5th Avenue, one of the most famous and upscale streets in the world, is also home to some of the most spectacular rooftop bars in New York. Spanning all the way from Downtown Manhattan to North Manhattan, you will find diffrent views and diffrent vibes from each rooftop on this list. We visited them all recently so we can share our thoughts, insider tips, photos and much more.
This article comes packed with the following info about each rooftop venue:
5th Avenue is luxurious, but most rooftops on this list are very casual and laid back. Casual dress codes is often the winning way. And, always reserve your spot in advance when you can. Both tourists and locals love the 5th Avenue rooftops.
Ambiance: 230 Fifth rooftop bar is one of the largest and most famous rooftop bars in NYC, named after its location at 230 5th Ave. Come for relaxing and sunny drinks with a view during daytime or enjoy the vibrant party atmosphere at night at one of the most popular rooftop bars in New York. Both among tourists and the local New Yorkers. Here they offer multiple indoor and outdoor bars and event spaces, live DJ’s and themed events.The terrace has seatings for approximately 1 000 people at the same time, and offers some really magical views of the Manhattan skyline, with the Empire State Building as a mighty focal point.
Food & Drinks: The rooftop bar 230 NYC delivers a wide selection of both food and drinks. There are well made classic & specialty cocktails along with beer and wine, both on tap/glass and in bottle. The food menu ranges from bar bites to more full dinner meals like burgers, salmon, fish & chips and a big selection of sushi.
What we think: Maybe a little touristic in some ways, but if you love a mix of both tourists and locals, this is a great spot for a rooftop party in The Big Apple. There is no cover charge at 230 Fifth rooftop, and tables are usually first come, first served. However, during weekend nights, reservations are recommended if you want a table, and weekend reservations come with a minimum spend.
Dress code: The 230 Fifth dress code is casual during weekdays, turning into upscale casual towards weekend evenings, which means no athletic wear, baggy jeans, T-shirts or hoodies on Friday & Saturday night. Also note that 230 Fifth is a +21 venue.
230 FIFTH
Ambiance: Taking over from the classic and Asian-inspired Salon de Ning, Pen Top brings a new level of sophistication to the NYC rooftop scene. Located at the 23rd floor of the famous and luxurious hotel Peninsula New York, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the stylish rooftop is reminiscent of an artist's loft. Inside, or on one of the two terraces, you are surrounded with lush plantings, contemporary furniture, and a magical view over 5th Avenue and the skyscrapers.
Food & Drinks: The rooftop bar offers an extensive list of perfectly crafted classic cocktails, complemented with light bites and sharing plates. High in quality, and also quite high in price.
What we think: One of our favorite rooftop bars in NYC for an upscale rooftop experience. During the colder season, the West Terrace of Pen Top is transformed into a glamorous, warm and cozy winter wonderland that features several chalet-inspired domes, each with its own distinct charm.
Dress code: The Pen Top dress code is smart casual. Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that’s clean and professional but doesn’t look too formal.
PEN TOP
Ambiance: All the way up at hotel Arlo NoMad, you find this relaxed NYC rooftop bar, called A.R.T. NoMad. The rooftop offers superb views over both Downtown and Uptown Manhattan, even letting you catch the Empire State Building. Not the biggest terrace in town, but with a very open and airy setting it still feels quite spacious.
Food & Drinks: The rooftop bar at Arlo features a great set of signature cocktails and a Froze (frozen rosé wine) along with beer on tap and a rotating selection of Middle Eastern light bites to snack on. Quite a scaled down menu, and so is the decór, with some nice lounge sofas and some standing tables.
What we think: A.R.T. NoMad, is located at a luxurious location but offers an unpretentious and relaxing atmosphere, where you don't have to get to fancy to sit back and enjoy a drink and the views. The Arlo Roof Top is open seasonally and comes with a great ambience and usually a mixed crowd. No reservations possible, and since seating is a bit limited, try to get here early if you want a spot in one of the sofas. A cool detail up here is also a part close to the edge with a glass floor, where you can see the sidewalk below.
Dress code: The A.R.T. NoMad dress code is smart casual. Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that’s clean and professional but doesn’t look too formal.
A.R.T. NOMAD
Ambiance: Nestled on the 15th floor, above the Italian megastore Eataly, you find this rooftop bar and restaurant called SERRA by Birreria. 'Serra' is Italian for 'greenhouse', and the rooftop really lives up to its name with a lush and beautiful setting. The terrace is a bit covered, so while the view is nice over the close by Flatiron building and the Empire State Building, it is not the best in the city. But instead there is a great and charming atmosphere to make up for it.
Food & Drinks: SERRA changes with the seasons, but always offers a rustic menu reflective of the Italian countryside. During 2021, the menu will change from spring to fall, featuring new specialties each month. So a visit more than once is highly recommended. Among an array of colors you can settle down by one of the rustic tables and enjoy down to earth Italian dishes, made with top local produce and seasonal ingredients. Complementing the food is a fine array of seasonal botanical cocktails, Italian IPAs and a wine list that dives deep into a selection of natural and biodynamic wines.
What we think: I bit touristic and hectic, but still worth a vists for the great vibe! Open for lunch, after-work drinks and dinner all week long, SERRA by Birreria is the best NYC rooftop bar for a full and tasty Italian meal. It is a popular venue, so for dining reservations are highly recommended.
Dress code: The SERRA by Birreria dress code is casual. Smart casual is an approach to dressing professionally that mixes trendier pieces in with classic staples. The goal is an appearance that’s clean and professional but doesn’t look too formal.
SERRA BY BIRRERIA
Note: Cloud Social Rooftop Bar is currently closed for renovations.
Ambience: Found in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, perched on top of the Nyma, The New York Manhattan Hotel, Cloud Social Rooftop Bar offers an unpretentious, relaxed but refined setting to enjoy NYC from above. Located within 200 meters of the Empire State Building, the comfy and modern indoor-outdoor rooftop offers impressive close-ups of the iconic Art Deco skyscraper, as well as panoramic views over the Midtown Manhattan skyline.
Food & Drinks: Open daily, the Cloud Social menu includes a few bar bites, like boards and flatbread pizza, but this is mainly a rooftop cocktail bar. The drink selection range from crafted house cocktails and pitchers, to crafted beers and a fine selection of wines.
What we think: Casual and friendly in atmosphere, Cloud Social Rooftop Bar is pretty much always a great option for relaxing drinks with a view. Even more so during the Sunday to Wednesday (3pm-7pm) happy hour. With reservations only available for groups of 10+, Cloud Social Rooftop Bar is highly welcoming for walk-ins. So just head on up and enjoy.
Dress code: The Cloud Social Rooftop Bar dress code is casual. Casual dress code refers to clothing that is informal and comfortable, yet clean and professional. It’s best to go with nicer casual wear and avoid the baggier items you wear around the house.
CLOUD SOCIAL ROOFTOP
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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