New York City, perhaps better known as NYC, is the most populous city in the United States. Known for the scenic skyline, Broadway Theater, Empire State Building, Time Square, Central Park, etc., There are a lot of New York rooftop bars to visit if you’re a tourist.
New York is a city where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean, giving you the summer of your dreams and winters you’ll never forget. This city is also known as the biggest trade and business center in the world.
As we all know, American cuisine meets the whole world in one place, influenced by Native American, European, Asian, African, and South American food.
New York City might seem like an expensive city, but if you see it as a budget tourist, there is plenty of free places to visit as the parks, Times Square, and a lot of cheap places which will give you the real New York experience you’re expecting.
However, this article is about 9 of the most famous New York rooftop bars, which will make your stay unforgettable.
Table of Contents
The 9 Best New York Rooftop Bars
230 Fifth Rooftop
230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001 //+12127254300
Modern rooftop restaurant that gives you a feeling like you’re somewhere in nature but at the top of the world. Their plant walls, the ambiance, the igloo tables, the views, and all the city lights around.
They have an extravagant high-end feeling, and their food is just amazing.
As a starter, we took 230 Fifth Nachos, tortilla chips covered in melted cheese and a lot more flavors; all brought to perfection on your plate.
My choice for main dish was Miso glazed Salmon, cooked amazingly; it melts in your mouth, brought with asparagus as a side, all with a lot of taste, from décor on the plate to the bites you take.
The plates are full, and the prices are really good. And there’s a lot of choice on the cocktail menu, my personal favorite is Mango Jalapeno Margarita.
The atmosphere is a typical adult rooftop restaurant where you go with coworkers, on date, or even to grab a bite with some friends. The staff is family-friendly from when you walk-in until you walk out the door.
Magic hour rooftop bar & lounge
485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018 //+12122680188
Located on the 18th floor of the Moxy building, in the heart of NYC on Times Square, there is this amazing amusement park-themed bar and lounge with a mini-golf course inside, scenic views, amazing food and drinks.
We heard about this place from a friend, so we decided to make reservations. After parking our car in the parking lot between 7th Ave and Broadway, we went up to the 18th floor.
The hostess met us with a smile on her face, and after we told her we had a reservation, she made sure we were comfortably seated at our table.
We took Caesar Salad, Curly Fries and Grilled Shrimp Tacos; all of them are delicious, with a lot of flavors, and they all go with their cocktails. As for the cocktails, I took Kiss of Death, a great prosecco drink you should try.
Spyglass Rooftop Bar
47 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018 //+12127300538
Modern all-glass rooftop bar with a nice quiet ambiance, ideal for going out with friends, coworkers, or date night.
As far as the concern is food and drinks, there are only great words to say. We took Ahi Tataki bites and Burrata Caprese, and these two are by far the best bites I’ve had in my life.
As for drinks, you need to try Archer’s redemption and Empire state, which by the way, are the most delicious craft cocktails.
The service is exceptional, and the prices are low.
The Ready Rooftop Bar
112 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003 //+16469082125
Located in the Moxy East Village, this rooftop bar gives you the pleasure of nice snacks, great drinks and an awesome welcome. The view from up there is just breathtaking.
We caught the happy hour, which you can catch every day, and there are 9$ Margaritas and 1$ Tacos. No reservation is needed.
The Tacos are as delicious as you will find them in Mexico, and the Margaritas are something special. You can still choose something else from the menu, and their Watermelon sugar cocktail is just amazing.
The service is great, and the prices are affordable, but it’s a 21+ bar, so you have to show a valid ID when walking in.
St. Cloud Rooftop Bar
6 Times Square, 17th floor, New York, NY 10036 //+12122045787
A modern high-end lounge on the 17th floor, overlooking the heart of NYC, Times Square.
If you do not have a reservation, they find you a seating. This is the ultimate rooftop bar experience in NYC because you find yourself among the skyscrapers, drinking craft beers or cocktails and enjoying delicious small plates.
The prices are affordable; the dress code is business casual.
We went there without a reservation and waited like 5 minutes until we were seated. We took Cheese Charcuterie, Midnight show cocktail, and Lumiere de la vie cocktail. All of it tastes amazing.
Top of the Strand Rooftop Bar
33 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018 //+16463687032
On the 21st floor of the Marriott Hotel in Manhattan, there is one of the most modern New York rooftop bars. Looking at the Empire State Building itself, you get a first-row view experience. The atmosphere is friendly and chill, and the dress code is smart casual. Must show ID at the entrance!
The menu is filled with drinks mostly, which are really good. Snacks are available, such as White truffle cheddar popcorn and Chips and salsa, which go great with their Old-fashioned cocktail and The Oscar cocktail. Beware, the drinks they make are really strong.
Monarch Rooftop
71 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001 //+12126309993
Clubby décor, astonishing views of NYC and the Empire State building, amazing staff, and delicious food and drinks.
I adore the Mediterranean beef kofta kebabs and the Monarch signature beef sliders; they are cooked to perfection, with a lot of taste. Every bite gives you a whole new experience.
And their cocktails are a must-try; I still feel the taste in my mouth. My personal recommendation is Thyme to get the cray.
Prices are affordable, and I could even say cheap for all you’ll live through when going there.
Haven Rooftop
132 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036 //+12124669000
Scenic views, excellent service, affordable prices, and great food and drinks are just what you need for the whole New York experience, located in the heart of Manhattan, in the Theater District.
The one thing that caught my eye was definitely the private elevator you use when walking into the restaurant to see the city lights and warm wooden ambiance.
We made a reservation for dinner and took Truffle gnocchi and NY Strip steak. The food is cooked to perfection, fresh, and the way it was served, you feel sorry to start eating.
For drinks, we chose rose wine, and the selection is amazing.
The staff is attentive, fast and friendly.
New York Rooftop Bars: Wrap Up
So, if you find yourself visiting New York City, going for a walk at Times Square, walking by or watching a Broadway show, walking through Central Park, or even walking the streets near the Empire State Building, and you feel unsure where to go for food and drinks, we’re hoping this article will help you choose the best place for your entertainment.
We chose 9 of the most popular, best rooftop bars and restaurants for any ambiance you choose; whether it’s party, club style, romantic atmosphere, date night, or just hanging out with friends for drinks, you can choose between these. Most of them overlook the Empire State Building and the scenic New York skyline; some overlook Times Square, and every bar has it’s own beauty.
So book a table, and enjoy the experience of staying in New York and its beautiful, fast life.
Visiting other destinations in the region? Check out our other delicious guides:
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- 10 Must-Try Jersey City Restaurants
- 10 Must-Try Restaurants In Rochester NY
- 5 Best Restaurants in LeRoy, New York
- 7 Must-Try Batavia Restaurants
- The 7 Best East Tremont Restaurants
- 5 Best NYC Ice Cream Shops
- The 15 Best Michelin Star Restaurants In NYC
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever