16.) Roof at the Viceroy
Location: 57th, between 6th & 7th
Hours: 4pm - 4 am
A view worth fighting for (oh and you will), Roof at the Viceroy offers a wonderful perspective of Central Park. Quick note for those doubting why it’s ranked so low- it’s a small, frequently half-reserved outside opening. While the inside is quite nice and the cocktails are solid, it struggles to take advantage of it’s real calling card- the unparalleled views.
Worth coming by and the hours as well as location make it a very attractive place to stop by (and hopefully outmaneuver the crowds).
What’s the Occasion? For views of Central Park and a lively after work crowd.
Dinner Pair: The Wayfarer.
Singles Scene: 7.2
Couple(s) Scene: 8.4
Friends Scene: 8.5
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.0
Views: 9.1
Service: 7.1
Price: $$$
Pace: Crowded
17.) Roof at Park South
Location: 27th, between Lexington & Park Avenue
Hours: Seasonal
Not much to look at but what a great little hide out offering perhaps the best cocktails of any rooftop in the city. One of the few places I’d say belongs somewhere other than NYC, this is a place you can easily lose track of time; the subdued location, ability to move, see and hear your imbibing partner and tucked away roofdeck make it the perfect casual night out.
What’s the Occasion? When you’re looking for a very good craft cocktail in an elevated, open air setting.
Dinner Pair: Marta for surprisingly good pizza in cool, more elegant digs. Honestly, eat here or at home! This isn’t too much of a night on the town place.
Singles Scene: 7.1
Couple(s) Scene: 7.7
Friends Scene: 8.2
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.9
Views: 4.1
Service: 8.1
Price: $$
Pace: Comfortable
18.) Yotel
Location: 41st & 10th Avenue
Hours: 11:30a-1a
Disclaimer: This photo was taken back when they hosted the Rooftop Cinema Club and it was fantastic. For anyone knows the Yotel, you know this is a good stop for hanging among other young travelers for creative designs and solid drinks. Nothing particularly special at this shortest rooftop on the list (4th floor) but nothing that’s terrible either.
What’s the Occasion? A spacious lounge night out in the Summer after walking on the West side. And, Happy Hour!
Dinner Pair: Legacy Records for those with a few extra coins in their pockets. Frames for those savings their dollars to continue the fun with nearby bowling (and really good casual food).
Singles Scene: 7.7
Couple(s) Scene: 8.9
Friends Scene: 7.9
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.0
Views: 7.2
Service: 8.1
Price: $$
Pace: Relaxed
19.) Broken Shaker
Location: 23rd & 3rd (Freehand Hotel)
Hours: Weekends: 11AM- 2/3AM. Weekdays: 4pm-12-2AM.
If you’re willing to endure the long line (30-60 minutes), you’ll enjoy a cool quick transport into a different, non-New York world. Think Miami meets Morocco.
Broken Shaker, will the famous sister of Miami’s Broken Shaker, is a solid choice for those looking to make the scene without donning the elegant attire and ostentatious pricing. Just temper your expectations on just how good their famed cocktails actually are.
What’s the Occasion? You’re looking for a taste of Miami in New York.
Dinner Pair: Simon & the Whale for adventurous palates and one stop shoppers. Upland is another solid choice.
Singles Scene: 8.5
Couple(s) Scene: 7.3
Friends Scene: 7.6
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.7
Views: 5.3
Service: 6.1
Price: $$$
Pace: Energetic
20.) Versa
Location: 7a-12a
Hours: 35th & 7th
Ok, I almost never advise going out in this location as it screams ALL CHEAP TOURIST SPOTS. However, I’ll make an exception for this bar. It’s modern yet sleek and spacious design features half circle booths, ample televisions for the sports lover in your life and a cool green space to remind you that the color does exist in Midtown.
Spotty service and decent drinks bring it down a little but it is a rather unique option given it’s shear size.
What’s the Occasion? Entertaining out of towners but still enjoying the scene.
Dinner Pair: Keen’s for something fancy for your out of town guests. Ben’s Deli for something casual and still famous.
