Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers on Staten Island
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers on Staten Island
1. Above at Hilton Garden Inn
A true rooftop lounge rising above the Greenbelt canopy, Above pairs sweeping sunsets over Staten Island with craft cocktails, DJs on weekends, and a polished indoor-outdoor scene.
✓ Why Go:
It’s Staten Island’s signature rooftop bar experience—panoramas, stylish seating, and a reliable vibe without crossing the harbor.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour from May to September; winter weekends for cozy indoor lounge energy with skyline glints.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a high-top along the railing for the best sunset photos; bring a light layer—breezes can pick up after dark.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the views and date-night atmosphere; occasional notes mention weekend crowds and popular DJ nights.
2. Empire Outlets Rooftop Deck
This open-air rooftop and terraces sit feet from the ferry, framing the Lower Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty while you sip from nearby bars’ to-go menus during events.
✓ Why Go:
For rooftop-lovers, it’s all about unobstructed harbor views and easy access from the St. George Terminal.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into twilight, especially on summer weekends when pop-ups and events animate the deck.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the upper level facing the ferry slips for the clearest skyline line-of-sight; check event calendars for live music nights.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Travelers praise the unexpectedly epic views and breezy vibe; some wish for more permanent bar kiosks year-round.
3. Clinton Hall at Empire Outlets
A craft beer hall with an elevated outdoor terrace overlooking the harbor, serving super-fresh pours and playful bites with ferry-and-skyline backdrops.
✓ Why Go:
It scratches the rooftop itch with an al fresco deck and NYC views—perfect for groups and casual afternoons.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend afternoons for sunshine sessions; weekday evenings for a quieter skyline gaze.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for terrace seating along the northwest edge for the best photo angle of Lower Manhattan.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the view-to-price ratio and relaxed energy; occasional comments mention wait times during ferry rushes.
4. Staten Island FerryHawks Party Deck
At the ballpark’s elevated party decks, order a drink and watch baseball as tankers glide past the Statue of Liberty—stadium fun with rooftop-worthy vistas.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a uniquely Staten Island way to combine open-air drinks, live sports, and postcard harbor views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Home games at sunset from May through early September for golden light and cooling breezes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Choose third-base side decks for skyline sightlines; buy tickets labeled for deck access to secure space.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals call it a hidden-gem night out; some note wind can be brisk near the water—bring a light jacket.
5. Casa Belvedere
An Italianate villa with a sweeping terrace high above the North Shore, ideal for an aperitivo with glittering harbor panoramas.
✓ Why Go:
The elevated terrace channels classic rooftop romance—historic architecture, refined cocktails, and cinematic views.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall; time dinner to arrive 30 minutes before sunset.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request terrace seating when booking; the Howard Avenue approach offers dramatic arrival views—perfect for photos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Diners praise the refined setting and skyline glow; occasional comments mention limited terrace tables at peak times.
6. South Fin Grill
Perched along South Beach with an upper deck, this seafood spot pours beachy cocktails against Atlantic breezes and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
✓ Why Go:
Rooftop lovers will appreciate the elevated terrace feel and ocean horizon without leaving the borough.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer evenings after a boardwalk stroll; weekdays for easier seating on the upper level.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a table facing northeast for bridge views; bring sunglasses—sun can be strong before dusk.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors highlight the seaside ambience and cocktails; some note weekend DJ nights can be lively.
7. Angelina’s Ristorante
A Tottenville favorite with multi-level outdoor spaces and bar program, offering sunset hues over Raritan Bay and marina scenes.
✓ Why Go:
Elegant terraces give rooftop-style romance and wide-open water views, ideal for special-occasion sips.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Blue-hour dinners year-round; peak sunsets in late summer and early fall.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve an upper-deck table; arrive early to explore the waterfront promenade for pre-dinner photos.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests love the celebratory feel and bay vistas; some mention premium pricing commensurate with the setting.
8. Marina Cafe
A waterfront staple in Great Kills Harbor with open-air decks and a lively bar, where sailboats and cocktails share the sunset stage.
✓ Why Go:
Its breezy, elevated patio vibe appeals to rooftop fans seeking nautical views and easygoing energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon to dusk in boating season (May–October).
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a deck table near the outer rail for unobstructed marina views; bug spray helps on humid nights.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors praise the harbor ambience and generous drinks; occasional notes about busy weekends.
9. Stone House at Clove Lakes
Set beside the lake with an upstairs terrace and bar, Stone House brings a serene, elevated al fresco scene amid park greenery.
✓ Why Go:
It offers that open-air, above-the-trees feeling rooftop lovers crave—minus the downtown bustle.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall for crisp, clear sunsets over the water; winter for cozy cocktail hours indoors with park views.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for the upper-level terrace when booking; after dinner, stroll the bridge for mirror-like lake reflections.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Patrons adore the tranquil setting and date-night mood; some mention limited terrace capacity on prime nights.
10. Flagship Brewing Co. Beer Garden
While not a rooftop, Flagship’s spacious outdoor beer garden offers skyward sightlines, rotating taps, and an upbeat, open-air hang in the North Shore arts corridor.
✓ Why Go:
Rooftop aficionados will appreciate the casual, under-the-sky vibe just a short hop from the ferry.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Warm-weather weekends for food trucks and releases; weekday evenings for a mellow pint al fresco.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a seat along the perimeter benches for the sunniest spots; check chalkboards for limited small-batch pours.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise friendly staff, creative beers, and the laid-back outdoor space; some wish for more shade at midday.
