21 Spots to Enjoy The Best Rooftop Brunch NYC
If there was one thing New Yorkers will always agree upon, it’s that we know how to brunch. From the cafe culture of the Lower East Side, to a grand affair at Central Park – there is no shortage of fantastic brunch locations in NYC.
But if you’re looking for something that promises elevated experience then pay attention. We’ve rounded up 21 restaurants that have the best rooftop brunch in NYC. Think incredible views, live music, and bottomless beverages. It is the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon with friends and family.
Overall Best Picks for A Rooftop Brunch in NYC
Choosing the overall best rooftop brunch in NYC is no small feat. With so many incredible options to choose from, it was difficult to pick the “best.” Ultimately we decided based on ambiance, food options, drink options, and views.
Elsie Rooftop
Located in Midtown
Address: 1412 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
Elsie Rooftop, perched twenty-five stories above Bryant Park, offers an opulent rooftop brunch experience that marries sophistication with an electric atmosphere. Paying tribute to the social elite, Elsie brings the allure of Paris and London to the vibrant energy of New York City. The restaurant boasts a progressive mixology program, crafting exquisite cocktails that perfectly complement its seasonally focused light fare menu.
With live bands and DJs setting the mood during brunch, Elsie Rooftop creates an unparalleled ambiance that beckons guests to return. The carefully curated cocktails and attentive service ensure a memorable experience.
It’s the perfect spot for those seeking a glamorous, vibrant, and chic brunch experience in the heart of NYC. Elsie Rooftop brings a touch of European elegance to the city, making it a must-visit destination for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Cantina Rooftop
Located in Midtown
Address: 605 West 48th St. New York, NY, 10036
Cantina Rooftop is the ultimate destination for a lively and fun-filled brunch experience. Perfect for a gathering of friends looking to kick back and enjoy a memorable time. The atmosphere at Cantina Rooftop is undeniably vibrant, with energetic music and swift service that set the stage for an unforgettable outing.
The brunch menu has a Mexican flare, with highlights like the guacamole or huevos rancheros. However, it’s the skull cocktail (you get to keep the skull mug that it comes in!!) that steals the show, arriving in two drinks and packing a punch that’s well worth the value.
At Cantina Rooftop, you can groove to top hits, savor tasty bites, and savor the camaraderie of friends, making it the ideal spot for a group brunch that’s bound to be a blast. Come for the great vibes, stay for the good times, and leave with unforgettable memories.
Ophelia Lounge NYC
Located in Midtown
Address: 3 Mitchell Place (49th & 1st Avenue),New York, NY 10017
Ophelia sits high above the city with a stunning view of the East River, offering an enchanting rooftop brunch experience that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy. Brunch is only served on Sunday afternoons between the hours of 12-4pm.
What sets Ophelia apart is the three tier tower with various options to choose from. Think options like egg and cheese croissant, avocado toast, or tea sandwiches. The food and general ambiance with breathtaking views make it a sought-after destination, which can sometimes lead to crowds making it up the elevator.
STK Rooftop
Located in Meatpacking
26 Little West 12th Street 4th Floor. New York, NY 10014
STK Rooftop offers an exceptional rooftop brunch experience, seamlessly blending the modern steakhouse with a chic lounge ambiance. This dynamic fusion results in a fine dining experience that sets it apart from traditional brunch venues. At STK you can expect panoramic views of the skyline and the High Line park while sipping on bottomless mimosas or bloody mary’s (90 minute limit).
With dishes like the shrimp ceviche, lobster Benedict, and chicken and waffles there is something for everyone to enjoy. We love this place because of the attentive service, prime seating options, and a vibrant atmosphere. STK Rooftop promises an unforgettable brunch experience that marries culinary excellence with captivating rooftop views.
Gallow Green
Located in Midtown
Address: 542 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001
Gallow Green is located on top of the McKittrick Hotel. A hidden gem that offers a rooftop brunch experience in the heart of New York City. The rooftop garden escape boasts a lush setting that’s perfect for Instagram-worthy moments. With attentive and friendly service, the staff guides guests through brunch, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.
The brunch itself offers a diverse array of dishes for everyone to enjoy on their new ala carte menu. Offering both sweet and savory options with delicious brunch cocktails to enjoy with your meal makes for an incredible brunch experience.
To complement the meal, Gallow Green offers a top-notch mimosa bar where guests can customize their beverages with Mumm Napa Champs and a variety of fresh juices.
The ambiance is further enhanced by live music and entertainment. Gallow Green is more than just a rooftop brunch; it’s a memorable and immersive experience that transports you to a whimsical oasis, making it a must-visit destination for brunch lovers in the city.
