Some people might chalk up rooftop bars as a summer activity, but us New Yorkers love the sky-high views all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran at rooftop partying, or just want to get a glimpse of the skyline during the cooler months, we got some options for you. We’re talking everything from retractable roofs to fireplaces and even igloos. Check them out below and plan your visit today!
1. The Ready Rooftop, East Village
This rooftop atop the Moxy East Village offers an inviting retractable roof all year round, that hits particularly better during the cooler months. The eclectic décor and unique food and beverage offerings create a relaxed rooftop experience that feels like you’re hanging out in someone’s rooftop backyard.
Where: 112 E 11th St
2. Haven Rooftop, Midtown
The Haven Rooftop at Sanctuary Hotel is perfect for a cooler NYC evening, thanks to their heated and glassed-in rooftop with gorgeous Midtown views! They serve French-influenced bites that pair perfectly with the cocktails and cabanas you can relax in as well. Expect this spot to get covered in twinkling Christmas lights during the holidays!
Where: 132 W 47th St
3. Nubeluz, NoMad
This swanky rooftop is still relatively new, and it’s perfect for the wintertime. Sit high about the clouds in one of their red velvet couches while you watch the wind gust through floor to ceiling windows and sip a delicious cocktail. The crown jewel started by José Andrés sits atop the Ritz Carlton and will without a doubt be the perfect weather-watching spot. You’ve got to get in and see what the hype’s about!
Where: 25 W 28th St
4. Mr. Purple, Lower East Side
Spanning two different terraces, Mr. Purple offers a lot of seating both outdoors and in their cozy interior. When the night falls and the skyline becomes exposed, you can see string lights outside and dark cozy furniture inside. They also typically bring a wintry rooftop ski lodge to the roof as well once it starts getting snowier!
Where: 180 Orchard St, Floor 15
5. 230 Fifth Rooftop, Flatiron
230 Fifth Rooftop is an NYC staple all year round, but when it comes to the cooler months it’s arguably the best. Especially when they pull out their cozy igloos that can accommodate 4-10 guests. The Rooftop Igloo Bar ain’t bad either, but until that comes we suggest still checking it out, it’s great.
Where: 230 Fifth Ave
6. The ROOF at PUBLIC, SoHo
The ROOF at Public Hotel is truly the best of both worlds. If you want to feel the crisp New York City air, you can snuggle up on their patio, where fire pits and 360 degree skyline views await you. Or, you can opt for their glassed-in interior which is dark and moody and surrounded by glass windows! They’re also bringing back their festive igloos this year too.
Where: 215 Chrystie St
7. JIMMY, SoHo
For Downtown views, head to JIMMY and try out one of their fall cocktail menu items while they’re still here. Created by Master Mixologist Johnny Swet, selects like the Pumpkin Espresso Martini (made with maple pumpkin butter) and the Not So Hot Chocolate (cy-cold adult version of Hot Chocolate garnished with edible white snowflakes) will surely get you in a festive mood. We’re super excited to see what their winter menu has in store too!
Where: 15 Thompson St
8. Westlight, Williamsburg
Westlight in Williamsburg is one of, if not the best rooftop bar in Brooklyn…and the waterfront views of Manhattan you get from the 22nd floor of The William Vale are unmatched. The terrace and glassed-in lounge make it a perfect place to sip on their selection of rare cocktails and small plates. Plus in the winter, they even offer chalets and a skating rink on the top-top floor.
Where: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn
9. Magic Hour Rooftop, Midtown
This rooftop might be the most Instagrammable yet! Fully equipped with a fall pumpkin takeover, Moxy Times Square is always transforming their rooftop into a themed wonderland. Sit under their outdoor heat lamps while taking in the festive views of the Empire State Building in their glass-enclosed space (when it’s cold enough).
Where: (Moxy at Times Square) 485 7th Ave
10. Ophelia Lounge, Midtown East
Take in city views from 26 floors above Manhattan’s streets at the gorgeous Ophelia Lounge located at the Beekman Tower. During the holidays, they turn their wrap-around glassed-in balconies into the perfect hangout…and the lobby into a glittering “snow globe in the sky.”
Where: 3 Mitchell Pl, Floor 26
11. PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown, Midtown
The Dream Midtown’s all-season rooftop is the perfect oasis during the cooler months. When it gets chilly, PHD puts up state-of-the-art seasonal enclosures on the East and West terraces, making it a great spot to sip fall beers or warm winter cocktails. They usually have winter installation pop-ups in the winter and holiday cocktails as the time gets closer!
Where: 210 W 55th St
12. SERRA by Birreria (Eataly’s Rooftop), Flatiron
The concept for Eataly’s SERRA by Birreria rooftop is always changing, and during the fall season it’s been transported into a sea of orange and red foliage! Covered by festive orange canopies, their outdoor space will bring the Italian countryside right to you. Be sure to check out their speciality Fall Old Fashioned (bourbon, blood orange amara, all spice, simple syrup) while you’re there.
Where: 200 Fifth Ave
13. Daintree, Midtown
Daintree is great all year around, especially because of the views and the cocktails. They even have an oyster special that we love enjoying no matter the time of year! Plus, they often throw rooftop events and parties as well which are always a good time. Be sure to follow their socials to stay up to speed on all their seasonal announcements!
Where: 25 W 38th St, Floor 29
14. Salon de Ning, Midtown
The Peninsula New York’s Salon de Ning Rooftop Bar boasts two outdoor terraces as well as an intimate interior bar. Plus, during the holiday season they typically reintroduce their winter experience “Chalet de Ning” with iconic mountainside-chalet-inspired domes as well as seasonal fare and cocktails.
Where: 700 5th Ave
15. Upstairs at The Kimberly, Midtown
This delightful rooftop has a retractable glass roof and outdoor fireplaces that allows diners to tuck away from the cold weather for a drink! Their curated cocktails and small plates are perfect for an after work hang, or taking in a chilly NYC evening. Plus, they even have DJs spinning tunes from Wednesday – Saturday!
Where: 145 E 50th St
16. The Skylark, Midtown
Boasting 30th floor views is The Skylark, who is still serving their stunning autumnal food and cocktails before fully hopping into holiday mode. Their drinks like the Maple Walnut Old Fashioned, Pumpkin Spice Mule, and Warm Spiked Apple Cider are taking inspiration from fall ingredients and can be paired with “Dinner by the Bite” dishes too if you’re hungry.
Where: 200 W 39th St
17. Harriet’s Rooftop, DUMBO
If you find yourself in DUMBO, stop by Harriet’s BK…where in the winter they typically have the Polar Lounge, a bar made entirely of ice, from the carved tables to the seating to the drink glasses! In the mean time you can enjoy their “bespoke libations and eclectic Asian-inspired light bites” daily from 11 am – 11 pm.
Where: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn (10th Floor)
Also published on Medium.