NYC's Best Rooftop Bars, Lounges With Spectacular Views

Now that the weather is warmer, it's time to take advantage of New York City's best rooftop bars and restaurants. Here are ten of our favorites. By Carly Petrone.

PHD Rooftop Lounge

355 W. 16th St.
New York, NY
212-229-2336

More: Best Hotel Bars In NYC

Relax on the rooftop at one of Dream Hotel's NYC locations and take in the magnificent views of the city. The PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown has almost doubled in size and offers a 360 degree view of Midtown and Times Square. PHD Rooftop Lounge at Dream Downtown has been fully renovated with new furniture and artwork, giving it a new, chic atmosphere that's not to be missed. Sip on a massive 10 lb. (164 oz.) Mega Moscow Mule (see photo) at either location.

Fornino

Pier 6, Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-384-6004

Exploring Williamsburg: Eat, See and Play

If you're in Brooklyn, then make your way to the newly re-opened Fornino at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Grab a seat up on the roof and take in the beautiful sunset against the backdrop of the lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, of course. This isn't just a happy hour spot -- come in for brunch and nosh on bacon & eggs pizza, or a variety of scrambles including "Eggs in Purgatory" -- baked eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, potatoes, artichokes and Parmesan. If you're feeling full, you can walk it off at nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park.

The Attic

251 W. 48th St.
New York, NY 10036
212-956-1300

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The Attic Rooftop is open for the season! This Midtown getaway is located in the heart of the city and offers tons of seating along with terrific views of the city. The 5,000-square-foot venue has both indoor and outdoor areas and is lined with floor-to-ceiling windows. Designer Mark Dizon renovated and redesigned the space, giving it a Beverly Hills feel with pool lounges and outdoor gardens. Things heat up once the sun goes down as DJs start spinning with a state-of-the-art sound system. Signature drinks include the "Jetsetter" (Bombay Sapphire, fresh lime, Cointreau, basil, blackberry jam, and orange bitters) and the "Figgy Smalls" (Pyratt Rum, fresh lime, cinnamon syrup, fig preserves, Pimms No. 1, dried fig, and rosemary.) Happy hour just turned into your night out.

Secret Garden at The Knickerbocker Hotel

6 Times Square
New York, NY 10036
212-204-4980

Exploring Times Square: Eat, See and Play

Nothing says spring like the Secret Garden at The Knick. Mitch Kolby Events has transformed The Knickerbocker's rooftop Club Room into a magical oasis. You'll feel like you're in a fairy tale, thanks to all of the beautiful purple wisteria, spring blossoms and verdant moss that adorn the space -- along with the garden-inspired menu created by Chef Charlie Palmer and Executive Chef Christopher Engel. Resident Cocktail Curator Eben Klemm is fixing up some seriously beautiful drinks like the "Iris and Ivy" (Elyx vodka, strawberry-infused Lillet, St. Germain, and Aperol) and the "Rake, Shovel, Hoe," made with Botanist Gin, Irish whiskey, Lejay Cassis, lemon, and crystalized rosemary.

Hyatt Centric Times Square New York

135 W. 45th St.
New York, NY 10036
646-364-1234

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Once you're done with work, head over to Bar 54 at the top of the Hyatt Centric Times Square New York. Sip on a "Santana Sour" or "Little Figgy" cocktail while taking in the sweeping views of Manhattan from the tallest rooftop in Times Square (you are on the 54th floor, after all.) If you're hungry, make your way downstairs to the newly-renovated T45 in the lobby. This restaurant offers a globally-inspired menu made up of mostly of shareable small plates. Chef Nick Pellicione's new menu includes Korean fried chicken with yuzu chili glaze, Italiano toast with fresh whipped ricotta, honey, fig jam, and prosciutto, and a Mediterranean dip platter with caponata, hummus, and baba ganoush.

Mr. Purple

180 Orchard St.
New York, NY 10002

More: Best Late-Night, After Hours Spots In NYC

The Hotel Indigo is home to Mr. Purple, the rooftop bar that includes a pool and sweeping 360 degree views of the city. This downtown hot spot has two outdoor terraces, and  the interior is open and sunny thanks to its loft-like atmosphere. Cool down with a "Rooftop Lemonade," made with Belvedere Vodka, fresh squeezed lemonade, and cucumber, or opt for their signature "Mr. Purple" cocktail – Casamigos reposado tequila, cranberry liqueur, allspice dram, apple, and lemon (served punch style.) Feel free to stay late as this place keeps the party going until 4 a.m. Thursday – Saturday.

The Roof at Park South

125 E. 27th St.
New York, NY
212-204-5222

More: Best Poke In NYC

The Roof at Park South is back and beverage director Ted Kilpatrick has taken things up a notch with his frozen cocktail list. You'll definitely want to sip on a "Miami Vice" this season. This fun and fruity drink is layered with Strawberry Daiquiri and Overproof Pina Colada, house-made coconut milk syrup, and fresh pineapple juice. James Beard award-winning chef Tim Cushman has also created a bites menu, with dishes like Yellowtail poke tacos and fried artichokes. The space itself is nice and is shaded with large umbrellas and a pergola, so it's a nice escape when the weather heats up.

Westlight at The William Vale

111 N. 12th St.
Brooklyn, NY 11249
718-307-7100

More: Best Bars In Williamsburg

If you're in Williamsburg, then the place to be is Westlight at The William Vale. Located on the 21st floor, this swanky bar is perfect for a quick drink or a romantic sit down. Take in the amazing panoramic views of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn while sipping on one of their elevated cocktails. They are on the pricier side, ($16-$18) but each one is quite unique. Try the "Delores Royale," a spicy mix of Vida Mezcal, Amontillado sherry, Hangar One Mandarin vodka, apricot, lime and cava, or the "New King of Kick," made with Great King Street scotch, fernet, thyme, orgeat, lemon, and suze. There may be a line to get into the elevator, but it's worth it.

Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room

30 Rockefeller Plaza, 65th Floor
New York, NY 10112
212-632-5000
http://rainbowroom.com/bar-sixty-five/
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It doesn't get more New York than having drinks at Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room. Located on the 65th floor of Rockefeller Center, this outdoor terrace bar is the perfect place to take in panoramic views from any seat in the house. Enjoy American bistro, handcrafted cocktails (the gin-based Spatini is a great nod to this lovely spring weather), an impressive selection of rare scotch and whisky, as well as an extensive wine list. Toast to a night out, a work week finished, or a catch up with friends. Bar is open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to close.

Refinery Rooftop

63 W. 38th St.
New York, NY 10018
646-664-0310

More: The 15 Best Lunch Spots In Midtown

Grab a drink atop the Refinery Hotel at the Refinery Rooftop, a turn-of-the-century hat factory turned luxury hotel. The retractable glass roof makes it a year-round destination rooftop while the amazing views of the Empire State Building can't be beat. Stop in for lunch and nibble on one of Chef Jeff Haskell's inventive flatbreads or salads or stick around for happy hour. Their signature cocktails are sure to please with fun options like the Rooftop Sparkler (Patron Barrel Select Reposado, lime, agave, topped with prosecco) and the Refined Vesper (Absolut Elyx, Plymouth Gin, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit mist. A full evening food menu is also available, which includes some great sweet treats like the Trademark Cookie Skillet For Two (with Mexican chocolate gelato) as well as a selection of Jacque Torres Bon Bons. Yes, please.

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Carly Petrone is the founder of Petrone on the Rocks, a lifestyle site about food, drinks, beauty, travel, and more. She lives in New York City.