Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in the Lower East Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in the Lower East Side
1. Mr. Purple
Perched atop Hotel Indigo, Mr. Purple pairs sweeping skyline views with a chic, industrial aesthetic and two terraces that look out to the Williamsburg Bridge and Midtown.
✓ Why Go:
Signature cocktails, photogenic poolside vibes, and classic LES energy make it a must for rooftop bar enthusiasts planning a neighborhood crawl.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday golden hour in late spring through early fall for softer light and shorter lines; late-night Fridays for a buzzy DJ-led scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a spot on the eastern terrace for bridge views; reservations help on weekends and there is often a line for the elevator.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the panoramas and atmosphere, noting strong crowd energy and occasional waits at peak hours.
2. The Roof at Public
A sleek, glass-wrapped aerie with wraparound terraces atop PUBLIC Hotel, blending dramatic skyline vistas with a high-design lounge and lively DJs.
✓ Why Go:
For those who crave cinematic views with a scene, this LES icon delivers floor-to-ceiling cityscapes without leaving the neighborhood.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset any day for skyline colors; after 10 pm Thursday–Saturday for a nightlife-forward experience.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early and dress smart; hotel guests have a separate line but non-guests can usually get in before prime time.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers rave about the vistas and stylish setting, with occasional mentions of door queues during peak nights.
3. Hotel Chantelle
A Parisian-style rooftop with a retractable glass roof, twinkling lights, and greenery, ideal for cocktails under the stars or a festive weekend brunch.
✓ Why Go:
The rooftop’s year-round setup and convivial mood are perfect for groups who want an atmospheric LES stop with dependable vibes.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Brunch on weekends for a lively crowd; weekday evenings for a more relaxed sip-and-chat setting.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book ahead for brunch; the retractable roof makes it a solid pick even on breezy or drizzly days.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons highlight the fun ambiance and crowd-pleasing menu, with music volume rising as the night progresses.
4. The DL
A multi-level lounge with an expansive, partially enclosed rooftop offering bridge views, bottle service tables, and a high-energy playlist.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a classic LES rooftop party stop, great for groups who want to dance between skyline snaps and celebratory rounds.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late-night Fridays and Saturdays when DJs spin and the rooftop is in full swing; earlier in the week for easier entry.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the night’s theme and consider table reservations if you’re arriving with a larger crew.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the party atmosphere and views, with occasional notes about lines and crowding on big nights.
5. The Delancey
A beloved LES stalwart featuring a lush, palm-studded rooftop garden above live-music and lounge spaces at street level.
✓ Why Go:
For rooftop bar lovers seeking a more laid-back garden vibe without leaving the LES nightlife corridor.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Warm-weather evenings for open-air cocktails; weekdays for a chill hang, weekends for a livelier scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head upstairs first for seats in the greenery; downstairs often hosts shows if you want to mix music with your night.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests enjoy the tropical feel and easygoing service, though seating can be competitive on warm weekends.
6. cloudM Bowery
CitizenM Bowery’s sky-high lounge delivers wraparound windows, a terrace, and contemporary design with a relaxed, living-room feel.
✓ Why Go:
A mellow, view-forward counterpoint to the LES party scene—ideal for pregame drinks or a scenic nightcap.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Blue hour to early evening year-round for vivid skyline color and fewer crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a window perch facing east for postcard shots of the Williamsburg Bridge and Brooklyn’s waterfront.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reviewers appreciate the calm ambiance, fair prices for the view, and friendly staff.
7. Rooftop
A slender, high-floor rooftop with intimate terraces, craft cocktails, and clear sightlines that stretch from Lower Manhattan to Midtown.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for couples or small groups who want sky views and a cozier rooftop experience within the LES orbit.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset on weekdays for space to linger; late nights for a buzzier bar vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Space is tight—arrive early for a corner ledge and bring a light layer as breezes can pick up.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the skyline panoramas and date-night feel; mention that elevator waits can occur at peak times.
8. The Highlight Room
Moxy Lower East Side’s crowning lounge features a retractable glass roof, glamorous interiors, and sweeping downtown views.
✓ Why Go:
A polished, trend-forward stop to elevate any LES rooftop circuit without sacrificing the neighborhood’s edge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After-dark on weekends for DJ sets and people-watching; weekday evenings for easier entry.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress to impress and consider booking—prime-time entry can be selective and lines move faster with a reservation.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons praise the design and vibe, noting that prices reflect its see-and-be-seen status.
9. The Rooftop at The Allen
A more low-key LES rooftop atop The Allen Hotel with skyline peeks and lounge seating suited to relaxed rounds.
✓ Why Go:
Great as a breather between high-octane stops—still rooftop-worthy, but calmer and conversation-friendly.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening for sunset tones and open seating; shoulder seasons for mild weather and thinner crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Call ahead for hours and availability; the vibe can vary with private events.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors like the unhurried pace and neighborhood setting; occasional comments note variable hours.
10. New Museum Sky Room
The New Museum’s top-floor space offers a terrace and skyline perspectives that appeal to view-chasers, pairing art with a taste of rooftop elevation.
✓ Why Go:
Rooftop bar lovers who also appreciate culture can mix gallery browsing with LES skyline moments in one stop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Afternoons on open days for bright, clear views; check schedules for special programming that includes terrace access.
✓ Insider Tip:
Confirm terrace availability before you go—access can change with exhibitions and events.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests value the design-forward setting and city outlooks; some note that terrace access is not always guaranteed.
