During weekends, the NYC rooftop fun starts early, with a wide range of elevated brunch spots to choose from. We love the mix of sunshine, plenty of food & drinks, and a more relaxed vibe, creating a 'different' type of rooftop experience.
The guide was made from our own long and tasty brunch sessions, and with input from the rooftop venues. This way we can secure correct and up-to date information for each rooftop listed. Enjoy!
Update: This article was updated on May 19, 2025, with new information, new brunch spots, updated photos, booking links and insider tips.
Most of the rooftop brunches in this article demands a reservation in advance. Use the booking links provided for each rooftop to secure your spot. And when possible, go 'bottomless', for that free-flow and extra elevated experience.
Our complete and up-to date guide to the Best Rooftop Brunches in NYC feature all info you need about each rooftop, all at the same place, so you don’t have to scroll around on several different sources finding it.
For each rooftop, this guide presents:
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.
In short: Floating above the heart of the lively Chelsea neighborhood, on top of Hotel Almeda High Line, Creatures Rooftop invites to coastal vibes and flavors high above the concrete jungle.
Food & Drinks: In line with the setting, the Creatures menu features a vibrant range of coastal dishes created by Chef Neil Strauber. Filled with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, the brunch selection range from 'Pita Scrambled Eggs' and 'Pan Con Tomate', to 'Gravlax Tartare', 'Levantine Feta Salad' and 'House Hummus'. Drink-wise, you find a refreshing cocktail selection with different martinis and spritzes, smoothies, drip coffee, and bottomless mimosas.
What we think: This buzzing rooftop oasis comes filled with colors, greenery and tropical touches, perfect for hot summer days and nights. But thanks to enclosing and heaters, the majestic views over the Empire State Building and NYC skyline is available all year round. You can visit for happy hour sips and bites, a cozy date-night, or happening nights where DJ talents create an upbeat and illuminated ambiance. But also for a fun-filled and flavourful weekend brunch.
Dress code: The Creatures Rooftop dress code is smart casual.
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
Best Rooftop Restaurants in NYC
Amazing Hotels With Rooftops in NYC
In short: Haven Rooftop NYC is found smack in the middle of things. Perched on top of the luxury boutique Sancturay Hotel, you are just about one minute away from both Times Square and Rockefeller Center.
Food & Drinks: The generous brunch menu includes a wide selection of Brunch Classics (with a brunch pizza), Salads, Haven Sliders and a lovely Lobster Roll. To keep the brunch-mode on top, the regular drinks and cocktails can be replaced with Bottomless Mimosas. 1 hour of free flow cost $28 per person.
What we think: The light and airy rooftop bar offers great views over Midtown Manhattan, along with modern American cuisine. And on weekends, this cuisine is served as a fantastic rooftop brunch. Set over several levels, and with dining areas both out on the terrace and inside panoramic glass walls, Haven Rooftop is both spacious, vibrant and beautiful. And popular, so it's not a bad idea to make reservations for your Saturday and / or Sunday rooftop brunch.
Dress code: The Haven Rooftop dress code is business casual, which means no gym gear, hats, denim shorts, sneakers or flip flops. So dress for a rooftop brunch success.
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
Best Rooftop around Times Square
In short: East of the river, in the heart of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, the trendy yet charming hotel Penny Williamsburg is a great place to stay, but also well worth a visit just to explore its rooftop offering.
Food & Drinks: Here you can indulge in imaginative Mexican food created by Chef Fer Serrano, as well as drinks from Rodrigo Pulido's fantastic cocktail program, filled with details and craftsmanship. The brunch menu features entradas like 'Avo Tostada' and 'Ceviche', platos like 'Huevos Rancheros' and 'Birra Benedict', and 6 different tacos, where '¡Todos Los Tacos!' gives you one of each.
What we think: Floating on the top floor you find elNico, a modern and vibrant year-round rooftop bar and restaurant, offering Mexican flavours and panoramic vistas. Colorful, eccentric and beautiful, this 11th floor venue features both outside terrace (covered in winter) and an interior lounge, all surrounded with panoramic views over the Brooklyn & Manhattan skyline. Made for good times and great views in a lively atmosphere, elNico Rooftop is open daily for dinner and drinks, and during weekends also for a generous rooftop brunch.
