Attention, all summertime enthusiasts! Hot Girl Summer is upon us. Dump the old winter fling, prepare your best outfits, and get all the material gworls together. As an honorary assistant to Hot Girl Summer, I’m here to make sure you’re at the best NYC rooftop bars dancing on somebody’s son, daughter, or nonbinary kin All. Summer. Long.

8 NYC rooftops that are perfect for the summer

You are now entering the best hot girl and guy (we’re inclusive of all genders over here) summer rooftop guide. Make sure to grab your ID, sunglasses, and a vintage camera. Did you think I was going to provide a non-Instagrammable spot? Think again!

1. The Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge 

485 7th Ave., 18th floor, New York, NY 10018

Midtown Manhattan has the best rooftop bars because of the views, and the Magic Hour Rooftop Bar is known for having one of the best. The bar has gained fast attraction for its incredible view of the Empire State Building and decor. I would highly suggest making a reservation ahead of time, or you will be waiting in a super long line. Enjoy a beautiful summer filled with fun (expensive!) drinks, sweet treats, and magical views in the heart of the city. 

2. 230 Fifth Rooftop Lounge & Bar 

230 5th Ave., New York, NY, 10001

Best known for its intimate igloos in the winter, 230 Fifth Rooftop Garden is a chic penthouse bar with, again, stunning views. 230 Fifth comes alive in the summer with DJs and refreshing cocktails. It’s the best cocktail bar in NYC — at least to drunk Celeste. Have you ever had a cooling frosé (frozen rosé) while atop the greatest city on earth? Grab a group of friends and start now.

3. The Crown

50 Bowery, New York, NY 10013

Nothing says #QueenEnergy like a shopping day in SoHo followed by a drink at The Crown. This Chinatown rooftop party bar is known for having some of New York’s fines celebrity visitors. A few people who have stopped by this bar are The Ruler, Papoose, and Misty Copeland. There’s no better time to take the crown as queen of the dance floor. Drop it like it’s hot!

4. Dear Irving

310 W. 40th St., New York, NY 10018

If you’re looking for the perfect place to host a birthday or a reunion with friends, look no further. Dear Irving is a chic and intimate rooftop bar for a special night out on the town. The lovely views are complimented by satisfying drinks to replenish your thirst. Dear Irving is also the perfect spot to get the perfect Instagram picture that says, “Yeah, I’m living my best life and not stalking my crush.” Get those angles right and post until they can’t handle you anymore. 💅

5. The Refinery Rooftop

63 W. 38th St., New York, NY 10018

Refinery Rooftop Bar wins for having the best food and drinks selection, and it’s not even close. Indulge in the most pleasing brunch favorites, flavorful tacos, fresh salads, and more. A cozy, covered rooftop by winter and a sunlit rooftop by summer, Refinery has everything you need all year. The rooftop itself isn’t very big, so if you’re aiming for a table with some rooftop ambiance, I suggest booking in advance.

6. Empellon Al Pastor Rooftop Bar

145 E. 39th St., New York, NY 10016

Sometimes you don’t want to spend your summer nights taking lemon drop shots and convincing the DJ to play “Oops, I Did It Again” because it would “Make everyone go crazy.” There are nights when you just want a chill, kick back with friends or have some tacos Empellon Al Pastor Rooftop Bar is the perfect place. The rooftop bar has a relaxed Mexican vibe with views of the East River, Freedom Tower, the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building. Relax, laugh, and enjoy a margarita.

7. Le Bain

848 Washington St., New York, NY 10014

Le Bain is perfect for a fun day in the sun! This rooftop has a vibrant, quirky aesthetic and will take you back in time with its modern disco dance floor. Spend your night singing to Cher and showing off your Vogue moves with Madonna. Le Bain will make you feel like the ultimate material girl with well deserved views of the Hudson River and the Highline. 

8. Level R at the Empire Rooftop

44 W. 63rd Street, New York, NY 10023

Everyone deserves a classy night on the town. Level R at the Empire Rooftop will provide you with all the bougie vibes you need. It’s a lowkey cocktail bar with a jazzy feel in one of New York’s most iconic buildings. However, what’s more iconic than the building itself is the view. Instead of reading this article, you could be sipping an XOXO-Gossip Girl while overlooking the Lincoln Center and Upper West Side. I would highly suggest getting there in time for sunset. Trust me — you won’t regret it.

The higher the rooftop, the closer you are to the stars

Something is inspiring about being on a rooftop. Having a drink with friends while looking at a gorgeous view makes all our problems seem small. So drunk text that ex, ignore that business call, and stay out late even if you have a morning meeting. You’re on a rooftop! Your problems don’t exist. Just don’t blame me in the morning. I don’t make the rules; I just write about them.