Outdoor dining in NYC is about the food and the entire experience. The combination of delicious meals, stunning views, lively street scenes, and unique charm creates a dining experience that is quintessentially New York. As the sun sets and the city lights begin to twinkle, there’s no better place to be than seated at an outdoor table, savoring the pleasures of summer dining in NYC.
230 FIFTH ROOFTOP BAR
Situated in the Flatiron District, this iconic venue offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city’s iconic skyline. It is also renowned for its sophisticated yet laid-back ambiance; the lounge features lush greenery, comfortable seating, and good music. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar has an extensive food menu that includes hummus, pizzas, sushi, burgers, and more. They have unique cocktails for drinks, including frozen margaritas made with assorted flavors like strawberry, peach, raspberry, passion fruit, and more. As the sun sets, the ambiance transforms into a vibrant nightlife hotspot, attracting a stylish crowd of locals and visitors alike. With its unbeatable location, chic atmosphere, and unparalleled vistas, 230 Fifth Rooftop Lounge has become a quintessential destination for those seeking a memorable night out in the city that never sleeps. Info: 230fifth.com
UPSTAIRS AT THE KIMBERLY
Located on the 30th floor of the Kimberly Hotel & Suites in midtown, Upstairs at The Kimberly is one of the rooftop bars in NYC. It offers panoramic views of the Chrysler building and its breathtaking skyscrapers.
Step off the elevator into a luxurious cocktail bar decorated with high-end design elements made with bronze, granite, and ivy and comfortable leather seating. The menu is superbly crafted, and for brunch enthusiasts, Upstairs hosts a delicious weekend filled with mouthwatering dishes. When it comes to their cocktails, they have signature drinks like the “Chrysler,” made with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, pepper puree, jalapeño, lime, agave, pineapple, and a variety of martinis as well. Info: upstairs.com
DAINTREE ROOFTOP & LOUNGE
Sip a delicious martini as you gaze through the majestic Empire State Building in the Daintree Rooftop & Lounge. This rooftop is above the Hotel Hendricks and has a large interior with 180 seats and an exterior with 70 seats. It’s an ideal spot for upscale gatherings filled with lush greenery and colorful furniture; its décor blends elegance with comfort.
One of the things that sets Daintree apart from other rooftop bars in NYC is its Aussie-Asian influences with delicious plates and cocktails. Thai Spiced Calamari, Kung Pao Cauliflower, and Crumbled Olives are among its signature plates. Its cocktail menu has interesting proposals like the Always Naked, Not So Famous, made with mezcal infused with orange peel, Aperol, maraschino, and lemon. Info: daintree.com
BROOKLYN DINER
You can never go wrong with the Brooklyn Diner for a casual but reliable meal. We especially love the Midtown location, pictured here, for outdoor dining. Large umbrellas protect diners from rain and shade them when the sun shines. But the food truly steals the show at this beloved establishment. The menu is a love letter to classic diner fare, offering a tempting array of hearty dishes, towering sandwiches, and comforting entrées that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. The Brooklyn Diner’s burgers are legendary, with juicy patties sandwiched between soft buns and piled high with fresh toppings. The Reuben sandwich, a classic New York delicacy, is a masterpiece of tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Russian dressing, all nestled between slices of grilled rye bread.
No visit to the would be complete without indulging in one of their decadent desserts. The pies, baked fresh daily, are an actual labor of love, with flaky crusts and rich fillings that will have you savoring every bite. Don’t leave without a milkshake or egg cream—old-time New York. Info: brooklyndiner.com
CANTINA ROOFTOP
Rooftop bars in NYC can be ideal for a delicious brunch and a unique night out. This is the case of Cantina Rooftop, a Mexican-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar in the heart of Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen. Inspired by traditional Mexican cantinas, the bar features colorful murals, lush greenery, and festive décor. The ample space has plenty of dining tables, lounge spots, and a climate-controlled retractable glass roof for those rainy days.
