There are three rooftop bars on (or almost on) the Upper West Side: The Empire Hotel Rooftop, Above 6 and Sky Terrace at Hudson. If you’re looking to kick a few back while enjoying skyline views of the city, here’s a brief summary of each! And a special bonus at the end. And if you’re afraid of heights but want to drink outside, check out our guide to the best outdoor drinking spots on the UWS.
Empire Hotel Rooftop
44 West 63rd Street (between Broadway and Columbus)
Experience and escape New York all at the same time. This Upper West Side bar is located on the 12th floor of the Empire Hotel, at 44 West 63rd Street. Opened year round, this beloved bar features both indoor and outdoor areas with magnificent views of Lincoln Center and the rest of the cityscape.
The outdoor area is known as “The Deck”, where you can chill out and lounge with friends under the glow of the iconic neon sign at this Upper West Side hotel. The terrace has a glass convertible roof so guests can enjoy the space no matter what the weather may bring. The Empire Hotel Rooftop is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm and Fridays & Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 4:00 am.
This is a terrific place to eat and drink near Lincoln Center!
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Above 6
6 Columbus Hotel, 308 West 58th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues)
The bar scene’s best kept secret. Above 6, also known as Hi-Bar, is a cozy cocktail lounge set atop the 6 Columbus Hotel. Above 6 is inspired by Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, an award-winning Upper West Side restaurant in the same hotel. This zen rooftop bar is the perfect place to meet friends after work or for pre-theatre drinks where you can enjoy beautiful views of Central Park and Columbus Circle. It’s casual and cool, not the place for a wild night out in NYC. Above 6 also offers a retractable roof just in case the weather’s not on your side. Cocktails are between $12 and $15. Above 6 is open Mondays to Saturdays from 5:00 pm to 12:00 am.
Sky Terrace at Hudson
Hudson Hotel, 356 West 58th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues)
An oasis in the sky. Sky Terrace at Hudson is located at 356 West 58th Street on the 15th floor of the Hudson Hotel. This hidden rooftop bar has a lot to offer! Kick back and relax on a hammock while taking in views of the Hudson River all the way to the Statue of Liberty. The Sky Terrace at Hudson features 10 specialty sangrias, including Red and White Wine, French Rose, Pear-Limoncello and Kaffir Lime-Sake. The Sky Terrace at Hudson is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm and Thursdays to Saturdays from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Secret: on the days the bar is closed (Sundays and Mondays) the terrace is still open! So grab a latte, bring your favorite book and hang out in style.
A trip to the UES for the Met’s Rooftop
1000 Fifth Avenue (at East 82nd Street)
It’s on the other side of the park, but well worth the trek. The Cantor Roof Garden Bar offers stunning views of Central Park and the city skyline. There’s also a members-only section and a balcony lounge for when it gets windy up there!
photo by John Saeyong Ra via Flickr
