10 best rooftop bars in the U.S

Amazing rooftops to enjoy cocktails with a view and discover the US from above. From NYC to LA, and anywhere in between.

February 14, 2024
10 best rooftop bars in the U.S

USA have some of the best rooftop bars on the planet. The variety of big cities and number of high skyscrapers makes the US a heaven for rooftop lovers.

Here you find everything from a luxurious rooftop bars in New York, to beautiful oceanside terraces in LA. There’s is really something for everyone! Enjoy the food, views, service, drinks, atmosphere and everything in between.

While there are plenty more than 10 amazing rooftop bars in the US, this is our hot-list of elevated venues really worth checking out during 2024.

1. Virtue Rooftop
/ Atlanta

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Virtue Cocktail Club
Virtue Rooftop - Photo: https://5church-atlanta.com/

On top of the popular restaurant 5Church Atlanta, in the heart of Atlanta's Midtown Business District, you find the sexy and upbeat Virtue Rooftop.

Part of the venue is covered interior space, with unique artwork and design details, but the true gem is found outdoors, with a spacious rooftop terrace. Equipped with comfy loungers and front-row bar stools, you are surrounded with really cool views among the Midtown skyscrapers.

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Virtue Cocktail Club
Virtue Rooftop - Photo: https://5church-atlanta.com/

Serving an extensive wine and beer selection and a list of crafted specialty cocktails, Virtue is designed to be the perfect spot for drinks before or after dinner at 5Church downstairs. But the rooftop also has its own menu of shareable and seasonal dishes.

While pre- or post dinner drinks is always a good idea, Virtue rooftop also works as a great destination for a night out on the town with friends. With a rotating roster of live musicians and DJs, the atmosphere is pretty much always on top.

VIRTUE ROOFTOP

  • 1197 Peachtree St NE #528, Atlanta
  • More info

2. High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin
/ Los Angeles

Best Rooftop Bars USA - High at Hotel Erwin
High Rooftop Lounge - Photo: https://hotelerwin.com/

Overlooking Venice Beach and the Pacific Ocean, High is LA’s top rooftop lounge in Venice, where large umbrellas and cozy lounge sofas welcome visitors for an upscale delight. When chilly, blankets and heaters will keep you warm.

The roof top bar has a robust of hand-crafted delicious cocktails and a selection of fantastic craft Californian beers for those of you who love a cold drink. If you feel any signs of hunger, you can quickly order a fantastic bar bite or simply stop by the venue for a proper weekend rooftop brunch.

Best Rooftop Bars USA - High at Hotel Erwin
High Rooftop Lounge - Photo: https://hotelerwin.com/

The HIGH, set on top the fantastic Hotel Erwin, is perfect for sunbathing sessions, probably one of the reasons the staff has included sunscreen as part of their menu. Nights at the hotel roof are lively, with a guaranteed party atmosphere by a live DJ set.

HIGH ROOFTOP LOUNGE

  • 1697 Pacific Avenue, Venice, Los Angeles
  • More info

3. Rooftop at Nobu Hotel
/ Chicago

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Rooftop at Nobu Hotel
Rooftop at Nobu Hotel - Photo: https://www.noburestaurants.com/

Perched above Chicago’s famous and vibrant Restaurant Row, in the heart of Fulton Market, the Rooftop at Nobu Hotel is an upscale rooftop lounge with amazing views of the Chicago skyline.

Set on the 11th floor of the superb Nobu Hotel Chicago, the rooftop blends a stylish interior lounge with a sleek, lush and airy outdoor terrace.

Surrounded with some of the most impressive panoramics the city has to offer, the rooftop invites to a stylish yet relaxed, cocktail driven lounge experience.

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Rooftop at Nobu Hotel
Rooftop at Nobu Hotel - Photo: https://www.noburestaurants.com/

The rooftop menu includes a fine selection of specialty cocktails, where many are classics with an Asian twist, like the Japanese Old Fashioned. Complementing the drinks you find a selection of hot and cold plates, created by famous sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

The Rooftop at Nobu Hotel is truly an elevated (and year-round) destination to dine, sip and socialize in style.

ROOFTOP AT NOBU

  • 155 N Peoria St 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60607
  • More info

4. Smoke & Mirrors
/ Washington DC

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Smoke & Mirrors
Smoke & Mirrors - Photo: www.smokeandmirrorsrooftop.com/

Nestled between Capitol Hill and Navy Yard, Smoke & Mirrors invites to an intimate and luxurious rooftop setting.

Covering the top and 11th floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard, the rooftop blends a charmingly decorated indoor bar and lounge with an all-weather outdoor terrace.

Among comfy loungers, high tops, and fire pits, here you are surrounded with panoramic views of downtown D.C and the iconic U.S. Capitol Building.

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Smoke & Mirrors
Smoke & Mirrors - Photo: www.smokeandmirrorsrooftop.com/

The rooftop menu includes an extensive list of ingenious craft cocktails, fine wines and premium spirits, as well as elevated bites and dishes perfect to share.

Visit for elegant and social evenings above the US capital, or come early during weekends to indulge in brunch with a view.

SMOKE & MIRRORS

  • 867 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
  • More info

5. SKY Waikiki
/ Honolulu

Best Rooftop Bars USA - SKY Waikiki
SKY Waikiki - Photo: www.skywaikiki.com/

Set 19 stories above the heart of Waikiki, SKY Waikiki invites to a unique combination of fresh seafood, refreshing champagne, handcrafted cocktails and Aloha.

Part stylish interior lounge, and part breezy wrap-around outdoor terrace, the 7,000 square-foot rooftop comes surrounded with stunning views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and the Honolulu skyline.

