Enjoying drinks at a rooftop bar in New York City does not come cheap. I love rooftops, but I do not love rooftop prices. So I have been hunting for the best cheap rooftop happy hours in NYC. You all know I love Happy Hour. And guess what? I found 10 affordable NYC rooftop bars.
I don't like spending money if you haven't figured it out yet. Call me cheap, frugal, [fill in your word of choice]. Why pay $20 for a drink when I can get it way cheaper?
Also, more money goes into my travel fund, which is way more important to me. I like to go out and have a good time, so I had to find some of the best rooftop bars with happy hour deals.
Say goodbye to $20 drinks. No one has money for that. So put those credit cards away because I am about to save you a ton of money by sharing where you can find tasty cocktails with a view for under $10. I got you. Let's check out the best rooftop happy hours in NYC.
Rooftop Happy Hour in NYC
1. Time Out New York-Dumbo
If you're looking for drinks with a view on a budget, Time Out New York, located over the Brooklyn Bridge in Dumbo, has a fantastic happy hour happening Monday-Friday from 4 pm-7 pm.
The rooftop is open year-round, with both indoor and outdoor spaces.
In the summer, this rooftop is the perfect spot to enjoy a beverage (and a bite to eat) during magic hour.
In the winter, it is just as great as the indoor food hall has large windows overlooking the City so you can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail while the sunsets. This is one of the best NYC rooftop bars.
Time Out Market is a hidden gem with a happy hour with beer ($5), wine ($7), and classic cocktails ($8). They also have live music on select nights.
Time Out New York is located at 55 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY, and is open Sunday-Thursday from 8 am-10 pm. Friday and Saturday from 8 am-11 pm.
2. Castell Rooftop Lounge
Looking for a great place to enjoy a cocktail before or after a Broadway show? Then be sure to check out Castell, located on the 21st floor of AC Hotel New York Times Square.
This classic NYC cocktail lounge offers stunning views of the New York City skyline and an extensive menu of delicious drinks. What's more, during happy hour (from 4-6pm Monday through Friday), you can enjoy draft beer for just $6, wine for $10, and signature cocktails for $12.
So whether you're winding down after a long day of sightseeing or getting ready to paint the town red, Castell is the perfect spot to relax and indulge in some of NYC's best libations.
3. Vida Verde
Located in Midtown, Vida Verde is a hidden gem in the heart of the city. Vida Verde's Margarita Market Rooftop will make you feel like you've been transported to one of the hottest rooftops in Mexico. With the colorful murals and amazing margaritas it is perfect for anyone dreaming of a getaway.
Happy Hour is everyday until 6pm at this rooftop oasis and feature $5 Tecate Beers, $8 House Wine and $10 Frozen Margaritas.
4. 230 Fifth Happy Hour
Did you know that 230 Fifth had a happy hour? No rooftop list in New York City is complete without a mention of this tried and true. They are one of the most Instagrammable places in New York City. With views of the city, including the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, it is a must-visit.
But, let's stick to the important things. They have a fantastic happy hour. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 2 pm-5 pm. Did someone say late-liquid lunch? Beer ($7), wine ($8), and cocktails ($9) are available in addition to small plates. You know how I feel about a good food happy hour.
Grab a few snacks and drinks, and get in all your Instagram shots. Keep in mind this place is very popular so be prepared for crowds. However, no visit to New York is complete without a visit to 230 Fifth, and they may have the best rooftop happy hour in NYC.
5. Haven Rooftop Happy Hour
Another Midtown Gem. This happy hour is a bit earlier, from 4:30-5:30 pm. However, this is an excellent spot if you are lucky enough to sneak out of work early. Take your pick from beer ($6), Wine ($9), or Aperol Spritz or Margaritas ($10). What is great about this place is that you can visit it year-round. The rooftop is glass-enclosed and heated when the temperature starts to dip. Great way to spend a winter evening if you ask me. Another tip is to check whether you can find deals for Haven Rooftop on Groupon. You never know what you may come across.
6. SkyRoom
Also located in Midtown, this is another great spot for happy hour drinks. Drinks are $7, and food is available starting at $5. Not bad for Midtown. Happy hour is available Monday-Friday from 5 pm-7 pm, so it is excellent after work. This is perfect if you are like me (I like to be in bed by 9 pm). Rooftop, drinks, food, and that equals heaven to me.
They also have daily specials for example Margaritas are $8 on Fridays until 10pm.
With its retractable glass roof, Skyroom is a great rooftop to visit year round. Bonus: I have seen deals for this place on Groupon, so keep an eye out.
7. Brooklyn Crab
Located in Red Hook section of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Crab is another new addition to the list this year. If you love seafood this is definitely the spot to be. But what is great is the views. You can enjoy an awesome sunset from the top floor.
Happy hour is Monday-Thursday from 3 pm-5 pm so it is a bit on the earlier side. However, they have $1 oysters, $1 wings, beers starting at $6, and Margaritas for $10.
8. STK Rooftop Meatpacking
If the Meatpacking District is on your New York City to-do list, skip the Gansevoort and the Standard and head over to STK Rooftop. They call it the Social Hour, and if you ever wanted to hang out in the Meatpacking minus the meatpacking prices, check this place out.
Monday through Friday from 3-6:00 pm, you can drinks like a glass of whispering angel for $9 and oysters ($3) or other bites (starting at $6). Considering the neighborhood, this is a deal. If you are looking to splurge (without err splurging), I say give it a try. I mean whats better than a glass of Rose with hudson river views and all for less than $10. Nothing in my opinion.
9. The Ready Rooftop
Located in the East Village, the Ready Rooftop in the Moxy Hotel is a new to us addition to the list. They have a daily happy hour (which is super rare) with $1 tacos and $9 margaritas. (Monday-Friday from 4pm-6pm and Saturday-Sunday from 12pm-3pm).
They really have taken the NYC backyard vibe and brought it to this rooftop terrace. You feel like you are hanging out behind someone's building in the heart of the East Village.
10. Lohi Rooftop
Let's head to Williamsburg, Brooklyn (where I grew up if you didn't know) for another new to us rooftop bar.
Lohi is located between Williamsburg and Bushwick and it is truly a hidden gem. The rooftop is awesome with great views, lots of seating and great deals on drinks. While happy hour is only on Thursday's and Fridays it is well worth it. On Thursday, happy hour is all day starting at 5pm. On Friday happy hour is from 5pm-7pm.
They have a ton of bar offerings with beers starting at $3, shots for $5 and wine for $6. It is a great place to stop into having spending the day enjoying the many free and cheap things to do in Brooklyn.
Cheap Rooftop Bars in NYC
No more spending $20 bucks on one drink to hang out on a rooftop lounge in New York City. That's for amateurs. Do you know how much I can get for $20? I mean, I can book a flight somewhere for a few bucks more. But I digress. Check out these spots, and let me know what you think. And if you find any other good spots, let me know. I love sharing the wealth because we can all benefit from saving a few bucks.
I hope you enjoyed our roundup of NYC Happy Hour on Rooftops, and it will leave you with one less thing to check off your New York City Summer Bucket List. So go enjoy a drink or two, panoramic views and a great night out. See you in the City!!
August Wheeler says
That made me miss New York. It’s time for another visit.
Taima says
Come visit!!!!