Rooftop Bars Midtown NYC
Courtesy of Spyglass Rooftop Bar
Food & Drinks

10 Best Rooftop Bars in Midtown NYC

Let’s discover Manhattan from some of the most precious rooftop bars located in the heart of Midtown NYC.
Guide last updated:May 1, 2025

Welcome to Midtown Manhattan, the busiest part of the city that never sleeps. Here you are surrounded by some of the world’s largest buildings, and with that comes the perfect setting for rooftop bars with the most idyllic NYC views.

We will guide you to our favourite spots, where Empire State Building vistas are complemented with great drinks and smashing vibes.

Update: This article was updated May 1, 2025, with new bars, new information, video reviews, booking links and insider tips.

  • What this expertise guide includes

    Our complete and up-to date guide to the Best Rooftop Bars in Midtown NYC feature all info you need about each rooftop at the same place, so you don’t have to scroll around on several different sources finding it.

    For each rooftop, this guide presents:

    • Photos
    • Videos
    • Insider tips
    • Booking links
    • Dress codes
    • Prices
    • Food & drinks
    • When to visit
    • Views
    • Map
    • Ambience
    • Our own personal thoughts

  • Why you should listen to us

    We are full-time rooftop reviewers and content creators. Since launching The Rooftop Guide in 2015, we’ve visited over 1 200 rooftop venues worldwide.

    Except from our own experiences and insights, we also work closely with thousands of rooftops and local reviewers, so we can secure correct and updated content for all our guides & articles.

    With our vast experience and exclusive focus, we can present you with the most complete and up-to date guides about rooftop venues. And with our insider tips and knowledge, we can guide you to the best and most suitable rooftops for your own needs.

    Whether you’re looking for an upscale rooftop dinner, a laid-back rooftop brunch, a vibrant rooftop party or a luxurious hotel rooftop pool, we’ve got you covered.

Best Rooftop Bars in Midtown NYC

1

Artie’s Backroom & Rooftop

17th Floor
·
Murray Hill
·
Indoor / Outdoor
Energetic rooftop bar & lounge

Overview:Floating high above Midtown East, Artie’s Backroom & Rooftop blends new school energy with old school charm, and features both a cozy interior lounge and a unique outdoor terrace.

View:Among brick arches, ivy walls and hanging lanterns, here you are surrounded by stunning view of the Manhattan skyscrapers.

Menu:An approachable menu, filled with craft cocktails, a wide range of margaritas, martinis and spritz, cold beers and house wine, complemented with old school bites.

Why visit:For after works & hangouts with a view, in a fun and friendly vibe.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • Home to the largest sports viewing screen in Midtown East, this is a great spot to catch a game.
2

Ophelia

26th Floor
·
Midtown East
·
Indoor / Outdoor
Intimate rooftop cocktail lounge

Overview:Feeling a lot like a classic cocktail lounge from the the 1920s and 30s, Ophelia is an intimate rooftop located on top of the historic Beekman Tower.

View:Sweeping 360° views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Menu:Crafted reinventions of classic and unique signature cocktails inspired by natural elements. There is also a small but well-curated selection of 5-star bar bites and dishes.

Price:Cocktails: $23 | Beers: $11

Why visit:For a romantic night out, or a social weekend evening with friends, when live DJs highlight the lounge atmosphere.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • Check out the 'Social Hours' on weekdays between 5-7pm, with good prices on drinks and food.
3

Dear Irving on Broadway

5th Floor
·
Theater District
·
Indoor / Outdoor
Speakeasy-inspired cocktail parlor

Overview:Luxe and speakeasy-inspired cocktail parlor, overlooking the Theater District, located at 1717C Broadway, between 54th & 55th St.

View:Close by skyscrapers in the heart of the Theater District.

Menu:The cocktail menu pays tribute to Broadway legends. The drinks are complemented with an eclectic selection of light bites, including plays on classic New York street eats, deli staples and theater snacks.

Price:Cocktails: $20 | Beers: $12

Why visit:A perfect destination for some elevated pre- or post show drinks, but also well worth a visit on any given night for sophisticated sips and vibes.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • You must try the cocktail called 'Grand Central Smash', it’s delicious.
4

Vida Verde

2nd Floor
·
Midtown West
·
Indoor / Outdoor
Rooftop Margarita Market

Overview:Vibrant Mexican dining experience, with Rooftop Margarita Market. Vida Verde is a colorful, creative and tri-level destination from Pmac's Hospitality Group.

View:Located on the 2nd floor amidst the skyscrapers, this is not the rooftop you visit for grand views.

Menu:Offering well-loved Mexican fare mixed with New York’s casual and metropolitan approach, along with some of the best Margaritas in town.

Price:Cocktails: $17 | Beers: $9

Why visit:For delicious Margaritas. The first come, first served rooftop is a 'Margarita Market', open from 5pm (weather permitting).

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • Vida Verde’s inside area is open for lunch, dinner and bottomless weekend brunch all year round.
  • You must try some different Margaritas, as they are superb!
5

Spyglass Rooftop Bar

22nd Floor
·
Fashion District
·
Indoor / Outdoor
Elegant all-season rooftop

Overview:Perched on top of the fantastic Archer Hotel New York, right in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the Spyglass Rooftop Bar offers a contemporary interpretation of the glamorous and sophisticated NYC mid-century era.

View:Amazing views over the city skyline, with the Empire State Building as majestic and central focal point.

