12 Of the Best Bars in NYC – Rooftop, Hidden and Outdoor Bar

My list of best bars in NYC, though, are the ones that are a bit harder to find – and that are full of surprises when you do find them. Not only can all of these places serve an excellent drink, but they’ve got views and/or ambiance to match. 

230 Fifth 

230 Fifth is perhaps the most iconic of NYC rooftop bars, with a fully enclosed garden (aka open all winter long) and an absolutely incredible view of the Empire State Building and the entire upper Manhattan skyline. 

Gallow Green 

Gallow Green is a magically luscious garden located on top of the McKittrick Hotel (home of immersive show Sleep No More) in Chelsea. It feels like you’ve escaped the concrete jungle for a fairy forest, especially since you might run into in-character actors from Sleep No More in the elevator. 

The Ides at Wythe Hotel 

The best views of Manhattan always come from across the river, and The Ides at Wythe Hotel is no exception: the popular bar with an expansive roof deck offers a gorgeous vista of the New York City skyline (especially at sunset). One of the rare rooftop bars in NYC that is worth visiting in all seasons. 

Mr. Purple 

Mr. Purple is one of the newest and trendiest rooftop bars in NYC on the Lower East Side: prepare for it to take over Instagram feeds in summer 2016. With a swimming pool, a killer view of the Empire State Building and a creative cocktail menu, it’s not hard to see (or taste) why. 

Loopy Doopy 

If you want to combine a classic summer dessert with your drink, head to Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar in FiDi: it’s famous for combining hipster-favorite, Brooklyn-based People’s Pops popsicles with chilled prosecco or rose. Located on the Hudson River (right above the hidden Irish Famine Memorial), it’s perfect to catch the NYC sunset. 

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