Cantina Rooftop is well known for its signature meals like tacos, ceviche, and yuca fries. Their cocktails also focus on honoring Mexican flavors and particularly emphasize margaritas and mezcal-ritas. Info: cantinarooftop.com
ELSIE ROOFTOP
Aptly named for the influential 1920s Elsie de Wolfe, the first female interior designer, this lavish lounge and terrace presents a modern elegance and artsy vibe. Guests enjoy a refined selection of cocktails, wines, and gourmet small plates, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and indulgence. The venue features plush seating and art deco elements, blending classic glamour with modern comfort. The ambiance is further enhanced by lush greenery and a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, making it an ideal setting for intimate gatherings and lively events. Signature cocktails, such as the Elsie de Wolfe and the Midtown Muse, are expertly crafted and highlight the venue’s dedication to mixology.
Info: elsierooftop.com
SUSHI LAB ROOFTOP
Sushi Lab Rooftop offers a distinctive culinary experience atop the Sanctuary Hotel, merging innovative sushi creations with outstanding views. The open-air venue is considered a hidden gem in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, known for its stylish, intimate setting adorned with lush greenery and chic decor. The menu is a testament to culinary artistry, featuring a blend of traditional and contemporary sushi. Diners can indulge in expertly crafted rolls, fresh sashimi, and exquisite omakase selections from the highest quality ingredients.
With its cozy ambiance and scenic backdrop, Sushi Lab Rooftop is perfect for casual dining and special occasions. Attentive service and meticulous attention to detail ensure every visit is memorable. Info: sushilab.com
P.J. CLARKE’S ON THE HUDSON
If you pick one of P.J. Clarke’s locations for your summer fill of burgers and oysters, make it this one, where you’ll sit under twinkly lights while overlooking the Hudson River. The renowned restaurant is in New York City’s Battery Park City neighborhood. The iconic establishment has been a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors. The menu features classic American fare, including burgers, steaks, and seafood, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The warm and inviting atmosphere and the breathtaking scenery make P.J. Clarke’s on the Hudson a destination for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of New York City. Info: pjclarkes.com
LOULOU
It is a stunning French Bistro and Speakeasy in Chelsea with one of the town’s most gorgeous outdoor dining setups. The menu showcases classic French bistro fare prepared with the finest ingredients. Signature menu items from Executive Chef Evan Bergman include a Loulou Burger made with grass-fed beef, cheddar, and caramelized onions, Duck Leg Confit with apple rosemary puree and gala chutney, and Steak Frites. That’s in addition to a large selection of gorgeously crafted cocktails, which you can indulge in in the dining room or by entering the restaurant’s speakeasy via a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine door on 8th Avenue. With its transportive ambiance and impeccable cuisine, this jewel box of a restaurant brings an authentic taste of Paris to downtown Manhattan. Info: loulou.com
HAVEN ROOFTOP
Nothing fills the bill for a unique Midtown experience than Haven high atop the Sanctuary Hotel. Enter the hotel’s plush lobby, and you’ll be ushered to a setting that will take your breath away, including its stunning covered rooftop. The terrace is light, airy, nicely decorated, and set over three levels. But rest assured, the menu is just as spectacular. Haven offers everything from Sliders to Filet Mignon. Pair it with a cocktail or glass of wine, and you have found a dining paradise! Don’t miss the spectacular Weekend Bottomless Brunch.
Info: havenrooftop.com
COBBLE FISH
Cobble Fish is a charming outdoor seafood restaurant located right on the East River at Pier 16 in historic South Street Seaport. With its rustic decor featuring repurposed shipyard materials and stunning waterfront views, it offers the perfect setting to enjoy fresh, sustainably sourced seafood dishes. The menu highlights fish and shellfish simply prepared to let the natural flavors shine. Popular items include the Baja Fish Tacos, Fried Shrimp Po Boy, and the signature Cobble Fish entrée. For landlubbers there are choices of burgers, chicken wraps and even a Nathan’s Hot Dog. With its lively vibe, waterfront location, and focus on fresh, flavorful seafood, Cobble & Co. has quickly become one of the hottest dining destinations downtown. Info: cobblefish.net