15 Best Rooftop Bars in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is one of the most diverse and vibrant corners of NYC. From its incredible art scene, world-class museums and unique community culture, it’s no wonder it’s a hotspot for every tourist who steps foot in the Big Apple. Easily one of the biggest pulls of Brooklyn is its stunning vistas over Manhattan. And what better place to take in the unique atmosphere of Brooklyn with views of NYC than in one of the borough’s many rooftops? Here are the seven best rooftop bars in Brooklyn.

15 Best Rooftop Bars in Brooklyn, How do these rankings work?

1. Westlight

Westline is Brooklyn’s hippest and coolest rooftop bar. Located in the 22nd floor of The William Vale in Williamsburg the panoramas of the Big Apple are simply unbeatable. Take your pick from any of their famous classic cocktails, rare spirits or craft beer and wine. We suggest the ‘vicious circle’ cocktail made with gin, green chartreuse and cocchi Americano to start. Hungry? Grab a small plate inspired by global street foods.

2. Rooftop Reds

Aptly named Rooftop Reds, this Brooklyn rooftop bar is a winos heaven. Home to the world’s first commercially viable urban rooftop vineyard, a trip to Rooftop Reds feels like part NYC wine scene part Napa Valley. While the unique wines and cheeses are certainly reason enough to visit, the stellar views and cosy atmosphere bring it all full circle. Be sure to ask for wine selections if you aren’t sure and don’t forget some cheese or food pairings.

3. Our Wicked Lady

This rooftop bar slash event venue is one of Brooklyn’s most bumping places. Set on on top of a once-abandoned Bushwick warehouse, this spacious rooftop terrace is as quirky and atmospheric as you can imagine. Whether you go for one of their many live shows or just to throw a few drinks back, you’ll always have a great time at Our Wicked Lady. Be sure and order their famous cinnamon old fashioned for a real kick.

4. Elsewhere Rooftop

Craft beer, seasonal cocktails, friendly service and stunning views are a few things you can expect from this Brooklyn gem. Also nested in a converted Bushwick warehouse, Elsewhere is famous for its artsy party scene. At night the massive rooftop turns into a giant dance party perfect for dancing the night away alongside NYC’s skyline. Be sure to check their site for local events that may interest you like food popups and sunset happy hours.

5. Lemon’s

Lemon’s Rooftop at the Wythe Hotel is the place to be for all things natural win, small plates and stunning views. They offer a whole host of signature cocktails like the ‘tiny dancer’ made with gin, cocchi rosa, strawberry, lime and cucumber; and ‘the dalloway’ made with wild turkey rye, aperol, ginger and lemon. The cocktails are delicious, but the real star of the show is their natural wine. We recommend their orange welschriesling wine from Austria. The small plates are worth digging into too.

6. Winterly Summerly

Coined Winterly in the winter and Summerly in the summer, the Hoston’s rooftop bar is the perfect spot to have a few drinks above NYC all year round. Famous for their seasonal cocktails and panoramic views of Manhattan, and incredible small bites, you really can’t go wrong. In the cooler months, we recommend their ‘hox toddy’ for a comforting drink. Heaters and blankets keep it toasty in the wintertime too.

7. The Diamond

Lowkey, funky and cosy are just a few words to describe The Diamond in Greenpoint. Known for its nostalgic vibes with shuffleboards and patio games, The Diamond is the perfect place for a fun and casual night with your friends over NYC. While the atmosphere is very laid back and casual, the wine and beer list is a different story. There’s an excellent selection of everything from wine and cheese pairings to craft brews, perfect for kicking back with on a lazy afternoon.

8. Juliette 

This French-inspired brasserie is set just off bustling Bedford Avenue, but you couldn’t tell up on the rooftop bar. The large, laid-back rooftop patio feels a world apart from Williamsburg. The rooftop bar has a full bar, serving up suitably Parisian cocktails, like the ‘Juliette Spritz’ with Pamplemousse Rose and the Cherry Blossom made with Lillet Rose. No pressure though, there’s plenty of fine wines and frosty beers to choose from too. There’s a no-food policy up on the deck, but downstairs you can tuck into Croque Monsieurs, steak tartare and french onion soup to your heart’s content. A trip to the indoor garden room with plants hanging from the ceiling is always a winner too.

Take note though, seating outside is first-come, first-served so you’ll want to nab a table early.

