10 Scenic Rooftops to Enjoy Al Fresco Dining in New York

Rooftop season returns to New York City with skyline views, seasonal cocktails, and open-air dining perfect for the warmer weather, from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Whether you’re in the mood for lively Midtown terraces or laid-back waterfront spots in Dumbo, these rooftops offer a range of settings perfect for everything from sunset drinks to weekend brunch. 


ART Soho
@artrooftops
Located atop the Arlo hotel in Soho, ART Soho is a year-round rooftop bar offering both indoor and outdoor space with views of the Hudson River and the surrounding downtown skyline. The rooftop features lounge seating, high-top tables, and areas for mingling, making it a popular spot for after-work drinks, weekend gatherings, and DJ sets. Enjoy a bite to eat among the seasonal cocktails alongside wine and local beer.


ART Midtown Rooftop
@artrooftops
Right on top of the Arlo Midtown hotel, ART Midtown is a rooftop bar offering sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline including Hudson Yards and One World Trade Center. The space provides a lively setting for drinks from golden hour into sunset. Guests can enjoy a menu of cocktails and light bites while taking in the city views.


Nestled atop Hotel Hendricks in Midtown, Daintree is an intimate cocktail lounge and rooftop retreat that bridges Australian tradition with New York flair. Daintree offers an inviting ambiance for creative libations and Aussie-inspired cuisine, set against the backdrop of expansive floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views of the Empire State Building. On the open air rooftop, patrons can savor a rotating selection of natural wines from across the globe, in addition to thoughtfully paired cocktails and delectable bites perfectly suited for leisurely indulgence.


Located 25 stories above Midtown near Bryant Park, Elsie Rooftop offers a rooftop lounge experience inspired by the glamour of Old New York. The space hosts a variety of weekly events from live music nights to weekend brunch, alongside cocktails and elevated bar fare in an art-deco-inspired setting.


Located along the waterfront at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 6, Fornino's rooftop offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor. The rooftop is known for its menu of signature wood-fired pizzas and Italian small plates from Chef & Owner Michael Ayoub, credited for starting the artisanal pizza craze in NYC. The mindfully crafted pies and city views make it an ideal spot to grab a bite under blue skies or visit during sunset.


Golden Child
@goldenchildrooftop
Golden Child just opened at Hotel Park Ave NYC in NoMad from Renwick Hospitality Group.  This rooftop terrace bar and lounge offers skyline views in a preppy, social club atmosphere. The space features an Ivy League–inspired menu with cocktail sections including “Core Curriculum,” “Study Break,” “Honors Program,” and “Electives.” Golden Child is the newest addition to Hotel Park Ave’s family of food and beverage concepts alongside Park Rose and Seed Library.​


Haven Rooftop
@havenrooftop 
Located atop the Sanctuary Hotel in the Theater District near Times Square, Haven Rooftop is a rooftop restaurant and bar offering views of Midtown Manhattan. The space features a seasonal setting, with a French Riviera-inspired atmosphere. Guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails alongside a menu of contemporary American dishes.

20 floors up, One40 Rooftop Restaurant expands the experience with the outdoor rooftop, Golden Hour at One40. Founded by Mona Panjwani. The space embraces the magic of New York’s golden hour — the moment when the city glows in soft amber light. A lineup of handcrafted spring and summer cocktails—spanning crisp, refreshing options to high-roller lychee martinis — served on a gold tray with lychee caviar; vibrant, shareable bites complement the cocktails. Warm materials, natural textures, lush greenery, and comfortable lounge seating create an inviting environment where guests can transition effortlessly from daytime handcrafted drinks to evening gatherings.

Sushi Lab
@sushilab.nyc
Located on the rooftop of the Sanctuary Hotel in Midtown, Sushi Lab Rooftop offers the Sushi Lab experience with skyline views, pairing an omakase sushi menu on a garden terrace setting. Guests can enjoy fresh sushi, sake, and handcrafted cocktails while taking in city views in a relaxed open-air environment.

@vocoroofbar
Enjoy a round of cocktails at Voco Roofbar, a new year-round rooftop concept at 170 West 48th Street  inside voco Times Square - Broadway, by IHG. Voco Roofbar enchants visitors with an elevated bar experience 33 stories above the city, designed for both hotel guests and locals. The space pairs a polished yet approachable atmosphere with a retractable roof, offering skyline views alongside an accessible, shareable menu that showcases globally inspired small plates like wagyu souvlaki skewers, ahi tuna with truffle ponzu, shrimp tempura, and beef tartare with ’nduja, as well as seasonal cocktails like the Golden Hour Spritz, Broadway Blush, and Shiso Skyline, plus zero-proof options and a full range of spirits and beers.

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