Refinery Rooftop
Located in Midtown
63 W 38th Street. New York, NY 10018
Refinery Rooftop in NYC offers a delightful rooftop brunch experience complemented by spectacular views of the Empire State Building. Securing the perfect table with the best view is a possibility here and will make your dining experience even more memorable. While the brunch menu may be somewhat limited, it allows for creativity, as you can order sides as appetizers to complement your meal.
Whether you opt for classic brunch fare like eggs Benedict or indulge in French toast, the food is well-prepared and satisfying. Pairing your meal with a mix of mimosas and bellinis adds a touch of bubbly sophistication to the brunch.
Overall the entire experience here is incredible. With friendly and attentive service, Refinery Rooftop proves to be a worthwhile spot for a leisurely rooftop brunch where you can savor great food and take in the iconic cityscape.
Versa
Located in Midtown
218 W 35th Street. New York, NY 10001
Versa’s rooftop brunch has a prime location and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. It gives you panoramic views of the iconic Empire State Building that add an extra layer of enchantment to your brunch. The restaurant’s thoughtful design includes a retractable roof and an adjacent patio space, allowing you to enjoy your meal amidst the city’s hustle and bustle or beneath the open sky.
The setting on the rooftop is exceptionally inviting, making it the perfect backdrop for a leisurely brunch. The menu has so many good options to choose from like the mouthwatering Versa burger to the comforting fried chicken and waffles. The K-town chili wings provide a bold and flavorful start to your meal.
With an atmosphere that complements the city’s energy, delicious food options, and top-notch service, Versa’s rooftop brunch is a must-visit when you’re in NYC, offering a memorable experience that captures the essence of the city’s culinary scene and iconic skyline.
Electric Lemon
Located in Hudson Yards
Address: 33 Hudson Yards 24th Floor, New York, NY 10001
Electric Lemon, located in the heart of New York City, offers an exceptional rooftop brunch experience. The brunch menu at Electric Lemon is a testament to innovation and flavor, with options like flaxseed pancakes and a breakfast sandwich that redefine classic dishes.
The pancakes come served with a delightful bowl of fresh fruit and butter, while the breakfast sandwich boasts chicken sausage, scrambled eggs, and greens, all encased in irresistibly crispy bread. This commitment to crafting unique and delicious brunch offerings is what sets this restaurant apart from others.
The rooftop setting offers stunning views of the city, enhancing the overall dining experience. Electric Lemon’s rooftop brunch captures the essence of stylish, contemporary dining in NYC, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a good meal to enjoy with friends.
The Empire Rooftop
Located on the Upper West Side
Address: 44 W 63rd St., New York, NY 10023
On top of the Empire Hotel is the Empire Rooftop Restaurant. Known for its incredible views of the city skyline. It provides a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely meal with friends.
The brunch menu is a bit limited and the lounge-style setup is not ideal for a traditional restaurant experience. Regardless, it still offers an enjoyable brunch ambiance in a classic NYC setting. Whether you’re sipping cocktails or indulging in a meal, the Empire Rooftop serves as a reminder that sometimes, it’s the company and the views that make a rooftop brunch truly special.
Upstairs at the Kimberly
Located in Midtown
Address: 145 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022
Upstairs at the Kimberly offers a truly remarkable rooftop brunch experience, characterized by refined service and a relaxed yet luxurious setting. The restaurant’s commitment to providing a unique rooftop experience shines through in the exceptional views it offers, with the iconic Chrysler Building as the backdrop.
The attentive and friendly servers enhance the dining experience, ensuring that your visit is both pleasant and enjoyable. The brunch menu is expansive with appetizers featuring baked goods and seasonal fruits. The entrees, including the salmon Benedict, steak and eggs, pancakes and so much more. Upstairs at the Kimberly is a sought-after destination for an unforgettable rooftop brunch in New York City.
Catch Roof
Located in Meatpacking District
Address: 21 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014
Catch Roof offers a brunch experience that combines exquisite cuisine with a charming atmosphere. The rooftop’s thoughtful design with attention to detail including nice touches like umbrellas that shield from the sun and creates a comfortable and pleasant dining environment.
The noise level is carefully managed, allowing guests to engage in meaningful conversations without straining to be heard. The restaurant’s commitment to providing a serene yet lively experience sets the stage for a memorable brunch. Whether you’re there for the food, the stunning views, or the relaxed atmosphere, Catch Roof is a rooftop brunch that leave you well satisfied.
230 Fifth
Located in Flatiron
Address:B 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
230 Fifth Rooftop has a lively atmosphere and breathtaking views of the iconic NYC skyline. On both Saturdays and Sundays, guests can enjoy the perfect blend of scrumptious brunch offerings and a live DJ spinning some catchy tunes, creating an electrifying ambiance that sets the stage for a memorable meal.
