As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, soak up the last rays of summer at some of our favorite rooftop bars across New York City.
1. THE SKYLARK
For unparalleled and unobstructed views of the Empire State Building, take the elevator up 30 floors to this indoor-outdoor Garment District cocktail lounge. There’s even a special corner dedicated to snapping selfies with the Art Deco icon; if you don’t use their ring light to get the perfect magical glow, you’re doing it all wrong. Don’t overlook their equally photogenic drinks, including a menu of seven signature frosés, topped with everything from coconut foam to edible flowers to rainbow mini marshmallows.
2. THE HOXTON’S SUMMERLY
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If you never made it out to the Hamptons this summer, consider this breezy, coastal-inspired bar. Perched on the roof of the Williamsburg boutique hotel, Summerly promises seafood (lobster knuckle “escargot” anyone?), sun, and stunning cocktails (like the key lime colada or watermelon collins) that will have you feeling like you’re on the East End of Long Island rather than overlooking the East River.
3. TIMES SQUARE EDITION, THE TERRACE AND OUTDOOR GARDENS
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There’s no shortage of celebrity sightings at the new Time Square Edition; after all, the boutique hotel is the brainchild of Studio 54 co-founder Ian Schrager. You’ll be especially charmed by the terrace, which boasts ivy-covered walls, potted palms, and hanging ferns. The high-pace energy of the city below slows down up here, where the drinks are tropical and tasty and the music is slow and dreamy.
4. LEMON’S ROOFTOP AT WYTHE HOTEL
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This summertime pop-up takes its inspiration from 1960s Italy and the country’s aperitivo culture. Its sunny spot on the roof of this Williamsburg hotel makes it a perfect place for a weekend brunch or a laid-back evening cocktail. Late nights are spent with DJs spinning funk, soul, and disco vinyls while guests sip on summery drinks. That most ubiquitous seasonal one of all, the Aperol spritz, is served here on tap or in a large-format version for four.
5. BROKEN SHAKER AT FREEHAND HOTEL
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Get that beachy vibe without ever leaving Manhattan at this tropical-inspired Flatiron District oasis—which also has locations at the other Freehand Hotels in Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The bartenders here mix some of the most interesting tiki-inspired cocktails around, with elixirs and infusions you’ve probably never tasted, such as fermented banana, orange whey cordial, and umeboshi-preserved limes. Don’t miss “reverse happy hour,” which runs weeknights from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
6. EATALY SERRA BY BIRRERIA
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Though this rooftop escape has already switched the seasonal decor and menu to an autumn theme (including a canopy of fall foliage), it’s still the perfect place for a glass of wine, small bites, or a cocktail, such as apple cider all’italiana. Take a stroll through the Italian market below before heading up to the glass-enclosed rooftop restaurant and bar, which takes its name from the Italian word for “greenhouse.” Bonus: no need to change your plans due to a change in the weather, the retractable roof means Serra is open rain or shine.
7. TIME OUT MARKET
Make a trip to DUMBO for its new Time Out Market, which occupies the top and bottom floors of the Empire Stores development. Perfectly positioned between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, the food hall houses outposts from such popular NYC restaurants as Nur and Avocaderia. For a true taste of the neighborhood, order a Juliana’s pizza (the original location is just a few blocks away) and a refreshing cocktail from the bar and snag a seat outside for an Instagram-worthy view of both bridges.
8. MAKE BELIEVE AT SIXTY LES
Located on the seventh floor of the Sixty LES Hotel, this whimsical social club is dripping in millennial pink: From the plush velvet banquettes and cushioned stools to the fake wall-mounted phone and flowers hanging from the ceiling, there are more than enough opportunities to add some color to your Instagram grid.
9. GALLOW GREEN
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It’s a bit hard to make a woodland escape when you’re surrounded by concrete, but Gallow Green gives you that fairytale feel in the middle of the city—complete with an enchanted garden’s worth of greenery. The bar sits atop Chelsea’s fictional McKittrick Hotel, which has hosted the immersive theater production Sleep No More since 2011. Come Sunday evenings for their sunset concert series, the perfect way to escape the Sunday scaries.
10. ROOFTOP REDS
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If you’re looking for a different rooftop experience, this spot in the revitalized Brooklyn Navy Yard calls itself the world’s first commercially viable rooftop vineyard. Reservations are required (book early!), but once you’ve made it up here, you can order bottles or flights—including one made exclusively with fruit grown onsite. Keep an eye on their website for their popular sunset yoga sessions.
