There’s No Such Thing As a Bad Seat at These NYC Rooftop Restaurants
New Yorkers don't need much of an incentive to hit the nearest rooftop space. Sure, there are plenty of fabulous rooftop bars for when you want to celebrate happy hour or kick back with a few late-night cocktails, but what if you actually want to dine while taking in some sweet skyline views, then we got you covered. Here are some of the best rooftop restaurants in NYC.
Catch - Meatpacking District
It's hard to beat Catch's combination of a stylish indoor/outdoor rooftop restaurant with its seafood-centric menu that not only has plenty of raw bar selections, but also sushi, ceviche, and dishes like crispy whole snapper. At 10 p.m., the space morphs into a trendy lounge that's known to attract bold-faced names, so stick around for some post-dinner drinks, too!
Cantina Rooftop - Hell's Kitchen
Take in NYC's West Side skyscrapers and iconic water towers while sipping a few margaritas at Cantina Rooftop, outfitted with metal tables and chairs in popsicle colors like cherry red, tangerine, and lime. The tacos hit the spot, especially the spicy tuna and carne asada. Other tasty dishes include quesadillas, chicken enchiladas, and guac and chips (natch)!
St. Cloud Social Rooftop - Times Square
You'll be blown away by the panoramas of Times Square from this glamorous rooftop lounge atop The Knickerbocker hotel - you'll feel as if you can reach out and grab the New Year's Eve Waterford crystal ball (did you know it's kept up all year?). Sample small plates like charcuterie, lobster rolls, and short rib sliders, and sip a specialty cocktail or even a glass of Champagne.
Gallow Green - Chelsea
Gallow Green is a Secret Garden-like hideaway on the roof of the McKittrick Hotel where Sleep No More takes place. Amid overgrown shrubs and plants, dine on summery dishes like lobster rolls and grilled asparagus salads. Gallow Green also has a very popular buffet bunch, which includes fluffy scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, homemade biscuits, and plenty of mimosas.
Alma - Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
If you're up for a good time, you'll do well at Alma's, a Mexican eatery in Carroll Gardens' Waterfront District. On the rooftop deck, overlooking Brooklyn's piers and downtown Manhattan across the harbor, dig into chicken fajitas and short rib enchiladas, and don't be shy about trying a few specialty tequilas - come sunset, the whole experience gets that much better.
6) Westlight - Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Perched atop the William Vale hotel, Westlight is a trendy rooftop bar that has awesome NYC views (one can never tire of looking at the Empire State Building) from its wraparound terrace and its indoor spaces. It also serves small plates from chef Andrew Carmellini of The Dutch and Locanda Verde.
What to order: You can't go wrong with dumplings - try either the shrimp or charred eggplant.
Juliette - Williamsburg, Brooklyn
When the warm weather hits, diners at this popular French bistro just off Bedford angle for one of the coveted tables on the charming rooftop deck, especially during brunch. Sit at a table under one of the large red umbrellas and while away the afternoon sipping a refreshing rosé from Languedoc and noshing on dishes like a croque monsieur on a homemade brioche or a spicy lamb burger.
14) Mr. Purple - Lower East Side
The people watching at the indoor/outdoor Mr. Purple, located atop the Hotel Indigo on the Lower East Side, is a close second to the jaw-dropping views. Soak up both scenes while enjoying a few drinks from the classic cocktail menu, such as dirty martinis and negronis.
What to order: After a few drinks, small bites like beef sliders and calamari hit the spot.
Hotel Chantelle - Lower East Side
This three-level restaurant, club, and event space on the LES kicks it up a notch during its jazz brunch. The rooftop space (with a retractable roof) is done up with tiled floors and wrought-iron light fixtures, and the menu features dishes like stuffed French toast, scrambled-egg crostinis, and chicken and waffles. Plus, the sangria brunch bowl will ensure you never make it to the gym.
Refinery Rooftop - Garment District
In the newly trendy Garment District is the Refinery Hotel, which has a sky-high lounge called the Refinery Rooftop. You'll find everyone from fashion industry workers to tourists hanging out and enjoying the Empire State Building views, sipping cocktails, and noshing on roasted mushroom flatbreads, fish tacos, and lamb sliders topped with feta cheese and pickled onions.
Penthouse 808 - Long Island City
At the Ravel Hotel's Penthouse 808, a sprawling indoor/outdoor rooftop restaurant in the shadow of the Queensboro Bridge, you can dine on Asian fare ranging from sushi and sashimi to sticky pork-belly ribs and Korean barbecue skirt steak (don't miss an order of the spicy chicken wings!), all while taking in the amazing panoramas of the Manhattan skyline.
Asiate - Columbus Circle
For a splurge meal, try Asiate on the 35th floor of the swanky Mandarin Oriental hotel (not technically the rooftop, but the views are definitely sky-high). The three-course menus feature items like foie gras, Maine lobster, and wagyu beef, and the wine wall has hundreds of bottles. Plus, the sweeping views of Central Park and the midtown skyline are some of the best in town.
From Chelsea to Carroll Gardens, here's where to dine alfresco!