ROOFTOP BARS WITH INCREDIBLE SKYLINE VIEWS OVER NEW YORK CITY

If you’ve been following my recent return to New York City trip on social media, you’ll know that Rooftop bars feature quite highly, well maybe once or twice a night to say the least! The iconic NYC skyline makes the perfect backdrop any time of day, but especially at dusk to sip on a long drink and sink your eyes into an illuminated concrete jungle metropolis.

Affiliate Links Disclosure: I may receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This is at no cost to you. For further information, read our Disclosure Policy

There is no place like drinking in NYC and let me introduce you to some of my favourites located in the city that never sleeps…

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

As the name suggests, located right in front of the Brooklyn Bridge in industrial Dumbo, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge has the monopoly in my opinion. Panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and the Williamsburg Bridge make it a pretty special place to hang out with the cool, beautiful people of the city and the world.

The 10th floor rooftop has thoughtful touches of nature all around in the décor and style, being minimalist meet high-end. Cocktails and drinks are priced at a premium to match but service and location are definitely second to none! It’s what rooftop bar dreams are made of, because after all, now you’re in New York!

Dress Code

Smart casual, however people seriously glam up! No trainers/pump shoes.

Be-lavie’s Tip

 It’s possible that a minimum spend per table is required to drink here. $20 fee per person is charged to drink here if you are not a hotel guest with a portion of the proceeds go to Oceanic Global.

Reservation

Most definitely as soon as possible as it does get busy. I would recommend going around 4-5 pm before the work pre-dinner rush.

Address: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge  60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Tel. +1 347-696-2500   Website

 

Top of The Standard

Housed in the glass facaded building, rising above the former elevated train line, now downtowns favourite Park, known as The High-Line. The Standard Hotel is situated in one of my favourite areas of New York, the Meatpacking district and if you’re after dramatic city views in a room lit up by the glittering lights of the city this is your place.

Insanely decadent, Top of the Standard is a stunning design and illuminated bar, this quite possibly is where the sophistication, glitz and glamour of the city is. The top of The Standard operates a small plate, live jazz and speciality cocktail menu in the evenings and boy let me tell you, the mixologists make some of the best Espresso Martini’s in the city.

This is not an open roof-top but the ceiling to floor windows will make you think otherwise at times.

Dress Code

Smart casual attire focusing on well-tailored and fitted clothing with appropriate footwear.

Be-lavie’s Tip

On the pricey side but very special, infact when you enter the rooftop I challenge you not to let the word ‘wow’ pass your lips! There is no minimum spend and this place makes some of the best cocktails in the city. It’s high-end but classy trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Reservation

A Must and at your earliest convenience to avoid no entry. Also if you book early enough, you can request a table by the window like we did.

Address: The Standard, High Line, 848 Washington St. Tel +1 212-645-7600 Website

 

The Yotel Terrace

 Located on the fourth floor of this new generation of hotels, Yotel has a terrace on the 4^th floor with stunning views over the Times Square, Lower east side vicinity! This place is most definitely cool, hip and very affordable but with no compromise!

We stayed at Yotel, (same group as Yo Sushi) a cabin/pod style accommodation just oozing modern lines, very beautiful understated décor and a relaxed atmosphere. Hang out here in the day or night, it’s flexible with food options available to purchase at Komyuniti or dine in the Green Fig.

Dress Code

Casual and cool

Be-lavie’s Tip

There is also a night club style bar adjoining the terrace, open in the evenings, Green Room 45.

Reservation

To avoid disappointment, Book however I feel this is one that you could possibly bag a spot on the terrace due to its casual nature.

Address: Yotel, 570 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA Tel +1 646-449-7700 Website

 

Sky Room Rooftop Bar

The Skyroom Bar is located on the 33rd Floor of the Fairfiled Inn & Suites by Marriott NYC a stones throw from Times Square but with less of the noise.

It is partially covered with glass panes and my suggestion would be to go early around Happy Hour, 5 pm -7 pm. Later on the bar turns into more of a nightclub scene and just to mention the DJ bangs out some pretty fab tunes from the rooftop box. Affordable cocktails during Happy Hour and a selection of small plates to share make a great accompaniment.

 Dress Code

 Smart casual, pumps in the style of converse are acceptable.

Be-lavie’s Tip

It doesn’t say this on their website but take some ID or you WILL be turned away! The ID is not more to prove age but for security purposes.

Reservation

 We didn’t book but we arrived around 5:30 pm and it was pretty quite so got a great open top table (there are two floors to the bar, one indoor and the top is outdoor). Although the bar filled quickly and others had reserved.

 Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Manhattan Times Square

Address: 570 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036, USA Tel +1 646-449-7700  Website

The Refinery Rooftop Bar

At the top of the Refinery Boutique Hotel in mid-town, is a favourite amongst the post work locals and very much had the relaxed NYC local vibe to it!

The Refinery rooftop has an outside terrace (which was closed due to rain when we were there but also have a covered indoor bar with a retractable glass roof giving you some some fab views of the Empire State building. The drinks are reasonable, the music is great and its all very relaxed and fun.

To grab a table or somewhere to perch, I would recommend going Happy Hour early. There are tables and comfy sofas. The Refinery is a chic well priced drinking establishment with views, great cocktails, pretty fairy lights and cute ladies and Gents rooms to match.

 Dress Code

Smart casual (most people had office attire on)

Be-lavie’s Tip

Make your way up here during Happy Hour for guaranteed seating or bar spot

Reservation

Recommended but not required. We didn’t book and walked straight in.

Address: The Refinery Hotel. 63 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018, USA

Tel. +1 646-664-0372  Website

POD 39 Hotel

Located a few minutes from Grand Central Terminal in Murray Hill, is this budget pod style relaxed, casual hotel which has a stunning brick adorned open air rooftop.

The Pod 39 Rooftop is cool, the drinks are pretty good value, with pitchers being offered and is definitely a more of a younger crowd puller then the others. I’m talking generally those maxing life in their twenties! There’s no doubt about it the rooftop is great, the atmosphere is buzzing and cocktails and drinks won’t set you back too much if you intend on making a night of it here. Beautiful sunsets from the rooftop and rustic unfinished vibe.

 Dress Code

Casual, smart, pumps allowed. Admittance is carefully considered by door men

Be-lavie’s Tip

Come a little early to grab one of the spots overlooking the city skyscape, I’d say the one opposite the bar, in the centre between two pillars is the best.

Reservation

Not required as we just walked in as we were passing by

Address: 230 E 51st St, New York, NY 10017, USA Tel. +1 844-763-7666. Website

 For videos and to get a feel for the vibes at these rooftop locations, head over to Instagram @be_lavie and click on my NYC I and II highlights.

What’s Next: Further Reading

• A Bucket List Guide to the Best of New York City
• New York City Dining Options
• New Yorker’s Lunch Favourites
• The Bushwick Collective Street Art Tour
• A Minimoon To Do List in New York City

Á Bientôt …

PIN FOR LATER

• 

• 

•