While the brunch menu may not be extensive, it focuses on quality over quantity. For pricing, you have the choice of prepaid reservations or a set price that includes a bottle of champagne, making it convenient for groups celebrating special occasions. These limitations may not be ideal for everyone, so it is a good thing to keep in mind.
Whether you’re there for the music, the food, or the stunning cityscape, 230 Fifth Rooftop Brunch offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the New York City brunch scene.
Haven
Located in Midtown
Address: 132 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036
Haven Rooftop Restaurant, situated atop the Sanctuary Hotel. The ambiance and decor change with the seasons, creating a unique and captivating setting for brunch enthusiasts.
In the summer, the rooftop exudes the charm of the French Riviera, adorned with lush greenery and custom cedar wood furnishings. The atmosphere is complemented by vibrant music, providing the perfect backdrop for a delightful brunch. During the winter, Haven morphs into a cozy ski lodge-themed venue, adding an element of excitement and anticipation for patrons.
The brunch menu at Haven Rooftop has innovative cocktails with fresh juices and garnishes, catering to a variety of tastes. Dishes such as the Tuna Tower, Crab and Avocado Palette, and the signature Havenly Chicken showcase the chef’s culinary prowess.
With its covered setting and stunning city views, Haven Rooftop offers an unforgettable brunch in the heart of NYC with a menu that everyone can enjoy.
Magic Hour
Located in Midtown
Address: 485 7th Avenue (at 36th St) New York NY 10018
Magic Hour is the perfect spot for those looking for the perfect instagrammable moments enjoyed with friends. It’s New York City’s largest indoor/outdoor all-season rooftop bar and lounge that changes often, keeping people coming back for more. The stunning views of the Empire State Building are not to be missed either!
The food is slightly on the pricey side, but it’s the ambiance and overall experience that make Magic Hour a standout destination. Magic Hour proves that sometimes it’s the atmosphere, service, and the opportunity to capture beautiful memories that truly make a rooftop brunch unforgettable.
Best Pick For Brunch With a View of NYC Skyline
Let’s face it, if you are seeking a rooftop brunch experience, chances are you want one with an incredible view of the NYC skyline. Not all views can be created equal, that’s why we felt it was only necessary to highlight our pick for a rooftop brunch with the best view.
Mr. Purple
Located on the Lower East Side
Address: 180 Orchard St 15th floor, New York, NY 10002
Mr. Purple, nestled on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo offers an inviting rooftop brunch experience that perfectly captures the artistic and vibrant essence of the Lower East Side (LES). With it’s location on the Lower East Side, it opens up expansive views of the New York City Skyline that are truly breathtaking.
While the drinks may be on the pricier side, the overall experience, combined with the absence of a cover charge, makes it well worth the visit. Mr. Purple provides the perfect backdrop for a fun afternoon on a rooftop, offering a memorable blend of delicious food, artistic flair, and iconic city views. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the unique charm of the Lower East Side from an elevated perspective.
Best Pick for A Rooftop Bottomless Brunch NYC
If the idea of a bottomless brunch is appealing to you, then there truly is nothing better than enjoying it with a view. Unfortunately, with the rooftop aesthetic, the options for a true “bottomless brunch” are rather limited and often come with stipulations on time limit and drink options. We chose Highkey Rainforest Rooftop for the price and larger variety to choose from for your boozy brunch with friends!
Highkey Rainforest Rooftop
Located in the Financial District
Address: 6 Platt St New York, NY 10038
Highkey Rooftop Restaurant, situated atop the Sheraton in the Financial District, offers a unique rooftop brunch experience that combines striking decor with creative cocktails. The rooftop is designed with Instagram-worthy aesthetics in mind, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate a fun atmosphere. The enclosed rooftop ensures that guests can enjoy their brunch regardless of the weather, making it perfect for both sunny and rainy days.
Their brunch menu offers a 90 minute bottomless option with one of the largest variety of options to choose from! You can select mimosas, sangria, bloody mary’s, screw driver, or a margarita for your boozy bottomless brunch!
While the food offerings may not have been extensive, the standout element of Highkey Rooftop lies in its exceptional signature drinks. The “Gemini experience,” a cocktail tree featuring a variety of drinks, is particularly noteworthy. Accompanied by a miracle berry tablet, this unique experience transforms the taste of sour into sweet, creating a delightful and innovative journey for the palate. The lychee martini, poured over melting cotton candy, adds another layer of creativity to the cocktail menu. Highkey Rooftop Restaurant provides an unforgettable brunch adventure that appeals to those seeking a blend of delectable drinks and dazzling decor.
Best Pick for A Rooftop Brunch in NYC with a DJ
If a lively party scene on a weekend afternoon is more your speed, then you are in luck. NYC offers some of the best brunches with live music or a DJ. There is nothing more exciting than enjoying all of this with the NYC skyline in view up on a rooftop.
