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10 High-End Rooftop Bars in NYC With Stunning Views and Signature Cocktails

Maria Gracia Santillana Maria Gracia Santillana | May 14, 2021 | Food & Drink Lifestyle

nyc rooftop of rockefeller building

Serving jaw-dropping views and high-end cocktails, these 10 rooftop bars in NYC should be your go-tos for summer of the city.

Whether you’re looking to get those perfect Instagrammable city skylines or a drink with friends under the sun, rooftop bars are a summer must. Have a Manhattan while admiring Manhattan, or Central Park views, the Empire State building and more.

Each rooftop serves signature cocktails inspired by everything their surroundings and the seasons. From jalapeño margaritas to pitchers of cucumber limonade, these cocktails are as delicious as they are picture-perfect.

Get ready to enjoy amazing drinks and beautiful views with these 10 New York City rooftop bars.

See also: 4 Undeniable Reasons These Canned Cocktails Are Superior

RAINBOW ROOM

30 Rockefeller Plaza / Website

The original home to New York glamour and entertainment, Rainbow Room is where the skyline and drinks come together. Located on the 65th floor of the Rockefeller Center, the rooftop bar opened just after the Prohibition era in 1934. Since then, its been serving classic cocktails to some of Manhattan’s most elite, and reservations continue to be as coveted as its rare scotches and whiskeys.

SPYGLASS

47 W 38th St. / Website

Empire State views don’t get better than this. Inspired by the '40s and '50s, this glamour bar sits atop the Archer Hotel. It recently reopened after being closed for nearly a year because of COVID-19, and Spyglass is more than ready to welcome you with Espresso Martinis and Manhattans under the city lights.

OPHELIA LOUNGE

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Una publicación compartida por Ophelia (@opheliany)

3 Mitchell Pl. / Website

With views of the East River, this iconic art deco tower was originally a women’s-only club. A former muse for NYC’s Frank Sinatra, Ophelia exudes class both inside and out. Cocktails at this elegant rooftop bar are incredibly-creative creations that draw on literary references and current events. Named after Shakespeare’s Ophelia, the namesake drink features a paradox of flavors, contrast of colors, beauty and honesty. All black with a clear white froth, this drink is the star of the show.

LE BAIN AT THE STANDARD

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Una publicación compartida por Le Bain (@lebainnyc)

848 Washington St. / Website

Make it past the doorman at The Standard’s HighLine rooftop bar, and you’ll be met with a grassy lawn and beautiful Hudson views. If you're lucky enough to grab a spot in the late afternoon, the sunset scene cannot be beat. Whether you sip on a Jungle J or grab a pitcher of Cucumber Limonade to share, you’re guaranteed to have a great time. Le Bain turns into one of New York City’s hottest clubs at night, and the rooftop bar is slowly bringing DJs and live music back into rotation.

THE ROOF AT THE VICEROY

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124 W 57th St. / Website

If you’re looking for the best Central Park views, The Roof is the ultimate spot. This modern yet sophisticated indoor and outdoor space offers uber-luxurious vistas. Go for a GG Manhattan for a classic, and spice things up with a Jalapeño Margarita. We also love the Trouble Maker made of vodka, bonal, strawberries and cucumbers.

See also: How Luxury Hotel Designer Tara Bernerd Brings You Home Around the World

SUMMERLY

97 Wythe Ave. / Website

Currently Winterly at the Summerly, this Williamsburg rooftop boasts perfect Big Apple views. No tourists with fanny packs in this Huxton Hotel rooftop. Rub shoulders with only the coolest of Brooklynites. Enjoy delicious wine or craft beer alongside the city views. At press time, Winterly is only open for delivery and take-out, but we’re hoping to see Summerly open soon.

SERRA FIORITA

200 Fifth Ave. / Website

Eataly’s prime Flatiron rooftop is decked out in enchanting seasonal decor. Inspired by the blooming flowers of spring, this season's dinner menu is sourced from artisanal Italian producers and regional U.S. farms. The cocktail menu also gives fresh flowers their due. All the signature drinks feature floral undertones. From botanical cocktails to beers with citrus notes of the hop flower, Serra’s drinks are as beautiful as they are tasty.

AZUL ON THE ROOF

525 Greenwich / Website

If you’re looking for a tiny piece of Old Havana in the middle of Lower Manhattan, Azul on the Roof is a tropical trip, no passport required. Situated on the rooftop of Hotel Hugo, grab a sangria or a blood orange and enjoy the 360 views of Manhattan in the Cantina. In case you get hungry, Azul’s fish tacos pair perfectly with their refreshing drinks.

CACHET BOUTIQUE

510 W 42 St. / Website

Steps away from Hudson Yards, Cachet Boutique is immersed in the Chelsea art gallery scene. Enjoy the open-air space with their signature “Eden’s Paloma,” featuring tequila, grapefruit and lavender. Part hotel and part rooftop, Cachet Boutique showcases up-and-coming creatives from all around the world. Currently, the hotel is showing works from the Steven Kasher Gallery with highlights by Miles Aldridge.

HARRIET’S ROOFTOP

60 Furman St. / Website

Located at the top of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s Lounge is home to perfect views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge. If nothing on Harriet’s extensive alcohol list is up your alley, you can never go wrong with one of their signature cocktails. We recommend the Al Pastor if you’re in the mood for Tequila, or the Purple Haze for a bubbly cocktail with floral notes. Getting chilly or need a break from the sun? Head down to the 10th floor of 1 Hotel Brooklyn and enter Harriet’s Lounge for just as sophisticated an experience.


Tags: cocktails summer rooftop bars web-og

Photography by: Giovanni Tancredi / Unsplash