If there’s one thing New Yorker’s want love with their cocktails (besides a bump of caviar), it’s an Instagrammable backdrop. And there’s no better place for that than a rooftop bar. Luckily, we don’t have to wait until springtime to pair our sips with sweeping views of the iconic city skyline. From uptown to downtown (and everywhere in between), these swanky watering holes offer an elevated scene for every season and occasion. Cheers to feeling on top of the world – literally!
Starchild
Las Vegas glam has landed in NYC at Starchild, the recently opened rooftop lounge from Sin City’s acclaimed Carver Road Hospitality. Whether you’re looking for civilized cocktails (and caviar) or a jumpin’ late-night party scene, head to the 27th floor of the Civilian Hotel for sweeping views and strong sips inside a glass-enclosed terrace. Considering the fact that it’s already gotten a stamp of approval from Leonardo DiCaprio, you can be sure you’ll be in very stylish company.
Starchild, 305 W 48th St.
The Highlight Room
Promising skyline views for year-round revelry, The Highlight Room is a new downtown destination bringing the greenhouse vibes indoors on the 16th floor of the buzzy Moxy Lower East Side. Inspired by the German Winter Garden that stood along the Bowery in the mid-18th century, the 2,000-square-foot hot spot from Tao Group boasts bold foliage swaying from the ceiling and a sprawling tree spreading its branches over the luxe lounge areas. The space glitters with a smattering of chandeliers and glass-walled backdrop of city lights stretching to the Empire State Building and beyond.
The Highlight Room, 145 Bowery
Nubeluz
For a nightcap that’s sure to impress, head 50 stories up to the new Ritz Carlton New York, NoMad’s recently debuted rooftop bar, Nubeluz. Envisioned as “a lightbox in the sky,” the swanky and sophisticated haunt features light-reflecting mirrored accents, back-lit marble panels, and shiny onyx bar tops. Not to mention the glittering expanse of the Manhattan skyline shining in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. You’re in for an elevated experience (no pun intended) with a lineup of innovative libations from Miguel Lancha and a selection of signature bar bites courtesy of Chef José Andrés.
Nubeluz, 25 W 28th St.
Apotheke NoMad Penthouse Lounge
Complementing its subterranean speakeasy counterpart, Apotheke NoMad’s brand new rooftop terrace and penthouse lounge has debuted with all the magical apothecary vibes of the original – and then some. The location’s crown jewel was designed by none other than Apotheke’s late co-founder Christopher Tierney himself, who had a hand in everything from the custom-made stained-glass windows to the rich color palette of jewel tones and gold accents. For a dazzling sunset moment, hit the top floor for signature botanical cocktails infused with fresh herbs from the on-site garden.
Apotheke NoMad Penthouse Lounge, 9 W 26th St.
Overstory
Boasting some of the most coveted views and reservations in town is Overstory, the luxurious spot located 64 floors up at 70 Pine, home of hit eateries Crown Shy and Saga. The self-described “contemporary cocktail bar” serves up a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, and even has a few non-alcoholic concoctions on its menu. Order a Verde Terrace (made with rum, fennel, snap pea, and lime) then step out onto its actual terrace, which boasts 360-degree views of the city.
Overstory, 70 Pine Street
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Manhatta
After closing its doors at the beginning of the pandemic, Danny Meyer’s sprawling FiDi hot spot, Manhatta, has finally reopened with a focus on drinks and bar bites. The incredible views and swanky energy has, thankfully, remained the same since its original debut in 2018. Stop in for New York City-inspired sips like the Big Trouble in Little Italy, the Brooklyn, and, duh, a Manhattan, and enjoy the sweeping scene from the 60th floor.
Manhatta, 28 Liberty Street
Peakaboo
Head to Hudson Yards, step inside the digitally immersive elevator, and emerge on the 101st floor to sit back and sip a drink (or three) at Manhattan’s sky-high haunt, Peakaboo. Tucked towards the front of upscale dining destination Peak, Peakaboo welcomes guests with an arresting curved marble bar and intimate lounge area, complete with plush seating and walls lined with bottles of wine and spirits. Floor-to-ceiling windows, of course, provide a stunning backdrop of the city, with a view that stretches for miles.
Peakaboo, 30 Hudson Yards
Darling
Towering above Central Park South, Darling is the elevated hideaway atop the recently revamped Park Lane Hotel. Considering the fact that it’s the only high-up watering hole on the strip famously dubbed “Billionaire’s Row,” the spot offers, as expected, a true wealth of riches. Sip like a socialite on the 47th floor, surrounded by Art Deco style opulence, bold accents, and plush canopied seating inspired by the iconic horse carriages in the park below. The gilded space feels like the secret garden of a grand estate, featuring a whimsical floral mural, vibrant greenery, and, of course, a wraparound patio providing stunning views of Central Park and the surrounding city skyline.
Darling, 36 Central Park South
Dear Irving on Hudson
You may be familiar with the speakeasy-style original in Gramercy, but there should be no sleeping on Dear Irving’s rooftop outpost at the Aliz Hotel in Midtown. Located on the 40th and 41st floors, Dear Irving on Hudson boasts groovy interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a wide selection of celebrated cocktails all in a beyond-stylish retro space. Perfect for everything from girls’ night to date night.
Dear Irving on Hudson, 310 W 40th St.
The Skylark
Find some relaxed sophistication 30 stories above the hustle and bustle of Times Square at this Manhattan mainstay. The Skylark is a glamorously appointed bar and lounge overlooking iconic city sights from the Empire State Building to the Chrysler Building and comes complete with indoor and outdoor spaces, lively communal areas, and plenty of private nooks for any kind of rendezvous. Cheers!
The Skylark, 200 W 39th St.