A.R.T
Located in SOHO
231 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013
A.R.T. SoHo has rooftop brunch experience atop the Arlo hotel, with a setting that’s perfect for capturing the essence of New York City’s artistry. With sweeping views of the city and the river, live music on the weekend, A.R.T is the perfect setting for those looking to enjoy an exciting brunch with friends.
The brunch menu offers a delightful twist to traditional brunch, making it a fantastic destination for those seeking an artful and enjoyable meal with friends. A.R.T. SoHo’s vibrant atmosphere, live music, and impressive views of lower Manhattan and Hoboken make it a perfect choice for brunch featuring stunning views and live music.
Best Rooftop Brunch in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is known for its trendy restaurants and unique restaurants. So, what could be better than enjoying a beautiful day in the city than with a rooftop brunch? With sweeping views of the iconic Brooklyn skyline and Manhattan, rooftop brunches offer the perfect combination of great food and a stunning ambiance.
Alma
Located in Brooklyn
Address: 187 Columbia St Brooklyn, NY 11231
Alma Rooftop Brunch, located in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, offers a brunch experience that perfectly balances stunning views with delicious food. Perched atop the neighborhood, the restaurant boasts breathtaking vistas of Lower Manhattan, creating an awe-inspiring backdrop for your meal. The rooftop’s panoramic city views are truly mesmerizing, providing a captivating setting to enjoy your dining experience.
Alma’s brunch menu is equally impressive, with a variety of fresh and flavorful dishes that cater to different tastes. The menu offers a Mexican flare and the fresh guacamole and fish tacos are by far a stand out. This rooftop brunch spot is not just about the food; it offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy your meal amidst the charms of Brooklyn and the allure of the city’s skyline. Alma Rooftop Brunch effortlessly combines culinary excellence with mesmerizing views to create a memorable dining experience in the heart of Brooklyn.
Top Picks for a Rooftop Brunch in NYC on a Weekday
To most people, brunch is known as a weekend experience. Long Saturday or Sunday afternoon with friends, enjoying a leisurely meal is what makes the weekend. However, if you are looking to enjoy a nice rooftop brunch during the week, we have found some excellent options to choose from.
RH Rooftop Restaurant New York
Located in Greenwich Village
Address: 9 Ninth Avenue. New York, NY
RH Rooftop Restaurant offers a sublime rooftop brunch experience, marked by its incredible menu and an extensive selection of artisanal wines and craft beers. Guests are treated to a year-round skylit garden escape adorned with trees, fountains, and glittering chandeliers, creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere. Not to mention the restaurant is filled with the infamous furniture of Restoration Hardware, making your meal that much more comfortable.
The prices here will be similar to those other rooftop brunch experiences. However, what sets this place apart is the quality of the food and the ambiance more than compensate for the cost.
RH Rooftop Restaurant offers an exquisite brunch experience that combines culinary excellence with a truly elegant setting.
SERRA by Birreria
Located in Flatiron
Address: 200 5th Ave Fl 14 New York, NY 10010
Serra by Birreria, while it doesn’t have a traditional brunch menu, they are open daily starting at 11am. Serra’s rooftop is beautifully decorated, creating an ambiance that instantly evokes a sense of serenity and changes with the seasons. Whether you’re brunching with friends or seeking a quick mid-week escape, Serra’s inviting atmosphere is sure to please.
The fresh and full-flavored drinks add a refreshing touch to the meal, and standout pasta dishes. Serra by Birreria truly offers a memorable rooftop brunch where you can savor both the food and the tranquil atmosphere.
Best Rooftop Brunch For Families with Kids
As a mom of 3, I’m always looking for ways to enjoy my travels and adventures with my little ones in tow. Since New York City has so many incredible things to do with kids, I had to find the best rooftop brunch as well. Gallow Green does an incredible job making this rooftop brunch extra special for little ones.
Potions & Planting at Gallow Green
Offered on select weekends in the spring and summer. Children, accompanied by a favorite doll or stuffed animal plus an adult are invited to this special event featuring high tea in the enchanted garden.
The menu options are kid friendly and feature items such as jelly sandwiches, cakes, and pink lemonade! This special event often kicks off around Mother’s Day and is one you won’t want to miss.
Final Thoughts: 21 Spots to Enjoy the Best Rooftop Brunch NYC
NYC is full of exciting and unique rooftop brunch spots for everyone to enjoy. Not only do the views help bring an added factor of fun, but these restaurants also offer a variety of excellent dishes for diners to enjoy. From delicious food and bottomless mimosas, each one of these rooftop restaurants provide an unmatched experience for visitors and locals alike.
Your next brunch adventure may be waiting at one of these 21 top rooftops in NYC – indulge your senses with great food and wonderful views! Grab your friends, find a restaurant near you, and relax atop a New York City rooftop while enjoying good company and delicious food.
