My Favorite NYC Rooftop Bars
The weather is getting warmer, the sun is setting later, and spring is here! This is the ideal time of year to enjoy the gorgeous views and weather from rooftop bars in New York City. I have loved exploring the city and finding my favorite places to get a drink and see a pretty sunset. So, I've compiled a list of my top rooftop bars here in NYC, and I can't wait to see which of these bars become your favorites!
The Darling
Location: 36 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019 (located inside Park Lane Hotel)
Reservation: Yes
Perfect For: Date Night & Girls Night
LN’s Order: Darling Unlimited or Super Model Sour, and Tuna Tartar
If it's a beautiful sunny evening in NYC, this is mine and Will's top place for a date night! Darling has an amazing atmosphere and an iconic view of Central Park. During the spring and summer, Central Park is full of fluffy green trees, which makes the view even better. We like to go right before sunset so we can see the sunset on the rooftop.
Dear Irving on Hudson Rooftop Bar
Location: 310 W 40th St, New York, NY 10018 (located inside Aliz Hotel)
Reservation: Yes
Perfect For: Girls Night, Pre-Broadway Show, Catching Up With Friends
LN’s Order: Cosmo with Don Julio
If you are looking for beautiful views and a great photo opportunity, Dear Irving is the place to go! I have always visited during sunset, and it was absolutely stunning. This is very close to Broadway, so it's great for a little "pre-broadway cocktail. They also have nice light finger foods as well. Check out my time at Dear Irving here!
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Location: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018 (located inside Moxy NYC)
Reservation: Yes
Perfect For: Celebrating, Girls Night, First Time in NYC
LN’s Order: Depends on the season
Magic Hour always has cutie holiday pop-ups, so check out their socials to see what is new when you visit! They are always changing their menu based on the season, so no matter when you go, you will always be welcomed by new and delicious drinks. You can see the Empire State Building from this rooftop, and they have carousel seating as well! Check out my time at Magic Hour during the fall and winter!
Mr. Purple
Location: 180 Orchard St 15th floor, New York, NY 10002 (located inside Hotel Indigo)
Reservation: Yes
Perfect For: Dancing, Girls Night Out, Finding Out Your Friends Dirty Secrets
LN’s Order: Tequila Soda with Lime
There are two places to get drinks here: Mr. Purple (typical bar) and The Club at Mr. Purple (more dancy, party vibes). If I'm going to Mr. Purple, I will always go to the club part of the building! This is a really great spot for bigger groups and if you want to dance until the morning. A lot of my sleepless nights were at Mr. Purple, so grab your girls and be prepared to sing, dance, and party in the NYC lights!
St. Cloud Rooftop
Location: 6 Times Sq 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036 (located inside The Knickerbocker)
Reservation: No
Perfect For: Pre-Broadway Show, Post-Broadway Show, Quick Drink
LN’s Order: Tequila Mockingbird and Meat & Cheese Board
This is a great spot to grab a quick drink and see the beautiful city lights! They have indoor and outdoor seating, and it's close to Broadway, which is great if you're seeing a show and want a pre-show drink with your group. If you like tequila, my fave drink is the Tequila Mockingbird!
The Empire Rooftop
Location: 44 W 63rd St., New York, NY 10023 (located inside The Empire Hotel)
Reservation: No
Perfect For: Date Night, Post Shopping Drink, Solo Night
LN’s Order: XOXO, Gossip Girl & Truffle Cheese Tots
Located in the Empire Hotel, this bar is perfect for those wanting a drink and light fare near Columbus Circle. When we went, the rooftop was closed for renovations, but they still had a great indoor area with an amazing view of the city. In true New York fashion, my fave drink is the Xoxo, Gossip Girl (try it with tequila!), and Will can't get enough of the appetizers. It is a very chill and quiet environment inside, perfect for more of a lowkey night.
I have had such delicious drinks and made amazing memories while visiting these places! There is nothing better than watching the sunset over the breathtaking skyline, and seeing it from the top of these rooftop bars is an unexplainable experience! I hope you all get to experience these beautiful bars as well.
