Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Greenwich Village
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Greenwich Village
1. Top of the Standard
Perched above the High Line, this velvet-clad lounge pairs floor-to-ceiling windows with live music and cinematic sunsets over the Hudson. It’s a classic downtown rendezvous for Champagne toasts and impeccably made cocktails.
✓ Why Go:
For Greenwich Village visitors who love rooftops with polish, this delivers old‑New‑York glamour plus sweeping West Side views without sacrificing drink quality.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays at golden hour (about 6–8 pm in spring/summer; 4–6 pm in fall/winter) to avoid weekend lines and catch sunset.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress codes are enforced; arrive via The Standard, High Line elevators and ask for a window banquette for the best river vantage.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the sophisticated vibe and skyline backdrop; prices are steep but most feel the setting justifies the splurge.
2. Le Bain
A lively rooftop with astro‑turf terrace, summer plunge pool, and late‑night DJs, Le Bain is where party energy meets jaw‑dropping downtown views.
✓ Why Go:
If your ideal rooftop includes dancing under the stars with the skyline as a backdrop, this is the Village’s west‑edge hotspot.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive before 10 pm Thursday–Saturday to beat the queue; summer afternoons are mellow with sun and spritzes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Entrance is on W 13th Street; bring valid ID and dress smart—sneakers and casualwear can get turned away late night.
✓ What Visitors Say:
High‑energy and photogenic; some report door drama at peak hours, but most leave raving about the views and music.
3. Gansevoort Rooftop
An all‑season rooftop with a wraparound terrace, leafy décor, and a chic indoor lounge—plus sushi from Saishin and cocktails built for sunset lingering.
✓ Why Go:
A polished alternative to clubby rooftops, perfect for couples or small groups who want views, bites, and conversation.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset daily; weekdays are calmer. Winter stays cozy thanks to retractable walls and heaters.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book ahead and request west‑facing seats; hotel guests may enjoy pool access earlier in the day.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Trendy yet comfortable; service and skyline sightlines earn consistent kudos, with occasional notes on minimum spends at peak times.
4. RH Rooftop Restaurant New York
Inside a glass‑ceilinged atrium above RH’s gallery, chandeliers, greenery, and marble tables create a serene, photo‑ready setting for wine and light plates.
✓ Why Go:
For rooftop bar lovers who prefer a refined, conversation‑friendly scene with great natural light and village‑adjacent views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to early evening for golden‑hour glow; weekends can see a wait—weekday reservations help.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the 5th‑floor host stand; ask for a terrace table on mild evenings for breezier views of the Meatpacking rooftops.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Elegant and calming; visitors love the ambiance and shots for the ’gram, noting it skews more restaurant than nightlife.
5. Studio Bar at the Whitney
On the museum’s 8th floor, this terrace bar pours wine, beer, and cocktails with breezy panoramas of the Hudson, the High Line, and cobblestone blocks below.
✓ Why Go:
Combine culture and cocktails—gallery‑hopping by day, terrace drinks by late afternoon—in the Village’s western arts hub.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoons and Friday evenings after exploring exhibitions; sunsets are stellar and less frenetic than club rooftops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Access typically pairs with museum admission; time your visit so you end your galleries on the 8th floor near sunset.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Relaxed, scenic, and civilized; guests appreciate fair pricing and space to chat, with occasional lines on free‑entry evenings.
6. Brass Monkey
A beloved multi‑level tavern with a small rooftop terrace looking toward the river. Expect a deep beer list, strong cocktails, and easygoing vibes.
✓ Why Go:
When you want a casual rooftop sip without velvet ropes—perfect for day‑drinking and group catch‑ups near the Village waterfront.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for a laid‑back scene; arrive early for rooftop seats on blue‑sky days.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head straight upstairs to scan for open spots; the terrace is first‑come and fills quickly around sunset.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Friendly and fun; crowds swell at peak hours, but most praise the easy atmosphere and Hudson peeks.
7. Catch NYC
A buzzy tri‑level restaurant with a sought‑after rooftop for skyline‑framed seafood, sushi, and late‑night energy steps from the Village’s west side.
✓ Why Go:
Ideal for pairing rooftop dinner with nightlife—come for shareable plates, stay for the scene and views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Prime time is 8–10 pm; weekend rooftop brunch adds sun and people‑watching.
✓ Insider Tip:
When reserving, request the roof specifically; smart‑casual attire fits best with the crowd.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Trendy and celebratory; visitors love the vibe and photo‑worthy setting, noting elevated prices and lively noise levels.
8. STK Rooftop
Above STK Downtown, this retractable‑glass rooftop blends steakhouse comforts with DJ‑driven nightlife and views over the High Line and Hudson.
✓ Why Go:
For groups who want a full‑throttle rooftop evening—cocktails, dinner, and a party atmosphere—in one polished venue.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday happy hour for value; late nights Friday–Saturday for maximum energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a sofa nook and confirm rooftop seating; dress to impress to breeze past the rope.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A go‑to for birthdays and celebrations; guests highlight the high‑energy vibe and views, with volume levels to match.
9. PHD Rooftop Lounge at Dream Downtown
Glam lounge lighting, skyline views, and club‑style DJ sets make this nearby rooftop a natural extension of a Greenwich Village night out.
✓ Why Go:
For rooftop bar lovers chasing a late‑night, high‑octane scene within a short hop of the Village.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After 10 pm Thursday–Saturday; arrive early or book a table to avoid the line.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the W 16th St hotel entrance; door policy favors smart attire and balanced groups.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Glitzy and celebratory; visitors love the views and party energy, noting lines and strict entry at peak hours.
10. Soho House New York
A members‑only clubhouse with a coveted rooftop pool and bar, just west of the Village’s brownstones—sunny daybeds by day, social hub by night.
✓ Why Go:
If you have membership (or a room booking), it’s a quintessential downtown rooftop escape with views and a laid‑back upscale scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer afternoons for poolside lounging; evenings for golden‑hour cocktails above cobblestone streets.
✓ Insider Tip:
Non‑members can access by booking a room; arrive early on sunny weekends as loungers fill quickly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Exclusive yet comfortable; members and hotel guests praise the service, privacy, and relaxed skyline outlook.
