Cocktails With a View: 10 Best Rooftop Bars in the U.S.

By Mallory Ambrose | May 25, 2023

Take in breathtaking skyline views and discover cities from above while enjoying flavorful cocktails at these amazing rooftop venues across the country.

Cocktails always taste better when paired with a view, and there’s nothing like the picturesque vista and elegant atmosphere of a rooftop bar. With the summer warmth fast approaching, it’s no surprise that people are taking to the outdoor scene to raise a glass and imbibe.

So, where are these amazing spots? Here are 10 of the best rooftop bars in the country:

#1. Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge – The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel

With the beach just a 5-minute walk and the International Surfing Museum a half mile away, The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, provides an ideal home base for enjoying Huntington Beach, California. Within the resort, enjoy fabulous food and beverage, a spa and Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge, Orange County’s highest coastal rooftop experience. Here, cool vibes and panoramic views can be enjoyed along with a unique menu of shared plates, hand-crafted specialty cocktails, and a wide selection of fine wines and champagne.

#2. Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar – Conrad New York Downtown

With stunning views of the New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, the Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar offers a perfect perch for enjoying seasonal cocktails. Located on the 16th floor of Conrad New York Downtown, cool off during hot days with a signature Mom & Icepops Boozy “poptails” made with Moët & Chandon champagne. While Loopy Doopy is a seasonal bar, open May through early October, guests will also find signature cocktails and delicious dishes created with fresh ingredients at the hotel’s Atrio Wine Bar & Restaurant.

#3. ROOF – theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel

With floor-to-ceiling windowed walls and one of the only retractable ceilings in Chicago, guests can enjoy sweeping city-line views of Chicago any time of year at theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel. In the heart of the LOOP, visitors can head up 27 stories to the hotel’s ROOF for its expressive design and entertainment, sweeping skyline views and unique hand-crafted cocktails and cuisine. As the weather warms and the sun comes out, the entire rooftop transforms into an outdoor oasis with live local DJs and fun events, from ladies’ nights to viewing parties. ROOF also offers an impressive menu of small bites directly from theWit’s esteemed State & Lake restaurant.

#4. The Rooftop by JG – Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

A pinnacle social venue with panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Hollywood can be found 12 stories up at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. The Rooftop by JG boasts the only unobstructed panoramic views in Beverly Hills, where guests can see the Hollywood sign, downtown Los Angeles Skyline and Southern California’s most famed mountain ranges from their seats or tables. The impeccably styled garden setting is one of the largest of its kind in Beverly Hills and features memorable lunches and dinners crafted by famed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The luxurious hotel also features a heated rooftop pool offering food and beverage services for guests looking to make the most of California’s perfect weather.

#5. The Overlook – Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown

While Nashville’s honky-tonks are spilling music into the streets below, guests of The Overlook at the new Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown rise 30 stories above Music City to get a look at the city from its highest rooftop bar. Not only can travelers enjoy spectacular views, small bites, and garnished cocktails, The Overlook also features an indoor swimming pool and lounge chairs for a completely resort feel in the heart of downtown. Plus, like every Embassy Suites property, guests enjoy complimentary Evening Receptions and made-to-order breakfasts in the hotel’s Harmony Diner.

#6. Streeterville Social – Loews Hotel Chicago

Located at the Loews Chicago Hotel in the heart of downtown with sweeping views of the city, Streeterville Social is Chicago’s go-to outdoor rooftop terrace serving up alfresco dining, libations, and a celebration of all things summer. Led by Executive Chef Trevor Hoyte, the culinary team delivers an innovative and global approach to its fare. Equally impressive are the cocktails you’ll find on the roof. From creative spins on classics to frozen concoctions, you’ll find something to wet your whistle.

#7. Spire 73 – InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown

Just in time for rooftop season, take in unrivaled views of the city from Spire 73, the tallest open-air bar in the Western hemisphere while indulging on a seasonal menu of culinary expressions. Located atop the 73rd floor of InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, this reservation-only dining experience under the stars offers stunning city views, chic fire pits, hand-crafted signature cocktails and a wide selection of whiskey, as well as culinary expressions to rival the view.

#8. The Rooftop by STK – San Diego, California

Experience the largest rooftop in the Gaslamp Quarter with 360 skyline views, specialty cocktails and mouthwatering shareable plates. The Rooftop by STK is the place to be and to be seen in San Diego. Enjoy amazing sunsets, DJs playing your favorite tunes and ample seating across the 4,500-square-foot open space, not to mention a fully retractable roof and walls in case it gets cold—but this is San Diego.

#9. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge – Moxy Times Square, New York, N.Y.

Experience New York City’s largest indoor + outdoor all-season rooftop bar and lounge featuring an “urban amusement park” concept, rotating seasonal installations, over-the-top cocktails, a menu of shareable light bites, and unlimited skyline views.

Perched 18 floors above the city, Magic Hour boasts five distinct environments. The gallery-like entrance hall features whimsical topiary animals in naughty positions. A small interior lounge has a sexy urban-industrial vibe, with wire mesh panels riveted to the ceiling and walls. There are two separate outdoor areas: The east side, overlooking the Empire State Building, has elegant garden-party fixtures, while the west is more overtly carnival-esque, with one seating area rotating slowly like an antique carousel.

#10. Castell Rooftop Lounge – The AC Marriott –Times Square, NYC

Extend cocktail hour to all evening long in Midtown Manhattan’s coziest rooftop bar. Nestled atop AC Hotel New York Times Square and walking distance to Broadway and Madison Square Garden, Castell recaptures the spirit of the classic lounge, with extra emphasis on martinis. Castell features multiple martini incarnations, with gin and/or vodka options complemented by profiles and garnishes specifically tailored to the drink at hand. Other libations are arranged on the menu via style – stirred, shaken, hi-balls, large format – with classics including a Smoked Manhattan, a Cadillac Margarita, the signature AC Gin Tonic and an on-tap Salted Grapefruit Paloma, a nod to the hotel’s Spanish heritage.

Iconic views enhance the venue’s contemporary decor in a sophisticated but comfortable atmosphere. Enjoy the intimacy of a fireplace lounge showcasing abstract art. with classic cocktails, beer, and wine. Enjoy Mediterranean-style plates and panoramic views of New York City.

Craving delicious cocktails with a side of sunset skyline views? Be sure to check out these amazing rooftop bars this summer! Cheers!