Menu:Signature craft cocktails, wines and a few crafted brews, as well as shareable bites from celebrated chef Charlie Palmer.

Price:Cocktails: $21 | Beers: $9

Why visit:For relaxing upscale vibes with prime ESB views.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • Don't miss the weekend brunch with a view!
6

The Skylark

30th Floor
·
Times Square
·
Indoor / Outdoor
Classic Manhattan cocktail rooftop lounge

Overview:The Skylark NYC rooftop is a classic cocktail lounge in New York, located 30th floors above the buzz of Midtown Manhattan.

View:Stunning view of the Hudson River, the Empire State Building and Times Square.

Menu:A large set of mixologist signature cocktails, made with the best ingredients. The fine drinks a complemented with some tasty bar bites of the highest quality.

Price:Cocktails: $22 | Beers: $10

Why visit:Only open to the public during weekdays, you should visit early for a more private experience. As the night wears on, the terrace gets more crowded and live DJs usually bring the atmosphere up a notch.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • The Skylark NYC dress code is business/upscale casual. So, dress neatly and stylishly to feel right at home.

Related

7

The Dickens

4th Floor
·
Hell's Kitchen
·
Indoor / Outdoor
Inclusive and immersive cocktail bar & kitchen

Overview:Located on 8th Avenue, between 47th and 48th Street, The Dickens is an inclusive, immersive and impressive venue, and a one-of-its-kind destination in the iconic Hell’s Kitchen.

View:Surrounding skyscraper views.

Menu:Expect vibrant flavors and vibrant colors into each cocktail, making every sip an extraordinary celebration.

Price:Cocktails: $18 | Beers: $8

Why visit:For an outdoor haven where happiness, acceptance and vibrant celebrations come together.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • The only gay-rooftop bar in NYC.
  • Fairly priced, so a perfect spot for some 'affordable' cocktails.
8

Daintree Rooftop & Lounge

29th Floor
·
Midtown South
·
Indoor / Outdoor
Aussie-inspired rooftop cocktail bar

Overview:Stylish rooftop cocktail bar reimagining the NYC rooftop bar scene from an Aussie point-of-view, perched on top of Hotel Hendricks in the heart of Midtown South.

View:The south-facing views includes an unobstructed outlook over the Empire State Building.

Menu:Cocktails and drinks, including a fine selection of Martinis, crafted and contemporary versions of New York classics, as well as a wine list with a distinctly Australian accent.

Price:Cocktails: $18 | Beers: $10

Why visit:For tasty cocktails and bar bites with a view of the Empire State Building.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • For great deals, try to visit Daintree between 4-6pm, as there are often monthly specials on food and drinks.
9

Roof at Park South

9th Floor
·
NoMad
·
Outdoor only
Unique & seasonal rooftop cocktail bar

Overview:Charming, lush and industrial-chic, this is a unique and seasonal rooftop cocktail bar, perched on top of the lovely Park South Hotel in NoMad.

View:Unobstructed Midtown views with the Empire State Building as a mighty back drop.

Menu:Creative, impeccable, crafted and spirit-forward cocktails with a refreshing and globally inspired selection of bar bites.

Price:Cocktails: $20 | Beers: $10

Why visit:For sunny after work sessions with friends.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • The rooftop is divided into 4 parts: Umbrella Lounge, Fireside Lounge, Floral Area, and The Garden. Check them all out!
10

Nubeluz by José Andrés

50th Floor
·
NoMad
·
Indoor / Outdoor
A lightbox in the sky

Overview:Located on the 50th floor of Nomad’s fabulous Ritz-Carlton, Nubeluz has quickly become one of the hottest rooftop bars in Midtown NYC. The name “Nubeluz” derives from the Spanish words “nube” (cloud) and “luz” (light), and surely catches the true essence of a rooftop bar.

View:Amazing 270° views over the NYC skyline is part of the contemporary and glamorous decor.

Menu:Modern interpretations of classic cocktails, divided into 'Midtown', 'Uptown' & 'Downtown', complemented with elevated small plates.

Price:Cocktails: $27 | Beers: $14

Why visit:For highly stylish drinks in a sky-high setting out of the ordinary.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • Check out the 'High Tea', served every weekend from 11am to 3pm.
Rikard Fredricson
By:Rikard Fredricson

Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.

Karolina Eugenes
By:Karolina Eugenes

Karolina is a literary scholar and content writer with 14 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Working in hotels, restaurants and bars in Sweden, Italy and France since 2010, Karolina adds a valuable insight to The Rooftop Guide with her knowledge of a guest’s needs and preferences.

Hot Read

Explore

Browse all the cities & articles at The Rooftop Guide

Follow The Rooftop Guide

Elevated Stays

Accommodation

Great NYC Hotels with Rooftop

The perfect mix of fine accommodation and sky-high fun.

Read full guide

You may also like

Amazing hotels with rooftop bar
Accommodation
8 Amazing Hotels with Rooftop Bar
Highest rooftop bars in the world
Inspiration
Highest Rooftop Bars in the World
The 30 best rooftop pools in the world
Pools
The Most Amazing Rooftop Pools around the World
40 romantic rooftop restaurants worldwide
Food & Drinks
40 Romantic Rooftop Restaurants Worldwide
Rooftop Brunch New York
Food & Drinks
Food, Bottomless Mimosas and NYC-views? This is what you need!
Top 10 Party Rooftops in the World
Celebrations
Top 10 Party Rooftops in the World