50 Best Rooftop Bars in the USA

From sky-high hotel bars to sprawling high school roofs, the United States is brimming with brilliant rooftop bars. Looking for booze with some serious views? Here are the 50 best rooftop bars in the USA for all your day-drinking, sunset-seeking needs this summer.

Here are the 50 of the Best Rooftop Bars in the USA

50. Darling AM – Midtown, New York

Darling might be a newcomer on the block (it only opened in March 2022), but its swoon-worthy views have already gained it cult status. Perched atop the 47-story-tall Park Lane New York hotel at 36 Central Park South, it’s the only rooftop bar of its kind to call Billionaire’s Row its home. You’ll pay a premium for the postcode with cocktails priced upwards of $25 but you can’t put a price on those views.

49. 49th State Brewing – Anchorage, Alaska

This vertigo-friendly rooftop bar offers sweeping views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range from its two panoramic decks. Unlike most rooftop spots, the real hero of 49th State Brewing is its brilliant beers. There are at least 16 on tap, ranging from classic lagers and pale ales to spicy sours and IPAs. The food menu is just as exciting, with inventive dishes like yak quesadilla and crab-stuffed jalapeños. There’s often live music here too.

48. Bar Clara – Los Angeles, California

Bar Clara might be inspired by Italy, but those views are pure El Lay. This little urban oasis floats above the new Hotel Per La, which took over the old NoMad space in July this year. The hotel isn’t even open yet (you can book from September 2022 onwards), but thirsty patrons can arrive at the Olive Street entrance until then. The views are impossible to beat, but the real draw is its roster of on-tap spritzes. There’s an excellent range of sustainable, natural and biodynamic wines to choose from too.

47. Capella on 9 – Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville’s rooftop bars don’t tend to get much higher than two storeys, but Capella on 9 practically floats above the city on the 9th floor. There are two rooftop terraces here, both offering jaw-dropping views of the mountains and city skyline. Come with a group of friends, and order a few tapas-style sharing plates and a handful of crafted cocktails. At the weekend, you can dance under the stars to a DJ set too.

46. Buena Vida – Arlington, Virginia

This glorious Mexican-inspired bar and restaurant offer up a sprawling 4,700 sq. ft. rooftop space with two bars. Open come rain and shine thanks to a retractable roof, it’s the ideal spot for those looking to sip and sit under both the Clarendon sun and stars. There’s an extensive drinks menu of classic and frozen cocktails, beers and spirits, best enjoyed with a delicious selection of small plates. There’s a happy hour from Monday to Friday between 3:30 and 6:00 pm too.

45. The Ashford – Jersey City, New Jersey

Located on Newark Avenue, The Ashford is a lovely, lively rooftop bar with table and bar service. Unlike most rooftop spots, it’s open all year round too. In summer, the crowds come to cool down under the shade of umbrellas with a couple of refreshing cocktails. Come winter, it’s a cosy spot with heaters, blankets and cockle-warming cocktails. DJs play to keep the party pumping and brunch is popular too.

44. 16 on the Park – Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore might not have a soaring skyline, but it is one of the most recognizable. 16 on the Park is an excellent spot to soak it all in. Located in the Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, the rooftop bar offers sweeping views of vibrant East Baltimore. Settle down with a signature cocktail and enjoy the sunset.

43. Rooftop @ Revere – Boston, New England

This hip hotel hotspot is one of the liveliest rooftop bars in Boston. Conveniently located high above the Theater District and Back Bay, the space stretches across 15,000 sq. ft, making it Boston’s biggest rooftop bar too. Tuck into New England cuisine, cocktails and wines on a comfy sofa or in one of the many cabanas dotted around the patio.

