Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Queens
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Queens
1. Vista Sky Lounge & Rooftop
Perched above Long Island City, this sleek rooftop pairs wraparound Manhattan skyline views with Mediterranean-leaning bites and cocktails, ideal for golden-hour lingering.
✓ Why Go:
For classic Queensboro Bridge vistas without Midtown crowds—great for date night or a polished pre-theater sip before heading into the city.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset from April to October; arrive by 6 pm on weekends for the best corner tables.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a south-facing table for direct bridge views and book ahead for weekend evenings.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the skyline panorama and attentive service, noting that prices reflect the view and prime-time buzz.
2. The Penthouse at Ravel Hotel
A high-energy rooftop lounge overlooking the Queensboro Bridge, blending indoor-outdoor spaces, DJs, and late-night ambiance above LIC’s hotel scene.
✓ Why Go:
When you want a night that starts with craft cocktails and ends with dancing—without leaving Queens.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late nights Friday–Saturday year-round; shoulder season nights offer roomier vibes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early to skip lines and ask for a bridge-side table; check for special event nights.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lively and glamorous with big-city views; some mention crowds during peak hours.
3. The Summer Club
A seasonal rooftop pool and day club atop Ravel Hotel where DJs, daybeds, and skyline sightlines create a resort mood in the heart of LIC.
✓ Why Go:
For sun-drenched cocktails and a swim-with-a-view vibe without leaving the borough.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunny afternoons June–September; weekdays are more relaxed than weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve loungers in advance and bring a light cover-up for breezy afternoons.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Energetic, social, and super photogenic; crowds and minimums can add up on peak dates.
4. Savanna Rooftop
Tropical-accented rooftop with leafy decor, skyline views, and playful cocktails, offering a relaxed alternative to LIC’s bigger party spots.
✓ Why Go:
A laid-back scene for small groups and couples seeking sunset sips with city views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday evenings for easier seating; late spring through early fall for open-air comfort.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a south/southwest table for the best bridge-and-skyline angles.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Welcoming staff, fun drinks, and a chilled soundtrack; some note limited indoor seating on rainy nights.
5. Leaf Bar & Lounge
A refined rooftop atop Hyatt Place in Flushing with views toward Citi Field and downtown Flushing, plus Asian-inspired cocktails and small plates.
✓ Why Go:
For a calmer, cocktail-forward rooftop that pairs perfectly with a Flushing food crawl.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening, especially on Mets home-game nights for skyline glow and post-game fireworks.
✓ Insider Tip:
Call ahead on game days and ask for terrace seating to catch stadium-side sunsets.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised for balanced drinks and a mellow vibe; seating fills quickly in peak season.
6. The Rooftop at The Rockaway Hotel
Ocean-breeze cocktails with sweeping views of Rockaway Beach and Jamaica Bay—an elevated cap to a beach day with live music on select dates.
✓ Why Go:
For sea-meets-sky sunsets and relaxed resort energy steps from the sand.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour from late May to September; post-beach evenings are prime.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a light layer—coastal winds can be brisk even in summer; reservations recommended on weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for beachy vibes and panoramas; on busy Saturdays, waits can occur for terrace spots.
7. Bar
Sunnyside’s rooftop sports hub with TVs, pitchers, and pub fare, offering open-air game days above a friendly neighborhood haunt.
✓ Why Go:
When you want the energy of a sports bar with the breezy bonus of a rooftop deck.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for big matches; warm evenings from May to October.
✓ Insider Tip:
Groups should reserve during playoffs and international tournaments to secure rooftop tables.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Laid-back, local, and lively—great value and staff; roof can get packed during marquee games.
8. Aloft Long Island City Rooftop
A casual, contemporary rooftop atop Aloft LIC with skyline peeks and flexible lounge seating ideal for groups before a night out.
✓ Why Go:
Easygoing meetups with cocktails and views without the velvet-rope scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring through early fall; weekday sunsets are relaxed and photogenic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Hours can be seasonal—call ahead, and ask about private-event holds before you go.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for no-fuss drinks and comfy seating; ambiance depends on event schedule.
9. Boro Hotel Rooftop
Minimalist-chic rooftop with sweeping Midtown views; often hosts pop-ups and private events that bring a boutique vibe to the skyline backdrop.
✓ Why Go:
For design-forward photos and a quieter perch when events are open to the public.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear evenings year-round; check schedules for public access days.
✓ Insider Tip:
Confirm open hours—rooftop access can vary due to private functions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for aesthetics and views; access variability is the main complaint.
10. Bar Marseille Rooftop
A breezy roof deck near the Rockaway boardwalk channeling the Riviera with rosé, oysters, and sea-salt air.
✓ Why Go:
Pair beach time with French coastal flavors and a sunset toast over the Atlantic.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
June–September at golden hour; weekend brunch offers a sunny, relaxed pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Combine with a stroll along Beach 67th Street for post-dinner ocean views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight the vacation vibe, seafood, and summery cocktails; reservations help on beach-weather weekends.
