Welcome to Midtown Manhattan, the busiest part of the city that never sleeps. Whether you’re strolling around Time Square or near the Empire State Building you’ll be surrounded by some of the world’s largest buildings. And with that comes some perfect locations for rooftop bars with the most idyllic NYC views.
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Located at the very top of the Beekman Tower, this rooftop bar will not disappoint with its 360° view of Midtown NYC.
Enjoy a 5-star menu from the 26th floor, with a a wraparound terrace allowing you to admire some of the most iconic Manhattan vistas, continuing all the way to Brooklyn.
Built in 1928, this building is saturated by history, which in the beginning only figured as a women-club. In 1934 it opened to all, and since then it has housed some big names on their regulars-list, Frank Sinatra among others.
OPHELIA
During fall 2024, Dear Irving opened their third location in NYC, set on 54th and Broadway, right in the heart of Midtown.
Reachable via a glass elevator, the 5th floor Dear Irving on Broadway is inspired by films like Babylon and Nightmare Alley, and transports you back to an elegant 1930s setting.
Filled with opulent decor and plenty of plush lounge seating, you can settle down by the impressive rectangular bar inside, or venture out to the subdued pergola bar on the outdoor terrace, where you get a bird’s eye view of the Theater District.
Enjoy a luxe and sophisticated atmosphere, and more so: expertly-crafted cocktails paying tribute to Broadway legends past and present, complemented with elevated light bites.
DEAR IRVING ON BROADWAY
Found in heart of Midtown West, Vida Verde brings the taste, sounds and smells of Mexico to Manhattan.
Colorful, vibrant and creative, the tri-level venue features a street level dining room and bar, a spacious mezzanine, and best of all: a buzzing outdoor rooftop patio.
Called a 'Rooftop Margarita Market', the Vida Verde rooftop is in full swing during the warmer months, and surrounded by impressive hand painted murals and lush greenery, this is really a sparkling and hidden treasure in the middle of Midtown West.
Here you can enjoy 10 flavors of Margaritas, tequila & mezcal inspired signature cocktails, and Mexican beers, all served in a buzzing and fun-filled atmosphere.
Drinks at the rooftop is first come, first served, but you can make reservations to for lunch, dinner and bottomless weekend brunch indoors.
VIDA VERDE
The Ainsworth is a multipurpose and diverse venue, comprised of a full scale restaurant, bar, lounge, event space and rooftop terrace, and perfectly encompassing sports bar, modern American brasserie and local social hall.
Located in New York City’s Midtown neighborhood, here you find a stylish interior with chic paisley wallpaper and antique pine wood, complemented with lush, trendy and comfy rooftop terrace, in full swing during the warmer months.
Open for lunch, weekend brunch, dinner, and drinks in between, The Ainsworth offers a new take on classic American fare favorites, as well as signature cocktails and a fine array of beers and wine.
Try the iconic 'Mac & Cheeseburger', or go for an all inclusive boozy brunch. Whenever you visit, you can expect a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfect to eat, drink and celebrate above E 33rd Street.
THE AINSWORTH
Inclusive, immersive and impressive, The Dickens is a 'one-stop shop' in Midtown Manhattan.
Featuring four unique floors, and six different spaces, here you find everything from a first floor cocktail bar and restaurant and a sexy second floor lounge, to a colorful, lush and charming outdoor rooftop.
So no matter if you are in the mood for dinner, drinks or dancing, a visit to The Dickens is always a great idea.
Especially during summer, when you can savour crafted cocktails on the rooftop terrace, where happiness, acceptance and vibrant celebrations come together.
Expect an elevated experience, and a chilled out vibe not offered anywhere else in Midtown Manhattan.
THE DICKENS
Located at the 22nd floor at the Archer Hotel New York, you’ll find the sophisticated blend of industrial and chic interior.