42. Apex Social Club – Las Vegas, Nevada

At 55-storeys high, this upscale nightclub and rooftop bar is one of the highest bars in Vegas. The 8,000 sq.ft. venue is home to incredible top-of-the-world views over Vegas, sweeping across the entire city skyline and out to the desert. Inside the decor is ultra-glam, with a graphite and sapphire bar, a sculpture garden and pricy artwork.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Las Vegas here

41. Art + Rec Uptown – Minneapolis, Minnesota

The newly opened Art + Rec Uptown is a real breath of fresh air. Billed as an “art-forward entertainment venue”, the new rooftop bar brings together art, food and entertainment. As well as brilliant booze and views, the space showcases local creative talent, including a three-dimensional mural from Witt Siasoco, sculptural metal work from Alan Christian and a mural from Bo Young An. There are plans for a mini-golf course, black box theatre and speakeasy too, so watch this space.

40. SPC Redmond Hotel – Redmond, Oregon

This charming hotel rooftop bar sits above the High Desert in Central Oregon. As the only rooftop space in the city, it offers unobscured views of the Cascade Range, Smith Rock Park and Mount Bachelor. At 1,500 sq. ft, it’s an intimate space, but the terrace has been thoughtfully planned to include a serene garden, comfy lounge sofa and dining tables, as well as umbrellas for shade and heaters for cooler evenings. The menu features an excellent range of locally-inspired small plates, with most dishes and drinks incorporating herbs, fruit and spices grown in the gardens.

39. SKY Waikiki Raw and Bar – Honolulu, Hawaii

Located on the south shore of Hawaii’s colourful capital Honolulu, Waikiki is home to most of the city’s big-hitter resorts and five-star hotels. And where upmarket hotels are, swanky rooftop bars follow. SKY Waikiki boasts the best birdseye views in the city. The huge wrap-around roof terrace is decked out with comfy sofas and fire pits to keep things cosy when the sun goes down. There’s an extensive menu of fresh seafood, champagne and handcrafted cocktails, but the views are the real draw here. Come for 360 degrees of Diamond Head and out to the Pacific. At the weekend, the terrace transforms into a nightclub too.

38. The Outsider – Milwaukee, Wisconssin

The Outsider is set nine floors above Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, which means the views of the city – including the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge and City Hall – are second-to-none. It’s swish but not stuffy, with plush sofas and day beds, retractable glass walls and firepits to keep things cosy. There’s always something going on, from live music to shuffleboard games. The menu features seasonal cocktails, local small-batch spirits, decent beers on taps and a range of delicious snacks and sliders. Even if it didn’t boast those sparkling views, it would be well worth a visit.

37. Kaiyo Rooftop – San Fransisco, California

Kaiyo Rooftop, which opened early this year, is really raising the rooftop scene in San Fran. Perched on the roof of the Hyatt Place Hotel, the 3,300 sq. ft. space offers expansive views of the city skyline, from Bay Bridge to Treasure Island. That’s not all they have to shout about either. The menu is an exploration of Japanese and Peruvian cultures, featuring everything from fresh ceviche to wagyu. Authentic Peruvian piscos are a real treat, as are the ten sakes available by the glass.

36. Paramour – San Antonio, Texas

For the best views over the San Antonio skyline, hotfoot to Paramour. Located in the Museum District, the rooftop is open all day long, though most people arrive in time for sunset and stay ’til late. There are 20 signature cocktail creations on offer, as well as craft beers, fine wines, spirits and small plates. Popular events include the Drag Brunch and “Hardboys”. We’ll leave it to you to work out what the latter entails.

35. Bok Bar – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This lovely, laid-back rooftop bar boasts the best views in the city. Unlike most rooftop spots, it’s not perched on top of a swish hotel or re-vamped parking lot, but a former high school in Southeast Philly. The drinks menu is smaller than most (a blessing for indecisive souls) and features a couple of cocktails, wines, beers and less typical non-alcoholic drinks like kombucha. There’s usually a pop-up kitchen here too. This month, Everbody Eats, a collaborative team of Black chefs dedicated to fighting food insecurity and embracing diversity, are serving up wings, fries, burgers and cheesesteaks.

34. Selva – Chicago, Illinois

Selva, Chicago’s newest rooftop offering, is located on the seventh floor of The Emily Hotel in Fulton Market. It’s inspired by the energy of Mexico by night, which means you can guarantee a good time. Drinks pack a punch too; the bar follows the Mexican saying “Para todo mal mezcal, y para todo bien también” (“mezcal in the bad times and mezcal in the good times”). As well as tequilas and mezcal, there are other artisanal Mexican spirits like charanga, which complement the Mexican-inspired bites perfectly.

