Rooftop bars provide a unique way to experience a city, combining stunning views with sophisticated cocktails and ambiance. From towering skyscrapers to historic buildings, these elevated venues provide a fresh perspective on urban landscapes.
Here’s a look at 25 of the best U.S. cities for rooftop bars and views, each offering its own blend of skyline vistas and atmospheric drinking experiences.
New York City, New York
The Big Apple’s iconic skyline is best appreciated from its numerous rooftop bars, ranging from sleek hotel lounges to bohemian garden terraces. Standout spots include the Press Lounge in Hell’s Kitchen and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, offering panoramic views of Manhattan and the East River.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s architectural marvels are on full display from its rooftop bars, with venues like Cindy’s atop the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel offering stunning views of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan. The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center provides a dizzying perspective of the city’s grid layout.
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Los Angeles, California
LA’s year-round pleasant weather makes it perfect for rooftop drinking, with venues like Spire 73 (the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere) offering spectacular city views. The Highlight Room at the Dream Hollywood provides a glamorous setting with panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills and downtown LA.
Miami, Florida
Miami’s vibrant nightlife extends to its rooftops, where bars like Sugar at EAST Miami offer tropical vibes and skyline views. Juvia in South Beach combines stunning architecture with panoramic ocean views, creating a truly Miami experience.
San Francisco, California
The City by the Bay’s hilly terrain creates unique vantage points, with bars like Charmaine’s at the Proper Hotel offering views of the downtown skyline. The View Lounge at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis provides a 360-degree perspective of the city, including glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge on clear days.
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Las Vegas, Nevada
Vegas takes rooftop bars to new heights, with venues like the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay offering views of the entire Strip. The Skyfall Lounge at the Delano provides a sophisticated setting to watch the sunset over the desert and the city’s neon come to life.
Nashville, Tennessee
Music City’s rooftop scene is booming, with bars like L.A. Jackson at the Thompson Hotel offering views of the downtown skyline and the Cumberland River. The Bobby Hotel’s rooftop lounge, complete with a 1956 Scenicruiser bus, provides a quirky spot to enjoy Nashville’s skyline.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle’s rooftop bars offer views of the Space Needle, Puget Sound, and the surrounding mountains. The Nest at the Thompson Seattle and Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails provide different perspectives of the city’s unique landscape.
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Austin, Texas
The Texas capital’s rooftop scene includes gems like P6 at The Line Hotel, offering views of Town Lake and the downtown skyline. The Azul Rooftop Bar at the Westin Austin Downtown provides a poolside setting with panoramic city views.
Denver, Colorado
The Mile High City’s rooftop bars offer views of both the downtown skyline and the Rocky Mountains. Spots like 54thirty at Le Méridien and The Woods at The Source Hotel provide different perspectives of the city and its mountainous backdrop.
Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital offers rooftop views of its iconic monuments and architecture. The Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel and POV at the W Washington D.C. provide stunning vistas of the White House, Washington Monument, and the Potomac River.
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San Diego, California
San Diego’s rooftop bars capitalize on the city’s perfect weather and beautiful scenery. The Nolen offers views of the downtown skyline and Coronado Bridge, while the Altitude Sky Lounge provides a birds-eye view of Petco Park.
Portland, Oregon
Portland’s rooftop bars offer views of the city’s unique mix of urban and natural landscapes. Departure at The Nines Hotel provides panoramic views of downtown and the Willamette River, while Xport at the Porter Hotel offers glimpses of Mount Hood on clear days.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The Big Easy’s rooftop bars provide a new perspective on the city’s historic architecture. Hot Tin at the Pontchartrain Hotel offers views of the Mississippi River and downtown, while Alto at the Ace Hotel provides a poolside setting with skyline views.
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Boston, Massachusetts
Boston’s rooftop bars blend historic charm with modern luxury. The Lookout Rooftop and Bar at The Envoy Hotel offers views of the harbor and financial district, while Contessa at The Newbury provides a glamorous setting with views of the Public Garden.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta’s rooftop scene offers views of the city’s rapidly evolving skyline. Nine Mile Station on Ponce City Market’s roof provides a sprawling view of the city, while Hotel Clermont’s rooftop offers a more intimate setting with Midtown views.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly’s rooftop bars provide unique perspectives on the city’s blend of historic and modern architecture. Bok Bar, set atop a former school building, offers panoramic views of the Philadelphia skyline, while Assembly Rooftop Lounge provides an upscale setting with views of City Hall.
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Houston, Texas
Houston’s rooftop bars offer respite from the city’s heat with elevated views. Z on 23 at Le Méridien provides panoramic views of downtown, while 77 Degrees in Midtown offers a multi-level rooftop experience with city vistas.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis’s rooftop bars showcase views of the iconic Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River. Three Sixty at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark offers 360-degree views of the city, while The Last Hotel Rooftop provides a more intimate setting with downtown views.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis’s rooftop bars come alive in the warmer months, offering views of the city’s lakes and modern skyline. UNION Rooftop features a retractable glass roof for year-round enjoyment, while Hewing Hotel’s rooftop provides a cozy setting with North Loop views.
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Detroit, Michigan
Detroit’s revitalized downtown is best viewed from its emerging rooftop bar scene. The Monarch Club offers views of the city’s architectural landmarks, while Highlands at the Renaissance Center provides a dizzying perspective from the 71st and 72nd floors.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas’s rooftop bars offer views of the city’s distinctive skyline. Gallery Rooftop Lounge at the Canvas Hotel provides panoramic views of downtown, while Sky Blossom offers a more laid-back setting with views of the iconic Reunion Tower.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s unique topography creates stunning vantage points from its rooftop bars. The Biergarten at Hotel Monaco offers views of downtown and the Monongahela River, while Over Eden at the Tryp Hotel provides panoramic views of the city and its famous bridges.
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Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City’s rooftop scene offers views of the city’s fountains and Art Deco architecture. The Rooftop Park Place provides views of the Country Club Plaza, while John’s Big Deck offers a more casual setting with downtown vistas.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore’s rooftop bars provide views of the Inner Harbor and the city’s historic neighborhoods. Topside at Hotel Revival offers panoramic views of Mount Vernon and downtown, while the Pool Bar at the Sagamore Pendry provides a luxurious setting overlooking the harbor.
Best Rooftop Bars with Amazing City Views
These rooftop bars not only offer spectacular views but also provide a unique way to experience the character of each city. From historic renovations to ultra-modern skyscrapers, these elevated venues reflect the diverse architectural styles and cultures of America’s urban centers.
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