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15 Best Rooftop Brunch NYC According to a 30+ year Local!

Looking for the all-time best rooftop brunch NYC has to offer? If so then you’ve come to the right place! Not only am I a diehard brunch fanatic to the 10th degree, but I’ve lived in NYC for 30+ years.

Therefore, I know a thing or two about finding a top rooftop brunch in NYC. Because let’s be honest, not all roof top brunch NYC experiences are created equal.

I mean, some are super expensive, some have less than stellar views, some are stupid crowded, and others serve food that is sub-par. Like, so bad my dog wouldn’t even eat it – at least if I actually owned a dog.

So, stop spending hours scouring the internet for the best rooftop brunch NYC experience possible and start using my super nifty local’s guide to quickly and easily find your new favorite rooftop bottomless brunch in NYC.

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Best Rooftop Brunch NYC – Uptown

1. The Empire Rooftop (Upper West Side)

View of the sign and rooftop of the Empire Hotel in NYC.

Just a hoot and holler down the road from Lincoln Center is the Upper West Side’s one and only, Empire Rooftop.

It quietly sits on the 12th floor of the Empire Hotel and overlooks nearby Central Park, with its iconic, red, “Hotel Empire” sign in the background.

It also features an indoor lounge and outdoor terrace that guests can use to take in views of the surrounding neighborhood.

This is also one of the comfiest rooftop brunch NYC spots there is since most of the seating areas have roomy sofas that are suitable for a party of 1, or 10.

So, what are you waiting for? Stop by today for the best rooftop brunch in NYC and order classic dishes like their breakfast flatbread with gruyere, truffled mushrooms, leeks, and fried egg.

Because even though their menu is tiny, with only four entrees offered, the aforementioned flatbread is so good that it really doesn’t matter.

They also have super reasonably priced Mimosas, Bellinis , Bloody Marys, and Aperol Sprtiz for just $15 each. Personally though, I’d bring a few friends and order a carafe of cocktails for the table at $50 a piece.

Just be sure to dress up a bit before you arrive since the dress code at this sleek eatery is business casual.

Oh, and if you love it for brunch, definitely visit at night as the view is even more magical at night. This is one of the best things to do in NYC at night if you’re looking for a good cocktail bar.

Address: 44 W 63rd St, New York

Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

Price: Entrees start at $15.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the 1 train to Lincoln Center and walk from there.

2. Republica Restaurant (Inwood)

Mimosas and brunch at one of the best rooftop brunch nYC

Want to get away from Midtown for 2.5 seconds and see how real locals live? If so then head to the best rooftop brunch NYC has to offer in Inwood, one of the northernmost neighborhoods in Manhattan.

Yeah, this roof top brunch in NYC is basically closer to the Bronx than it is to Midtown. But, yeah, I digress.

At any rate, Republica Restaurant is a delightful Dominican eatery that is brimming over with fun music from live DJs and an assortment of vivacious colors that make this THE place to be if you’re looking for a bit of a party brunch.

In fact, the entire place is spread out across three floors and features a lounge and spacious rooftop area where you can enjoy decadent delights like pancakes, berry cheesecake French toast (yum), and even more savory items like La Banderita (chicken empanadas with chipotle aioli).

However, I cannot stop singing the praises of their loaded avo toast! It is easily some of the best avocado toast I’ve EVER had!

Plus, for the bargain basement price of $42 per person, you can devour a delicious, 2-course meal that includes bottomless Mimosas and Sangrias for 2 hours on the roof at this rooftop bottomless brunch NYC.

Or, opt for the longer, 4-hour brunch on the second floor for just $45 per person. You can also skip the bottomless drinks altogether and order signature cocktails like The Magic (rum, amaretto, guayaba purée, and bitters) too.

Address: 160 Dyckman St, New York

Hours: Open for brunch Saturday from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Price: Between $42 and $45 per person.

How to Get There: Take the 1 or A train to Dyckman Street and walk from there.

Best Rooftop Brunch NYC – Midtown

3. Refinery Rooftop

Rooftop of Refinery Rooftop with the Empire State Building in the background at the best brunch NYC has to offer.

Right in the heart of Manhattan and just a stone’s throw from Times Square is the Refinery Hotel.

Built into a former hat factory, this impressive establishment just so happens to be home to one of the best rooftop brunch NYC spots on the island!

Sat atop the Refinery Hotel is Refinery Rooftop (duh, Kelly! Who would have thought?!). This fashionable hipster hotspot boasts industrial chic design, featuring vaulted brick walls and archways, terra cotta tiles and a water fountain.

