Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers on the Upper West Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Rooftop Bar Lovers on the Upper West Side
1. The Empire Rooftop
Perched above Lincoln Center, The Empire Rooftop pairs sweeping views of Central Park and the UWS skyline with an 8,000-square-foot layout of east and west terraces, a retractable-roof section, and a cozy indoor lounge. The glow of the iconic Hotel Empire sign sets a cinematic mood for cocktails before or after a performance.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the Upper West Side’s signature rooftop—classic skyline vistas, solid cocktails, and a scene that feels quintessentially New York.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour into early evening on weeknights for easier entry and dramatic sunsets; after-shows on Fridays for a livelier vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for the West Terrace for sunset views; check for private-event closures and book 7–10 days ahead. Smart-casual dress makes entry smoother.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the views over Lincoln Center and the relaxed-but-buzzy atmosphere; occasional gripes about waits or event buyouts—planning ahead pays off.
2. Empire Hotel Rooftop Pool Deck
When the weather warms, the Empire’s seasonal rooftop pool deck becomes a rare UWS perch for sunning, dipping, and sipping. Poolside service from the rooftop bar turns a city afternoon into a resort-style escape above the bustle of Broadway and Columbus.
✓ Why Go:
Daytime rooftop lounging on the UWS is scarce—this is the place to pair sunshine with skyline and a cold drink.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Summer weekdays from late morning to midafternoon for lighter crowds; early evening for a breezy cool-down before nightfall.
✓ Insider Tip:
Access is typically limited to hotel guests and select passes—confirm availability before you go. Bring swimwear; the bar opens around late morning.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about the resort feel and skyline backdrop; common notes include weather-dependent closures and capacity limits on peak days.
3. Gossip Girl Experience at The Empire Rooftop
Lean into TV lore with a themed weekend seating at the Empire Rooftop featuring a specialty cocktail or mocktail, tea sandwiches, and macarons—all with the skyline as your co-star. It’s a playful, photogenic afternoon high above Lincoln Center.
✓ Why Go:
For rooftop bar lovers who also love pop culture, it’s a uniquely UWS experience you won’t find elsewhere.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Select Saturdays and Sundays late morning to midafternoon—book early; arrive 10–15 minutes ahead to secure the best seats.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a table by the East Terrace windows for the prettiest photos; dress the part to make the most of the setting.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans praise the detail and photo ops; some note it’s a splurge, but most agree the novelty and views deliver.
4. Ascent Lounge
On the 4th floor of The Shops at Columbus Circle, Ascent Lounge offers floor-to-ceiling park views, plush banquettes, and a polished cocktail list. It delivers that rooftop-bar feeling—minus wind and weather—on the southern edge of the Upper West Side.
✓ Why Go:
Panoramic vistas with nightclub energy later in the evening; perfect for skyline sips before or after a show.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights 5–7 pm for a calmer scene and sunset glow; weekends after 10 pm if you want a DJ-forward vibe.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a window banquette facing Central Park; note that late-night cover charges or dress codes may apply on weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight the glamorous setting and views; volume can spike late-night—earlier visits suit conversation.
5. Center Bar
A refined wine and cocktail lounge with live piano, Center Bar sits across from Central Park’s canopy on the 4th floor of Columbus Circle. Expect classic drinks, small plates, and a serene perch to watch the light fade over the park.
✓ Why Go:
For rooftop lovers who appreciate sophisticated sips and a mellower soundtrack—think skyline views with a side of jazz.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon into sunset for golden-hour views; arrive early for the window rail or plan around the live-piano schedule.
✓ Insider Tip:
Solo? Nab a bar stool at the window; service is swift and the sightlines are prime.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for hospitality and ambiance; prices are premium but most feel the view and music justify the splurge.
6. Robert
Atop the Museum of Arts and Design, Robert combines modern design, a lively bar, and sweeping views of Columbus Circle and the park. Cocktails and sunset here feel like a mini occasion, even if you’re just dropping in for a drink.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an Upper West Side-worthy vantage with elegant décor—ideal for date-night drinks with a show-stopping backdrop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Plan a pre-dinner cocktail 45–60 minutes before sunset or book weekend brunch for luminous daytime panoramas.
✓ Insider Tip:
Request a window table when booking; if you’re bar-hopping, the lounge seats still deliver the vista without a full meal.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors swoon over the romance and views; reservations recommended as prime times fill quickly.
7. MO Lounge
High on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, MO Lounge frames Central Park through dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass. The refined cocktail list and plush seating make it a luxe alternative to open-air rooftops—perfect in any season.
✓ Why Go:
Sky-high perspective with polished service—an elevated pause above the city that rooftop aficionados appreciate.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Blue hour into night for twinkling park views; winter evenings are especially crisp and clear.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for a Central Park–facing window table; afternoon tea is a scenic, lighter option if you prefer daylight.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently strong marks for hospitality and vistas; expect pricing to match the premium setting.
8. Pier i Cafe
A seasonal, open-air cafe at Riverside Park South, Pier i is all about Hudson River sunsets, casual bites, and easygoing drinks. Expect breezes, bike bells, and postcard views as sailboats glide by.
✓ Why Go:
For rooftop lovers who crave open sky and waterline horizons—this is the UWS’s summer backyard by the river.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late spring through early fall; arrive 45 minutes before sunset for the golden glow and a better shot at a table.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lines grow on perfect evenings—order efficiently and aim for the north-side tables for airflow; operations are weather-dependent.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved by locals for unfussy sunsets and a neighborly vibe; peak-hour waits can happen but the view is the reward.
9. Ellington in the Park
This two-level outdoor spot at 105th Street sits above the Hudson with a leafy canopy and breezy upper deck. It’s a laid-back place for a drink after a Riverside Park stroll, with elevated views and a neighborhood crowd.
✓ Why Go:
An easygoing, elevated terrace experience within the UWS—great for golden-hour drinks minus the downtown scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Warm, dry evenings; arrive early for top-deck seating and the best river views.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter the park at 103rd & Riverside Drive and follow the stairs; it’s first-come, first-served—bring a card as operations may be cashless.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A favorite for casual gatherings and sunsets; expect a friendly bustle when the weather is perfect.
10. The Lotus Garden
Hidden 20 feet above West 97th Street, this community-run rooftop garden offers a serene breather between bar stops—ponds, blooms, and birdsong floating above Broadway. It’s a true UWS secret with limited public hours.
✓ Why Go:
Rooftop lovers appreciate elevated spaces of all kinds—this one trades cocktails for calm and neighborhood charm.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sundays from April to November, typically 1–4 pm; arrive early on peak-weather days.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for the wrought-iron gate just east of the garage; consider a small donation or membership if you want more frequent access.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as a magical hideaway and a highlight of the UWS; limited hours mean planning is essential.
