Best Rooftop Bars In Manhattan

• Location: 1412 Broadway, Midtown Manhattan, 10018
• Price: $$ 
• Views of: Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building
• Why we recommend: we think that Elsie Rooftop blends timeless glamour, expertly crafted cocktails, and breathtaking city views, making it the perfect spot for stylish brunches and sunset drinks

Twenty-five stories above Midtown, Elsie Rooftop is a glamorous hideaway inspired by interior design legend Elsie de Wolfe. The space channels her signature style - light, airy, and unapologetically luxurious - with blush velvet seating, mirrored accents, and a rooftop terrace that exudes Roaring Twenties-meets-modern-Manhattan charm.

Celebrity chef David Burke curates the food menu, while the cocktail program leans into luxe creativity, offering inventive serves like the Elsie de Wolfe, Smoky Heiress, and Dreamsicle Paloma. Here, you can find everything from elegant brunches to lively Latin nights and late-night DJ sets - there's always something going on. 

• Location: 71 W 35th Street, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10001
• Price: $$$
• Views of: the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline
• Why we recommend: we think that Monarch combines affordable luxury with unbeatable happy hour deals, offering $12 martinis and stylish skyline views for a truly elevated Manhattan experience

Perched on the 18th floor of the Marriott Courtyard Herald Square, Monarch Rooftop is a sleek penthouse retreat spanning 5,000 square feet of Scandinavian-inspired elegance. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows, warm wooden paneling, and plush couches create a stylish yet cozy atmosphere, while the outdoor terrace offers plenty of seating with heaters for chillier nights.

The in-house mixologists serve up signature cocktails like the vodka and watermelon-based Extra AF Mule, or the fruity Kiwi Cool Down, alongside a range of refreshing mocktails, all perfect for sipping while taking in the Empire State Building views. Light bites are available tapas-style, and on Wednesdays and Thursdays, $12 martinis from 10pm until close make it a must-visit for cocktail lovers.

• Location: 485 7th Avenue, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10018
• Price: $$
• Views of: the Manhattan skyline
• Why we recommend: with its ever-changing themes, creative décor, and unbeatable skyline views, we think that Magic Hour is a rooftop playground that's as Instagrammable as it is fun, and we keep coming back to see what they dream up next

Take the elevator 18 floors up to Moxy Times Square and step into the playful world of Magic Hour, an urban amusement park in the sky. With carousel-inspired seating, a bold pink palette, and oversized floral décor, this rooftop lounge is a feast for the eyes, and every visit brings a new whimsical theme. The outdoor terrace offers sweeping Manhattan views that never change, providing the perfect backdrop for sunset cocktails or skyline selfies.

Weekend nights feature live DJs, while weekdays are ideal for a budget-friendly happy hour with $10 spritzes and $6 Estrella or rosé. The small plates menu is packed with fun, flavorful bites, too, like chicken vodka parm sliders.

• Location: 3 Mitchell Place, 26th floor, NY 10017
• Price: $$
• Views of: Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the East River
• Why we recommend: we think this bar blends old-school glamour with inventive cocktails and sophisticated bar bites, and the happy hour is not to be missed - $13 classic cocktails, anyone? 

Nestled on the 26th floor of the historic Beekman Tower in Midtown East, Ophelia Lounge fuses 1920s glamour with contemporary charm. The Art Deco-inspired interiors, plush velvet seating, and moody lighting create an intimate, stylish setting, while the wraparound greenhouse terrace offers a unique escape above the city. Vintage curiosities, from crystal balls to antique butterfly slides, add a whimsical touch, making it perfect for romantic nights or catching up with friends.

Cocktails are elevated to an art form under mixologist Amir Babayoff, with inventive creations like the Purple Tuxedo, Ophelia's Ascension, and Killing Me Softly. Executive chef Stephen Putnam complements the drinks with refined bar bites, and the atmosphere effortlessly shifts from laid-back weekday evenings to lively weekend DJ sets.

• Location: 70 Pine Street 64th Floor, Financial District, NY 10005
• Price: $$$
• Views of: the Manhattan skyline
• Why we recommend: with its intimate atmosphere, stunning views, and expertly crafted cocktails, Overstory is ideal for date nights or any occasion where you want to enjoy the skyline without shouting over a crowd

Venture 64 floors above the Financial District for Overstory, an intimate Art Deco-inspired lounge that seats just 28 guests, and is one of the coziest Manhattan rooftop bars. Dim lighting, 12 coveted bar stools, and a wraparound outdoor terrace provide the perfect balance between watching masterful mixologists at work and soaking in the city skyline.

Helmed by Chef James Kent and Jeff Katz of Crown Shy and Saga, Overstory has earned its place as the 15th Best Bar in the World. The rotating cocktail menu features inventive creations like the Cold Snap and The Last Frontier, accompanied by a selection of refined small plates.

