Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Little Italy
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Little Italy
1. The Crown
Perched atop Hotel 50 Bowery just east of Little Italy, The Crown frames both uptown icons and the Brooklyn Bridge in one sweep. Two terraces and a sleek lounge make it a go‑to for golden-hour photos before dinner on Mulberry Street.
✓ Why Go:
Panoramas in every direction and DJ-driven energy without straying far from Little Italy’s trattorias.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset into early evening (arrive by 6–7:30pm on fair‑weather days to catch the glow and avoid peak lines).
✓ Insider Tip:
Smart‑casual attire and a physical ID speed up entry; weekday evenings are gentler than Fridays and Saturdays.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the skyline sweep and photo ops; expect buzz, music, and occasional waits at peak hours.
2. Rooftop
Set high above the Bowery, Rooftop 93 pairs floor‑to‑ceiling windows with an open terrace for clear Empire State Building views. It’s an easy stroll from Little Italy and fits pre‑ or post‑pasta plans.
✓ Why Go:
Straightforward cocktails, skyline sightlines, and a relaxed vibe close to Mulberry Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights or late afternoons for lighter crowds; summer evenings for the breeze.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head up early—capacity is limited and walk‑ins can stack up after 8pm on weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for views and value; occasional comments note elevator waits during peak periods.
3. The Highlight Room
A glass‑encased garden in the sky at the Moxy Lower East Side, The Highlight Room looks north to the Empire State Building and south to One World Trade. It’s a glamorous, club‑leaning lounge a few blocks from Little Italy.
✓ Why Go:
Lush interiors, big‑window city views, and a lively DJ rota without a long cab ride.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour for views; late night Thursday–Saturday if you want a dance‑floor feel.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve for prime times and keep attire polished; lines move faster with a booking.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for its scene and vistas; some note strict door policies at peak nightlife hours.
4. cloudM
Atop citizenM Bowery, cloudM offers 360‑degree views from colorful lounges and a spacious terrace. It’s a laid‑back, come‑as‑you‑are option within an easy walk of Little Italy.
✓ Why Go:
Creative cocktails and unfussy seating with skyline backdrops—ideal for a mellow pre‑dinner drink.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon through sunset; aim for weekdays for the quietest experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
No reservation is often needed for small groups—take the dedicated elevator straight to the 20th+ floor.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight the calm vibe and broad views; occasional comments mention limited food menus.
5. Mr Purple
On the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo, Mr Purple blends poolside energy with two terraces and Lower East Side skylines. It’s close enough to Little Italy for an easy rooftop‑then‑rigatoni night.
✓ Why Go:
Big windows, photo‑friendly patios, and a drinks list built for groups.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset weekdays for space; late nights on weekends for a high‑energy scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check event calendars—DJ nights fill quickly; arrive early to secure a terrace spot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Applauded for atmosphere and outlooks; crowds and prices trend higher at peak times.
6. Make Believe
Playful and pink‑hued atop SIXTY LES, Make Believe is an enclosed rooftop with side terraces and downtown views. It’s a fun, clubby counterpart to a classic Little Italy dinner.
✓ Why Go:
Tropical‑leaning cocktails, DJ sets, and a lively crowd within a short walk.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for pics; late night Thursday–Saturday for peak party energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress the part and bring a physical ID—door queues move quicker when you’re prepared.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans love the upbeat vibe and décor; detractors cite waits and noise—plan accordingly.
7. Hotel Chantelle
This LES stalwart hides a romantic, retractable‑roof rooftop styled like a Parisian park—lanterns, benches, greenery, and skyline peeks. It’s tailor‑made for brunch or late‑night drinks before or after Little Italy.
✓ Why Go:
All‑weather rooftop comfort with cocktails and a lively weekend scene close to Mulberry Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend brunch for daytime vibes; late night Fridays and Saturdays for DJs and dancing.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book brunch tables in advance; the roof stays comfortable year‑round thanks to the retractable canopy.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for ambiance and versatility; can be boisterous during prime hours.
8. The Roof at PUBLIC
Ian Schrager’s PUBLIC crowns its minimalist tower with a glass‑walled rooftop and landscaped terrace, delivering cinematic 360° views minutes from Little Italy.
✓ Why Go:
Sunsets, DJs, and skyline eye‑candy in a stylish space that feels custom‑built for cocktail lovers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday happy hour or just before sunset; nights run late Thursday–Saturday.
✓ Insider Tip:
Smart‑casual dress codes are enforced; arrive early for window‑side seating and quicker entry.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the vistas and scene; expect a fashionable crowd and a line on weekends.
9. The Delancey
A three‑level nightlife favorite with an all‑weather rooftop garden, The Delancey offers leafy nooks and bridge views a short stroll from Little Italy.
✓ Why Go:
Retractable roof, dependable DJs, and easy group meet‑ups without leaving downtown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Friday and Saturday nights for full energy; early evenings for a breezier pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the calendar for live music downstairs; arrive before 10pm to minimize entry waits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests enjoy the flexible spaces and rooftop garden; lines and volume rise late night.
10. JIMMY
Eighteen stories up in SoHo, JIMMY delivers wraparound views and a chic indoor lounge with a seasonal pool deck—close enough to cap a Little Italy evening in style.
✓ Why Go:
Sophisticated cocktails and a polished, adults‑night‑out ambiance just west of Little Italy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for views; later evenings on weekends for a buzzy but refined scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reservations help on weekends; ask for a window table to catch both Uptown and Downtown skylines.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Known for classy vibes and stellar sightlines; some note higher prices reflecting the setting.
