20 Cant-Miss Best Rooftop Brunch Spots in New York City

There’s something inherently alluring about rooftop brunch spots in NYC that you won’t find anywhere else; it’s the whole package.

You’ll be able to enjoy the city’s panoramic vistas while having one of the best meals of your life. Some rooftop restaurants even have fantastic views of the empire state building.

The best part? You don’t even have to search too hard to locate these brunch spots; they are everywhere!

These are the sky-high locations in NYC that serve brunch while still providing fantastic views.

Rooftop Brunch Spots in NYC

1. 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar

With 33000 square feet of indoor and outdoor area, 230 Fifth is one of NYC’s most significant rooftop brunch spots.

230 Fifth is one of the rooftop bars with the best view in NYC; it is located just a few blocks from the Empire state building.

It was started in 2006 and has grown to be a staple in the Flatiron/NoMad neighborhood.

Open all year round; you will undoubtedly love the whimsical décor and unique cocktails that are created according to the season.

In the summer, it is well-known for its ice beverages, and in the winter, its heated cocktails.

You can choose to sit outside or in an artificial fireplace-equipped igloo. The lower floor also has a lounge bar that looks inviting.

While dining, you have a beautiful view of the Empire State Building, and if you head to the rooftop, where it’s open air, you’ll get an even better view as you watch the building come to life.

There are plastic tents with large tables and chairs where you are encouraged to share with other people. Candlelight is provided at night. Similarly, for people drinking outside, blankets are provided when the weather is cold.

230 Fifth is not only one of the best rooftop brunch spots in NYC but also a nice place to go if you’re looking for a laid-back dinner date or night out where you can enjoy a lounge atmosphere indoors or live DJs outdoors.

The restaurant is open for brunch from 11:30 am-4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Address: 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001, United States

2. Electric Lemon

Would you like to drink with an unmatched view of the Hudson River while dining on fresh, seasonal food? Visit Electric Lemon.

Electric Lemon is located on the 24th floor of the Equinox Hotel in Hudson Yards.

The restaurant offers breathtaking views from its sleek dining room and calm outside terrace.

In fact, the best things about this restaurant are the gorgeous bars that bookend the restaurant; one outside and one inside.

The bar is loud and crowded, but despite the hard surfaces and high ceilings, the dining area is lively but not too loud.

The ambiance, the creativity of the menu and food items, and the food are also delicious.

Fluke Tartare, Raw Oysters, Polenta Fries, Hay Roasted Oysters, Atlantic Cod, and Duck Breast are some of the excellent meals on the menu.

With all the greens and seafood, it is easy to put together the kind of healthy meal one would expect at Equinox.

Still, you can also go in the opposite direction and indulge in some of the excellent craft cocktails and then order the Polenta Fries and the Cheeseburger.

The seasonal donut is a must for brunch; it is warm and filled with vanilla bean custard topped with powdered sugar.

If you plan to visit, be mindful that reservations are not easy to get and must be made well in advance.

Address: 33 Hudson Yards 24th Floor, New York, NY 10001, United States

3. Cantina Rooftop

If you’ve ever been to a couple of Mexican restaurants, then you know that, for the most part, it’s probably going to be a hit or miss with the food. But cantina hits differently.

First off, let’s start with the decor; it is amazing.

The floor where you check in has decorations that are “Da De Los Muertos” inspired, with walls covered in flowers and lights.

A DJ is playing a fantastic mix of music when you come to the rooftop, there are rainbow-colored umbrellas over your head, and the crew is eager to take your drink and food orders.

The restaurant serves a modern Mexican menu created by Chef Saul Montiel and an eclectic range of premium tequila and mezcal cocktails.

The menu is not the most Vegan/Vegetarian friendly, as there are only a few options, but the drinks are good for their price.

Overall, this is the place to go if you ever want to have a nice time, good food, and nice pics from Manhattan.

Address: 605 W 48th St, New York, NY 10019, United States

4. Refinery Rooftop

Refinery Rooftop is a year-round establishment open seven days a week for lunch, brunch, evening small snacks, and late-night drinks.

The restaurant is one of the favorite rooftop brunch spots in NYC for tourists and residents of New York.

It offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Empire State Building.

Repurposed water tower wood, vaulted brick walls and arches, terra cotta tiles, fairy lights, a retractable glass roof atrium, a water fountain, and a fireplace are all part of the chic industrial design.