Visitors to this oh so stylish rooftop hangout can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan Skyline while chowing down on a delicious selection of brunch plates.

Yes, it’s a small selection with only 5 items on the menu. But, they are all epic so it doesn’t really matter.

Now personally, I can recommend the french toast, with whipped cream, anglaise sauce and mixed berries (so, so fresh!) or, if you’re super hungry, the insanely stacked Refinery Rooftop brunch burger, complete with slow cooked pork belly, a poached egg and an english muffin. You might not be able to walk fast afterwards!

Just pair your entree with one of their fancy smancy cocktails, like the espresso martini or the Perfect Pear, as you admire sweeping views of the Empire State Building in the background.

Address: 63 W 38th St, New York, NY, 10018

Hours: Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Price: Entrees start at $16.00 each.

How to Get There: Take basically any train to Times Square and walk about 7 minutes from here.

4. Cantina Rooftop (Hell’s Kitchen)

Mexican Heuvos rancheros  at one of the best brunch spots in NYC

If you’re in search of the best rooftop brunch in NYC that serves up epic Mexican fare, then say hello to your new best friend – Cantina Rooftop.

It can be found in the iconic Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood and sits at the very top of the Stage 48 building, where eager patrons can admire stellar views and epic decor that includes rainbow umbrellas hanging from wires overhead, beautiful flowers, neon lights and more.

Although, they do switch things up semi-regularly, so there’s no guaranteeing what it will look like when you go. But, what you can count on is inhaling Mexican classics like quest fundido, carnitas Benedict (eggs Benedict + pork carnitas), and huevos rancheros.

That being said, my fave thing to get here is the Chile Relleno, which is a stuffed poblano pepper filled with deliciousness like cream, rice, beans and spicy sauce.

Just be sure to save room for their decadent ricotta fritters, which are coated with a layer of sugar and cinnamon..

Plus, if you want to get your drinky drank on, you can also opt for a 90-minute bottomless brunch for just $25 per person.

It includes unlimited Bellinis, Mimosas, and Sangria that helps make this bottomless brunch NYC rooftop experience extra special.

However, their frozen margaritas are also really good (I like the mango) and are perfectly paired with a rooftop experience that features a full-on retractable glass roof.

You know, just in case the weather doesn’t fully cooperate with your plans to enjoy the top rooftop brunch in NYC.

Address: 605 West 48th St. New York, Ny, 10036

Hours: Brunch is available weekends from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Price: Entrees start at $16 each.

How to Get There: Take the M50 bus from Times Square to 49th Street and 11th Avenue. Or, you can do a 15-minute walk here from Times Square.

5. Haven Rooftop

Plate with ages and sausage with pink drinks in the background at the best bottomless brunch rooftop NYC.

Just a hop, skip, and jump away from both Times Square and Rockefeller Center is Haven Rooftop. It sits high above the Sanctuary Hotel and is known for serving perhaps the best rooftop brunch NYC has to offer.

So, after admiring the sweet, sweet views, order fan faves like crab Benedict, blueberry French toast (with an epic cornflake crust + cream cheese), and brunch pizza (regular pizza with a sunny side up egg that is small but good).

Alternatively, I am a big fan of the acai bowl and less traditional brunch fare like the lobster rolls and buffalo wings.

Yup, it’s just an all around great place to have brunch since the atmosphere feels very light and bright as you sit on cushioned wooden deck chairs or roomy cushioned side benches. Y

If you want, you can even eat outside while admiring great views of the city, or sit in the bar under a canopy covering.

Add in panoramic glass walls and spacious dining rooms that extend out over many levels, and you have the perfect NYC brunch spot.

Plus, if you really want to brunch like a boss, you can always enjoy an hour of unlimited Mimosas for just $28 per person.

Just do yourself a solid and reserve a table in advance since this place is uber-popular and a super fun brunch spot in NYC.

Pro Tip: Don’t come to this place looking like a total scrub since they has a dress code. So, while no ball gowns are necessary, nice(ish), semi-formal attire would be good.

Address:132 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036

Hours: Open for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Price: Entrees start at $16 each.

How to Get There: Take basically any subway line to Times Square and walk for 2 minutes to the restaurant.

6. Magic Hour Rooftop (Herald Square)

Ready for some next level epic up close and personal views of the Empire State Building? If so then mosey on over to Magic Hour Rooftop.

Not only do they serve the best rooftop brunch NYC has, but they are also perched high atop the always awesome, MOXY NYC Times Square Hotel.

Plus, they currently have this wicked awesome, super Instagrammable pink rose garden theme going on that includes a collection of no less than 10,000 different roses (FYI, it now has a winter wonderland vibe because of the season).

