So you’re in NYC, and you want to check out that skyline right… I mean it is world famous after all! But how best to go about that? You could step out to Erie Basin or Green Terminal Market and take it in from afar, there’s nothing wrong with that. But better yet, you could immerse yourself in it, get up close and personal (enjoying some delicious food along the way) by visiting the best rooftop restaurants in the city!
And what’s more, by being suitable for a range of occasions, from cheap mate dates and fine dining your SO, to birthday parties and rehearsal dinners, you have more of an excuse to make these restaurants a staple part of your NYC experience.
Read on to find out the best date ideas in NYC, as chosen by us!
And just so you know - we’re not paid by anybody to include these on our list. They’re just places we’ve been or experiences we’ve loved so you can find the best rooftop restaurants in NYC.
The Best Rooftop Restaurants to Visit on a Budget
Berry Park
Berry Park, 4 Berry Street, Brooklyn, New York, NY 11249
Welcome to Berry Park, the ultimate rooftop hangout spot in NYC known for its laid-back atmosphere, craft beers, and wallet-friendly bites all with views of the Manhattan skyline. Combining affordability with flavour, Berry Park serves a host of comfort foods. From mouthwatering burgers to crispy chicken wings and artisanal pizzas.
Inside, Berry Park is the place to relax with rustic wooden accents, industrial chic decor, and ample greenery, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for kicking back with friends or enjoying a casual date night.
Mondays might seem like a bummer with the park closed (unless there's a holiday to spice things up!), but fear not, because Tuesday through Thursday, the party kicks off at 3 pm and doesn't stop till the wee hours—1 am on Thursdays and a wild 3 am last call on Fridays! Saturdays are for the early birds and the night owls alike, opening its doors at 11 am and keeping the fun going until 3 am. And for a cosy Sunday wind-down, Berry Park greets you at 11 am, offering the perfect setting to wrap up your weekend adventures with a relaxed vibe until 1 am. With such a vibrant schedule, Berry Park ensures there's never a dull moment in the city that never sleeps!
The Cabin
205 East 4th Street, Manhattan, New York, NY 10009
While not exactly up in the rooftops, there is still something to be said for the views from The Cabin NYC, Nestled in the city’s flourishing East Village community, Alphabet City, The Cabin is a cosy, rustic retreat. With its wood-panelled walls, infinity mirrors reflecting birch trees, and leather banquettes, the ambiance is both enchanting and inviting.
Step inside the cottage-like space to discover a full-service bar crafting delicious specialty cocktails. Instead of traditional starters and main courses, indulge in mouthwatering American Classic dishes with creative twists. They have signature Truffle Fries, Not A Caesar Salad, Crispy Brussels, S'mores, and a deliciously Deconstructed Apple Pie.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, Marathon Wednesdays promise happy hour specials from open to close. If you’re a cheese lover (like the rest of us) don’t miss Wine & Cheese Tuesdays, where you can indulge in half-price wine and cheese selections. There’s also a Throwback Brunch on weekends from 11 am to 4 pm. And let's not forget Happy Hour from 4 pm to 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, featuring $4 House Draft Beer and $8 Cabin Classic Cocktails. Plus, if you're a night owl, swing by for Sunday Late Night Happy Hour, offering specials from 8 pm until closing time.
Experience the #CabinLife like never before.
Castell Rooftop Lounge
260 W 40th Street, Manhattan, New York, NY 10018
Looking for a rooftop escape in the heart of New York City? Look no further than Castell! In walking distance of Broadway and Madison Square Garden, their rooftop lounge is the epitome of classic sophistication with a modern twist—and a generous pour of martinis, of course!
Channelling the spirit of the 1960s with a touch of Mad Men flair, Castell's beverage menu is a toast to creative cocktails inspired by the classics, each served with a trendy twist and accompanied by a selection of reimagined tapas. It's also been rumoured that they have the happiest Happy Hour in Midtown Manhattan, where their classic cocktails are just $12, select wines are $10, and you can enjoy select beers for just $6.
Swing by on Sundays from 4 pm to 10 pm, Mondays to Thursdays from 4 pm to 11 pm, Fridays from 4 pm to midnight, or Saturdays from 4 pm to midnight!
Sip, Savour, Eat, Repeat!
