Where to Drink Outdoors: Top Rooftop Bars in NYC for Skyline Views

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With spring finally here, it's officially rooftop season in New York City. As days stretch longer and sunsets become more spectacular, rooftop bars across the city invite you to soak in warm evenings and panoramic views with refreshing cocktails and elevated bites. Whether you’re craving the lively pulse of Williamsburg, the luxurious charm of Central Park South, or the vibrant heart of Times Square, these stylish rooftops are the ideal destinations to raise your glass high above the bustling streets below.

LilliStar

LilliStar is a vibrant indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge and cocktail bar atop Moxy Williamsburg, offering unobstructed skyline views of the Williamsburg Bridge, East River, and Lower Manhattan. Blending contemporary design with Brooklyn’s distinctive energy, LilliStar delivers an unparalleled experience, enhanced by a rotating calendar of events, lively music, dynamic ambiance and a seasonal cocktail menu crafted by the expert Bar Lab Hospitality team.

St. Cloud Rooftop at The Knickerbocker

Open daily from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, St. Cloud Rooftop offers breathtaking skyline views of Manhattan’s Times Square, overlooking the heart of the city. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy craft cocktails, including the iconic martini, which is rumored to have been invented at the hotel, as well as seasonally inspired drinks and shareable culinary bites. St. Cloud offers the perfect setting to soak in the city’s energy while lounging, gathering, and celebrating beneath unmatched views and the vibrant lights of Manhattan. 

Terrace on 7 at The Dominick

Located in Manhattan’s iconic Soho neighborhood, The Dominick provides a luxurious setting with seamless service, welcoming sophistication, meticulous attention to detail, and unparalleled New York City views. The Dominick’s Terrace on 7 offers a place to unwind, featuring a seasonal rooftop pool, a rooftop terrace, and El Ta’koy, a year-round Hawaiian-inspired culinary destination. Guests can enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine while taking in floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating.

RT60 Rooftop Bar & Lounge at Hard Rock Hotel New York

Located on the 34th floor of Hard Rock Hotel New York, RT60 is the elevated bar and lounge situated in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, boasting two sprawling outdoor terraces offering captivating views of the city skyline stretching both north and south. Just in time for the summer season, the rooftop bar has refreshed the menu to include crushable cocktails, reimagined classic bites and an exciting lineup of live music, performances and DJs to transition guests from evening hangs to a late night vibe. With a musical blend of timeless disco to energetic house beats, RT60 emanates an infectious, feel-good ambiance, elevating the evening to new heights and delivering top-notch entertainment with eclectic mixes from the DJ booth. 

Darling at Park Lane New York

Located on the 47th floor of Park Lane Hotel, Darling is Central Park South’s only rooftop lounge offering a chic experience against a backdrop of the Manhattan skyline and iconic park. Darling provides an intimate and whimsical gathering space with an elevated cocktail menu and selection of thoughtfully curated programming. Featuring a bold lounge with a wraparound outdoor patio oasis, designed to embrace the expansive views, it’s the final piece to the hotel and is the newest addition to Manhattan’s nightlife scene, bringing the eccentric spirit of the hotel to life. The cocktail menu features inventive, seasonally inspired drinks like The Affy Tapple Spritz, a caramel-apple delight with Grey Goose Vodka and French cider; Kashmir, a warming blend of Whistlepig Piggyback Rye, chai, and tamarind; and Canela, a rich mix of Volcan Tequila Blanco, Amontillado Sherry, cold brew liqueur, and cinnamon, —ideal for savoring while taking in the city lights.

elNico at The Penny Williamsburg

Photo Credit: Jenna Haar

Perched atop The Penny hotel in Williamsburg, elNico combines elevated Mexican cuisine with 360° views of the New York City skyline, making it one of Brooklyn's most romantic dining destinations. Helmed by Executive Chef Fernanda Serrano, the menu celebrates bold flavors and fresh, locally sourced ingredients with standout dishes perfect for couples like the curated Mole Tasting, Tempura Rock Shrimp tacos, and Short Rib Barbacoa. Complementing the vibrant dishes is a carefully curated cocktail program featuring innovative agave-based drinks. With its lush greenery, warm ambiance, and breathtaking rooftop vistas, elNico sets the stage for an unforgettable evening, perfect for special celebrations or intimate nights out.

PHD Rooftop at Dream Downtown

PHD Rooftop, located on the 12th floor of Dream Downtown, is a rooftop bar and lounge, with an emphasis on service and after-dark possibilities, providing everything necessary for an unforgettable experience. Adorned with Italian Portoro marble, Macassar ebony, nickel-finished walls, and amber Venini glass chandeliers, the haute nightclub offers a lively ambiance with uninterrupted views of the Hudson River and the Empire State Building. Locals and visitors will be met with a true New York City night out, complete with energetic music from live DJs and great vibes to keep the night going. Inside the lounge, guests will find two full-service bars offering shareable bites, bespoke cocktails, and bottle service options.

Conclusion:

From sophisticated lounges with iconic city vistas to vibrant spots pulsing with music and style, these rooftops embody everything that makes New York nightlife special. With signature drinks, delicious cuisine, and unbeatable atmosphere, each venue offers a unique way to experience the magic of the city under open skies. This season, elevate your night out—literally—and discover your new favorite rooftop oasis in NYC.

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