Summer is looking up with a vibrant collection of both new and classic rooftop bars popping up around New York City.
Elsie Rooftop
Perched 25 stories above the city Elsie Rooftop blends old-school glamour with modern sophistication. Mere steps away from Bryant Park, it’s inspired by Elsie de Wolfe, a legendary interior designer and party hostess. A refined escape from the bustle below, this chic rooftop offers an delivers an elevated experience—literally and figuratively. Whether you’re lounging indoors or taking in the skyline from the outdoor terrace, it makes for the perfect spot for anything from a laid-back evening to a full-on celebration. The vibe shifts from classy cocktail hours to vibrant late-night scenes, with hours stretching as late as 4 a.m. on weekends. Expect a seasonally inspired menu and carefully crafted cocktails that make it the perfect spot for anything from a laid-back evening to a full-on celebration. With special events like Salsa on the Roof, Daylight Disco, and more, there’s always something happening to keep the vibe fresh and fun.
Daintree
Seamlessly blending Australian flair with New York sophistication, Daintree is the perfect place to unwind in style. Located atop Hotel Hendricks with sweeping views of the Empire State Building you can enjoy a curated selection of natural wines, handcrafted cocktail and lovely bites as you take in the stunning skyline. The indoor lounge offers a cozy retreat on cooler nights, while the outdoor terrace delivers panoramic views. It’s a spot where I’ve suggested dates, brought my mother and have taken meetings – each just as impressed. Bounce to it, mate. 
Bar Harta at Grayson Hotel
Bar Harta at Grayson Hotel is inspired by the relaxed wine culture of the Western Mediterranean. The open-air space offers an inviting vibe with a curated selection of approachable wines, sparkling cocktails, and shareable bites, making it the perfect spot to unwind. After being exclusive to private events, Bar Harta reopens to the public this Memorial Day weekend to kick off summer. Located above the lively streets of 39th Street, guests can reach the lush wine garden via a spiral staircase from sister restaurant Harta’s sidewalk patio. The terrace, with its laid-back bar-lounge atmosphere, serves dishes and drinks inspired by Spanish, French, and Italian flavors. The wine list includes over a dozen options on tap, ideal for casual summer sipping, alongside refreshing spritzes and classic cocktails.
ART Rooftops
ART Rooftops elevate a New York City rooftop experience with multiple standout spots: ART Midtown ART SoHo and ART NoMad. Sitting 26 stories high, ART Midtown offers an open-air space that is a garden-inspired. The panoramic views are matched only by the large mural of exotic florals, blending vibrant nature with the city skyline for a unique, artful experience. Perched above SoHo’s iconic cobblestone streets, ART SoHo returns for another season, serving craft cocktails made with local seasonal ingredients. New for 2025, enjoy specials like a Boozy Italian Ice Cart and frozen mini cocktails, perfectly paired with stunning skyline views. ART NoMad’s iconic rooftop bar has been revamped for the season, featuring a new mural by Rey Jaffet, known for creating Miami’s tallest mural. The vibrant 30×40-foot piece depicts a colorful figure in motion, conveying a powerful message of transcendence.
ART Midtown
The Water Tower at Arlo Williamsburg
Get ready to walks some stairs for this view. Located in a literal tower, The Water Tower at Arlo Williamsburg is an iconic rooftop lounge, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River. Known for year-round dance parties, it kicks off rooftop season with Arlo After Dark, featuring live DJs and electrifying beats. Guests can enjoy the Clear Skies cocktail menu, showcasing inventive clarified cocktails. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 6 p.m. to midnight, with extended hours until 4 a.m. on Thursday through Saturday.
Darling at Park Lane New York
Well hello, Darling. Perched on the 47th floor of the Park Lane Hotel, Darling is Central Park South’s premier rooftop lounge, offering a stylish experience with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Central Park. In fact, this is the only rooftop that offers this duality. As the latest addition to Manhattan’s nightlife scene, Darling embodies the eccentric spirit of the hotel. This intimate and whimsical space features a curated cocktail menu and exclusive programming, making it the perfect destination for any occasion. The brand-new cocktail menu, developed by General Manager Josef Griz, showcases inventive, seasonally inspired drinks such as the frozen Many Mahalos, the margarita riff All Day I Dream, and the refreshingly tropical Negroni Tropic. The the latest “Indulgences” menu at Darling marks Director of Culinary Ali Dey Daly’s first formal culinary venture for the property with highlights like the decadent Shrimp Toast topped with furikake, sriracha aioli, and smoked trout roe, as well as a luxurious twist on spinach and artichoke dip—Crispy Artichoke and Goat Cheese—served with tomato confit, pesto, Parmigiano, and roasted peppers. The lounge’s bold design is complemented by a wraparound outdoor patio, allowing guests to easily be captivated by the views.
The Skylark
The Skylark is an all-season cocktail lounge situated 30 stories above Times Square, offering both indoor seating and an outdoor patio with stunning views of iconic NYC landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Hudson Yards, and the Times Square New Year’s Ball. Quite the trifecta! Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows ensure incredible vistas from every corner, while the rooftop deck provides an ideal setting to enjoy the skyline and fresh air, with a beverage of course. Developed by nightlife veteran David Rabin in partnership with culinary experts Abigail Kirsch, the menu features creative twists on classic cocktails and a selection of small plates designed for sharing.
PHD Rooftop at Dream Downtown
If you are familiar with New York nightlife you’ve heard of PHD Rooftop. Found on the 12th floor of Dream Downtown, the space offers an unforgettable night out that locals and visitors alike will enjoy. Surrounded by stunning views of the Hudson River and Empire State Building, the space features Italian Portoro marble, Macassar ebony, and amber Venini glass chandeliers — quite fancy I’d say. Live DJ sets, bespoke cocktails, shareable bites, and bottle service are the elements that help delivers energetic vibes to this iconic lounge.
eINico at The Penny Williamsburg
Move over Penny Lane, this is The Penny Williamsburg. Atop this Williamsburg staple is elNico offering a unique blend of elevated Mexican cuisine and 360° views of the New York City skyline, making it one of Brooklyn’s most attractive dining destinations. Under the direction of Executive Chef Fernanda Serrano, the menu celebrates bold, fresh flavors with locally sourced ingredients with signature dishes like the Mole Tasting, Tempura Rock Shrimp tacos, and Short Rib Barbacoa. The innovative cocktail menu features agave-based drinks that perfectly complement the cuisine. Lush greenery and an inviting atmosphere provides an unforgettable setting for intimate dinners and special occasions both during the day and into the evening.
Photo (c) 2024 Jenna Haar
www.jennahaar.com
