Spring in NYC is one of the most beautiful times of year — if for no other reason than it’s at long last rooftop season. With so many rooftop bars in NYC, it can be hard to narrow down your favorite spot to get cocktails with a view (and hard to find one you can get into on a Friday night). From a garden oasis high above the Upper East Side to high-end hotel bars to a refurbished hat factory in the Garment District, here’s a roundup of the best rooftop bars in NYC.
Note: we only focused on Manhattan and not Brooklyn, otherwise, Williamsburg’s Wythe Hotel would be #1 on this list.
5.) Met Roof Garden Cafe & Martini Bar
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is arguably one of the best museums in NYC, but did you know you can down a cocktail or two after taking in the impressionism exhibit?
Located on the roof of the Met, the Met Rooftop Bar offers sweeping views of Central Park and is the perfect way to end a tour of the museum, impress the potential sig-other you met on the latest dating app or just unwind after a long day of work. The bar serves wine, cocktails and light bites and, while it’s seasonal and lines can be long, the views and unique atmosphere make it worth it.
Location
Upper East Side: 1000 5th Ave.
Hours
Opens in May
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Martini Bar opens at 5:30 pm
Local Tip
It can be tricky to find. Make your way to the fifth floor European Sculpture and Decorative Arts galleries where you’ll find an elevator to take you up to the bar.
If at all possible come on a weekday afternoon, when crowds are the lightest. If not, beprepared to wait (but know that it’s worth it).