Singles Scene: 6.9
Couple(s) Scene: 8.3
Friends Scene: 8.8
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.2
Views: 7.7
Service: 7.6
Price: $$
Pace: Versatile
21.)Good Behavior
Location: 29th & 6th
Hours: 5p-12a, Sat: 5p-2a, Sun: 3-11p
If you’re looking for something that hangs graceful in the balance of low key and vivacious, this is your place to day drink. Perhaps not the greatest setup but it’s a lot of fun and offers some really solid cocktails at good prices.
What’s the Occasion? A place to vibe out with friends.
Dinner Pair: Go during the day so dinner is afterward at Eataly. It gives you options that are casual to go with your attire and perhaps tired day of drinking.
Singles Scene: 7.7
Couple(s) Scene: 7.4
Friends Scene: 8.3
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.5
Views: 7.2
Service: 7.1
Price: $$
Pace: Lively
22.) The Aviary
Location: Columbus Circle (inside the Mandarin Oriental upstairs lobby)
Hours: 11AM-12AM, 11-12:30 on Fri/Sat
Pomp and circumstance. And a little more pomp. This rooftop inside the Mandarin (need I continue) overlooks Central Park and Columbus Circle. It offers a 4 course DRINK options to the tune of $135 per person (a la carte is offered for drinks in the $22+ area)
It’s elaborate as it is elegant but far from efficient. And for those who don’t like the cocktail list, well that’s too damn bad; while they cater to your service needs, do not expect them to veer off course to personalize your cocktails.
A special occasion spot worth experiencing, or paying for, once.
What’s the Occasion? Fancy special occasion celebrations to geek out versus imbibe often.
Dinner Pair: Porterhouse if you want to continue the gorgeous views with some great steaks or Gabriel’s if you want to walk across the street for Italian.
Singles Scene: 1.1
Couple(s) Scene: 8.9
Friends Scene: 7.3
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.9
Views: 9.7
Service: 8.3
Price: $$$$$
Pace: Mellow
23.) Pod 39
Location: 39th between Lexington & 3rd
Hours: Seasonal
When you want to enjoy an inside setting reminiscent of Moroccan vibes and an outside that gives a subtle Summer in Europe vibe, Pod 39 offers a different kind of retreat for Midtown imbibers.
With decent prices and a convenient location, it’s a good stop for anyone traveling in/out of the city or living nearby.
What’s the Occasion? A second or third date spot where you’re trying to feel out the seriousness of the potential relationship.
Dinner Pair: La Biblioteca for the wallet-conscious young 20s crowd, Hendriks for more of a casual sit down.
Singles Scene: 7.7
Couple(s) Scene: 7.8
Friends Scene: 8.1
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.1
Views: 7.2
Service: 7.4
Price: $$
Pace: Energetic
24.) The Jimmy
Location: Thompson & Grand (Near Canal Street Subway)
Hours: 5p-1a, 5p- 2a on Thurs-Sat, 3-1 Sun
For lovers of Le Bain, check out this SoHo impersonator(complete with a small, shallow pool). Where all the cool kids patron, The Jimmy is a good spot to see and be seen with views that are better than you might expect.
Setup, drinks and food aren’t much to look at so make this a 90 minute pit-stop after shopping or before/after dinner.
What’s the Occasion? Looking cool among the SoHo crowd.
Dinner Pair: Mamo for solid Italian close by or La Mercerie for pretty scenery and a fantastic filet.
Singles Scene: 7.9
Couple(s) Scene: 7.1
Friends Scene: 7.7
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.1
Views: 7.6
Service: 6.9
Price: $$$
Pace: Relaxed Full
25.) Upstairs at the Kimberley
Location: 50th, between Lexington & 3rd
Hours: 5pm to 12-2 AM, Sat: 12p-2a, Sun: 12p-11p
Chances are your looking for a subdued, beautiful elevated setting if you've dropped by Upstairs. Whether it’s a night out with your SO, client, business partner or family, this one offers a variety of crowds all seeking a little R&R in the middle of midtown.
Steakhouses abound near this rooftop so best to pair it with dinner versus other bars. A great nitecap.
What’s the Occasion? After dinner drinks for a fairly formal occasion (parents, clients)
Dinner Pair: Smith & Wollensky for the traditional setting. Hillstone for a hipper, still traditional, vibe.
