In New York City, summer’s balmy days and breezy nights leave city dwellers eagerly gazing skyward. Rooftop season has arrived. This is the time of year that showcases the city’s towering structures, where the tops of buildings can become true oases — if you know where to find them.
We’ve compiled a list of six staggering rooftop bars around the city offering stellar drinks, stunning views and summer’s easygoing spirit.
Although it may sound counterintuitive, you often have to travel to Brooklyn to get the best views of Manhattan. At Westlight, the rooftop bar on the 22nd floor of Forbes Travel Guide Recommended The William Vale, you’ll find sweeping, panoramic vistas of the city glimmering across the water, a seasonal green space outfitted for shuffleboard and bites provided by chef Andrew Carmellini, the talent behind The Fifth Avenue Hotel’s Café Carmellini.
There’s no better way to welcome the warmer days than with a plate of lamb carnitas tacos and a mezcal-based cocktail, like Westlight’s Magic Hour.
Bar Tontine at The Wall Street Hotel
The Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Wall Street Hotel has recently unveiled its refreshed Bar Tontine, providing an elevated escape from the concrete madness of downtown Manhattan. Bright pink and yellow hibiscus flowers draped over the bar, thatched straw chairs and a soothing outdoor water feature all contribute to a unique tropical getaway atmosphere. Instead of a white sand beach, though, guests can enjoy picturesque peeks of Brooklyn and the East River from the 15th-floor perch.
The roster of summer sips includes the Daikiwiri Spritz, made with rum and kiwi-coriander cordial, and a build-your-own margarita offering (try the cucumber-lime with a coconut sugar rim). Complement your island-inspired drinks with a scrumptious selection of snacks, like ceviche, caviar nachos and tuna truffle tostadas.
Nubeluz at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
This swanky spot at the Four-Star Ritz-Carlton, NoMad provides a sophisticated ambiance with a splash of stunning, 270-degree skyline views. Nubeluz’s interior adopts a teal-and-blush color palette with plush sofas, giving a modern take on art deco glamour.
Bask in the breathtaking sights through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows while indulging in a creative menu crafted by acclaimed chef José Andrés. A culinary highlight is the caviar service served José’s Way, which consists of potato chips and whipped crème fraîche. As for the drink menu, it’s broken down into three sections: Uptown (the lemongrass-flavored L’Appel Du Vide), Midtown (the fruity Bodega Swizzle) and Downtown (the aromatic Foggy Hill).
Leonessa at Conrad New York Downtown
Leonessa, the 16th-story bar at Four-Star Conrad New York Downtown, has an easy, breezy allure imported from the Mediterranean. Keeping with the theme, the cocktails also draw from Italian aperitivo culture. The Leonessa Martini, for example, has a refreshing splash of citrus bitters that takes you straight to the Amalfi Coast.
You’re firmly grounded in New York, however, with a view of Lady Liberty and the sparkling Hudson. A retractable roof allows this space to stay open every season, but the sunny, alfresco Italian vibes hold an undeniable sway in summer.
An air of whimsy emanates through Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Park Lane New York’s 47th-floor rooftop. As Central Park unfurls beneath you, ornate pink chandeliers and lush greenery create a glamorous treehouse feel.
Once upon a time, the space served as an exclusive penthouse, and Darling retains a residential charm. Cocktails arrive to the table Instagram-ready, in shades of pink, red and orange with many brandishing an edible flower. Indulgent bites like lobster rolls and a bountiful crudité platter are no less photogenic. The terrace, dotted with fairy lights, makes for the perfect spot to watch as the sun sets into twilight before the party continues into the evening with DJs and live music.
Overstory, the cocktail bar sitting above Saga fine-dining restaurant, feels like a sky-high speakeasy. Upon arrival at the Financial District’s 70 Pine art-deco tower, once the world’s third-tallest building, an elevator whisks you up to the 64th floor, where jaw-dropping scenes and a wrap-around terrace await. The bar’s intimate size, combined with its plush furnishings and stellar service, creates an experience worthy of a Great Gatsby scene.
The creative cocktail lineup features cleverly named drinks such as the Pink Tuxedo (vodka, cherry blossom, vermouth, absinthe and strawberry) and Fragolina (gin, strawberry, jasmine, vermouth and Bitter Bianco herbal liqueur). Small yet decadent dishes like uni French toast and truffle-spiked grilled cheese capture the space’s relaxed appeal.
