The NYC rooftop scene is not all about Manhattan and Brooklyn. In Queens and Bronx you'll find some rooftop bars with the most spectacular skyline view there is to find! These rooftop bars are often more relaxed and non touristic than their counter parts in other areas in NYC.
We decided to visit 8 of them to share our insights, photos, thoughts and much more. Enjoy, what we believe, are the best rooftop bars in Queens (including Long Island) and Bronx this year.
This article comes packed with the following info about each rooftop venue:
Many of the rooftops in this article serve amazing rooftop brunches, so we'd recommend checking that out.
In short: Branded as one of the best rooftop lounges in NYC. With the spectacular view and superb vibe, we can understand why.
View: Beautiful rooftop bar and lounge overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
Menu: Latin fusion with a lot of tacos, American classics and vibrant tropical cocktails. They also serve bottomless brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.
Why visit: To get a spectacular skyline view, tasty food and live music and DJs nightly.
Dress code: The Lost in Paradise dress code is Business Casual.
Price: Cocktails: $19 | Beers: $8
What we think: We visited Lost in Paradise for the rooftop brunch! The Latin fusion menu combined with the sweeping skylines views made our visit very memorable. For being located in Queens, the ambiance and crowd is very upscale here. So, keep that in mind before your visit.
LOST IN PARADISE
In short: City View Rooftop Lounge as all about spectacular view and delicious food and spirits.
View: Amazing and sweeping skyline views of the Manhattan skyline. Probably the best view from a rooftop in Bronx and Queens.
Menu: Here they offer daily specials inspired by seasonal ingredients. Big focus in fresh ingredients.
Why visit: To get one of the most spectacular city views in the world.
Price: Tapas plates: $8-18
Dress code: The City View Rooftop dress code is Casual.
What we think: We came here only to experience the the spectacular view of Manhattan. But we soon found out that the rooftop had so much more to offer. Ok, the view is great, but what we liked most here was the fresh ingredients and well made food. Only that is also reasons to come here.
CITY VIEW ROOFTOP
In short: The Vista Sky Lounge is a great rooftop restaurant and bar raising the nightlife of Long Island City to new heights.
View: Spectacular skyline view of Manhattan and Queensboro Bridge.
Menu: Open daily for American classics in tapas style and tacos.
Why visit: For a vibrant rooftop dinner followed by post dinner cocktails.
Price: Cocktails $18 | Beers: $10
Dress code: The Vista Sky Lounge is Smart Casual
What we think: The reason we decided to review this rooftop bar was that we've heard that they had a great party vibe. And we weren't disappointed. After sharing som tacos and beers we continued with some post dinner cocktails so we could soak in the great party vibe in best manner.
VISTA SKY LOUNGE
In short: Republica is a Dominican "food & party" venue, featuring three floors to party and savor on delicious food and hand-crafted cocktails.
View: Street view and over the nearby buildings.
Menu: Enjoy gourmet Dominican dishes, lunch, brunch or dinner along an extensive selection of meats and seafood served with authentic Latin dishes.
Why visit: If you love delicious Dominican food in a Latin party atmosphere, Republica is the rooftop for you!
Price: Cocktails $17 | Beers: $7
Dress code: They encourage guests to express their unique styles. However, they implement a strict dress code on Friday & Saturday nights.
What we think: When there is a possibility to do a rooftop brunch, we always take that opportunity. We can recommend doing the brunch at Republica to all. Book your spot in advance (it's needed) and enjoy delicous Domincan food in a lively party atmosphere. Maybe not the best view, but still good enough.
In short: Zona de Cuba's multicultural bar where you can enjoy a night of live music and top notch entertainment, along with a delicious Caribbean cuisine.
View: Sweeping views of the Bronx skyline and surrounding buildings.
Menu: The cuisine at Zona de Cuba is more than a typical Cuban meal, with delicious sauces and other fresh preparations, all influenced by New York.
Why visit: If you like Caribbean food with a modern twist, this is the place to visit. One of the best views in Bronx as well.
Price: Be prepared to spend $31-50 on food.
Dress code: The Zone de Cuba dress code is Smart Casual.
What we think: We didnt know much about this place before our visit. We'd only heard that the vibe was supposed to be great up here. And we can agree! That's probably the main reason to come here. The view is ok but still very unique from a NYC rooftop bar. It was also interesting with the twist of Cuban and New York for the food.
In short: A culinary heaven nestled in the heart of Long Island City, New York. Branded as “more than just a restaurant” the food and view are the main focus here.
View: Sweeping views of the Queens skyline and surroundings.
Menu: A menu that (in their own words) seamlessly weaves together the bold, vibrant spices of Mexican cuisine with the delicate precision of Japanese flavors.
Why visit: For the delicious food! And of course the view of Queens.
Price: Cocktails $20 | Beers: $10
Dress code: The Lighthouse Rooftop dress code is stylish and smart.
What we think: It's always nice to see another view from rooftops in NYC, than the classic Manhattan skyline. That's why we liked to view at Lighthouse with Queens in all it's pride. But what impressed us the most was the food. It's not common with a fusion between Mexico and Japan, but we must say it worked very well.
In short: Leaf Bar & Lounge is an upscale craft cocktail bar and lounge on the rooftop of the Hyatt Place Hotel at One Fulton Square in Flushing, Queens, New York.
View: Sweeping views over the rooftops in Queens, and at a distance the Manhattan skyline.
Menu: American classics like cooked pepper chicken, spring rolls and cheeseburgers. To drink, we’d recommend draft beer, bellini or bourbon.
Why visit: For classic food and drinks in a cozy environment.
Price: Cocktails $18 | Beers: $7
Dress code: This rooftop requires to Dress to Impress!
What we think: We were a little suprised by the upscale ambience and dress code. But when stepping up on the terrace you'll get sweept in by the great and cozy vibe companioned by the grand view of the Manhattan skyline at a far distance.
LEAF BAR & LOUNGE
In short: This Cajun-American Rooftop Restaurant strive to provide amazing service, incredible food, and a welcoming environment to all.
View: Street views from the small rooftop balcony. The view is not the reason you should visit.
Menu: Cajun and Creole cuisine, serving up true southern classics and future New Orleans.
Why visit: To enjoy nightlife, events, home-cooked Cajun meals, live music, and Djs.
Price: Dinner between $31-60.
Dress code: The Bourbon Street dress code is Casual.
What we think: Only located on the second floor, we didn't come here for the view. Instead we had our eyes on the Cajun style menu which we heard a lot of great things about. The twist of both classics and new was suprisingly good!
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.
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