Gemma at Bowery Hotel
335 The Bowery, New York City, NY 10003
While Gemma is an Italian Trattoria primarily known for its ground-floor dining, its rooftop terrace provides a hidden retreat with views of the surrounding neighbourhood. It's an ideal spot for a quiet dinner or drinks away from the crowds.
With its charming old-world style—think wood-beamed ceilings, salvaged brick walls, and an expansive outdoor terrace where guests can unwind by the glazed fireplace—Gemma at Bowery Hotel sets the stage for an unforgettable rooftop dining experience.
Inside Gemma, Chef Andrea Taormina's unpretentious yet flavourful Italian cuisine takes centre stage, complemented by an extensive selection of Italian wines. Craving a leisurely brunch on a lazy weekend morning? Gemma’s got you! Fancy a cosy dinner on a hubba bubba busy Thursday night? Gemma’s to the rescue again!
The restaurant’s uniquely “unlabored panache” ensures that every visit is an effortlessly enjoyable affair!
The Best Rooftop Restaurants for Cute Date Ideas
Bar Blondeau at Wythe Hotel
80 Wythe Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn NY, 11249
Nestled on the sixth floor of Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, Bar Blondeau is a French-style gem brought to life by chef partners Aidan O’Neal and Jake Leiber, known for their culinary prowess at Le Crocodile and Chez Ma Tante. With sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and East River, creating a picturesque backdrop for a romantic date.
This chic hotspot offers a seafood-forward menu infused with French, Spanish, and Portuguese flavours. Guests can indulge in a selection of natural wines sourced from emerging regions worldwide, alongside signature and frozen cocktails, and refreshing zero-alcohol beverages.
For the perfect cute date night experience we recommend trying bites like the indulgent mussel toast or the intriguing sunset special, featuring a combination of half a dozen oysters and a classic martini. With its alluring ambiance and tempting offerings, Bar Blondeau is up there with the best rooftop restaurants in New York City for cute date ideas.
180 Orchard Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10002
Welcome to the oh so trendy Mr. Purple, the crown jewel atop Hotel Indigo Lower East Side… another perfect cute date idea! Operated by the renowned Gerber Group, Mr. Purple captures the essence of the Lower East Side's artistic spirit. The rooftop offers craft cocktails, locally sourced cuisine, fresh cold-pressed juices, and handcrafted coffee from local purveyors.
Some of our favourites on the menu, which was inspired by local culinary staples and features the freshest ingredients, include: the rock shrimp tempura, the fish tacos, and the Mr Purple burger, a double patty burger complete with American cheese, harissa aioli, and a brioche bun.
ART SoHo (Arlo Rooftop)
231 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013
Picture this: blue skies stretching over the city on a late summer afternoon, seamlessly transitioning into the twinkling city lights as the sun sets. That's the magic of enjoying drinks on the ART SoHo rooftop! High above the busy streets, this is one of the best rooftop restaurants in NYC, offering stunning views of the Hudson River and the iconic Freedom Tower.
Their menu wows with Maine lobster, tuna tataki, the impossible cheeseburger, and a choice of four delicious tacos: al pastor, chicken adobo, carne asada, fried fish, or a combo taco meal, which includes all of the above.
But wait, there's more! Don't miss out on their weekly events, including Fiesta Nights on Tuesdays and the ART DJ Series on Saturdays. With opening hours from 4 pm until late every day, is ART SoHo your next cute date ideas? We think it might just be!
The Crown Rooftop
50 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
Perched on the 21st floor of Hotel 50 Bowery, The Crown reigns supreme as NYC's ultimate rooftop destination, brought to life (AGAIN) by the hospitality maestros at Gerber Group. Sip on a rotating selection of classic and seasonal cocktails while indulging in globally inspired small bites like Pan Fried Chicken Dumplings and Pastrami Steamed Buns.
As the sun sets, washing a golden glow over the rooftop—and all who sit upon it—the place transforms and the party doesn't stop until the early hours of the morning, making Friday and Saturday nights an absolute must. If you’re after something a little different for your cute date night ideas list, but still want to hit that ‘rooftop restaurant’ criteria, The Crown is the one for you!