This rooftop bar is inspired by the iconic scenes portrayed in one of the Alfred Hitchcock’s top films “Rear Window” (1954): A mysterious thriller starring Grace Kelly and James Stewart which creates an authentic feeling when sitting among the skyscrapers while looking down at the streets of Midtown Manhattan, and straight at the majestic Empire State Building.
Spyglass Rooftop Bar offers a 360° panoramic view whic you may enjoy while sipping on one of their craft cocktails and a fairly priced menu inspired by the European cuisine.
SPYGLASS
This elegant and all-seasons rooftop bar is located a few blocks from Times Square.
Here you’ll enjoy the combination of classic cocktails, small bites, modern interiors and breathtaking Midtown views from the 30th floor.
The concept of this weekday only rooftop bar was developed by David Rabin, a name well connected to the NYC hospitality industry, mostly for some of his past ventures such as Lotus and Rex.
Currently, he’s a partner in several NYC venues such as The Skylark, Veranda, and JIMMY together with Abigail Kirsch who has a long background in gastronomy with a special focus on catering and events.
THE SKYLARK
Located at the 29th floor of the Hendricks Hotel, and surrounded with amazing views over the Manhattan skyline, you’ll meet a well crafted combination of metropolitan and bohemian interior in the southern part of Midtown.
Daintree opened in autumn 2021 as a part of Parched Hospitality Group in NYC, with a prominent focus on innovation and excellent customer experience.
Step into a playful green garden inspired oasis and have a seat in one of the pink plush seatings while sipping on one of their crafted martinis paired with some of the Australian-Asian fusion snacks.
DAINTREE
From mid-April to November, the best idea to enjoy Midtown Manhattan from above is to head up to the Roof at Park South, where you can enjoy a fantastic mix of handcrafted cocktails, refreshing bites and amazing city views.
Perched on top of the Park South Hotel in Rose Hill, the beautiful and lush terrace comes surrounded with spectacular and unobstructed vistas over the NYC skyline.
Grab a seat by the impressive rooftop bar or at the hightop tables right by the edge, and sip on fun, creative and crafted cocktails created by Ivan Papicor.
Or get more comfy in the Fireside Lounge or Umbrella Lounge, and mix some refreshing frozen drinks with an equally refreshing selection of globally inspired bites by award-winning chef Bryce Shuman.
The Roof at Park South is a truly a summer hot-spot to escape above Midtown East for drinks with a view, served in a stylish yet unpretentious and friendly atmosphere.
ROOF AT PARK SOUTH
Located on the 50th floor of Nomad’s fabulous Ritz-Carlton, this gem opened in October 2022, yet has already become one of the hottest rooftop bars in Midtown NYC.
The name “Nubeluz” derives from the Spanish words “nube” (cloud) and “luz” (light), and surely catches the true essence of a rooftop bar. As much as the contemporary modern interior combines with glamor and legendary history of NYC, the menu consists of cheese boards and charcuteries and modern takes on classic cocktails.
If you’re looking for a venue where modern meets historic, and where amazing 270-degree views over the NYC skyline is part of the decor, Nubeluz is just the right place.
NUBELUZ
Perched on top of Hotel Henri in the Flatiron District, The Sentry NYC is a chic and crafted Midtown rooftop oasis.
18 floors above the hustle and bustle of Manhattans streets, the rooftop bar serves a large selection of perfectly crafted cocktails, an extensive liquor offering, as well as tasty bites perfect to share.
Evoking the allure of a sensuous penthouse loft and a discreet speakeasy spirit, the rooftop blends a retro-inspired interior with a breezy outdoor terrace, and you can enjoy drinks with first-row seats to the Midtown skyline.
Open to the public from 5pm most evenings of the week, The Sentry is a prime spot to gather with colleagues and friends, lounge out and sip prime drinks in an intimate setting.
THE SENTRY
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.
Karolina is a literary scholar and content writer with 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Working in hotels, restaurants and bars in Sweden, Italy and France since 2010, Karolina adds a valuable insight to The Rooftop Guide with her knowledge of a guest’s needs and preferences.
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