The best Midtown rooftop bars

When you hear the words funky animal print and vegetation, you can’t help but question the interior designer's decisions. At Monarch Rooftop, these patterns not only work but also create a lively atmosphere on an 18th-floor penthouse above Herald Square.

This 5,000 sq. ft Midtown rooftop bar has various spaces: the Southside (max. 125 guests), Northwest and Southwest Terraces (max. 40-50 guests), Westsider (max. 100 guests), Skylight Lounge (max: 200 guests), and Royal Terrace (max. 100 guests, available seasonally).

Monarch Rooftop has an in-house mixologist, a full-scale special events team, catering, an audio-visual team, and a Hilton Garden Inn New York partnership. And you can’t forget to try their specialty cocktails like the Basic Barbie, Not That Deep, and Stan this Margarita.

Nothing beats cozying up with a good book in the winter, looking at fresh snow, or in the summer while hearing the waves crash against the sand. Minutes away from the New York Public Library and Grand Central Terminal is Bookmarks Rooftop Garden Lounge and Terrace, a space that combines all things books and bars in one place.

Open year-round, there’s always a place depending on what you want your experience to entail. The wraparound terrace provides views of the city, but if you want to be somewhere more homey, you can sit by the fireplace in the Writers Den room.

Corporate and social events can accommodate 20 to 100 guests for a cocktail reception or event. You can choose what cold and warm d'oeuvres you would like to feature, like tandoori chicken, wild mushroom and truffle risotto, or a sushi assortment. And it’s a book bar after all, so you’ll have to try a literary-themed cocktail like The Pulitzer, Tequila Mockingbird, or Campfire Stories.

Want to feel like James Bond in a sleek Midtown rooftop bar? Try the Spyglass Rooftop Bar at Archer Hotel on 47 West 28th Street, inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window.” The sleek and minimalist interior creates a sophisticated atmosphere, letting the view have its moment to shine.

There are multiple spaces to host an event, varying in size and purpose. The Empire Room and Terraces accommodate up to 75 guests and provide views of the Empire State Building. The East and West Terraces can fit up to 15 guests each and are semi-private open-air alcoves that offer food and beverage packages for small groups. Lastly, the Back Lounge is an indoor space with four-panel displays with live-feed images.

You’re sure to feel fancy at Spyglass, and while you’re at it, you can try the Tuna Tartare or Warsteiner Cheese Fondue with a Tiramisu Martini.

It's the 21st century, and everyone's faces are stuffed in their phones. It's ironic when people are shocked by what’s actually happening around them. 35th Street is home to The Lookup on top of the Kixby Hotel, a spot to put the screen down and enjoy your surroundings. The Lookup can accommodate up to 115 seated guests and 150 standing guests.

The long tables make it feel like an elevated picnic, and the black-and-white striped flooring, string lights, and colorful plaid pillows create a casual yet energetic environment. This Midtown rooftop bar is open from April through September, a fitting ambiance for the summer months, and welcomes any events.

While keeping it casual, you can still snack on elevated dishes like the Hamptons Lobster Roll or Truffle Grilled Cheese. It’s a rooftop bar, after all, so you can try the themed NYC cocktails like the Strawberry Fields or Empire Spritz.

Sometimes, this city is all about dressing to impress, but sometimes, it's nice to have the option of choosing a casual or a more put-together outfit. The relaxed nature of Cloud Social Rooftop Bar on 6 West 32 Street allows you to choose your vibe– from glitz and glamour to a chill night with friends.

This Midtown rooftop bar offers hand-crafted cocktails and spirits, such as The Lady Snapshot, Botanical Tea Garden, and, if you aren’t a sipper, a Magic Brain shot. These drinks can be paired with bar snacks like jumbo pretzels while sitting at high-top tables overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

Accommodating 130 seated or 140 standing guests, Cloud Social is ready for your party, corporate event, product launches, and more.