So, after you take ALL the photos, grab a seat and try whimsical brunch entrees like the Pink AF pancake stack, the Pink S’mores Stack, and The Sweetest Surprise.

Yeah, their iconic Pink AF Pancake Stack is basically like a supersize stack of pancakes that have a giant helping of pink cotton candy on top that you share with the table. Therefore, insanely perfect if you’re doing it all for the ‘gram.

Otherwise, I’d stick with the Egg White Fritatta or the Crispy Chicken Sandwich and pair it with a Berry Bubbly (Tito’s Vodka, raspberry liquor, and rose) for good measure.

Pro Tip: The Pink AF Stack is cool and all but it’s $45 and is huge. Therefore, the whole table has to be down with it to order it. Yeah, this place is more of an Instagram Mecca than anything else.

Also, from 3:00 pm onwards, the venue is 21+ only and ID is required. So make sure you leave yourself enough time to eat if brunching with kids!

Address: 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018

Hours: Brunch is served on weekends from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.

Price: Entrees start at $16.00 each.

How to Get There: You can easily walk here from Times Square since it’s like an 8-minute walk.

7. Upstairs at the Kimberly (Midtown East)

French toast with bananas and walnuts on top at the best roof top brunch NYC has to offer.

With stunning views over NYC that include the Chrysler Building, Upstairs is the best roof top brunch NYC has to offer. You won’t be sure whether or not to admire the view or the food more.

Seriously, the food here is melt-in-your-mouth good. And the drinks are fab.

So, dig into a delicious burger (I recommend the vegetarian burger!) and wash it down with a signature cocktail (I love the Pomika).

Alternatively, devour their delicious blueberry pancakes with a side of Mediterranean Hash and a fresh squeezed juice.

Whatever you fancy, you’ll be sad to shovel that last little bit into your mouth. And believe me, you won’t be able to stop yourself from shoveling it in!

And if you want the pleasure of sitting outside without the wind, there are covered areas with large glass windows so you don’t have to compromise your view and comfort!

Now, even though this place is on the fancier side, there is no dress code ( just don’t wear sneakers, hats, or flip flops), and in fact, people seem more likely to err on the side of casual.

However, if you want to dress up, this is definitely a great rooftop brunch NYC option for special occasions.

Address: 145 E 50th St, New York, NY 10022

Hours: Open for brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Price: Entrees start at $15.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the 6 train to 51st Street station and walk from there.

Best Rooftop Brunch NYC – Lower Manhattan

8. Tavern 29 (Nomad)

You can find one of the perfect spots for the best rooftop brunch NYC offers just around the corner from the Empire State Building. Or, I guess, a few corners – New York City is kinda big!

Tavern 29 is housed inside a converted 19th century townhouse, and is tucked in between two much taller modern buildings. They didn’t make ‘em that tall back then!

But it’s true that good things come in small packages. Once you’re inside you’ll find a cosy long bar with wooden beams and red bricks. Make your way to the rooftop American Biergarten and you’ll find the walls of those taller buildings have been decorated with stunning, eye-catching street art.

Just like the street art, the vibe here is casual and stylish. Tavern 29’s chef has also created a menu to match, with a collection of dishes that are “inspired by the seasons”.

Make sure to try out the Hangover Pizza (perfect for when you need that brunch kick) or the spinach and sautéed onion omelet that is just chef’s kiss.

This NYC brunch spot is also a contender for the best boozy brunch in NYC. Tavern 29 focuses on local and small batch brewery beers, which means that there are 34 draft lines that are constantly changing. Plus, there are cocktails both historic and new!

Address: 47 E 29th St, New York, NY 10016

Hours: Brunch in Friday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm with last seating at 2:30 pm.

Price: Entrees start at $16.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the 6 train to 28th Street and walk from there.

9. 230 Fifth (Nomad)

View from 230 Fifth rooftop
Image provided by 230 Fifth.

Possibly the best rooftop brunch NYC has to offer can be found at 230 Fifth Avenue!

Not only is the food amazing, but everything is served buffet style, allowing you to inhale as many servings of Eggs Benedict, french toast, and pancakes as you like.

Sadly though, alcohol isn’t unlimited. But, you can order a decent sized pitcher of mimosas for around $7.00 – which I for one think is a total steal.

But, the best part? This decadent rooftop brunch in New York City is served to you inside these charming AF igloos that are surrounded by sweeping views of NYC.

And if it gets cold, just bundle up beneath some blankets and robes to stay cozy!

