BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN NEW YORK CITY

By: Christian Stan | 5 August, 2015

Whether you are craving a pre-dinner aperitif or a late-night cocktail, there is no better place to order a drink than at one of these New York institutions. With prominent views of the Museum of Modern Art, Times Square, the Hudson River, and other iconic New York landmarks, these bars allow you to marvel at the city’s finest views while sipping the best the Big Apple has to offer.

When in New York, check out these rooftop venues to watch a spectacular sunset over the Hudson River, enjoy great city views, and fully take in the sights and sounds of the city.

ZERZURA, GANSEVOORT MEATPACKING 

With 360-degree views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline, Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC is one of the top attractions in the historic Meatpacking District—and it is now even more of a hot spot, thanks to Zerzura, its newly minted, Saharan-infused rooftop lounge.

Named after a fabled oasis hidden in the desert, Zerzura invites guests into a secret garden-styled space brimming with handmade tapestries imported from Morocco, a desert mural, papyrus plants, original lamps, and colorful fabrics. The desert-inspired hideaway serves Mediterranean fare and refreshing cocktails and drinks for parched guests who need a nip of something much stronger than water to quench their thirst. (gansevoorthotelgroup.com).

LE BAIN AT THE STANDARD

Le Bain is a penthouse discothèque and rooftop bar featuring world-famous DJs, a state of the art sound system and superlative-inspiring views. During the summer, there’s a plunge pool on the dance floor and a crêperie on a “grass” covered rooftop.

Perched high atop the roof of the Standard Hotel in the Meat Packing district, Le Bain offers party goers fantastic views, and a hip downtown crowd.

CLOUD SOCIAL

Perfectly situated atop NYMA, the New York Manhattan Hotel, Cloud Social is Korea Town’s newest rooftop attraction. Cloud Social, which opened in September 2014, offers stunning vistas of the cityscape, including the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center. Aside from boasting great views, the rooftop bar is open year-round with enclosed indoor and heated outdoor seating.

Cloud Social can accommodate nearly 120 guests. The rooftop venue offers happy hour specials from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day, including select $4 to $6 beer, wine and shot specials. However, great prices aren’t limited to just happy hour; craft beers regularly start as low as $8, wine $10 and mixed drinks $12.

REFINERY

Fantastic midtown views and comfortable accommodations make this large rooftop lounge a must-visit spot. Refinery Rooftop has 3,500 square feet of total space, including with unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, a cozy interior space complete with fireplace, water feature, and wooden ceilings constructed out of wood salvaged from the original building’s water tank, an expansive indoor/outdoor space capped by a retractable glass roof, an outdoor terrace with porch swings and more spectacular city views from every direction.

Refinery Hotel is a former hat factory turned luxury hotel in New York City’s Garment District transformed a 1912 Neo-Gothic building into an industrial-chic hotel with refined public spaces in the lobby area, and a more industrial and raw elegance in the guestrooms and the rooftop bar.

THE BAR AT BACCARAT HOTEL

The venue features a black-and-white checkered floor, exquisite chandeliers, and opulent leathers. Renowned French curators Stéphanie and Frédéric Chambre oversaw the Bar’s one-of-a-kind art collection, which contains pieces from important aesthetic periods since 1764, the year the crystal maker Baccarat was founded in France.

Oversized French doors lead to the hotel’s landscaped outdoor terrace, which overlooks the Museum of Modern Art and features an outdoor fireplace and a treillage wall. Diners can order appetizers, cappuccinos, cocktails, Champagnes, wines, whiskeys, and other libations. Reservations can be made for breakfast and lunch at the terrace; diners are seated by walk-in only during the evening.

THE JANE ROOFTOP

There’s hardly a better place to unwind than The Jane Rooftop, where you can relax and watch spectacular sunsets on the Hudson River. This summer, the venue will launch its well-known “Sunsets at The Jane,” where guests can take in the awesome views.

Designed by Sean MacPherson, the locale has a faded bohemian atmosphere with hand-chipped paint, exquisitely cracked walls, and stools dripping with fringe. The venue features an outdoor terrace and octagonal bar managed by Carlos Quirarte and Matt Kliegman of The Smile and The Jane Ballroom. Sip on a signature cocktail and people watch amongst the fashion elite.

GANSEVOORT PARK AVENUE ROOFTOP BAR

Perched on the 20th floor of the Gansevoort Park Avenue, the hotel’s newly reimagined rooftop offers a communal environment for both locals and hotel guests alike. The updated tri-level penthouse brings new meaning to work-life balance, creating a 24-hour escape that lets visitors work hard and play hard.

Daytime dwellers can take full advantage of this workplace with an Empire State view that includes complimentary WiFi and cold brew coffee menu by Panther Coffee before kicking off happy hour with an organic, cold-pressed juice cocktail made with Juice Press’ signature blends. Nighttime revelers can still expect the staple nightlife experience once the sun goes down at New York’s first heated indoor-outdoor rooftop.

POD 39

A buzzing after-work drinks destination, Pod 39’s two-story rooftop is a trendy meet-up venue with a magical vibe and energetic atmosphere.

Set on the 17th floor, ivy grows along brick arches, potted plants bloom, and panoramic views of the city can be seen from unique angles, including river views to the East, the Freedom Tower to the South, the Empire State Building to the West and the Chrysler Building to the North. The bar scene features tequila-inspired cocktails by mixologist Sam Anderson from Ken Friedman and April Bloomfield’s Salvation Taco.