Dress code: The elNico Rooftop dress code is smart casual.
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
Best Rooftop Restaurants in NYC
Best Rooftop Bars in Brooklyn
Expert tips, videos & photos to our favourite must-visit rooftop destinations.
Wine and dine high above Manhattan.
From daytime poolside celebrations, to nightime vibes under the stars.
The best winter rooftop bars in NYC.
In short: Perched on top of the five star Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards, Electric Lemon is an impressive 8,000 square foot rooftop garden. And not at all just impressive in size, as the very stylish terrace comes complete with a monumental Jaume Plensa sculpture and fantastic views over Hudson River and the city skyline.
Food & Drinks: The brunch menu is divided into Cold & Raw, From The Garden, Getting Started (bowls), Brunch & Farm Eggs and Sandwiches. A lot of options, and surely there is something for everyone. Complemented with freshed squeezed juices and a full drink menu, Electric Lemon is a special place perfect for special occasions.
What we think: Celebrating the passionate farmers, growers and artisans of the Mid-Atlantic, transforming their pristine products into clean, conscious cuisine served as light bites and seasonal offerings nightly, Electric Lemon also serves a lovely rooftop brunch every weekend.
Dress code: The Electric Lemon dress code is business casual.
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
Best Rooftop Restaurants in NYC
Best Rooftop Bars in Hudson Yards
In short: A luxurious cocktail bar, located on the 30th floor of the fantastic Kimberly Hotel & Suites, in the east part of Midtown Manhattan. So usually a spot for fancy drinks and great views of many of New York's skyscrapers. But on weekends also for a lovely rooftop brunch.
Food & Drinks: Served between 11am to 4pm, the brunch menu is quite impressive. Here you find starters like Seasonal Fruit & Berries, salads, different type of eggs, some sweets like Blueberry Pancakes and Buttermilk Waffles, and more filling stuff like the Kobe Burger or Upstairs Lobster Roll. There are also some healthy and fruity Wake Up & Refresh smoothies. No brunch is complete without some drinks, and Upstairs at the Kimberly have you covered. There is a great selection of spacialty cocktails and martinis, and a wide array of sparkling and wines.
What we think: Surrounded with fantastic views of the iconic Chrysler Building and the impressive cityscape, the rooftop bar offers a large set of crafted specialty cocktails, fine wines and an eclectic array of small plates. An express elevator will take you up to the elegant, intimate and sensual rooftop, offering a fresh spin on old Hollywood-glamour, with leather chairs, a stylish design and elements of bronze, granite and ivy.
Dress code: The Upstairs at the Kimberly dress code is business casual. Sneakers, caps or flip flops are not allowed.
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
Best Rooftop Bars on Manhattan
In short: Set on top of the Stage 48-building in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan, Cantina Rooftop is a colorful year-round rooftop restauarant and lounge. Up here, authentic Mexican food is combined with panoramic views over the Big Apple all days of the week. And on weekends: one of the best rooftop brunches in NYC.
Food & Drinks: Or as Cantina put it: "New York’s most important meal of the weekend". We totally agree on that! The menu (of course) include lots of spicy Mexican selections, like Huevos Rancheros, Cantina Burrito, Quesadillas, Pollo Rostizado and the Cantina Burger. Not full yet? That's more than ok, since you should definitely check out the brunch dessert menu. Maybe a Cheese Cake Confetti or a Cantina's Flan? Or just go all in with a Cantina Dessert Platter. Cantina Rooftop also offers a special brunch cocktail menu. Here you find everything from Fruit Forward Margarita’s, frozen cocktails, Sangria and Micheladas. Or if you wanna go bottomless, 90 minutes of unlimited Sangria, Bellinis or Mimosas cost $25.
