7 of the Best Rooftop Bars in New York City to Celebrate the Summer

Marking the first day of summer, the June solstice is always a cause for celebration, signaling hotter days, a host of outdoor festivities, and (of course) rosé season. On June 21, the sun will stay out longer than any day of the year—and what better way to enjoy it than sipping on refreshing cocktails on a rooftop bar, high above the chaotic city streets? Here, we round up seven of the most scenic and beautiful open-air bar spaces in New York City.

Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel. Photo: Courtesy of Gallow Green

1. Gallow Green 
542 W. 27th Street, Manhattan 

Perched atop Chelsea’s McKittrick Hotel, Gallow Green’s verdant setting nods to the nearby High Line with its abandoned railroad tracks, slate flooring, and rustic furnishings. It’s an ideal place to catch the summer sunset over the West Side’s bevy of architectural marvels or while away several hours during their fantastic weekend brunch.

Westlight bar at the William Vale. Photo: Courtesy of Westlight

2. Westlight at the William Vale
111 N. 12th Street, Brooklyn

The 22nd-floor rooftop bar at Brooklyn’s William Vale hotel includes magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline. Since it opened in 2016, Westlight has become a hot spot thanks to chef Andrew Carmellini’s street food–inspired bites and sophisticated drinks, all of which have visitors lingering late into the night.

Alicja Kwade, ParaPivot, 2019, for The Met Roof Garden Commission. Photo: Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

3. The Cantor Roof Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Avenue, Manhattan

Take a break from the Met’s incredible galleries to head to the Cantor Rooftop Garden. The museum’s fifth floor outdoor bar area features unparalleled views of Central Park plus commissioned contemporary art installations each year. (This year’s commission is ParaPivot by artist Alicja Kwade.) On Fridays and Saturdays, the area stays open until 10pm.

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RH New York’s Rooftop Restaurant by celebrated restaurateur and Founding President of RH Hospitality, Brendan Sodikoff. Photo: Courtesy of Restoration Hardware

4. RH Rooftop Park & Wine Terrace
9 9th Avenue, Manhattan

RH’s Meatpacking District flagship features a sleek rooftop restaurant overseen by Brendan Sodikoff, the restaurateur and founding president of RH Hospitality. The Park & Wine Terrace opens off the restaurant, creating an indoor-outdoor experience, which is a first for RH. Elegant hanging chandeliers pair beautifully with landscaped hedges and trees inspired by European gardens.

Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Photo: Courtesy of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

5. Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
60 Furman Street, Brooklyn

With incredible vistas of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel is a great spot to enjoy craft cocktails and take a dip in the plunge pool. 

The Salon de Ning at the Peninsula. Photo: Courtesy of the Peninsula

6. The Peninsula Salon de Ning Rooftop
700 5th Avenue, Manhattan 

The Salon de Ning is an iconic spot at the Peninsula Hotel, boasting spectacular views over Fifth Avenue and a pair of superchic outdoor terraces. The signature cocktail, dubbed the Ning Sling, is a must for first-time visitors of the space.

The private rooftop at the Surrey. Photo: Courtesy of The Surrey

7. The Surrey
20 E. 76th Street, Manhattan 

The Surrey’s private roof garden on the 17th floor is a gem of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Available for guests of the Surrey and members of their Patrons Club, it offers sweeping views of Central Park and the surrounding area in an intimate setting.