Ground-level bars are fine, but rooftop bars are better. The views, the open air, the feeling of being above everything—there's no competing with it.
The city has plenty of rooftop options, from high-end hotel bars to low-key neighborhood spots. Here are the ones worth your time.
The Observatory - Downtown Hotel, 22nd Floor
The fanciest option on this list. Hotel bar with floor-to-ceiling windows, leather seating, and a wrap-around terrace overlooking the financial district.
Dress code enforced: no athletic wear, no flip-flops. Drinks are $18-24. Cocktails are well-made but pretentious—menus with long descriptions, house-made bitters, garnishes that take up half the glass.
When to go: Sunset or late night (open till 2am). Skip Friday/Saturday—too crowded, reservations required. Weeknight around 10pm is best.
Order: The Old Fashioned is solid. Skip the signature drinks with truffle foam or activated charcoal.
Highline Beer Garden - West Side, 4th Floor
Casual rooftop with picnic tables, string lights, and 30+ beers on tap. Converted parking garage turned outdoor beer hall. No view of downtown, but good atmosphere.
They serve bar food: burgers, wings, fries. Nothing fancy, but better than typical bar food. Portions are big. The pretzel with beer cheese is worth getting.
Vibe: Relaxed, loud, crowded on weekends. Good spot for groups. No reservations, first-come seating. Opens at 4pm, closes when they feel like it.
Dog-friendly, which means there are always at least five dogs up there. If you don't like dogs, go somewhere else.
Skylark Lounge - Arts District, 6th Floor
Mid-century modern design, vinyl booths, dim lighting. Feels like a 1960s lounge. The rooftop section is small—maybe 20 seats—but the view is excellent.
Cocktail-focused. They don't do beer, they don't do shots. Just cocktails. Menu changes seasonally. Bartenders know what they're doing.
Price range: $14-20 per drink. Not cheap, but portions are generous and they don't water stuff down.
Best for: Date night, quiet conversation. Not a party spot. Gets busy but never rowdy.
Roofdeck at The Standard - Midtown, 8th Floor
Hotel rooftop that's open to the public. Pool, lounge chairs, bar area. During summer months it turns into a pool party scene—DJs, crowds, influencer types.
Off-season (October-April) it's much calmer. They cover the pool, set up heaters and fire pits, bring in blankets. Honestly better when it's cold out.
Drinks: Standard hotel bar prices ($16-22). Frozen cocktails in summer, hot toddies in winter. Nothing groundbreaking.
Entry: Sometimes they charge a cover on weekend nights. Check before going.
Upstairs at The Parker - Northside, 3rd Floor
Neighborhood bar that happens to have a rooftop. No fancy views—you're looking at other buildings and a slice of sky. But it's unpretentious and cheap by rooftop standards.
Drinks $8-12. Beer selection is good. Cocktails are basic but strong. They have a grill up there—burgers, brats, grilled chicken sandwiches.
Crowd: Locals, regulars, people who live within walking distance. Not a tourist spot. Cash only.
Open late (3am on weekends). One of the few rooftop spots where you can just show up after midnight and get a seat.
Azul Rooftop - Latin Quarter, 5th Floor
Latin-influenced cocktail bar with a rooftop patio. Mojitos, margaritas, caipirinhas, rum-based cocktails. Also serve tapas—empanadas, ceviche, plantains, grilled skewers.
Music is always playing. Salsa, reggaeton, bachata. Sometimes live bands on weekends. People dance. If you're not into that energy, this isn't your spot.
Happy hour: 5-7pm daily. $2 off drinks, half-price tapas. Worth timing your visit for.
Atmosphere: Loud, colorful, vibrant. Expect to interact with strangers. Not a place to sit quietly.
Rooftop Etiquette
- Make reservations if possible. Walk-ins work at casual spots, but high-end places fill up fast.
- Check the weather. Rooftops close in heavy rain or extreme heat. Call ahead.
- Dress appropriately. Hotel bars have dress codes. Beer gardens don't. Match your outfit to the venue.
- Tip well. Bartenders and servers haul everything up several flights. 20% minimum.
- Don't hog tables. If it's crowded and you've been sitting for two hours, move along.
When to Visit
Sunset: Prime time. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to get a good spot.
Late night: Less crowded, cooler temperatures, different vibe.
Weekday: Better than weekends. Less waiting, better service, easier to have conversations.
Off-season: Fall and spring are ideal. Summer is too hot and too crowded. Winter works if they have heaters.
What to Skip
Chain hotel rooftops: Generic, overpriced, no character.
Clubs disguised as rooftops: If there's a DJ and a cover charge, it's a nightclub, not a bar.
Places with minimum spend requirements: Red flag for quality.
Final Thoughts
A good rooftop bar doesn't need gimmicks. It needs decent drinks, comfortable seating, and a view that's worth the climb.
Try a few, figure out which style you prefer, then make it a regular spot. Rooftop bars are better when you know the layout and the staff knows your order.