33. Up on the Roof (Greenville, South Carolina)

For a small(ish) city, Greenville boasts an awful lot of rooftop bars. But, none can compete with Up on the Roof for views and booze. Located south of the Reedy River, the bar overlooks downtown Greenville, the river and out to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Patrons can sink back into huge comfy chairs, catch a game on the huge TV screens and keep toasty around the firepit tables when the sun goes down. Go for bottomless brunch, with $25 bottomless mimosas – and linger long into the evening.

32. Monarch Club – Detroit, Michigan

You’d be forgiven for thinking Detroit’s rooftop bar should be non-existent, given its famously frosty winters – but it’s thriving. The Monarch Club offers the best of old-school charm and a modern menu. Set in a restored neo-gothic Metropolitan, the terrace offers incredible views over downtown Detroit. In the winter, the floors make way for rooftop igloos, so you can enjoy views all year round. Be your best Mad Men-self and order an Old-fashioned.

Check out the best bars in Detroit here

31. Harlow XMX – Dallas, Texas

Dallas’ rooftop bar scene is buzzing, but Harlowe MXM is something special. Boasting three different experiences in three distinct areas, the decor here is full-throttle industrial-chic. Between its exposed beams and decking, there are communal tables, comfy sofas and a sweeping bar serving up delicious cocktails, beers and wines with sweeping views of the city skyline. There’s a dizzying calendar of music events to enjoy too.

30. The Citrus Club at the Dewberry Hotel – Charleston, South Carolina

29. High Rooftop Bar (Los Angeles, California)

The only rooftop bar in Venice Beach offers superb views over Muscle Beach, the Venice Beach Boardwalk and out to the Pacific Ocean. The 100% open-air space is decorated in sea blue, with decking and bright orange umbrellas to echo the views. Cocktails are inspired by the setting too; the current menu is a salute to The Doors, with names like ‘Light My Fire’ and ‘People Are Strange’. They’re good at food here too, with brunch and bubbles at the weekend and classic ‘Venice Way Pizza’.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Los Angeles here

28. 8up – Louisville, Kentucky

Possibly one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city, 8Up is a real local institution. Set eight stories above downtown Louisville, this open-air rooftop bar serves some of the best views in the city. The terrace is big but cosy, with comfy lounge-style seating and firepits for cooler evenings. The menu features a good range of small plates and larger sharing dishes, as well as classic cocktails, wines, beers and a staggering selection of bourbons.

27. Fahrenheit – Charlotte, North Carolina

North Carolina’s largest city just keeps on getting bigger – and taller. There are now dozens of rooftop bars scattered across the city, but Fahrenheit is the highest. Soaring 21 stories above Second Ward, you’re guaranteed an excellent view wherever you sit. It’s part of the Hyatt Place and you’ll need to don business-casual attire to get in, so avoid those sneakers and baseball caps. Outside on the terrace, there are big comfy lounge chairs, large dining tables and fire pits to keep you cosy as the sun goes down. There’s an extensive drinks list featuring craft ales, fine wines and an eclectic range of cocktails. Come with an empty stomach too – you won’t want to miss out on Chef Rocco Whalen’s creations.

26. The Coop at Graduate – Oxford, Mississippi

This charming fourth-floor rooftop bar and restaurant serves up Southern fare with flair, alongside blockbuster views of the historic downtown square. Its eclectic interiors, which nod to its academic associations, also feature fun cheeky chicken coop motifs. It shouldn’t work, but it does. Crowd-pleasing Coop cocktails include the “Shimmering Martini” and the “Mississippi Mule”, expertly made by knowledgeable bartenders and often served with the sounds of a live blues session.

