The world-renowned city of New York knows how to impress tourists. It has some of the most iconic buildings on the planet, and its urbanity continues to wow anyone – even those just seeing it through movies. New York is nicknamed “The City That Never Sleeps,” and its 66.6 million visitors in 2019 surely understood why: NYC has a lot to offer.

Aside from its parks – there are lush parks in this bustling city – New York is famous for its skyscrapers, high-rise buildings, and charming hotels. In said structures lie some of the best rooftop restaurants in the world, probably. Dining out in The Big Apple means taking a bite out of this global city.

UPDATE: 2022/11/30 20:36 EST BY AARON SPRAY

More Excellent NYC Roof Top Bars.

NYC has many excellent rooftop bars, and it will take a long time to try them all out. Some of these rooftop bars are open year-round and some are open during the winter months and transform into winter wonderlands to celebrate the winter festive season. This list was expanded to include more of NYC's great rooftop bars (many with views of the Empire State Building).

UPDATE: 2022/11/12 09:34 EST BY AARON SPRAY

Expanded The List To Twelve.

There is no shortage of excellent rooftop bars and restaurants in New York City with each offering its own vibe and view of the Big Apple. This list was expanded to twelve to include more of the worthwhile rooftop restaurants in New York City (including ones that can be used for events).

14 Manhatta

Located on the 60th floor of 28 Liberty Street, Manhatta has good food that matches the best views. The restaurant is most proud of its selection of international spirits and wines, which, when complemented with their delectable dinner menu, would make diners want to stay until midnight. Unfortunately, Manhatta closes at 10:30 p.m. But that’s an interesting thing, too, because it means guests can come back the next day and the following day and so on. The breathtaking views await diners.

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13 Westlight

The cocktail bar of Westlight is located on the 22nd floor of The William Vale. The bar offers diners a wide selection of classic and original spirits, wines, and craft beer. Those who want to try new things are in for a treat because the bar also keeps rare spirits – not the ghosts, but they probably want a taste, too. Their bites, meanwhile, are inspired by street food from around the world. That, plus the generous flow of drinks, will make sightseeing in NYC a slice of heaven.

12 Hotel Chantelle

Hotel Chantelle might not be located above towering buildings, but it’s not to be missed. They are proud to be a top venue for events, parties, and shows in New York City. They are a three-story building restaurant, tiny yet big on servings of food and joyful memories. Their Parisian garden-inspired rooftop matches the French menu. When the clouds are absent, dining under the stars is a memorable experience. However, if it rains, there's a retractable enclosure, and with climate control, visitors will enjoy the sound of the raindrops that complement the rooftop’s ambiance.

11 Harriet's

Those who enjoy the vibe of a traditional lounge should look no further than Harriet's. Located in 1 Hotel, the rooftop lets guests enjoy the views of the skyline and hills. Visitors should imagine this: as they enjoy the hors d'oeuvre and their handcrafted cocktail, they will have the cityscape as a companion. That, plus the old-fashioned ambiance of the place, makes for a classic dining experience. Whether guests want to finish a full meal or just have a quick sip, Harriet's is the place to take it slow.

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10 RH Rooftop Restaurant

RH New York’s rooftop restaurant is straightforward: the interior design is perfect for those who want to be in the presence of chic and elegance while satisfying their tummies. Restaurant recommendation website The Infatuation loves the waiting time because, after ordering, guests can explore the Restoration Hardware as they sip their drinks. By the time their food is ready, visitors will eat it with satisfaction, knowing that in the next few days, they’ll have new furniture at home. Shopping and dining are a match made in heaven.

9 Republica

Looking at the photos of Republica is enticing because of its colorful design that’s a sight for sore eyes. Visiting its rooftop feels like staying in a playground for adults. After guests satisfy their eyes with the aesthetics, their tummies would demand attention. Luckily, the restaurant offers delectable Dominican food. From appetizers to dessert, customers of this dining hotspot will have a party in their tummy. Add the satisfying taste of the drinks and the relaxing vibes, and anyone will have a good time.

