Best of 12 rooftop bars in Midtown NYC
Rooftop bars in Midtown NYC offer a unique and exciting experience, providing breathtaking views of the city's iconic skyline. These venues are perfect for after-work drinks, weekend gatherings, or special occasions, allowing you to unwind and soak in the vibrant energy of New York City from a whole new perspective. With a variety of rooftop bars available, each offering its own unique atmosphere and menu, there's something for everyone to enjoy in the heart of Manhattan.
1. Monarch Rooftop in Midtown
Outdoor fireplaces, live music some nights

There's a fantastic new rooftop spot that's perfect for after-work drinks. The view is spectacular, featuring the iconic Empire State Building in the background. As fans of impressive cityscapes, this location does not disappoint.
The atmosphere is ideal for unwinding after a long day, with a relaxed vibe and stunning scenery. It's the perfect spot to catch up with friends or colleagues, all while enjoying your favorite cocktail and taking in the breathtaking view.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- High-End
- Social Gatherings
2. Top of the Strand Rooftop Bar
Retractable rooftop for year-round use

The lounge, open each evening, offers stunning views of the Empire State Building and the cityscape. It's a fantastic place to spend your time, especially as the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle. The bar is an excellent spot to unwind after a long day, offering a wide selection of drinks to enjoy while taking in the breathtaking view.
This establishment boasts an out-of-this-world view of the iconic Empire State Building and the city skyline. As a perfect location to relax and socialize, the bar provides a cozy atmosphere where patrons can enjoy their favorite drinks while taking in the breathtaking sights of the city.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
3. Upstairs
Live piano music, extensive wine list

The venue's views have received high praise from customers, who describe them as breathtaking and fantastic. It's clear that the scenery from the venue has left a positive and lasting impression on many visitors.
The service at the venue is a bit of a mixed bag. While some reviewers have found the service to be attentive and speedy, others have felt that it falls short of their expectations. This suggests that while the venue generally does a good job with service, there is still room for improvement in this area.
TOPICS
- Corporate Events
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
4. PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown in Midtown
Stunning rooftop location and craft cocktails

PHD Terrace, located on top of the Dream Hotel Midtown, is a great spot for socializing with a group or enjoying a drink with a view. The establishment is quintessentially overpriced for New York City, but the food receives high marks for taste, even if it is a bit of a rip off. The atmosphere is top-notch, but the service is just decent, earning a 6 out of 1
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
5. Rooftop Bars NYC
Elevated rooftop experience, panoramic city views

The 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, located at 1150 Broadway in New York, is a popular destination known for its stunning views, inviting atmosphere, and enjoyable guest experiences. Despite its popularity, which can lead to crowded conditions, the bar offers a memorable experience. On a recent visit, the weather was pleasant, allowing guests to enjoy the atmosphere while sitting on a bench, as tables were unavailable.
The bar's menu, hours, phone number, address, and map are all accessible for review and planning purposes. Guests have shared their experiences through photos, ratings, and reviews, shedding light on the establishment's offerings and atmosphere. The 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar's charm lies in its bird's-eye view of the city, making it an ideal spot for socializing, unwinding, and taking in the beautiful surroundings.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Happy Hours
- Social Gatherings
6. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
Retractable roof for year-round use

The igloos offered a warm and cozy environment with stunning views of the city. It was a great opportunity to meet other people and the food and drinks were exceptional. However, the walk-up bar was semi-busy, resulting in a 45-minute wait to order food and drinks.
The rooftop bar had great views, but it was extremely busy, and the group was unable to secure a table, opting to sit on a bench instead. The atmosphere was pleasant due to the nice weather. While the group enjoyed their time, the long queues to get in and to order drinks made them consider other options, eventually leading them to a smaller rooftop bar nearby.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Dinner
- Late Night
- Corporate Events
7. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Instagrammable decor, retractable roof

The views from the rooftop of the location are a significant highlight, often praised by users for the stunning perspective of the Empire State Building and the city skyline. However, the outdoor space is limited, and the rooftop itself can be described as beautiful but not particularly spacious.
As for the experience at Magic Hour, it was found to be quite average. The bar is marketed towards hotel guests, and one of the reasons for booking the hotel was the rooftop bar. However, the bar is expensive, and the cocktails are described as ordinary and not even served in proper glasses, which leads to a subpar experience.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Mid-Range
- Late Night
8. Spyglass Rooftop Bar
Spacious rooftop terrace, retractable roof

The service and views offered at this location are outstanding. The view of the Empire State Building is a major highlight, providing a magnificent backdrop for selfies and photographs. However, it can become quite crowded, so it is recommended to arrive early to ensure a good spot.
According to visitors, the location provides clear, breathtaking, and spectacular views, especially of the Empire State Building. Many suggest visiting closer to sunset for an even more stunning experience. With an unobstructed view, it's the perfect place to take in the city's skyline and enjoy the beauty of the iconic building.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Affordable Nightlife
- Social Gatherings
9. Salon de Ning
Panoramic city views, exclusive ambiance

I recently visited Salon de Ning, a charming rooftop bar located on top of the Peninsula Hotel in New York. Although my group was initially seated indoors while waiting for an outdoor table, the transition took longer than expected. However, the wait was worth it for the stunning panoramic view of the city skyline.
Salon de Ning offers one of the best rooftop experiences in NYC, with breathtaking views of Central Park on one side and 5th Ave on the other. The view is simply spectacular, making it one of the highlights of my visit to the bar.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Fusion Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
10. RT60 Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Stunning NYC skyline views, craft cocktails

The rooftop bar in question prides itself on its offerings, but falls short due to poor management and a lack of attention to detail. The drinks featured, a La Vida and a NY,NY, were moderately flavorful, earning a rating of 4.5 stars for taste alone. However, the presentation of the drinks left much to be desired. The rim of the glasses did not extend halfway down, which was particularly noticeable with chipotle/chili-rimmed glasses. This oversight was not only unprofessional but also potentially hazardous.
Given the subpar management and attention to detail, I cannot recommend this establishment. While the atmosphere and view may be appealing, the disappointing service and presentation detract from the overall experience. This was a missed opportunity for the operation to showcase its potential and provide a memorable experience for its patrons.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Social Gatherings
- Dinner
11. Cloud Social Rooftop Bar
Retractable glass roof offers year-round enjoyment

The views at this rooftop bar aren't particularly striking, and the service can be hit or miss. However, the drinks are consistently strong and the food is decent. One downside is the very loud music and overall atmosphere, which can make it difficult to have a conversation. Despite these drawbacks, the bar stands out as a hidden gem in New York, as it is less crowded and chaotic than other rooftop bars in the city.
Many rooftop bars in New York are overly crowded and loud, but this bar is a welcome exception. While the views and service may not be the best, the strong drinks and decent food make it a worthwhile destination. The loud music and atmosphere can be overbearing, but for those looking for a less chaotic rooftop bar experience, this one is definitely worth checking out.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Happy Hours
- Social Gatherings