25. Bell Tower Bar – Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is an old city, but it has a young soul. Nowhere is this more apparent than the Bell Tower Bar on a Friday night. Perched on top of the historic La Fonda Hotel, the beloved Bell Tower Bar offers one of the best views of those patented New Mexican sunsets, free-flowing margaritas and live country and folk music. The food is every bit as good as the views, with a menu featuring crowd-pleases like Southwest sliders, jicama slaw and green chile.

24. Assembly – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Assembly is Philly’s favourite rooftop bar for good reason. First, there’s the fact that you can enjoy sunset views all year round –even in the chilliest winters – thanks to its firepit pods and extendable rooftop. Then there’s the sparkling service and the food is top-notch too. And, while at nine stories high it’s not going to set any records for height, it might just do for those cocktails. As well as the classics, you’ll find flamboyant creations like the ‘Bittersweet Poetry’, made with coconut-washed Aperol, Kinsey Rye, Cocchi Americano and Dry Vermouth. Grab a margarita flatbread and polish it off with their ‘old Cuban’ cocktail.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Philadelphia here

23. M Bar – Seattle, Washington

Perched on the 14th floor, M Bar offers sparkling views over the whole of Seattle, right out to the Olympic Mountain Range. At 2,800 square ft., it’s also the largest rooftop in the city. And yet, it’s incredibly cosy too, with firepit lounge areas and blankets for after sundown.

As well as craft cocktails, visitors can enjoy some of the best food in the city. Jason Stratton, one of the city’s most famous chefs, serves up Middle Eastern meets Mediterranean dishes, like bay shrimp ceviche and chicken shawarma. Heaven.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Seattle here

22. Sugar – Miami, Florida

Sugar is exactly the sort of bar you’d expect to find on top of an achingly hip hotel. Set on the 40th floor of EAST Miami Hotel, the bar is in the midst of thick ferns and bamboos in an Asian-inspired garden. The sunset views over Biscayne Bay are a big draw, but it’s the brilliantly made cocktails that really get the crowds going. Inspired by Asian flavours, you’ll find cocktails made with Japanese liquors and surprise ingredients, like Thai Chilli. We recommend “The One in a Melon”, made with gin and watermelon puree. It’s summer in a glass.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Miami here

21. Belle’s Cocktail House – Lexington, Kentucky

It may not be the biggest rooftop bar on the block, but it does the best bourbon with birdseye views. What could be more fitting for a state that produces more than 95% of the world’s bourbon? It’s named after Belle Brezing, the madame who ran a high-class Victorian brothel and provided the inspiration for Belle Watling in Gone with the Wind. Bourbon comes in many forms here – straight, added to a creative cocktail and even served as a slushy.

Check out the best bars in Lexington here

20. Acme Feed & Seed – Nashville, Tennessee

Situated slap-bang in the heart of the honky-tonk scene in Nashville’s Lower Broadway, Acme Feed & Seed offers up 22,000 sq. ft (2043 sq. m) of cocktail, culinary and entertainment space. The rooftop bar offers 360-views across town, with sweeping views of Broadway, the Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium and Riverfront Park. Living up to its moniker of ‘Music City’, you’ll find live music on the roof daily. Come hungry and order their famous hot chicken. You won’t regret it.

19. Somwhere in Nolita – New York City, New York

This new rooftop bar opened in 2021 and it’s fast become a favourite with foodies and cocktail lovers at Golden Hour. The garden bar is brimming with flowers, colourful shrubs, green booths, rugs and twinkling light festooned canopies. The cocktails are exceptional but it’s the summery New England-inspired dishes that are the real star of the show here.

18. Lustre Rooftop Bar at the Hotel Palomar – Phoenix, Arizona

17. Altitude (San Diego, California)

At 22 floors high, Altitude is right at the tippy-top of San Diego’s skyline. Not only are the views the best in the city but its location, right next to Petco Park, means you can catch a free ball game if you time your visit right. Head there on a weekday for ‘Sunset Hour’, when the cocktails will set you back just $7. While you’re at it, pick up a plate of Buffalo Chicken Wings and order them dripping in a blue cheese dressing. You can guarantee a lively atmosphere too, with help from DJ set backdrops at least three times a week.

