Ain't No Summer Fling: 5 Year-Round Rooftop Bars You Should Visit This Winter in NYC

Ain't No Summer Fling: 5 Year-Round Rooftop Bars You Should Visit This Winter in NYC

Who said rooftop bars are just a summer thing? 

Whoever said that lied. Whoever said that has never been to any of the bars on the list below in the midst of January, and felt not only warm, but pleasantly wasted.

So here's what we have to say about the situation. Get out of those sweatpants, put the Netflix and Seamless on hold, and get off the couch. Put on a fancy outfit, and get yourself out to the following bars.

We live in New York City, and living in NYC means stellar, breathtaking rooftop views. 

It also means sipping a hot toddy atop a rooftop lined with heat-lamps. It means having the time of your life even during the depths of winter.

Were you wondering which rooftop bars were not only bearable, but entirely warm and pleasant, even in the winter? That's what we're here for, isn't it?

Read on to find out what rooftop bars you should drink on top of as the weather gets more chilly.


1. Refinery Rooftop (63 West 38th Street)

refineryrooftop Scenes from last night 📷 captured by @britb1027 ✨ #rooftopbar #nycrooftop #sorefined #rooftopnights #nyc #ingoodco


This lavish hotel has a retractable rooftop with couches, tables, and even a swinging bench. This rooftop has also got a pretty stellar view of the Empire State Building.

What else? We'll tell you what else. They've got live, jazzy music, cocktails, and an altogether rip-roaring good time vibe.

It's also got a fireplace for you to warm up beside. Plop down on one of their couches and chug your champagne, or hot toddy, and let the heat and warmth wash over you while you take in that excellent view we mentioned earlier.

Refinery Rooftop may be a bit on the pretentious side, we've got to say, so make sure you're dressed to the nines if you want to be let in.


2. Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar and Lounge (44 West 63rd Street)

jamieyuccas I love the mother and daughter on the left trying to get the perfect shot. #sunset #nyc #LincolnCenterNYC #empirehotelrooftop


How does lovely decor, excellent music, and a stunning view overlooking Lincoln center sound? 

We thought that'd sound good. This bar has an entirely classy feel, but it does tend to get clubbier once it starts to creep toward the late side on Saturday nights. If you're looking to dance, this might just be your move.

It's got cushy seats, heat lamps, and two full bars. Perhaps the best part is that you'll actually be able to hear yourselves talk, a feature that's far too few in NYC bars. It's also got a really excellent view of the Upper West Side.

Have your first drink in their comfortable lobby bar before heading upstairs to turn up on their heated rooftop. It's trendy and upscale, so dress accordingly.


3. Gansevoort Park Rooftop (420 Park Avenue South)

gansevoort Cheers, it's #CyberMonday! BOOK NOW + save 20% off + 25% discount on suites at Gansevoort Park and Gansevoort Meatpacking. Click the 🔗 #linkinbio + enter promo code 'CYBER16'.

We are all about this rooftop bar for a cold winter evening. It's delightfully designed, and extremely hip and trendy.

The DJ rocks bumping jams, the crowd is lively and fun, and the location is nothing short of beautiful. They've also got heat lamps lining the rooftop, which improve the wintertime experience exponentially.

Their drinks are a bit on the pricier side, but they have deliciously crafted cocktails and we'd dare to say it's worth it, though we would recommend getting a little tipsy before you get here so you don't have to completely wreck your bank account.

Also, their happy hour is extremely reasonable and much more laid back than their later evening events. Still, be on your game with fashion when you come here. Everyone else will be.

They've also got a pool, but sadly it's only available to hotel guests. Next time one of your relatives comes to town, try and persuade them to stay here.

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4. Plunge Rooftop Bar & Lounge (18 9th Avenue)

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Plunge Rooftop Bar & Lounge is replete with unbelievable views, and lots of seating and lounging areas. Plus, they've got a pool on the roof (hence, the name plunge).

It's actually relatively laid back for the Meatpacking District, but it is usually packed to the brim with gorgeous, dressed up people.

From this roof, you'll have views of the Hudson River, One World Trade, and most of the West Village. Snag a seat by the edge, you won't regret it.


We do have to warn you that the drinks here are expensive. Once again, we think you should pregame before you come, and pregame hard. That way, you'll only have to purchase one $15 cocktail, and it'll be delicious and worth it.


5. Spyglass (47 West 38th Street)

its__me__jaime Happy hour with a view #empirestateofmind #spyglassnyc #spyglassrooftop #summerinnyc @linzss1


This is a phenomenal rooftop with excellent views of the Empire State Building. It's a bit on the small side, which adds to the cozy ambiance and makes mingling a must.

They've also got really great food. We'd recommend sinking your teeth into some of their mushroom flatbread, charcuterie plate, and their olives appetizer.

Spyglass is also way less-than-pretentious, which is probably our favorite thing about this rooftop bar. Besides the heat lamps of course.

Still, we've said it before and we'll say it again. It's expensive. The drinks are delicious and specially crafted, but as they're about $15 a drink, we definitely don't think you should buy more than one or two tops.

Or you could always just befriend a rich person who's willing to bankroll your evening. That's always a possibility too.

Check out 8 Hotel Bars to Cross Off Your Fall Bucket List in NYC

[Feature Image Courtesy Bleecker + Spring]

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