The Refinery Rooftop Restaurant’s fantastic ambiance and the mouthwatering cuisine and drink options are amazing.

The lunch menu includes Seared Yellowfin Tuna, Grilled Hanger Steak Flatbread, and the Little Gem Caesar Salad.

The lobster roll is also one of the best in the city, and the fried calamari comes with a bit of jalapeño that gives it a bright and unexpected punch.

Address: 63 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018, United States

5. Haven Rooftop

If you’d like access to great views of New York, wonderful food, and listening to great music, check out Haven rooftop.

The Haven Rooftop is a first-class rooftop restaurant in the heart of Midtown Manhattan at the Sanctuary Hotel New York.

The setting is intended to keep you away from New York’s frantic pace. The view from the elevator, which faces a few skyscrapers at 47th Street, is breathtaking.

The 2500 square foot room is accented with a mix of trees and floral arrangements, comfortable earth-tone seating, and a warm aesthetic.

Additionally, glass walls surround the entire area, allowing you to observe the city lights and take in the vistas of Midtown while still being in the stylish and cozy confines of the rooftop.

On the roof, there are two bars with sweeping views of midtown Manhattan. They have menus for appetizers, a full dinner, brunch, and unique beverages.

Asides from the views, it is also one of the best rooftop brunch spots in NYC. Steak & Eggs, Shrimp cocktail, Guacamole & chips, Buffalo wings, and more are some fantastic meals on the brunch menu.

You can also check out the filet mignon and get the chocolate mousse for dessert.

Address: 132 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, United States

6. Upstairs at the Kimberly

Upstairs at Kimberly is located 30 floors above street level with breathtaking views of Midtown Manhattan and the historic Chrysler Building.

Both a Happy Hour and late-night crowd frequent the lounge.

As the sun sets and the lights of the skyscrapers turn on, fantastic music rattles the roof as the spectacular vistas transform from day to night.

Fashionistas, businesspeople, and many knowledgeable local city residents congregate upstairs.

The restaurant provides a beautiful ambiance for a superb breakfast buffet every day and a brunch menu, available on Saturday and Sunday, in addition to being a spectacular location for evening cocktails.

Small appetizers and creatively crafted beverages are offered every night, giving guests a unique rooftop experience.

Upstairs offers various small plates and snacks like crab cakes, grilled chicken sate, and truffled mac-n-cheese.

Make sure to try the Guacamole pico de gallo; it is fresh, flavorful, and a little bit spicy. This dish is perfect for sharing and comes with crispy corn chips

Address: 145 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022, United States

7. Republica, NYC

Located in the heart of Washington Heights, Republica, a lively Dominican rooftop restaurant and lounge.

The Dominican food, handcrafted drinks, and party atmosphere of Rupublica NYC can be found on many floors in Inwood.

The expansive, lush, and colorful terrace is by no means the tallest rooftop in NYC, but it’s an excellent place to enjoy an extensive menu and gorgeous views of the Inwood neighborhood.

The Republica menu offers a wide range of gourmet Dominican cuisine, including well-prepared meats and fish paired with traditional Latin side dishes.

Similarly, you can choose one item from the Brunch menu (one breakfast and one Lunch option).

With the choice of bottomless mimosas or sangria, brunch is always fun here.

Address: 160 Dyckman St, New York, NY 10040, United States

8. Gallow Green

The McKittrick Hotel is home to Gallow Green. This venue is the definition of trendy, without being pretentious, yet still feeling warm and welcoming.

Entering the restaurant is very cool in and of itself. Guests line up outside, and you are led into a pitch-black, retro elevator.

You exit the elevator and proceed up a short flight of stairs to enter a lovely garden on the roof.

The restaurant is open-air and well-designed with a casual train theme.

You’re on the rooftop, with a lot of flora and beautiful winds!

A handful of the seats near the restaurant’s edge give views of the city, while seating in the middle provides excellent people-watching opportunities and lovely flora.

Be aware that it’s sometimes dark and hard to read menus.

The restaurant offers diners brunch every Sunday. For one price, you can eat as much high-quality food as you like.

Similarly, Gallow Green offers something for everybody, whether vegetarian or meat-eater.

Address: 542 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001, United States

9. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Loung

If you want a fantastic view of the Empire state building, magic Hour is one of the best rooftop brunch spots in Nyc to go.

Magic Hour Rooftop is located on the 18th floor in the Moxy Hotel.

The decor here is cool, and there is a rotating seat in the main bar area.