What we think: Fun, friendly and vibrant atmosphere means that every Saturday and Sunday is a great time to stop by Cantina for a rooftop brunch. As mentioned, it is year round thanks to a climate-controlled retractable glass roof.
Dress code: The Cantina Rooftop dress code is casual.
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Restaurants in NYC
In short: Located in Midtown Manhattan, at the 5-star Refinery Hotel, Refinery Rooftop is a fashionable and dymanic venue, made for many occasions.
Food & Drinks: The Refinery brunch menu is not the largest on this list, but it is packed with quality and made with healthy, natural and sustainable products. Enjoy French Toast, Smoked Salmon Platter, Eggs Benedict or a Deluxe Sandwich. Combined with mixology signature cocktails, it's bound to make for a brunch to remember.
What we think: Open 7 days a week and year-round, you can visit for a sunny rooftop lunch, relaxing afternoon cocktails, or nightly drinks and bites in a vibrant atmosphere. And luckily, also for a weekend NYC rooftop brunch. Surrounded with amazing views over the Empire State Building and Manhattan skyline, it is no surprise that the Refinery Rooftop is a popular place.
Dress code: The Refinery Rooftop dress code is casual chic comfort.
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
Best Rooftop Restaurants in NYC
Winter Open Rooftop Bars in NYC
In short: Panorama Room is a unique venue, as it is the first rooftop bar on Roosevelt Island available to the public. Perched on top of the fabulous Graduate Roosevelt Island, this luxurious and dramatic venue is always a prime spot for creative signature cocktails, seafood, and breathtaking 360° views over the Manhattan skyline, East River and the boroughs.
Food & Drinks: The menu features everything from 'Chicken & Ube Waffle', 'Brioche French Toast' and 'Spiced Watermelon Salad', to 'Avocado Toast' and 'Bourbon Bacon'. For a really special experience, go for the 'Seafood Tower', including seasonal oysters, cocktail shrimp, lobster, yuzu kosho mignonette & house cocktail sauce. To go with the food, you can choose the option of 'Rose Tasting', or 'Rose All Day', with Whispering Angel Rose served for 1.5 hour.
What we think: What we like most about Panorama Room, is the unique location and view. No other rooftop in NYC offers a view like this. A tip is to take the aerial Roosevelt Island Tramway from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island, and then head up to Panorama Room. A four-minute panoramic ride, followed by sips with panoramic views. Pretty much a perfect afternoon or evening.
Dress code: The Panorama Room dress code is elevated chic. No sweatpants, cargo shorts, slides or flip flops, athletic wear or tank tops.
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
5 Hyped Rooftop Bars in NYC 2025
Best Party Rooftops in NYC
In short: Magic Hour is a large indoor/outdoor rooftop bar and lounge, found on the 18th floor of the fantastic MOXY NYC Times Square. Always colorful, fun and vibrant, the rooftop often comes with a theme: from The Pink Rose Garden to the Pink Bunny Beach.
Food & Drinks: The impressive brunch menu includes everything from pastries for the table, granola, Egg White Frittata and Crispy Chicken Sandwich, to the must try Pink AF Pancakes Stack. No need to go thirsty, as the menu also include cold pressed juices, signature cocktails, buckets, Magic Mimosas and rosé champagne. Just to name a few items.
What we think: The Magic Hour rooftop brunch is open for all ages to enjoy food, drinks, vibes and fantastic views over the Empire State Building. Magic Hour holds an electric and vibrant atmosphere, suitable for for groups of friends looking for fun days and nights out. Live DJs, performances and themed parties are on the schedule every week.
Dress code: The Magic Hour dress code is dressy (no shorts or sandals after 9pm).
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
Best Rooftops around Times Square
In short: 230 Fifth rooftop bar is one of the largest and most famous rooftop bars in NYC, named after its location at 230 5th Ave. Home of some truly magical views of the Manhattan skyline, with the Empire State Building bang in the middle. And also home of one of New York's most famous rooftop brunch.
