The Best Rooftop Bars in NYC with Happy Hour Deals
There's something that keeps pulling us back to the best rooftop bars in NYC time and time again. In New York City, where the skyline becomes your backdrop, and every sunset feels cinematic, rooftop bars are more than fancy spots to drink. They're little love letters to the city itself!
There's nothing quite like a rooftop bar in NYC. Sipping a delicious cocktail, feeling the city breeze on your face, and taking in the breathtaking views of the concrete jungle.
Whether you're soaking in the beauty of the city during golden hour or cozied up in a winter igloo with a warm spiked cider, rooftop season in NYC is always in full swing among locals.
Yet there's no denying that summer is when NYC rooftop bars really come alive. In a city where beaches are few and far between, a rooftop bar in the summer feels like the next best thing. An urban oasis high up in the clouds.
And with the warmer months just around the corner, what better way to get ready for summer than by sharing some of my favorite rooftop bars in NYC with happy hour deals?
New York rooftop bars are some of the city's most appealing destinations. Places where you can make an unexpected best friend, lock eyes with a future love, find a new job, or even spot your favorite celebrity in their natural habitat. And the only thing better than a NYC rooftop is a NYC rooftop with affordable happy hour specials.
After countless rooftop hopping and happy hours, I've curated a guide to the top rooftop bars in NYC with the best happy hour offers. Think dreamy views, fun people, and that extra sparkle you only get from a good drink at golden hour—but for half the price.
Here are the best NYC rooftop bars with happy hour specials you won't want to miss!
Whether you're planning a romantic evening, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself to a special moment, this list is for you.
Best Rooftop Bars in NYC with Happy Hour Specials
Ophelia Rooftop Lounge at the Beekman Tower
We've been going to Ophelia for years now, whether for drinks after a busy workday or before heading out for the night. Located in the Beekman Tower in Midtown East, on the 26th floor, the bar boasts a sexy decor, delicious cocktails, and stunning views of the East River.
The rooftop is open year-round, and Ophelia's golden hour never fails to impress! During the winter months, you'll love to be cozying up inside with a winter punch in hand, and in the summer evening, head there to romanticize life while taking in the views from the balcony terrace.
Ophelia has one of the best rooftop happy hours in Midtown East and the Upper East Side. From Monday to Friday, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, they serve $13 signature cocktails (Aperol Spritz, Margaritas, Negronis…), $7 select beers, and $10 glasses of wine. Small bites are also part of their Social Hour menu, and we absolutely love the lobster mac and cheese and truffle fries.
Westlight at The William Vale Hotel
Located in The William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg, Westlight is one of those rooftop bars in New York that lives up to the hype, attracting both tourists and locals alike. What makes it a fan favorite? Unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, sleek and modern decor, and that effortlessly cool vibe. It's perfect for a fun summer date or a girls' night.
The rooftop has both a large indoor and outdoor space, so you can enjoy the area and take in the views regardless of the weather. Though, if I'm being honest, the terrace is the hot spot, especially during summer afternoons and weekends.
Enjoy Westlight's happy hour specials Monday through Thursday. Sip on select beers, cocktails, and wines! Beyond the happy hour deals, we recommend tacos and empanadas.
Nubeluz at The Ritz-Carlton Nomad
Nubeluz is one of the newest rooftop bars in NYC, and we're thrilled that they offer a seasonal happy hour. The views here are iconic, and the drinks are one-of-a-kind.
If you're visiting the city for the first time and checking off both a rooftop bar and a visit to the Empire State Building from your NYC bucket list, Nubeluz offers you the best of both worlds.
Nubeluz hosts a seasonal happy hour during the summer, typically in August, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The rooftop is swankier, making the happy hour a great deal and worth every sip.
Bar Hugo Rooftop at Hotel Hugo
Bar Hugo has been one of my longtime favorite rooftops in NYC. The bar has that je ne sais quoi that makes you immediately fall in love with it. Although I might be biased since I love the second-level vibrant, Cuban-inspired space that reminds me of my teenage years in Old Havana.