The 18-floor-high Magic Hour offers five different spaces. In the gallery-like entrance hall, mischievous topiary animals are shown.

A modest indoor lounge features wire mesh panels glued to the ceiling and walls, giving it a sensual urban-industrial feel.

There are two distinct exterior spaces: The west side is more blatantly carnivalesque, with one seating area, while the east side, which overlooks the Empire State Building, has beautiful garden party fittings.

The view of the Empire State building is definitely a wow factor and a go-to photo opportunity for most people visiting.

Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018, United States

10. The Empire Rooftop

The Empire Rooftop is one of the few rooftop brunch spots in NYC that offers an open terrace as well as a covered terrace; no matter the weather, you will enjoy an “outdoors” feel and have access to the beautiful views.

The renowned Empire Hotel’s top story is home to the Empire Rooftop.

If the weather allows, enjoy a glass of champagne or an expresso martini while watching the sunset over the city from the rooftop!

The views here are breathtaking – a sweeping panorama, which includes Lincoln Center and a big stretch of Broadway.

Address: 44 W 63rd St., New York, NY 10023, United States

Careless about the rooftop brunch spots? Why not just explore the many Brunch Spots & Bars in NYC as a whole, then?

11. Sunday In Brooklyn

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is worth a day on your trip to NYC, and Sunday in Brooklyn is worth at least two hours of that day.

Sunday in Brooklyn is an ideal brunch spot, thanks to its innovative takes on American classics, cocktails, and gigantic brunch menu.

With exposed rafters, a wood-burning oven, and a spacious, lovely bar, it’s a fantastic area.

There is also a lot of natural light during the day, white marble tabletops, and floral dinnerware. All of these elements combine to make Sunday in Brooklyn one of the best brunch spots in NYC.

Sunday In Brooklyn does a great brunch, serving grain bowls, matcha lattes, patty melts, Bloody Marys, and more.

Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States

12. Tavern 29

If you are looking for rooftop brunch spots in Nyc to escape the city’s people or bustle, you should check out Tavern 29.

When you walk in, there are two cute booths right before the standard bar begins, with lots of bar stools and some top tables.

What you don’t realize is that this place has three more levels, and the ambiance and vibe on each floor are cooler than the next.

On the rooftop, there is a beautiful brick wall on one side, giving the place a rustic feel.

There’s not much of a view – but you can tell before you walk in the door. It’s a 2-story building surrounded by taller buildings.

But that’s the beauty of it, really – being somewhat tucked away makes it perfect for those looking to be alone!

They have many hamburger options and a larger variety of specialty craft beers.

Brunch with bottomless beverage options is available on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am-4 pm.

Address: 47 E 29th St, New York, NY 10016, United States

13. Mr. Purple

If you’re looking for somewhere with free entry, along with the option to sit and relax with a drink while enjoying a great view, then Mr. purple is a great option.

Mr. Purple is acclaimed as one of NYC’s most popular and lively rooftop bars.

The restaurant offers breathtaking views of the city, from the Empire State Building to the World Trade Center.

Once you enter the elevator from the lobby, you will be taken upstairs to a completely different world full of young professionals.

Additionally, the bar menu features an expansive collection of small-batch spirits, regionally brewed craft beers, and universal wine offerings.

There’s also an all-day menu as well as a special brunch menu on weekends

Similarly, the bar menu offers various small-batch spirits, locally created craft beers, and international wine selections.

Address: 180 Orchard St 15th floor, New York, NY 10002, United States

14. Hotel Chantelle

If you are searching for one of the best brunches in Manhattan, make sure to check out hotel Chantelle.

The Hotel Chantelle’s rooftop will transport you to a Parisian garden as you enjoy a lively French menu.

Well, once you get past the grumpy bouncer on the door.

In fact, the place doesn’t look much from the outside, but when you enter the terrace, it’s lovely.

The rooftop is embellished with lamp post lighting, park benches, and hanging flowery greenery that is both elegant and welcoming.

Additionally, the rooftop is covered during cold months, so you can sit up there despite the weather.

The ambiance is also really something to note. With black street lamps on the side, you sort of feel like you’re eating outside on a European street.

The brunch menu includes Vegan Ceviche, Chai Ricotta, Chicken & Waffles, Beef Sliders, Truffle Pizza, Stuffed French Toast, and more.