Best Rooftop Bars USA - SKY Waikiki
SKY Waikiki - Photo: www.skywaikiki.com/

Visit SKY Bar Waikiki during weekdays for casual drinks and elevated seafood with friends, enjoying the vibrant setting, happy hour until 5pm and fantastic sunset views of Waikiki.

Friday and Saturday nights mean live DJs from 6pm to 9pm, followed by night club vibes and a sky-high atmosphere on the terrace.

SKY WAIKIKI

  • Waikiki Shopping Plaza, 2270 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
  • More info

6. L.A. Jackson
/ Nashville

Best Rooftop Bars USA - L.A. Jackson
L.A. Jackson - Photo: www.lajacksonbar.com/

Perched on the top floor of Thompson Nashville in the heart of the Gulch, L.A. Jackson is a swanky indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant, promising a good time no matter the occasion.

Surrounded with stunning views of downtown Nashville’s skyline inside and outside, here you can indulge in custom craft cocktails and a Southern brewery-focused beer program, along with a variety of wines and tasty bar bites.

Best Rooftop Bars USA - L.A. Jackson
L.A. Jackson - Photo: www.lajacksonbar.com/

Open daily and year round, L.A. Jackson is a prime spot for everything from elevated after-work drinks and special occasions, to vibrant weekends with DJ sets.

L.A. JACKSON

  • Thompson Nashville Hotel, 401 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
  • More info

7. Over the Charles Rooftop Bar
/ Boston

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Over the Charles Rooftop Bar
Over the Charles Rooftop Bar - Photo: www.hilton.com/

For the most amazing views over both the scenic Charles River and the Boston city skyline, Over the Charles Rooftop Bar is the place to go.

Perched on the 16th floor of the fabulous and recently updated DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Boston - Cambridge, the outdoor rooftop bar really lives up to its name, offering a locally crafted experience, well above the hustle and bustle below.

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Over the Charles Rooftop Bar
Over the Charles Rooftop Bar - Photo: www.hilton.com/

Surrounded with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly service, the terrace is somewhat subtle yet charming, where hanging lanterns frame a mix of loungers, dining tables and high-top bar tables.

A perfect Boston rooftop bar to gather with a group of friends and enjoy a menu including everything from locally-crafted beer from Jack’s Abby and award-winning lagers, to a selection of wines, cocktails, lemonade and lite fare.

During winter, Over the Charles rooftop turn into a cosy igloo garden, perfect for elevated hours in the cold.

OVER THE CHARLES ROOFTOP BAR

8. Terrace 16
/ Chicago

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Terrace 16
Terrace 16 - Photo: www.trumphotels.com

With a prime location along the Chicago River, Terrace 16 is a modern and luxurious rooftop restuarant and bar, set on the 16th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago.

The rooftop venue includes a bustling indoor bar and dining room, as well as an expansive and idyllic outdoor terrace, all surrounded by breathtaking views of Chiacago’s most iconic landmarks, the winding Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Terrace 16
Terrace 16 - Photo: www.trumphotels.com

Terrace 16 serves vibrant menu's that features new American flavors, allowing ingredients to speak simply and powerfully for themselves. An extensive craft cocktail program and thoughtful wine list enhance the experience of the downtown Chicago restaurant & bar with a view.

Open from breakfast and weekend brunch, to late evening dinner and drinks, Terrace 16 is pretty much always a great option for a special and elevated Chicago experience with a view.

TERRACE 16

9. Floor 13 Rooftop Bar
/ Phoenix

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Floor 13 Rooftop Bar
Floor 13 Rooftop Bar - Photo: https://floor13rooftopbar.com/

Found in heart of Downtown Phoenix, on top of the fantastic Hilton Garden Inn, Floor 13 Rooftop Bar is an ultra-chic venue to enjoy Arizona's urban heart from above.

Surrounded with breathtaking views over the Phoenix skyline, the modern and intimate rooftop comes with comfy plush chaise lounges, as well as fire pit and space heaters for the chilly evenings.

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Floor 13 Rooftop Bar
Floor 13 Rooftop Bar - Photo: https://floor13rooftopbar.com/

Housed in an historic building that was featured in the opening skyline scene of the 1960 Psycho Movie, the rooftop bar menu features nine crafted cocktails named after Alfred Hitchcock and his movies. These are complemented with a nice selection of wine and beer, as well as tasty small bites.

Open nightly, Floor 13 Rooftop Bar is a fantastic spot for long hours of mingling with a sense of luxury. Reservations before your visit are recommended, and the rooftop can also be reserved for private events and dinners.

FLOOR 13

  • 15 East Monroe Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
  • More info

10. Westlight NYC
/ New York

Best Rooftop Bars USA - Westlight NYC
Westlight NYC - Photo: http://westlightnyc.com/

Westlight NYC is one of the Big Apple’s true treasures. It comes with a fantastic location - situated atop the 22nd floor of the William Vale in the very heart of Williamsburg.

Visitors are welcomed to a chilled atmospheric environment and a sweeping view of the Manhattan skyline. Ran by Chef Andrew Carmellini’s NoHo Hospitality Group company, the rooftop offers a dynamic menu with both original and classic cocktails, a fine list of wines and some exclusive beers to treat yourself with. Served with small bar bites, to accompany the drinks in style.

Weekends are busy, so unless you have a reservation, be prepared to wait a little for your seat. Perfect spot for an after-work delight and early evening cocktails.

WESTLIGHT NYC

Rikard Fredricson
Rikard Fredricson

Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.