Even though it's not as well-known as other bars on this list (especially to tourists), locals know and love it.
The rooftop is split between two levels: Azul, on the top floor, brings the fun-colorful Cuban vibes during summer, and the main lower level.
Bar Hugo Rooftop's deals run Monday through Friday, 5:00 PM-8:00 PM, at the downstairs bar. Happy Hour specials include rotating signature cocktails, wine, and beer. Beyond the happy hour deals, we recommend ordering sliders or empanadas.
The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel
The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel is the kind of place where almost every New Yorker goes for a rosé or sparkling cocktail at least once during the summer. It is one of the most Instagram-worthy rooftop bars in NYC!
If you are in the city on a girls' trip and want to have a fun experience like the ones you see on TikTok and Instagram all the time, this place is for you!
It's located on the Lower East Side, and their happy hour runs on weekdays 5:00 PM-7:00 PM.
This rooftop bar offers panoramic views that extend from downtown to uptown. You can see the Empire State Building, the Williamsburg Bridge, and the One World Trade Center.
The Roof can get quite busy in the summer, especially on Friday nights and weekends. Public Hotel hosts weekend events, making it even easier to head there for golden hour cocktails and stay for the nightclub vibes.
During the winter, it's igloo season on the rooftop, and the hotel sets up heated igloos so you can enjoy the skyline views, rain or snow!
The crowd is always buzzing—a mix of hotel guests, creative locals, and nightlife seekers kicking off their weekend in style.
Harriet's Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
From the moment you arrive, Harriet's Rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge leaves you in awe.
If you are looking for a rooftop bar in Brooklyn with views of the Manhattan skyline, Harriet's is hard to beat!
Nestled in DUMBO, this rooftop offers some of the most visually-stunning views in all of NYC, with the Brooklyn Bridge on one side, the Lower Manhattan skyline on the other, and the East River shimmering below.
It's the kind of spot that feels luxurious without trying too hard: a little bougie, a little Brooklyn, and just the right amount of wow.
The vibe is upscale yet relaxed, with lush greenery, wooden accents, and a sustainably-minded ethos you can feel in everything from the decor to the cocktail menu. It's ideal for sunset sips, date nights, or impressing your out-of-town guests who want that perfect skyline selfie (not that we're saying that's why we're here...).
If you love oysters as much as we do, head downstairs to The Osprey from 4 PM to 6 PM to enjoy $2 oysters and $15 biodynamic and organic wines before going upstairs to Harriet's for another wine or a cocktail with a view.
The Highlight Room at the Moxy LES
The Highlight Room is perfect for visitors looking for a beautifully decorated rooftop that instantly gives off fancy vacation vibes. The beautiful chandeliers add to the charm and make you feel like you've stepped into a scene from a movie.
The ambiance is sexy yet welcoming to all ages. Greenery spills from the ceiling, beautifully framing the indoor bar, and delicate strings of lights trace the outline of the terrace ceiling. It's the kind of place that makes an ordinary Wednesday night feel special.
The Highlight Room offers one of the city's best happy hour drink menus, with $9 mini martinis and $5 Prosecco.
Happy hour deals at this Lower East Side rooftop bar run Tuesday through Sunday from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM. Whether you're pregaming for a night out or winding down after work, this is a happy hour steal!
230 Fifth Rooftop at 230 Fifth Avenue
230 Fifth is one of the most well-known rooftop bars in NYC and likely appears on every list of the best rooftop bars in NYC. Though it's more frequented by tourists than locals, the charm of 230 Fifth and its incredible views never fail to impress!
Sitting high above Fifth Avenue, this rooftop boasts uninterrupted views of the Empire State Building, probably the best views you'll find in the entire city.
230 Fifth is open year-round. In the summer, it's all about dance parties, live music, sunsets, and frozen cocktails to delight you during those hot summer months.
And in the winter, just like The Roof at Public, 230 Fifth Rooftop transforms into a winter wonderland with heated, see-through igloos and warm, boozy drinks.