Check out the best rooftop bars in San Diego here

16. Percheron at Crossroads Hotel – Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City’s first rooftop bar is a belter. Built in a former PBR bottling plant, it serves up the best sunset in the city with 360-degree views of the city skyline. The terrace is decked out with comfy sofas, large communal tables and patio games – built for long-haul drinking sessions. Unsurprisingly, you’ll find ice-cold PBR beers here, as well as craft cocktails and a good wine list. On Sunday afternoons there are DJ sessions too.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Kansas City here

15. P6 – Austin, Texas

A design-focused hotel deserves an aesthetically pleasing rooftop bar, and P6 is just that. Set on the top floor of a parking garage at The Line Hotel, P6 is all pastel pink canopies, granite and rattan, with a stylish soundtrack to match. It’s romantic and intimate and its views of Lady Bird Lake are unbeatable. The cocktail, wine and beer list is extensive but save plenty of room for a few of the small plates, which include wagyu beef carpaccio and saffron pappardelle with shrimp butter.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Austin here

14. The Roof at Esme – Miami, Florida

Are there fancier rooftop bars in Miami? Undoubtedly. But the Roof at Esme is arguably one of the sexiest. It’s been a five-year wait for Esme Hotel, Miami Beach’s newly minted skyscraper, but it was worth it. The open-air deck, which is open to everyone, is the perfect spot for lazy afternoons in the sunshine. There’s an excellent range of clever cocktails and sangria, most served by the jug too. Happy days.

13. Hot Tin – New Orleans, Louisiana

Of all the rooftop bars in New Orleans, of which there are many, Hot Tin stands out as one of the best spots to soak in the city skyline. Occupying the 11th floor of the Pontchartrain Hotel, the bar serves up all the speakeasy vibes with its interiors inspired by a 1940s artist’s loft. Enjoy creative and well-crafted cocktails, as well as champagne beers and wines, as the sun goes down. It’s surprisingly affordable too, despite its stellar location.

12. Lookout Rooftop Bar – Boston, Massachusetts

Perched on top of the Envoy Hotel, Lookout is one of the best rooftop bars in Boston for its sweeping harbour views. It’s the perfect destination for any occasion – afternoon brunches, romantic sunset date nights, casual catch-ups – which means it’s popular too. You’ll be able to spot the queue before you see the front door.

During the winter, they set up snuggly igloos to keep it cosy, while in the summer you can enjoy the sun-filled patio. Kick back, deep dive into the wine list and enjoy the trendy tunes.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Boston here

11. Roof Deck at Revolution Hall – Portland, Oregon

Rooftops might not immediately spring to mind when you think of Portland, but after one trip to Roof Deck, the two will be synonymous. Located in inner southeast Portland, the Roof deck is set atop the popular concert venue, Revolution Hall. As well as killer cocktails and flame-licked barbecued treats, the rooftop serves up impressive 360-degree views over downtown and Mount Tabor.

10. El Techo – San Francisco, California

Thanks to its unpredictable weather, San Franciso doesn’t usually get a look in when it comes to rooftop bars. But we couldn’t ignore the city’s beloved El Techno. Popular year-round thanks to its retractable roof and heaters, you can enjoy city views while tucking into Latin American street food and cocktail pitchers, like the ‘Tres Amigos’, made with sangria, grappa, lager and Mi Campo Blanco. There’s a rooftop brunch at the weekend too.

Check out the best rooftop bars in San Francisco here

9. From the Rooftop – Phoenix, Arizona

From the Rooftop is one of the newest additions to Phoenix’s rooftop scene, set seven floors above the Roosevelt Row Arts District. Offering 260-degree views of downtown Phoenix, it’s the perfect spot to kick back with an inventive cocktail, light bite under the Arizonan sun. There’s often live music, DJs, and art events here too.

8. Z on 23 Rooftop – Houston, Texas

The fourth-largest city in the United States is bursting with lofty locations for sky-high drinking, but Z on 23 really fulfils the rooftop bar brief with style. There are 23 floors between the bar and Walker Street sidewalk, so it’s certainly not vertigo-friendy, but it is the best place to enjoy 360-degree views of the city. Outside, there’s comfy lounge seating and candlelit tables, while inside it’s all colourful murals and plush cocktail chairs.

