Five Lush Rooftop Bars That Feel Like an Escape from the City

July 18, 2014

Summer is in full swing, and while some of us get to plan far flung escapes, others must endure the heat amidst the concrete towers. Rooftop oases are a great way to beat rising temps, especially when the foliage of a hidden garden can cool us naturally.

We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite lush rooftop havens around the city, all sure to help soothe your soul when a trip away from city life just isn’t in the cards. From an ultra verdant “secret garden” to a rooftop escape with the Empire State Building in view, check out these these five urban retreats offering an elevated experience.

The Surrey

You have to be a guest of The Surrey in order to take advantage of their rooftop garden oasis just off museum mile, or a member of the private Patrons Club. The private garden is flanked by beds of lush greenery and flowers that overlook Central Park to the west. Guests can also complete the serenity with delicacies from the Michelin rated Café Bouloud, or even rent the garden for a private event.

The Surrey
Upper East Side
20 East 76th Street

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230 Fifth

230 Fifth 230 Fifth Avenue On the top of Madison Park, the lush rooftop at 230 Fifth is so very iconic New York, giving visitors up-close views with the midtown skyline. With the Empire State Building front and center, the rooftop accommodates year round. But in warmer months, the foliage comes alive, creating a rooftop respite with greenery, palm trees, and of course cocktails.

On the top of Madison Park, the lush rooftop at 230 Fifth is so very iconic New York, giving visitors up-close views with the Midtown skyline. With the Empire State Building front and center, the rooftop accommodates year round. But in warmer months, the foliage comes alive, creating a rooftop respite with greenery, palm trees, and of course cocktails.

230 Fifth
NoMad
230 Fifth Avenue

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Terrace at Yotel

The Terrace at Yotel is just far enough west to not attract the throngs of tourists coming from Times Square. The spacious garden is on the hotel’s fourth floor, giving the unique excitement of being right in the middle of the skyline, rather than above it. Walls of lush bamboo trees flank cozy fire pits for late nights, while also providing shade during sunny days at the hotel’s famous brunch party.

The Terrace
Times Square / Hell’s Kitchen
570 Tenth Avenue

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Sky Terrace

Sky Terrace Hudson Hotel, 356 West 58th Street. Opening for the season on May 20, the Sky Terrace on the 15th floor of the Hudson Hotel prides itself on its river views right down to the Statue of Liberty. Hanging ivy, trees and potted plants create the perfect atmosphere for enjoying their menu of ten specialty sangrias.

Opened for the season on May 20th, the Sky Terrace on the 15th floor of the Hudson Hotel prides itself on its river views right down to the Statue of Liberty. Hanging ivy, trees and potted plants create the perfect atmosphere for enjoying their menu of ten specialty sangrias.

Sky Terrace
Columbus Circle
Hudson Hotel, 356 West 58th Street

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Gallow Green at the McKittrick Hotel

The fictional McKittrick Hotel has delighted New Yorkers with its nearly-nightly interactive five floor play, Sleep No More. But beyond the Macbeth experience is Gallow Green, an ivy-filled bar that serves yummy cocktails and bottomless brunches. Like Sleep No More, Gallow Green gives visitors the feeling of discovery, as if stumbling upon a secret garden in the middle of Manhattan. Gallow Green also offers old timey live music and themed fetes that make the view of the Hudson River even more special.

Gallow Green
Chelsea / The High Line
530 West 27th Street