
Hours: Monday – Friday 3pm – 12 pm, Saturday – Sunday 11:30am – 12 pm
A spirited alternative to the typical hotel experience, Moxy NYC Times Square dazzles with surprises and thrills. Situated in the heart of Midtown, under the shimmering lights of Times Square, we offer hotel guests intimate access to Manhattan must-sees like Madison Square Garden, Rockefeller Center, and Broadway
14. Monarch Rooftop
Where: 71 W 35th St, New York
Hours: Wednesday – Thursday 3pm – 11pm, Friday – Saturday 3pm – 12am
The Monarch Rooftop takes over 5,000 square feet and maintains a clubby atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Soak in the sun hundreds of feet above street level with a drink in hand. Enjoy their cozy couches and choose from an extensive menu with refreshing light bites and top-notch cocktails.
15. Somewhere Nowhere
Where: 112 W 25th St, New York
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11 p.m. – late
This two-level nightclub & lounge located on the 38th & 39th floor of the Renaissance NY Chelsea Hotel is also the tallest hotel rooftop with a pool in the city! It’s secret garden theme and enchanting decor will transport you to a mystical wonderland. Enjoy live DJs, pool parties, and immersive dinners all summer long at this go-to spot.