Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Williamsburg
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers in Williamsburg
1. Westlight
Perched atop The William Vale, Westlight pairs sweeping Manhattan and East River views with creative cocktails and elevated small plates, making it a quintessential Williamsburg sunset perch.
✓ Why Go:
The wraparound terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows offer one of Brooklyn’s most cinematic panoramas alongside a polished, lively scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour on clear evenings; weekdays to avoid peak weekend queues.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request an outdoor terrace seat facing the Empire State Building for the best skyline photos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers rave about the views and balanced cocktails; some note lines at peak hours but say the vistas are worth the wait.
2. Laser Wolf Brooklyn
On The Hoxton’s rooftop, Laser Wolf brings Israeli skewers, salatim, and playful drinks to a breezy terrace with unobstructed downtown skyline views.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a destination for flavorful, shareable plates with a celebratory vibe and a knockout sunset backdrop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Dusk for sunset colors; late-night for a more relaxed pace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book an early evening reservation to catch both daylight and twilight without rushing your meal.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the abundant salatim and festive atmosphere; demand is high, so reservations are widely recommended.
3. Bar Blondeau
Set atop the Wythe Hotel, Bar Blondeau is a chic, French-leaning cocktail bar with a long terrace and sweeping river-to-skyline views.
✓ Why Go:
Refined drinks, seafood-forward snacks, and a romantic, candlelit vibe make it ideal for date nights with a view.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights after 5 pm; arrive 30 minutes before sunset for the prime glow.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a martini and oysters, then head to the west-facing terrace for the best light over the river.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight the polished service and mood-setting design; some mention waits for terrace spots.
4. Lillistar
High above Moxy Williamsburg, Lillistar mixes tropical-leaning cocktails, DJs, and wraparound city views in a colorful, indoor-outdoor setting.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a lively, fashion-forward hangout with music programming and skyline framing perfect for a big-night energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Friday and Saturday late evenings for a vibrant scene; sunset for photos before it gets packed.
✓ Insider Tip:
Arrive early to secure a couch along the glass for uninterrupted skyline snaps.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Partiers love the upbeat soundtrack and design flair; note that crowds and a line are common on weekends.
5. elNico
Atop Penny Williamsburg, elNico serves inventive Mexican-inspired cocktails and dishes with a verdant terrace and refined, artistic interiors.
✓ Why Go:
Thoughtful mixology and shareable plates meet relaxed sophistication, all framed by downtown views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknight evenings for a calmer feel; brunch on mild weekends for airy terrace dining.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about seasonal agave specials and request a terrace table facing the Williamsburg Bridge.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests applaud the creative cocktails and stylish space; some mention limited outdoor seating during prime hours.
6. Water Tower Bar
Crowning Arlo Williamsburg (formerly The Williamsburg Hotel), the glass-encased Water Tower Bar delivers a unique perch with 360-degree vistas and moody, late-night allure.
✓ Why Go:
Its dramatic setting and skyline immersion make it a memorable, only-in-Williamsburg nightcap spot.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late evening for city lights; weekdays to avoid capacity holds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dress code can lean upscale—plan accordingly to breeze through the door.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the surreal setting and views; some cite strict entry policies and higher prices.
7. Vale Pool
This seasonal pool and terrace at The William Vale pairs cabanas, daybeds, and frozen cocktails with elevated urban resort vibes.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a sun-soaked way to enjoy rooftop lounging and drinks with skyline sightlines above Williamsburg.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer afternoons on weekdays for easier entry and more space.
✓ Insider Tip:
Secure day passes in advance; sunset swims are especially photogenic.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Daytrippers praise the chic scene and city backdrop; note that chairs and passes can sell out quickly.
8. Ainslie
A sprawling Italian beer hall with a cozy rooftop, Ainslie blends wood-fired bites, self-serve beer options, and a convivial neighborhood vibe.
✓ Why Go:
Ideal for groups seeking a casual rooftop hang with hearty food and easygoing drinks.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evenings and weekend afternoons; arrive before prime dinner rush.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head upstairs for the roof deck—easier to chat than the bustling main hall.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Groups appreciate the spacious setup and approachable menu; some mention noise levels downstairs.
9. Juliette
A beloved French bistro with a leafy rooftop garden, Juliette serves classic cocktails and Parisian staples in a charming, sun-dappled setting.
✓ Why Go:
For a low-key rooftop drink with European flair just off Bedford Avenue’s buzz.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend brunch for airy vibes; weekday late lunch for a quieter terrace.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request the rooftop greenhouse section on breezy days for shade and ambiance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners love the romantic setting and dependable classics; some note limited rooftop tables at peak times.
10. Superior Ingredients Rooftop
This multi-level nightlife venue caps a historic warehouse with an open-air rooftop featuring DJs, cocktails, and postcard-worthy sunsets over the river.
✓ Why Go:
Music-driven evenings with skyline views make it a go-to for nightlife-minded rooftop seekers.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late nights on weekends for the full energy; sunset sets when scheduled.
✓ Insider Tip:
Check the lineup in advance and arrive early for terrace space with a view of Midtown.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Clubbers praise the sound and scenery; note that door lines and cover charges may apply.