Food & Drinks: The menu is a la carte style. Entree's range from Breakfast Burrito and Avocado Taost to Banana Pancakes and Salmon Bagel. If you're hungry for more the burger and Chicken & Waffles are highly recommended! For drinks, chose between classic Bellinis, Mimosas, Bloody Mary's and much more. Juices and coffee can of course be found on the menu as well.
What we think: Maybe a little touristic in some ways, but if you love a mix of both tourists and locals, this is a great spot for a rooftop party in The Big Apple. There is no cover charge at 230 Fifth rooftop, and tables are usually first come, first served. However, during weekend nights, reservations are recommended if you want a table, and weekend reservations come with a minimum spend.
Dress code: The 230 Fifth dress code is casual during weekdays, turning into upscale casual towards weekend evenings, which means no athletic wear, baggy jeans, T-shirts or hoodies on Friday & Saturday night.
Also featured in:
Kid friendly Rooftop Bars in NYC
Best Rooftop Bars along 5th Avenue
Best Rooftop Bars around Times Square
Best Party Rooftops in NYC
In short: The Empire Rooftop is located rigth by Lincoln Center for Performing Arts, and just a 150 meter stroll from Central Park. Perched on the 12th floor, the rooftop has both an indoor lounge along with East and West terraces, offering adorable views over Lincoln Center, Brodway and Central Park.
Food & Drinks: The food menu is not huge, but includes enough treats to keep most happy. You can go for Empire Benedict, Breakfast Flatbread, Avocado Toast, or a B.E.C, with applewood smoked bacon, fried egg and cheddar. If the food menu is on the smaller side, the drink menu is more filling. Along with the rooftop 'regulars' of specialty cocktails, wine, beer and coffe, there are also brunch cocktails. You can order Mimosa, Bloody Mary and Bellini, either by the glass ($15) or by the carafe ($50) and share with your friends.
What we think: Cool and stylish in vibe and setting, and the Empire Rooftop dress code is business casual. So dress up a bit to match the beautiful views. While it is a great night-spot, the rooftop usually also serves breakfast every weekday, and on weekends, the lovely rooftop brunch.
Dress code: The Empire Rooftop dress code is smart casual.
In short: Covering three floors in the Columbia Street Waterfront District, the Brooklyn restaurant Alma offers regional Mexican food in a casual-fun atmosphere. With a ground floor bar and midlevel dining room, it is the top floor rooftop terrace that really makes this venue stand out on Columbia Street’s restaurant row.
Food & Drinks: Alma menu includes creative and recreated traditional Mexican cuisine. Here you find 'Bocaditos', like the Shrimp Ceviche and Aragula & Watermelon Salad, and plenty of 'Entradas', ranging from Tacos to the Parillada. To go with the food you find a drink menu including a wide range of Margaritas and other refreshing cocktails, as well as a vast selection of tequilas and mezcals.
What we think: Covered and heated, the Alma rooftop is available for a year-round experience. But we find it best during spring and summer, when the rooftop provides open-air dining with amazing and panoramic views of the lower Manhattan skyline.
Dress code: The Alma dress code is casual.
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Restaurants in NYC
In short: Republica NYC brings all the Dominican vibes to Inwood, the northernmost neighborhood in Manhattan. And it does so over three floors, with restaurant, lounge and a spacious rooftop terrace.
Food & Drinks: The brunch menu comes packed with everything from 'Berry Cheescake French Toast' and 'Pancakes with fresh fruits', to the 'Sandwich de Pierna', with mozzarella cheese and pickled onions. For $42 you get a 2 course meal, plus bottomless Mimosas & Sangria. There is also a wide selection of unique signature cocktails and bottle service.
What we think: Lush and filled with colors, the Republica rooftop comes with both heaters and covers, so it is available for gourmet Dominican dinners and late night vibes year-round. And during weekends also for the El Patio and El Tieto E’ Brunch.
Dress code: The Republica dress code is smart casual.
Also featured in:
Best Rooftop Restaurants in NYC
Best Rooftop Bars in Queens and Bronx
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.
Browse all the cities & articles at The Rooftop Guide
Follow The Rooftop Guide