Address: 92 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002, United States

15. Catch NYC

Catch is a well-known seafood spot in Meatpacking that offers creative gastronomical fusion. It also houses a very trendy club in the later hours of the night.

The restaurant is an excellent location for dates, celebrating couples, and friends.

Catch in New York features modern renditions of classic dishes served in streaming, shareable style of dining.

Note that roof seating is by request only. Truffle Sashimi, Hellfire Roll, and Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are some of the available meals on the brunch menu.

Address: 21 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014, United States

16. Juliette

Juliette is just off the main stem of Williamsburg, Brooklyn’s Bedford Street, and boasts a covered garden area.

The skylight and greenery brighten up the space and make it feel like an oasis compared to other rooftop brunch spots in Nyc.

Similarly, the heated, open-air rooftop terrace bar maintains the charming isolation of an Urban Oasis while being lifted above the bustle of the streets.

In fact, the interior design of this well-known Williamsburg café is so French-inspired that it is simple to imagine entering a different dimension through the mirror.

They have a small kitchen, so they stop serving brunch at 4 pm and re-open the kitchen at 5 pm.

Brunch is not really something the French would ever consider, but it is done very well here.

You can get a plate of Juliette’s breakfast of eggs and sausages for brunch. The Forestier is an inventive and excellent breakfast of eggs on a bed of mushrooms and kale; try it.

Duck confit salad and a chicken sandwich is also great option.

Brunch is served Monday-Friday from 11 am to 4 pm, while Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Address: 135 N 5th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States

Also, you can decide to explore the many Rooftop Restaurants NYC has to offer!

17. Serra by Birreria

Serra by Birreria is one of the best rooftop brunch spots in Nyc, especially if you are looking for an instagrammable brunch spot.

The restaurant is on the highest level of the Eataly building with a glass roof that can be opened.

It is a little challenging to find the restaurant’s entrance. It is hidden in an Eataly nook.

When you do, they check you in, and if you have a reservation or are sitting at the bar, you take the elevator up to the 14th floor.

The atmosphere is also pretty awesome. It’s full of light and has hanging flowers all over. It definitely doesn’t feel like you’re in the loud and busy city!

Similarly, they have seasonal menus with a few different options of cured meats and cheeses, appetizers, salads, main courses, and desserts.

Address: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States

18. Alma

Alma is the perfect spot for a casual night out! The view is one of the best in the city.

The three floors of this restaurant each have a unique atmosphere. The rooftop eating area, which offers a stunning view of Manhattan, improves the ambiance.

Try the Guacamole; it is creamy and tasty. Medium rare steak torta is also perfectly cooked with lots of flavors.

Overall, the restaurant is a spot to go to have perfectly laid-back Sunday brunch if you happen to be in this neighborhood.

Address: 187 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States

19. VERSA NYC

Just around the corner from Madison Square Garden, the magnificent Renaissance New York Midtown Hotel houses the contemporary and stylish rooftop restaurant; VERSA NYC.

The VERSA rooftop bar serves meals and drinks all day long, from early morning to late-night dining. There is also a fantastic rooftop brunch on the weekends.

There are actually three sections in the restaurant. The first area is entirely indoors.

Walking further will bring you to a middle section covered but with a retractable roof and next to a third section entirely outdoors.

You get a sweeping view of the Midtown skyline and the Empire State Building.

Together with a nice assortment of inventive signature cocktails, draft beers, and wines, the restaurant and rooftop bar serves fresh and expertly prepared American gastro cuisine, including pasta, salads, flatbreads, and burgers.

There are also a lot of TVs on the walls, clearly making this a sports bar kind of place but refined.

Address: 218 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, United States

20. STK Steakhouse Rooftop NYC

STK Steakhouse rooftop is an excellent place for summertime vibes, especially with the DJ spinning amazing tunes.

The restaurant is located in the Meatpacking District.

Every night of the week, a DJ plays music in the restaurant’s bar, lounge, and table seating area.

During lunch, brunch, and supper, STK’s menu offers redesigned versions of traditional American fare with distinctive regional flavors blended into each location’s menu.

Crispy Calamari, Maple & Bourbon Nueske’s Bacon, Shellfish Platters, Baby Gem Caesar, etc., are some of the meals available on the weekend brunch menu.

Address: 26 Little W 12th St, New York, NY 10014, United States

Final Remarks

The fact that you do not even need to go too far to locate these brunch spots is one of the best advantages of being in NYC.

Enjoy the city’s panoramic vistas and have a great meal!