The best rooftop bars in Chelsea, NYC

The ivy-covered archway leading up to Gallow Green is more like an entrance to a secret garden than a bar, and it’s hard to tell the difference even after you arrive. Blossoming flowers and hanging vines highlight wooden furniture and stone walls, making it the perfect setting for living out all your cottagecore dreams.

The floral vibes aren’t just in the decor – cocktail flavors include elderflower, orange blossom, lavender, and honey. As for food, you can expect a classic summer menu, from pizza and salads to swordfish and steak.

Gallow Green is open from April to October. Rent out the entire space for 280 guests standing or 150 seated, and host a garden party in your Sunday best.

So your girls' trip to Cabo never made it out of the group chat. This might be the next best thing. Creatures Rooftop evokes the atmosphere of a coastal resort somewhere hot and humid, filled with thriving plants, straw chandeliers, and hammocks.

What’s a relaxing retreat during the day turns vibrant by night, with local and touring DJs bringing electronic beats from around the world. The menu features Latin-inspired fare like tacos and ceviche, as well as unique bespoke cocktails.

The rooftop is available to rent for up to 200 guests, with plenty of space to chill and admire the surrounding skyline.

Afraid of heights? Get major FOMO in New York summers? On the fifth floor of the Renaissance Hotel, Versa lays low without compromising a view. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in light and city views, even when the retractable roof is out (for that unpredictable city weather).

The bar's sleek and simple decor is sure to appeal to even the pickiest of guests. Enjoy New American gastropub fare like calamari and nachos, and explore a selection of craft cocktails with a wide array of flavors. Catch a game on one of their many TVs, or go in person around the corner at MSG.

Unlike other rooftops, Versa can host private events for up to 300 people. It’s spacious and won’t feel overcrowded (in case you’re claustrophobic as well as acrophobic, which, if you are, we’ll just assume you’re a transplant from the suburbs) – a rare treat in Manhattan.

This beachy Chelsea rooftop bar has everything to make you feel like you’re on a relaxing vacation to the Hamptons — minus the ocean. But with a view like this, you might not even miss it. Wicker stools, lifeguard chairs, and swings made of reclaimed wine barrels add a soothing seaside whimsy to the bustling Chelsea streets.

Despite the decor, a retractable roof and heaters help Sandbar stay open year-round. A bespoke cocktail menu (designed by the house mixologist) has tropical seasonal drinks, which you can pair with one of thesignature pinsa-style pizzas. Or, indulge in fondue or S’mores over a mini bonfire – that’s sure to take you right back to your scout days.

Sandbar Rooftop is available to rent for private events, and can host up to 210.

If Alice had made a wrong turn down the rabbit hole, she might have ended up at Somewhere Nowhere. This whimsical nook is best known for its enchanting indoor decor, with fluffy clouds and glittery hummingbirds hanging from the ceiling. The outdoor space isn’t much different, but Manhattan does all the work: the 39th-floor deck comes with spectacular views and the highest rooftop pool in the city, graced with a massive inflatable flamingo.

A full buyout will accompany up to 160 guests, or go semi-private for up to 80. Catering menus include hors d’oeuvres, shared platters, or buffets for everything from sushi to tacos. The magical cocktail menu might just cast a spell on you, with names like “The Prophecy”, which must be fun to ask a bartender for. You’ll probably just get the drink, but if you get anything else, let us know.