• Location: Between 54th & 55th Street, 1717C Broadway, NY, 10019
• Price: $$
• Views of: Theater District
• Why we recommend: Dear Irving on Broadway marries old-Hollywood glamour with Broadway theatrics, serving standout cocktails in a cinematic setting that's perfect for pre-show drinks 

Dear Irving on Broadway is a rooftop cocktail lounge dripping in 1930s glamour with a theatrical twist. Velvet banquettes, mirrored ceilings, and a marble-topped central bar create an old-Hollywood meets Broadway-backstage vibe, while dramatic curtains, playful wallpaper, and the whimsical Cirque du Freak-A-Leek mural add a touch of showbiz personality.

Award-winning Bar Director Meghan Dorman curates a cocktail menu inspired by Broadway legends, blending classic techniques with inventive, theatrical flair. Think elegant martinis, and inventive takes on a Gibson like the Gibbie Highball made with macchu pisco. Chef Franco Barrio keeps the bites casual and fun, drawing inspiration from NYC street eats and deli favorites.

• Location: 25 W 38th Street, 29th Floor, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10018
• Price: $$
• Views of: the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline
• Why we recommend: Daintree is a tropical escape in the heart of Manhattan, offering inventive cocktails and a unique Australian-Asian menu, all paired with one of the city's most Instagram-worthy rooftop views

Inspired by Australia's lush Daintree Rainforest, Daintree sits atop Hotel Hendricks in Midtown Manhattan, bringing a tropical-meets-sophisticated vibe to the city. The two-storey space is filled with greenery and playful coral-pink seating, while the treetop-style outdoor terrace offers sweeping views of the Empire State Building and the skyline beyond.

The drinks menu is full of inventive house cocktails, like the lo-fi gentian amaro and peach-based Little Death, or Pisco Power, while executive chef David Taylor's Australian-Asian fusion menu serves up standout bites, including Korean chicken, gochujang cauliflower, and tuna tartare.

• Location: 102 N End Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10282
• Price: $$
• Views of: Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty
• Why we recommend: Leonessa combines a secret-slice-of-Italy vibe with expertly crafted aperitivo-style cocktails and stunning riverfront views, and we love indulging in the Caffè Tonico, made with Ketel One vodka, Mr. Black, coffee, Frangelico, and Fever-Tree tonic

On the hunt for a rooftop bar? Manhattan's got you covered with this beautiful spot. Found on the 16th floor of the Conrad New York Downtown, Leonessa transports you straight to the sun-soaked terraces of Italy without leaving Manhattan. Open-air and brimming with golden hour charm, the rooftop is dotted with lemon trees, bold Mediterranean hues, and an Amalfi Coast-style fountain, evoking a palazzo terrace with a distinctly New York twist.

Casual yet stylish, it's perfect for sunset drinks, date nights, or a relaxed nightcap. The drinks menu is a love letter to Italian aperitivo culture, crafted by nightlife maven Ariel Arce. Sip spritzes, martinis, or frozen sgroppinos, paired with rotating complimentary snacks that change nightly.

• Location: 145 E 50th Street, Manhattan, 10022
• Price: $$
• Views of: the Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, and glimpses of Bryant Park
• Why we recommend: we love Upstairs at the Kimberly because it feels like a hidden New York gem where you can sip expertly crafted cocktails while soaking in one of the city's most iconic skylines

Soaring 30 floors above Midtown atop the Kimberly Hotel, Upstairs at the Kimberly is a rooftop lounge that fuses old Hollywood glamour with contemporary New York style. The space features plush leather seating, bronze accents, and cascading ivy walls, while a retractable glass roof ensures it's a haven for any season. Whether it's a leisurely brunch, evening cocktails, or a weekend night out, the atmosphere feels intimate, elevated, and effortlessly chic.

The menu, led by Executive Chef Cristian Flores, serves eclectic small plates, while cocktail innovator Alex Ott crafts imaginative drinks like the Smoky Old Fashioned, Lush Lantern, and Corazon Ahumado, blending inventive flavors with polished technique.

• Location: 63 West, 38th Street, Midtown Manhattan, NY 10018
• Price: $$
• Views of: the Empire State Building, Bryant Park, the New York Times Building, Hudson Yards, and the Midtown skyline
• Why we recommend: we think this spot is perfect for any season, thanks to its retractable roof. It combines unbeatable Empire State views with a relaxed yet stylish vibe, standout cocktails, and a menu that hits all the comfort-food cravings

For one of the best rooftop bars Manhattan has to offer, Refinery Rooftop delivers unbeatable skyline views, including a front-row seat to the Empire State Building. With a sleek retractable glass roof, it's a spot that works rain or shine, plus comfy indoor seating for when you want to retreat from the elements. The rooftop's style is effortlessly chic, with exposed brick, warm string lights, lush greenery, and a cosy indoor fireplace for cooler evenings.

The drinks menu is just as impressive as the view. Sip on timeless cocktails like the French 75, venture into smoky mezcal mixes with pineapple, or refresh yourself with the zesty cucumber-yuzu 'Cool Cool Cool.' The food matches the bar's energy, from indulgent double patty burgers to decadent truffle flatbreads and fresh, flavorful shrimp tacos.