What are NYCs Best Rooftop Bars?
More importantly what are NYC’s best Instagrammable rooftop bars?
Whenever a friend of mine comes to visit NYC they always want to know what are NYCs best rooftop bars. Being born and raised in Brooklyn, I never realized the rooftop bars were such a hot commodity. There are many rooftop bars in NYC but being an Instagrammer I am always thinking of the most picturesque views. When I am on vacation I always want to get the best images and I assume so do most other people. So, over the past couple weeks I have put together my personal favorite rooftop bars in NYC with Instagrammable views or decor.
Bar 65 -NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
Many people have Top of the Rock on their list of places to visit in NYC because of the epic views. However, Bar 65 at the Rainbow Room is only 5 floors down from the Top of the Rock. With an outdoor space to walk around. Obviously, the views and space are not the same. But, if you want to spend your money on a drink instead of a ticket for Top of the Rock then get this view.
Gallow Green -NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
The Gallow Green is absolutely beautiful for all of it’s greenery and old school appeal. But, the manager was not too keen on us taking pictures, hence the one photo. Which is a bummer for such a picturesque location. If you shoot with a cellphone you’ll likely be fine but our cameras drew attention.
Pod 39 Rooftop -NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
I actually have to say Pod 39 is likely my personal favorite out of the rooftops in Manhattan. Not only does it offer a stunning view of both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building but the decor is out of this world. After getting out of the elevator it’s like you are no longer in NYC. Ivy covered brick archways with dazzling string lights and Mexican tiled tabletops – I am basically in my own heaven here. I am all about the decor. It feels like you are hoisted on a European cloud looking out over Manhattan.
See what I mean? These brick arches give me life! Along with my margarita.
In other news, I loveee their margaritas!
1 Rooftop Brooklyn Bridge – NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
If you are planning to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge from NYC to Brooklyn you might as well reward yourself afterwards with a drink and a view of your feat. 1 Rooftop Bar has the best rooftop view of the Brooklyn Bridge. ANDD you even get the Freedom Tower as well.
Brooklyn Bridge and Freedom Tower in one photo? Now that is Instagrammable!
230 Fifth -NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
230 Fifth is the go-to NYC rooftop spot and likely the spot most people will tell you to go to. It is right slap in the middle of NYC and an AMAZING view of the Empire State Building. They are still open during the winter months with heated igloos and spiked hot cider drinks. Either way this rooftop bar is definitely one of NYCs best rooftop bars.
Very excited about my first Happy Hour drink and these stunning views. That is the Woolworth building behind me!
I mean everyone does twirls for a view of the Empire State Building, right?
St Cloud at the Knickerbocker Hotel -NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
St Cloud is in my opinion the best rooftop bar in Times Square. You can see all the Broadway billboard advertisements from this cathedral looking rooftop bar.
String lights make me very happy as you can see!
This table was actually not reserved for me… but I sat there anyway for a second.
Attempting to be one of the flowers.
Checking out the view from up top.
Penthouse 808 -NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
And now I take you to Queens – Long Island City! From Penthouse 808 you get breathtaking views of the city and the Queensboro bridge! Their menu is a fantastic Pacific Rim inspired food blend – Asian and Hawaiian. Their drinks are fantastic! I had their “Ring of Fire” that I highly recommend!
Here you can see the view of the Queensboro bridge.
Unfortunately it was on and off raining the day I went so they had the roof out but we got a few pictures anyway.
As always I had a good time!
Azul on the Rooftop-NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
Azul on the Rooftop is at the top of Hotel Hugo and has a great menu with frozen drinks and tacos. And of course the closest Rooftop bar view of the Freedom Tower on this list. This bar takes it’s cue from Old Havana and has super cute decor. Unfortunately, when I went to take pictures, it was packed and I was unable to really showcase the entire aesthetic of this rooftop. But whether it is packed or not you can still get a shot like this!
The Roof at Viceroy – NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
The Roof at the Viceroy Hotel has the best rooftop views of Central Park. I can’t wait to come back here when it’s Fall and get all those pretty Autumn colors! This was also a very overcast day so the lighting wasn’t perfection.
Turf Club at Westlight – William Vale -NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
This location is NYC’s best lawn party – in Brooklyn of course! The Turf Club is above Westlight’s rooftop bar and restaurant. The Turf Club has 360 views of the city – Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Chrysler Building – you name it you can see it! They also are equipped with Giant Jenga, Twister, Mega Connect 4, Cornhole, Foosball and most importantly popcorn! My friend, Jena, and I had a great Sunday Funday there a few weekends ago! For more photos of this location read more here!
This is how you will usually find me.
Jena loves flamingo decor so she was stoked to see these guys.
Downstairs at the Westlight
The Heights -NYCs Best Rooftop Bars
When they named this bar “The Heights” they weren’t kidding! If you’re afraid of heights be careful where you step here. They are well known for their glass bottom floor. So, if you dare you can stand over and look down 31 floors to the street! My friend Ivonne and I did dare – “we did it for the ‘gram!” Pictures below!
It wouldn’t be Instagrammable if you didn’t do a twirl.
This was a perfect weather day for a rooftop!
Only thing between us and the concrete is this glass.
I definitely bit off more than I can chew with this blog as rooftop bar hours of operation, weather and corporate parties made getting all these photos very difficult but I hope you like the results! Hope you find these suggestions helpful! Happy shooting in my city!
Love always
xoxo
Shaunie
All photos on this page belong to Shaunie from @shaunieandthecity