Rooftop bars usually conjure up tank tops, sunglasses, and sparkling rosé, but this winter, rooftops across New York City have adjusted for the cold temperatures: retractable roofs, après ski vibes, and hot cocktails abound. This season, don’t let the cold weather keep you from enjoying incredible views, hot DJs, and even the elusive rooftop pool. Check out our favorite 10 rooftops in NYC that are open year-round.—Devorah Lev-Tov
The Lodge at Gallow Green
230 Fifth has been winterized in the most creative way possible: Ten transparent, glowing, heated igloos are perched on the rooftop for guests to imbibe in. Can’t get an igloo? There are also 120 heaters and red robes for guests to wear. Seasonal drinks include hot apple cider with spiced rum, hot coffee spiked with Kahlua and Bailey’s, and hot chocolate and Bailey’s.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Located under a retractable glass rooftop atop Eataly’s Flatiron location, Baita is an Italian Alps-themed bar serving snacks like fondue and fried piave cheese alongside mulled wine and hot cocktails like the Smoky S’More, a tequila and mezcal-spiked hot chocolate. There’s also a polenta bar serving three different variations of the heartwarming cornmeal. Customers can lounge on fur-covered chairs with blankets or stake out the mini wooden cabin.
Insider Tip: You can book the mini cabin in advance and experience a full family-style menu featuring Barolo-braised beef shank and northern Italian antipasti and sides.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Gallow Green atop the McKittrick Hotel (home of the immersive theater show Sleep No More) morphs into the Lodge in winter, a rooftop hideaway that invitesguests to enter a cozy chalet in an expansive pine tree forest. Inside, comfy leather arm chairs, flannel blankets, and fireplaces await. Cocktails and large-format punches are served, including hot cocktails like the signature Sleep No More mulled wine. There’s also seasonal dishes and specialty pizzas from a wood-burning oven.
Insider Tip: The Lodge is open for a $45 pre-fixe brunch on weekends and it’s the perfect time to avoid the nighttime crowds and enjoy a full English breakfast.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
The Lodge at Gallow Green
Located under a retractable glass rooftop atop Eataly’s Flatiron location, Baita is an Italian Alps-themed bar serving snacks like fondue and fried piave cheese alongside mulled wine and hot cocktails like the Smoky S’More, a tequila and mezcal-spiked hot chocolate. There’s also a polenta bar serving three different variations of the heartwarming cornmeal. Customers can lounge on fur-covered chairs with blankets or stake out the mini wooden cabin.
Insider Tip: You can book the mini cabin in advance and experience a full family-style menu featuring Barolo-braised beef shank and northern Italian antipasti and sides.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Gallow Green atop the McKittrick Hotel (home of the immersive theater show Sleep No More) morphs into the Lodge in winter, a rooftop hideaway that invitesguests to enter a cozy chalet in an expansive pine tree forest. Inside, comfy leather arm chairs, flannel blankets, and fireplaces await. Cocktails and large-format punches are served, including hot cocktails like the signature Sleep No More mulled wine. There’s also seasonal dishes and specialty pizzas from a wood-burning oven.
Insider Tip: The Lodge is open for a $45 pre-fixe brunch on weekends and it’s the perfect time to avoid the nighttime crowds and enjoy a full English breakfast.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
The Lodge at Gallow Green
Gallow Green atop the McKittrick Hotel (home of the immersive theater show Sleep No More) morphs into the Lodge in winter, a rooftop hideaway that invitesguests to enter a cozy chalet in an expansive pine tree forest. Inside, comfy leather arm chairs, flannel blankets, and fireplaces await. Cocktails and large-format punches are served, including hot cocktails like the signature Sleep No More mulled wine. There’s also seasonal dishes and specialty pizzas from a wood-burning oven.
Insider Tip: The Lodge is open for a $45 pre-fixe brunch on weekends and it’s the perfect time to avoid the nighttime crowds and enjoy a full English breakfast.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Kimoto Rooftop & Garden Lounge
Breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Barclays Center, and the Hudson River can all be seen from Kimoto, a 2,000 square-foot indoor bar with a heated and enclosed outdoor terrace.Kimoto’s zen-style design includes an indoor rock garden with more than 300 plants, like Jade and Bonsai. Boasting one of the largest Asian beer menus as well as sake and shochu selections, the cocktail list also features several Asian-inspired drinks. Snacks include beef bulgogi tacos, gyoza potstickers, and sriracha buffalo wings.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
McCarren Hotel
At the McCarren Hotel in the heart of Williamsburg, a retractable rooftop keeps guests warm and live music and DJ sets keep them dancing. Guests can enjoy the views of McCarren Park and the Manhattan skyline as they partake in a sunset happy hour with $3 tacos and seasonal cocktails like the Spiced Ginger Mule.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Refinery Rooftop
At Refinery Rooftop, atop the Refinery Hotel, you’ll keep warm under the glass retractable roof as you take in unobstructed views of the Empire State Building. The 3,500 square-foot rooftop bar and lounge features three distinct indoor/outdoor sections.Cozy up near the crackling fireplace with some seasonal cocktails and comfort food, and listen to some of the hottest tunes spun from local DJs.
Insider’s Tip: If you’re with a group, order one of the Cocktail Caddies—four servings of handcrafted cocktails. Pair them with menu items like sliders, truffle fries, or a selection of Jacques Torres chocolates.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Gansevoort Park Avenue
Bring your bathing suit and take a swim in the heated pool on top of the Gansevoort Park Avenue hotel’s rooftop. Twenty stories above Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, the tri-level rooftop has a rustic-chic atmosphere with lounge-style seating. Curl up by one of the crackling fireplaces and after sunset, dance the night away against the backdrop of the Empire State Building.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Social Drink and Food
Be transported to the Mediterranean at Social Drink and Food, on the fourth floor of Yotel. There’s wine on tap and a Mediterranean-inspired menu that includes mezze like hummus, charred eggplant, and falafel bites, alongside larger plates like pizzas and a “Labanese” Burrito with merguez sausage and labane. Even though it’s tented in the winter, guests still get a sunny vibe thanks to the neon colored pillows, bunting, and rope-wrapped circle chairs.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Upstairs at the Kimberly
Located on the 30th floor of the Kimberly Hotel, Upstairs at the Kimberlyhas a retractable glass ceiling and walls and ambient heated floors. There are stunning 360-degree views of Midtown Manhattan and the iconic Chrysler Building—there’s even a cocktail named the Chrysler, featuring champagne, Hennessy Black cognac, honey, lemon, and lime.
Insider’s Tip: Attire is business casual and no sneakers or caps are allowed.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide
Westlight
Located atop the new William Vale hotel, Westlight is chef Andrew Carmelini’s rooftop cocktail lounge. While you can’t sit outside in winter you can step out to see the stellar views of the Manhattan skyline. Special winter cocktails include the Golden Fiddle, which has Bols Genever, amaro cio ciaro, grapefruit, and Greenport IPA and the S.S. Minnow with Pierre Ferrand 1840 cognac, oloroso sherry, averell damson liquer, Kronan Swedish Punsch, allspice, pineapple & lime. Treat yourself to one of pastry chef Jason Casey’s warm seasonal desserts like an apple hand pie with bourbon caramel.
PLAN YOUR TRIP: Visit Fodor’s New York City Guide