There is a universal pleasure in drinking. But there is a sublime, elevated pleasure in sipping a perfectly crafted cocktail while gazing out over a sprawling city, a shimmering ocean, or a dramatic skyline as the sun dips below the horizon. The American rooftop bar scene has transformed from a quirky novelty into a non-negotiable part of the urban experience, offering not just drinks, but a genuine sense of escape and perspective.
From the relentless pulse of Manhattan to the relaxed, sun-drenched vibe of Miami and the architectural majesty of Chicago, the US boasts a dizzying array of sky-high lounges. These are more than just bars; they are architectural achievements, design showcases, and, most importantly, the best spots to feel completely above the hustle, even if only for an hour or two.
If you’re ready to trade the ground floor for the clouds, prepare to elevate your next happy hour. Here is a curated journey through the best, most iconic rooftop bars the United States has to offer.
New York City: The Skyline Spectacle
No conversation about rooftop bars is complete without acknowledging New York City, the capital of vertical drinking. With hundreds of towers competing for height and view, the city offers unparalleled perspective.
Westlight (Brooklyn, NY): While many iconic bars sit in Manhattan, the truly breathtaking views come from looking at it. Perched on the 22nd floor of The William Vale in Williamsburg, Westlight offers a sweeping, jaw-dropping panorama of the Manhattan skyline, stretching from the Financial District to Midtown. The space itself is chic, with a glass-encased lounge and a wraparound terrace perfect for sunset viewing. It’s the ultimate spot to appreciate the scale and density of the Big Apple, with an innovative cocktail menu to match the view.
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar (Manhattan, NY): For pure, unadulterated icon status and accessibility, 230 Fifth is a classic. This massive, sprawling indoor and outdoor venue offers an unobstructed view of the Empire State Building, making it a favorite for tourists and locals alike. Crucially, it’s open year-round, utilizing heated sections and their famous red robes for winter guests, proving that a great view waits for no season. It’s a bustling, celebratory spot where the view is the undeniable star.
Chicago: Architectural Majesty
Chicago’s architectural pedigree makes its rooftop bars some of the most visually rewarding in the world. You’re not just looking at a skyline; you’re looking at history.
Cindy’s Rooftop (Chicago, IL): Located atop the stunning Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Cindy’s is a gem with a view. It perfectly frames Millennium Park and the shimmering expanse of Lake Michigan. The design evokes a grand, turn-of-the-century lake house, complete with a glass roof and an open-air balcony. The cocktails are elevated, and the food menu (often seasonal and focused on shared plates) holds its own against the spectacular scenery. It’s an elegant, year-round experience that captures the sophistication of the Windy City.
LondonHouse Rooftop (Chicago, IL): Situated at the intersection of the Magnificent Mile and the Chicago River, LH Rooftop, perched atop the LondonHouse hotel, offers a unique, three-level experience. The most coveted spot is the spectacular cupola at the very top, which provides a 360-degree, intimate view of the river winding through the canyons of downtown. It’s a photographer’s dream and a perfect spot for those seeking a truly central and immersive Chicago experience.
The Sunbelt: Heat, Glamour, and Coastal Views
Moving away from the dense skyscrapers, the South and West offer rooftop scenes defined by warm weather, glamorous vibes, and unparalleled natural backdrops.
Sugar (Miami, FL): Miami’s scene is all about sleek style, and Sugar delivers it 40 floors up atop the EAST Miami hotel. Designed as a lush, Asian-inspired garden, this ultra-trendy spot provides intoxicating views of Biscayne Bay and the surrounding Brickell area. The cocktails are inventive, featuring Asian-inspired flavors, and the atmosphere is effortlessly cool, drawing a stylish crowd eager to soak up the tropical energy and the breathtaking sunset. It truly feels like an oasis high above the city’s heat.
Spire 73 (Los Angeles, CA): Claiming the title of the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere, Spire 73 sits on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. This bar is about sheer height and scale. You can see across the vast sprawl of Los Angeles, from the Hollywood Hills to the Pacific Ocean. The terrace features chic fire pits and an expansive, luxurious layout, making the view feel both monumental and intimate. It’s a quintessential LA high-roller experience.
POV Rooftop (Washington D.C.): In the nation’s capital, height isn’t king; location is. POV, atop the W Washington Hotel, is famous for offering arguably the most sought-after view in the city: a direct, picture-perfect sightline of the White House and the Washington Monument. It’s where history meets happy hour. The atmosphere is sophisticated and slightly exclusive, providing a perfect perch for observing the heart of American democracy from above.
The Regional Stars: Underrated Altitude
Beyond the major metropolises, several smaller cities boast exceptional rooftop spots that capture the local spirit.
9 Mile Station (Atlanta, GA): Located on the roof of the historic Ponce City Market, 9 Mile Station is part of a larger amusement area, offering a playful, relaxed environment. It provides fantastic panoramic views of Atlanta’s quickly growing skyline. With a great selection of craft beers, inventive cocktails, and elevated pub food, it perfectly embodies Atlanta’s blend of historic preservation and modern cool. The rooftop often feels like a neighborhood park high in the sky.
P6 (Austin, TX): Austin’s laid-back yet trendy vibe is perfectly encapsulated by P6, situated on the sixth floor of The LINE Austin hotel. Overlooking the serene Lady Bird Lake, this bar provides a tranquil, picturesque escape from the bustling city streets. With its Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic—think soft lighting, wicker furniture, and stunning lake views—P6 offers an elegant, slightly quieter alternative to the typical high-rise bar, celebrating Austin’s natural beauty as much as its downtown core.
The Elements of a Perfect Rooftop Bar
What truly makes a rooftop bar one of the best? It’s a perfect equation of several factors:
- The View: It must be genuinely impressive—whether it’s a global icon, a stunning natural landscape, or a dense urban tapestry.
- The Vibe: The atmosphere must be unique, reflecting the city’s culture (sleek, historic, industrial, tropical, etc.).
- The Drink: Cocktails need to be elevated and well-executed, justifying the premium price point that comes with the altitude.
- The Design: The architecture and décor must enhance the view, providing comfort, style, and unique vantage points (like fire pits, infinity pools, or unique glass enclosures).
The best rooftop bars in the US master this equation, turning a simple night out into an unforgettable sensory experience. They are destinations in themselves, serving up drama, romance, and perspective with every order.
Conclusion
The American rooftop bar is a modern cultural phenomenon—a convergence of urban design, aspirational living, and the simple human desire for a better vantage point. From the glamorous heights of Spire 73 in Los Angeles to the historic panorama of Cindy’s in Chicago and the iconic, year-round accessibility of 230 Fifth in New York, these establishments offer far more than just a place to grab a drink. They are social hubs that allow us to pause, look out, and appreciate the immense scale and beauty of the American city. So, the next time you find yourself in one of these great locales, take the elevator all the way up. The conversation is better, the air is clearer, and the cocktails, without a doubt, taste sweeter from the sky.
