Skyline Season: NYC's Most Stunning Rooftop Bars to Visit This Spring

From Cocktail Towers to Curated Mezcal Lounges, These Elevated Escapes Across Manhattan and Brooklyn Deliver Springtime Sips and Skyline Views That Define Luxury Al Fresco Dining in New York
ART Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Brooklyn Rooftop Pool and Mural
ART Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Brooklyn Rooftop Pool and MuralPhoto Credit: Yelena Ku Guillopo

As the city shakes off its winter layers, New Yorkers ascend—literally—to the rooftops. Spring in the five boroughs signals more than a change in weather: it ushers in rooftop season, when elevated lounges and outdoor terraces reopen with fresh menus, curated cocktails, and panoramic views that turn every drink into a photo op. This guide rounds up some of New York City’s most impressive rooftop destinations this season—from Manhattan’s sleek skyline lounges to Brooklyn’s poolside escapes—each bringing something uniquely luxurious to the table.

1. The Skylark – Times Square, Manhattan

The Skylark - Balcony View
The Skylark - Balcony ViewPhoto Credit: Chris Coe

Floating 30 stories above Midtown, The Skylark blends sweeping skyline vistas with a refined cocktail program and small plates. Whether you're lounging indoors by floor-to-ceiling windows or taking in the cityscape from its rooftop terrace, the experience is immersive. Developed by nightlife expert David Rabin alongside culinary partner Abigail Kirsch, this all-season venue is known for its inventive "dinner by the bite" menu and creative spins on cocktail classics.

📍200 W. 39th St., 30th Floor, New York, NY 10018

2. ART NoMad – NoMad, Manhattan

A.R.T. NoMad Blue Hour Sunset Empire State Building Nikki Vanco
A.R.T. NoMad Blue Hour Sunset Empire State Building Nikki VancoPhoto Courtesy of ART NoMad

High above Arlo NoMad, this 31st-floor rooftop returns with a fresh mural by Rey Jaffet and a seasonal menu by Chef Michael King. The Sky Walk’s glass floor remains a must-try for thrill-seekers, while culinary highlights like the Arlo Lobster Roll and Vaso de Frutas pair perfectly with a spritz in hand. It’s the perfect metropolitan escape, without ever leaving the skyline.

📍11 E. 31st St., New York, NY 10016

3. ART SoHo – SoHo, Manhattan

ART Soho Melon Sangria
ART Soho Melon Sangria Photo Courtesy of ART Soho

Elevating the downtown scene, ART SoHo introduces cocktail towers, frozen mini cocktails, and a Boozy Italian Ice Cart—all backed by a new culinary menu featuring skewers and raw bar bites. Its rooftop party series, Mercer Day by Rose Gold, adds a festive weekend dimension to the lounge’s sunset views.

📍231 Hudson St., New York, NY 10013

ART Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Brooklyn Rooftop Pool and Mural
A Golden Bloom: Macy’s Flower Show Celebrates 50 Years of Botanical Brilliance with YSL Beauty’s Art of Flowers

4. ART Midtown – Midtown West, Manhattan

ART Midtown Rooftop Dining
ART Midtown Rooftop DiningPhoto Credit: Yelena Ku Guillopo

Sitting atop Arlo Midtown, ART Midtown offers panoramic views from a lush, mural-lined terrace. This rooftop destination delivers frozen cocktails by the pitcher, comfort-food slider samplers, and whimsical touches like Cotton Candy Chasers, making it a spring favorite for groups looking to graze and gaze.

📍351 W. 38th St., New York, NY 10018

5. Bar Cima – Midtown, Manhattan

Empanadas at Bar Cima
Empanadas at Bar CimaPhoto Credit: April Blum

Atop the Grayson Hotel, Bar Cima unveils its terrace this spring as a mezcal lover’s dream. Mexican luxury meets Manhattan edge with a refined agave-focused cocktail menu—try the Pepino Martini or the signature CIMA Special. Indoors, plush velvet seating and a mirrored ceiling create a seductive atmosphere. Outdoors, golden hour views are some of the best in the city.

📍30 W. 39th St., New York, NY 10018

6. Harta Patio – Midtown, Manhattan

Bar Harta Interior
Bar Harta InteriorPhoto Courtesy of Harta Patio

Just a spiral staircase away from the streets near Bryant Park, Harta Patio offers a wine garden atmosphere with European-inspired small plates and cocktails. Reopening May 15, this outdoor offshoot of Harta brasserie is ideal for daytime lounging or early evening toasts.

📍30 W. 39th St., New York, NY 10018

7. The Water Tower – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

The Water Tower Interior Seating with a View
The Water Tower Interior Seating with a ViewPhoto Courtesy of The Water Tower

Arlo Williamsburg’s signature rooftop, The Water Tower, channels high-energy nightlife with a backdrop of Manhattan’s glittering skyline. Spring marks the return of Arlo After Dark, complete with live DJs and an avant-garde menu of clarified cocktails. It’s an after-hours haven with serious scene appeal.

📍96 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249

8. ART Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

ART Williamsburg Overhead View of Pool
ART Williamsburg Overhead View of PoolPhoto Courtesy of ART Williamsburg

Poolside indulgence reaches new heights at ART Williamsburg, where a 40-foot rooftop pool, curated cocktail list, and striking mural art define the elevated experience. Whether for a sun-drenched day party or a sunset sip, this rooftop—complete with bookable cabanas—is Brooklyn's answer to resort-style rooftop living.

📍96 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249

9. Magic Hour – Times Square, Manhattan

Magic Hour Nighttime Ambiance
Magic Hour Nighttime Ambiance Photo Courtesy of Magic Hour

Operated by Tao Group Hospitality, Magic Hour sits atop Moxy Times Square and brings whimsical nightlife energy to the skyline. As NYC’s largest indoor/outdoor hotel rooftop, it offers a carousel of plush booths, cocktails like the Moira Rose, and indulgent bites including crème brûlée French toast. With a new immersive installation launching soon, it’s a bold, playful take on the Times Square comeback.

📍485 7th Ave., 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018

Each of these rooftops offers a different perspective—literally and atmospherically—on New York luxury this spring. Whether you're seeking golden hour cocktails, DJ-fueled dance floors, or leisurely bites above the buzz of the city, there’s a rooftop here ready to raise your standards and your spirits.

Related Stories

No stories found.
Resident Magazine
resident.com