8 A.R.T. NoMad

Perched on the 31st floor of Arlo NoMad, A.R.T. NoMad is the perfect place to enjoy the panoramic views of the city. Its lounge is a relaxing place whether guests want to have a late breakfast, a lunch meeting, or a romantic dinner date. Manhattan, after all, is an exciting place, and atop, the views are breathtaking. Customers will enjoy checking out the Empire State Building as they sip that cocktail and finish it with pita chips. Open until midnight, A.R.T. NoMad is the place to be before hitting the bed.

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7 Zona de Cuba

There’s a taste of Cuba in The Bronx, and it does not want to be overlooked. What makes a stay in Zona de Cuba unique is its offer of Cuban and Latin cuisine with a modern take. Add the live salsa band and the majestic view of the skyline, and guests will have nothing but a good time eating and bonding with loved ones, or how about dancing? With the music, the food, and the hospitality, The Bronx is lucky to have Zona de Cuba because it's not among the most expensive NYC bars, yet it's the most giving.

6 Bar Blondeau

The sixth floor of Wythe Hotel in Brooklyn is home to the posh Bar Blondeau, which aims to give guests a dining experience unlike any other. Though the Manhattan skyline looks the same wherever rooftop tourists plan to stay, the experience in this French-style bar makes each moment a retreat. Bar Blondeau offers a combination of European cuisines matched by natural wines from around the world. This chic bar is exquisite, from the food to the views and its quiet atmosphere.

5 Electric Lemon

With the Hudson River as a silent witness, anyone dining on the terrace of Electric Lemon might as well bring a yoga mat. The area is so relaxing, thanks to the view of the skyline, the mesmerizing artworks, and the ambiance that spells elegance. With all that, eating in this excellent dining spot is like meditating. Peace comes easy in Electric Lemon whether customers come for brunch, dinner, or just a sip. Ignoring outdoor restaurants in NYC is fine because, with rooftop dining spots, anyone will feel brand new.

4 230 Fifth

230 Fifth is one of the largest rooftop bars in New York City and is open year-round. It has 33,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space and is a stable of the Flatiron/NoMad area. The restaurant offers remarkable views of the Big Apple from where visitors can kick back with specialty cocktails and enjoy the great service. They are also family-friendly and accept walk-ins.

230 Fifth has private rooms and iconic heated igloos. It caters to special events like birthday parties, corporate events, bachelor parties, and more. It is primarily a lounge and event space offering a variety of small and large dishes. Come in the late morning and enjoy their popular all-you-can-eat brunch buffet and a wide range of beverages.

3 Beast & Butterflies

Not to be confused with a random restaurant in New Zealand of the same name, Beast & Butterflies offers a vibrant but private oasis perched above the iconic Times Square. Relax in the lounge of Beast & Butterflies while soaking in the sights and drum of NYC.

  • Buffet Breakfast: Daily 7.00 am to 11.00 am

It is a wrap-around rooftop terrace with an indoor glass perch. Beast & Butterflies offers a full American buffet breakfast served every day from 7.00 am to 11.00 am. After breakfast sit back or layback with a glass of wine or a curated cocktail in the heart of New York City.

2 Spyglass Rooftop Bar

Another great option to enjoy the NYC skyline is the Spyglass Rooftop Bar. It offers bar bites, signature cocktails, and views of the Empire State Building. At this bar, the Empire State Building feels so close that one could almost reach out and touch it. The atmosphere of the Spyglass is cool and warmly welcoming. Reservations on Open Table are limited to 1.5 hours and guests need to be 21 years of age and older.

  • Opening Hours: Monday - Saturday: 4 - 11 PM & Sunday: 3 - 10 PM

1 Magic Hour

Magic Hour is the largest all-season indoor and outdoor hotel rooftop lounge in the Big Apple. Here visitors can expect nightly live DJs, epic skyline views, and much more. In the Christmas season, it transforms into The Pink Winter Lodge - Frosted Edition. At this time, people can enjoy the winter festive season with over 25,000 rhinestones, winter white fireplaces, frosted white Christmas trees, and more to create a winter wonderland to the backdrop of the Empire State Building. The menu is also winter-themed food and beverages. Reservations are recommended.