There’s an extensive selection of cocktails, craft beers and fine wines to choose from too. They also serve light bites outdoors, like crab ravigote and crispy tempura shrimp.

7. 9 Mile Station – Atlanta, Georgia

When friends ask us where to take cocktail-loving out-of-towners, we pack them off to 9 Mile Station. Set in Ponce City Market, formerly home to Sears, Roebuck & Co., this multi-level venue boasts the liveliest rooftop scene in the city. To get to the top floor, you’ll need to hop on a guide-operated freight elevator. Upstairs, you’ll find craft beers, a lengthy wine list and creative cocktails. They’re good at food here too, with an elevated menu of European-inspired American dishes like pimento cheeseburgers and molasses baked beans. And when you’re tired of the views, the drinks and the food, you can challenge a friend to a round of mini-golf.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Atlanta here

6. POV Rooftop Bar & Restaurant – Washington D.C

Washington can claim at least a dozen brilliant rooftop bars, but POV offers the most coveted views of the city. Set on the 10th floor of the swish W Washington Hotel, the bar overlooks Washington Monument and the White House. You can either lounge outdoors under the covered awning or take in the cityscape through crystal clear floor-to-ceiling windows from indoors. There’s an extensive wine list with craft cocktails and beers, as well as a kitchen menu serving up seafood and burgers. The decor is stylish and sophisticated, so get your glad rags on.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Washington here

5. Westlight – New York City, New York

In a city that has more rooftop bars than rainy days, picking the best was always going to be controversial. But with those views of the East River, it’s hard to dispute Westlight’s claim. It’s sixteen stories higher than any nearby rooftop bar and features a wraparound terrace encased with plexiglass, viewfinders and comfy lounge chairs. The food is fantastically fresh, with a menu created by Chef Andrew Carmellini. Wash it down with a classic cocktail, or a special vintage from the lengthy wine list.

Check out the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn here

4. White Limozeen – Nashville, Tennessee

This pink paradise proves that the best things in life actually come in very large packages. Perched atop the Graduate Hotel, this over-the-top rooftop experience is a homage to the iconic country singer, Dolly Parton. In true Dolly spirit, the bar is decked out in varying shades of pink, with crushed-velvet seating, gilded accents and fringing – everywhere. Outside, patrons can laze around the pool sipping themed cocktails, like the magenta-hued Queen of Rodeo. Don’t leave without a snap next to the enormous pink chicken-wire bust of the queen herself.

3. The Cloudveil – Jackson Hole, Wyoming

This newly-opened rooftop bar might not break any records for heights, but it certainly serves up the best sunset in town. Located in the historic Town Square at The Cloudveil hotel, the spacious rooftop offers sparkling views of the soaring Snow King Mountain. At night, firepits keep guests toasty as they sip on cognac cocktails. The nightly rotating menu features a selection of sandwiches, pizzas and tacos from the chefs at The Bistro downstairs.

2. Red Barber – Denver, Colorado

There’s been much talk about Denver’s hottest new bar opening, and we’re pleased to report that none of it is hot air. This really is the city’s coolest rooftop bar. Set above the Catbird Hotel in RiNo Art District, the 3,300-sq. foot space is one of the city’s biggest rooftop patios. There are firepits, life-sized yard games and an amphitheatre seating for live music, as well as Thursday night trivia and happy hours – all with the promise of an epic city skyline selfie.

1. Cindy’s Rooftop – Chicago, Illinois

In a city full of skyscrapers, there are plenty of sky-high bars but Cindy’s Rooftop is the one you’ll keep coming back to. Perched on top of the Chicago Athletic Association, it’s perennially packed with both locals and out-of-towners thanks to its sweeping views over Millenium Park, the Art Institute and Lake Michigan. The cocktails are some of the most creative in the city, made with eyebrow-raising ingredients like kombucha. Food is locally-sourced, organic and delicious too.