Singles Scene: 5.2
Couple(s) Scene: 8.4
Friends Scene: 7.5
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.7
Views: 7.3
Service: 8.2
Price: $$$
Pace: Refined Full
26.) Refinery Rooftop
Location: 38th & 6th
Hours: 11:30A-1A, 11:30-3A, Sat:11-3A, Sun: 11-1A
Versatility is the hallmark of Refinery. Your not going to rely on the extremes of opulence like Top of the Standard or extremely casual like Berry Park but for 8 out of 10 occasions, you can drop by Refinery.
With a convenient location and proximity to other great rooftops, it’s worth checking off this summer.
What’s the Occasion? An early date or a convenient catch-up.
Dinner Pair: Koi for dressing this one up or Parker & Quinn for dressing it down.
Singles Scene: 7.1
Couple(s) Scene: 7.7
Friends Scene: 8.1
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.7
Views: 8.2
Service: 7.3
Price: $$$
Pace: Lively
27.) Elsie Rooftop
Location: 39th & Broadway
Hours: CLOSED SUNDAYS. 4p-4a, Sat: 12-10p
Pictured above is the elegant “Eloise” at the Elsie! This place is one that I can see crawling up the ranks as the years progress as those who take an interest in their appearance and enjoyment have flocked here. A few kinks to workout with the walk-in setup at the small, centerpiece bar but lots of cute knick knacks and good food!
A place you can settle down for a relaxed evening early and turn up a bit more at night. A less nice, less well-known alternative to fans of The Fleur Room.
What’s the Occasion? When midtown is the location but not the vibe
Dinner Pair: Since this one is a little more fashionable, go with Aureole for inviting, former 1 Michelin Star French or the sexy, sassy STK.
Food here is actually pretty good!
Singles Scene: 7.1
Couple(s) Scene: 8.6
Friends Scene: 7.8
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.1
Views: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Price: $$$
Pace: Lively
28.) St. Cloud
Location: 42nd & Broadway
Hours: 4p-12a
Not many places can contend with the views at St. Cloud. Sure it’s in the heart of Midtown and all too close to the heart of Times Square but it’s elegance is not overrun by overeager tourists the way 230 Fifth Avenue is.
Enjoy the views and scenery but keep in mind this is still a pricey place so worth a stop but perhaps not a long-term destination.
What’s the Occasion? When you want to stare at Times Square from a beautiful outpost.
Dinner Pair: Similar to Elsie! Although if you’re into proving the touristy can still be good- Carmine’s.
Singles Scene: 7.7
Couple(s) Scene: 8.7
Friends Scene: 7.7
Cocktails & Drinks: 8.1
Views: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Price: $$$
Pace: Lively
29.) Ophelia
Location: 3 Mitchell Place (50th & 1st), 26th Floor
Hours: 5pm-12am, 5pm-2 am Weekends
One of the few 360 degree views in the city, this quiet UN neighbor is all glitz and glam in the bar area and has a red with white and black checkerboard flooring outer perimeter. Small space outside coupled with hit or miss drinks brings this down for me but I can see why many put it in their Top 15.
Worth checking out as it’s one of the very few truly relaxed Midtown Manhattan oases.
What’s the Occasion? When you want to escape NYC’s hustle and bustle.
Dinner Pair: Copinette! The relaxed French cafe is across the street, so you can remain in the quiet space by the UN.
Singles Scene: 4.4
Couple(s) Scene: 8.7
Friends Scene: 7.0
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.8
Views: 7.8
Service: 7.1
Price: $$$
Pace: Relaxed
30. Rare View
To fit the name, I put a seldom photo of us (conveniently apropos but more because I didn’t have another). Unfortunately this cool daytime hang-out is now closed. But don’t worry too much, it’s twin isn’t far! Go for a drink during the day among friends and enjoy some surprisingly good buffalo wings. Don’t expect much of the cocktail list nor execution however.
Location: 37th & Lexington
Hours: Seasonal
What’s the Occasion? Anything casual and daytime oriented.
Dinner Pair: Nowhere! This one closed down this past year. The other is in a restaurant dead spot similar to Pod 39.
Singles Scene: 8.0
Couple(s) Scene: 7.1
Friends Scene: 8.2
Cocktails & Drinks: 7.1
Views: 7.8
Service: 6.9
Price: $$
Pace: Energetic