The Best Rooftop Restaurants if you want to Splash the Cash
Eleven Madison Park Rooftop
22 W 27th St, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001
Eleven Madison Park, overlooking Madison Square Park (naturally), is a fine dining establishment that has been providing the city with rooftop excellence since 1998. But Eleven Madison Park’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the terrace. Under the ownership of Chef Daniel Humm since 2011, Eleven Madison Park has undergone a remarkable transformation, both in its cuisine (it's now entirely plant-based!) and overall dining experience.
Crafted with ingredients used in their own kitchens, the products coming out of Eleven Madison Park’s kitchens are a testament to their dedication to quality. Guests can also enjoy a more abbreviated version of the tasting menu at the bar, accompanied by light snacks and thirst-quenching cocktails. So if you’re after the best rooftop restaurant in NYC—and you aren’t restricted by a pesky budget— then we may well have found the perfect place for you to splash the cash whilst enjoying the views.
Manhatta
28 Liberty St, 60th Floor New York, NY 10005
Welcome to Manhatta, where tradition meets modern demand high above New York City! Led by Executive Chef Justin Bogle, the menu at Manhatta rooftop restaurant pushes boundaries while celebrating the versatility of local ingredients. Indulge in a multi-course dinner or a la carte lunch accompanied by an award-winning wine list.
If it's a truly immersive experience you’re after (and for the right price) you can get up close and personal at the Chef's Counter, where you'll have a front-row seat to their open kitchen and embark on a ten-course adventure of boundary-pushing dishes. Whether you're stopping by for a casual night out or celebrating a special event, Manhatta promises an unforgettable experience at their rooftop terrace.
Salon de Ning
700 5th Ave Floor 23, New York, NY 10019
Salon de Ning in NYC is a beloved hotspot for both locals and tourists, renowned for its top-notch cocktails and sweeping skyline views overlooking Fifth Avenue. This chic rooftop restaurant has two outdoor terraces alongside an intimate indoor bar. Lounge seating invites guests to unwind in style while soaking in the lively city below.
The essence of Salon de Ning is steeped in the legend of Madame Ning, an esteemed Shanghai socialite known for her global soirees and cosmopolitan flair. Drawing from Ning's elegant 1930s-era New York penthouse, the decor is a delightful fusion of treasures collected from her travels, featuring a captivating mix of paintings, photography, Moroccan lanterns, and Chinese screens.
As guests ascend to the 23rd floor, they are greeted by a corridor adorned with Venetian mirrors and intricately carved Chinese screens, leading them to a glass-enclosed lounge where the magic of Salon de Ning truly begins.
Now this one you’ll have to add to your calendars and wish-lists because it is currently closed for refurbishment but is set to reopen this summer—and we cannot wait!
The Rainbow Room
30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor, New York, NY 10112
Situated on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center, The Rainbow Room offers great views, fine dining, live entertainment, and classic cocktails all from the stylish comfort of this iconic New York City landmark.
As the original beacon of glamour and entertainment, with the New York City skyline twinkling in the background, the Rainbow Room has set the stage for countless celebrations. From legendary occasions graced by presidents and pillars of the entertainment world to intimate gatherings in the Private Dining Room.
Catering to those seeking a rooftop dining experience without constraints, this iconic establishment complete with glittering chandeliers, plush furnishings, and a timeless elegance is the perfect establishment. With impeccable service and a setting fit for royalty, it's no wonder why The Rainbow Room is a must-visit destination for those looking to indulge in the finer rooftop restaurants New York has to offer.
But of course, a lot of our wonderful scavenger hunts, walking tours, and escape rooms – whilst taking you on an immersive adventure – will put you on the path of many of the best rooftop restaurants across NYC, so why not check them out?!
Find More Things to Do in New York with CityDays
Whatever your interests are, there’s always something new for you to discover and do in New York.
In fact, you don’t have to go out of your way at all to find them - you just have to know where to look.
Discover New York’s secret sights and noteworthy nooks by playing one of our New York urban exploration games!
All you have to do is team up with your partner, friends, family or whoever to solve riddles, complete challenges and answer trivia to lead you on an unforgettable journey around NYC’s most intriguing streets.
The best part? We’ll recommend top-rated bars and cafés along the way and give your team the chance to earn rewards by competing on our leaderboard!
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