For happy hour, they offer $7 beers, $8 wines, $9 cocktails, and $12 frozen drinks Monday through Friday, 4:00 PM- 5:00 PM.
If you’re visiting NYC for the first time and want iconic rooftop views, 230 Fifth is a must!
Dear Irving on Hudson at the Aliz Hotel
Dear Irving has always been a favorite of ours. Although, to be honest, nothing compares to the original cocktail bar in Gramercy Park (which is not a rooftop bar).
For the rooftop experience, head to one of their newest locations, at the rooftop of the Aliz Hotel, Dear Irving on Hudson.
This rooftop bar, just like their original cocktail bar, exudes sexiness and coolness. Dear Irving on Hudson is one of the top cocktail rooftop bars in NYC, especially for a romantic night out. The Dear Irving team never misses the mark. It's always about the vibes and the cocktails. What more could we ask for?
Think velvet armchairs, Art Deco lighting, mirrored ceilings, and sipping stylish cocktails as the sun sets behind the skyscrapers, all while discovering the allure of NYC at night.
Le Fleur Rooftop at Moxy Chelsea
Moxy Hotels has several locations throughout New York City with rooftop bars, offering a fun and lively atmosphere at each. Our next two recommendations for rooftop bars in NYC with happy hour deals are in Times Square and Chelsea. Both feature indoor and outdoor spaces, fun vibes, decor, and happy hour drinks. While both are part of the Moxy Hotel family, they have distinct features that make them stand out on their own.
Le Fleur Rooftop at the Moxy Chelsea highlight is the 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline.
Their Mini-Martini Happy Hour runs Tuesday to Friday from 5 PM to 8 PM.
The happy hour deals here include mini martinis, wine, beer, and appetizers for just $9 each. We recommend making a reservation ahead of time, but if you don't have a reservation, head there early in the afternoon and grab a spot at the bar!
Le Fleur's flowery decor, lively vibe, and upbeat tunes set the stage for an ideal Thursday or Friday happy hour.
Magic Hour at Moxy Times Square
Looking for a Times Square rooftop bar to visit before or after a Broadway show? Magic Hour at Moxy Times Square might be just right for you. Its colorful and playful decor, paired with the vibrant Times Square atmosphere, makes it a fun spot for grabbing a happy hour drink with friends or taking a few pictures to remember.
Magic Hour's happy hour runs Monday through Friday, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, at the East and West bars only. The happy hour menu is simple, with $4 fries, $6 beers, $8 wines, and $10 cocktails, but it does the job, and it's a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
If you're after fun and affordable happy hours, both Le Fleur Rooftop at Moxy Chelsea and Magic Hour at Moxy Times Square are great choices. However, if you're looking for something a little more special, Overstory is highly recommended.
Overstory
While there are no happy hour deals here, the views and drinks are worth the splurge. This is the place to go when you want to treat yourself to an unforgettable experience.
Overstory is located on the 63rd floor of the 70 Pine building in the heart of the financial district. It is one of NYC’s best rooftop cocktail bars! On busy afternoons and weekends, wait times can reach up to two hours without a reservation, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Overstory has some of our favorite views of the city, you can see all the way uptown while drinking some of the best cocktails you would ever try. It's not without reason that the bar is considered among the best cocktail bars in the world.
The cocktail flavors here are innovative, and you can tell the bartenders take their time in their craft, which is why they come with a higher price tag. Expect to pay $20 to $30+ for a drink.
In addition to the crafted cocktails, the small bites at Overstory are also a treat. The oysters are delicious and perfectly balance the drinks.
The vibe at Overstory is refined and laid-back, making it an ideal spot to privately celebrate a special occasion. It's not a place to visit for a casual drink, but if you're looking for a one-of-a-kind NYC experience!
If you're visiting New York and planning to check out most major attractions, consider getting a sightseeing pass like the New York Pass or the Explorer Pass. These passes offer discounted admission to top NYC landmarks and experiences. Popular inclusions are The Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, and the Statue of Liberty.
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