9. Top of the Box

With a 10,000 square-foot rooftop space offering unobstructed panoramic views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Long Island, Top of the Box is the kind of space that’s usually reserved for weddings – and up until recently it was. It’s now open to the public from Thursday through to Sunday, providing you’ve booked a spot online. It’s located on the top of The Box House Hotel (hence the name) in Greenpoint, sandwiched between North Williamsburg and Long Island City.

Top of the Box boasts the only retractable rooftop in New York, a massive plus when it rains (no dashing indoors). There’s also an incredible white marble wrap-around bar, hanging seats and big comfy couches to lounge on. Head here from frozen cocktails, wine, beers and light bites in the evening, or for Yoga & Inferno Pilates Classes in the morning.

10. Ainslie

Ainslie offers one of the best al fresco brunches in the city. Think mouthwatering wood-fired pizza, big bowls of pasta and all the eggs, then add to that a bottomless bloody Mary or a vodka tea and you’ve got Ainslie. The sprawling rooftop bar and restaurant features covered and heated seating too, perfect for when the sun goes down. There’s a Happy Hour and DJs working the decks too, so you can expect a lively atmosphere.

It’s located in a converted warehouse near Lorimer L stop, with two storeys featuring outdoor patios and loads of tables and another ski-lodge inspired storey, so you’re always guaranteed a good seat too. Great for big groups looking for good food, drinks and views.

11. Harriet’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Perched on the tenth floor of the swanky 1 Hotel Brooklyn, Harriet’s Rooftop Bar and Lounge is a swish rooftop bar offering brilliant views of Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge. Open from 1-10pm daily, you could turn up for lunch and linger ’til late, something we thoroughly encourage.

There’s an extensive cocktail, wine and beer list but the food is good too. Try the Brooklyn Bison Burger or the Lobster Bao and don’t think of leaving until you’ve tasted the Mochidoki, locally crafted ice cream wrapped in sweet rice dough. If you’re staying at the pool, you can enjoy the rooftop pool deck and plunge pool too.

12. Brooklyn Crab

Bringing a slice of New England to New York, we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, Brooklyn Crab is a great way to spend an afternoon in the city. Order a round of frozen margaritas, a big ol’ steam-pot of crab and remember just how great summer is in the city. You’ve got a few alfresco options here with a variety of different patios to choose from but the top deck is best. There’s also a mini-golf and sandbox, just in case you tire of the delicious cocktails.

Head up to the top deck and order frosty draught beer and a dozen raw oysters or blue crab, then sit back and enjoy the picture-perfect views over the Hudson Bay.

13. Bia

Yes, Bia is technically a restaurant but the rooftop bar is strictly drinks-only. It’s a real neighbourhood joint and a great antidote to the sky-high hotel bars in Manhatten. The small but pretty rooftop features colourful stools, grassy lined walls and herb-filled flower pots, with views over the surrounding streets. There’s a ton of delicious drinks to choose from, including some Asian-inspired cocktails too.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, head downstairs for some of the best Vietnamese in the area. You’ll find all the staples on the menu like Shimp Summer Rolls and Pho Bo, but don’t miss their mouthwatering Banh Mi.

14. Fornino at Pier 6

There are two outposts of this popular Italian joint but we prefer the Pier 6 location at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The breezy rooftop bar offers stellar views of the Manhatten skyline, including an unobstructed view of Lady Liberty herself. It’s popular with all ages, from families to loved-up couples, for good reason – the service is great and the food and drinks are heavenly.

You could just stop here for a drink but it’s worth picking up a slice of pie. The pizza here is a real Brooklyn favourite thanks to its perfect crusts and an incredible range of toppings. It’s even won the Best Pizza in NY award a few times.

15. Night of Joy 

This rooftop bar is 100% pure Brooklyn, from the graffiti walls to the herb-infused cocktails. The charming rooftop bar is open seasonally through Spring, Summer and Autumn all week from 5pm until late. Plus, there’s a Happy Hour until 8pm too, with $7 signature cocktails – even at the weekend. Up on the rooftop bar, there’s a frozen margarita station too. But it’s the cocktails that are the big draw, made with home-produced herbs. There’s an Orange Blossom Rum Lemonade that we’re pretty sure was created by angels.

Inside, it’s granny-chic meets urban edge. Think Victorian Persian rugs, gold-plated bars and Chinese Ginger Jars with live DJ sets.