Get ready to impress your date with the best NYC rooftop bars for a special dating. These stunning spots offer spectacular skyline views and photo-worthy bites.
Located in the East Village, this cozy rooftop bar evokes beer garden vibes with colorful seating and a hand-painted mural. They serve delicious seasonal cocktails and global street food-inspired bites.
Another funky spot on a lower Manhattan rooftop is Arlo Roof Top in Soho. It’s a little less crowded than other downtown spots, and you don’t have to wait in line for your drink. Plus, there’s a pretty good view of the Hudson River and a giant patio with plenty of graffiti art.
If you want to impress your date on their first night out on the town in NYC, look no further than Public. This swanky bar boasts elegant decor and a pond that’s perfect for taking photos with your date (and of course, a smooch).
While this is a more classy venue than many of the other bars on this list, the atmosphere here is still super exciting.
Pod 39 Rooftop
Pod 39 Rooftop is a fairly new rooftop in NYC. It has a very fancy vibe, complete with chandeliers and red velvet couches. The food and cocktails are also very good. It is also a great place to take your special date.
The 17th-floor terrace atop this Murray Hill hotel brings an elevated feel to its original 1800s setting. Brick arches and ivy walls create a vibrant piazza feel. Glowy string lights and Mexican-tile tables add an intimate touch.
Upstairs, April Bloomfield’s upscale Salvation Taco serves inventive tacos (such as beer-battered fish and Mayan mayo) to go with the tequila-inspired drinks. This is a great NYC rooftop bar for those looking for a unique experience in an upscale environment. The hotel is walking distance to top NYC sights and public transport options are easy to find.
Both Pod 39 and Pod 51 are located within walking distance of Manhattan’s best attractions, making it easy to get around. A stay here is sure to provide a fun and memorable experience.
If you’re planning on using Pod 39 Rooftop for a special dating, you should know that it’s a little bit more expensive than other NYC rooftop bars. However, the views and location are well worth it.
Gallow Green
Located atop the McKittrick Hotel, home to Sleep No More (the immersive retelling of Macbeth), Gallow Green is like The Secret Garden for New York City rooftops. After a short, mysterious elevator ride up to the roof, you’re greeted by lush flower trellises and multiple nooks and crannies that adapt to the changing seasons.
You can choose to eat at the bar or enjoy a delicious meal in the plush, cozy surroundings, which include an original train track and plenty of seating options from real dining tables to picnic benches. Gallow Green serves cocktails, wine and a delicious weekend brunch.
The drinks here are inventive and on-theme. Try a Green Grass (cacao infused Banhez Mezcal, pineapple bitters, La Croix coconut soda) or a Butterfly Pea cocktail (butterfly pea-infused vodka, Lillet Blanc, and lemon). Gallow Green is ideal for date night, after work happy hour, a casual brunch or entertaining out of town visitors.
Another popular option is a visit to Sleep No More, which uses a freight elevator to transport its audiences to a secret garden for its immersive, interactive retelling of Macbeth. The show repeats three times, so you get the chance to follow different actors and experience the story first-hand.
This is the perfect place to take a romantic getaway with your special someone.