Pro Tip: Opt for their bottomless brunch at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm respectively on the weekends.

Address: 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001

Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Price: Brunch a la carte entrees are $16.00 while bottomless brunch lasts 90-minutes and is $45.00 per person.

How to Get There: Take the R/W train to 28th Street station and walk from there.

10. Electric Lemon (Hudson Yards)

Guess what? The five-star Equinox Hotel now has WAY more to offer than just posh beyond belief rooms that you’ll basically never want to leave.

Yup, this bad boy of the hotel world is now home to Electric Lemon, an awesome spot where you can grab the best rooftop brunch NYC has to offer.

It sits right on top of the hotel, offers patrons killer views of the Hudson River, and even features an impressive, 8,000 square foot rooftop garden.

So, grab a table on their chic terrace, admire the exquisite Jaume Plensa sculpture here (surrounded by fancy in-ground water fountain), and choose from an array of entrees that are made with, farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients that will help nourish you body and soul.

And while there menu is extensive, highlights include personal faves like the pastry basket (with fresh apple butter!), the avocado toast, and the grilled carrot Bahn Mi – making it a great place to enjoy delicious but delightfully healthy brunch fare.

Just, whatever you do, don’t leave without ordering a signature, Jungle Cat cocktail, which is made with rum, lime, scotch mist, pineapple, green chartreuse, and velvet falernum.

Address: 33 Hudson Yards 24th Floor, New York, NY 10001

Hours: Open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Price: Entrees start at $16.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the 7 train to Hudson Yards and walk from there.

11. Gallow Green (Chelsea)

Pancakes topped with caramel and berries at a bottomless brunch nyc rooftop.

As the name of this best rooftop brunch NYC spot might suggest, it is… very green. But that is the appeal of this amazing spot.

This laid back brunch spot is made all the more relaxing by the plethora of plants that surround and envelop you as you enter Gallow Green.

Now, brunch here is set at $50 per person. And while that might sound a little expensive (and it is, so treat yourself when you can!), for that price you can literally eat all you want. But alas, sadly, drinks are not included in this price!

Everything here is set up buffet style, and you can fill up as much as your stomach can handle. So, pile your plate high with fresh fruits and salad.

Or, treat yourself to a bunch of fluffy pastries! After all, there are muffins and other decadent delights stretched out as far as the eye can see.

Plus, there are plenty of options available for any dietary restrictions, so bring along any of your friends. And if you’re ever unsure, just check with one of the staff who are always helpful and kind.

In addition to the buffet, you can also get a few things made to order, including omelets exactly how you want them and french toast.

Address: 542 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001

Hours: Served Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Price: $50.00 per person.

How to Get There: Take the 1/2 train to 28th street or the 7 train to Hudson Yards and walk from there.

12. Hotel Chantelle (Lower East Side)

Interior of Hotel Chantelle
Image sourced from Hotel Chantelle.

If you’re looking for a super funky fresh rooftop brunch in NYC, complete live jazz music and inexpensive cocktails, then Hotel Chantelle is the next level awesome place for you.

And, just in case you were wondering, no, it’s not actually a hotel. Nope, they just do an amazing rooftop bottomless brunch in NYC.

So, ascend the low-lit stairs and uncover a light, bright, and vivacious dining room filled with wrought-iron lights, a glass roof, and a black and white tiled floor.

Now, when it comes to brunch, you have a bunch of different options to choose from. My fave though is the Bottomless Brunch for $35 per person.

It includes an entree from their pre-fixe menu and sixty glorious minutes of unlimited Mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and Bellinis.

If you can though, go for the glory and get the stuffed French toast since it’s the single best thing on the menu.

Yup, just imagine stuffed brioche French toast encrusted with Frosted Flakes and infused with maple. Then add mascarpone, ricotta, and maple syrup on top and you have a small idea of just hoe awesome this dish is .

However, if you’re on a budget, order from their full brunch menu and get a super cheap house cocktail for $7.00 or a Mimosa, Bellini, or Bloody Mary for just $4.00.

Address: 92 Ludlow Street

Hours: Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays between 11:30 am and 5:00 pm.

Price: Brunch entrees start at $19.00.

How to Get There: Take the F/M train to Delancey Street/Essex Street station and walk from there.

13. RH Rooftop Restaurant (Chelsea)

A quick walk away from the Whitney Museum is one of my picks for the top rooftop brunch in New York City.

That’s because RH Rooftop Restaurant is a luxurious, rooftop eatery that is bedazzled with opulent chandeliers, ample greenery, and some of the best views in NYC.

So, swing by to enjoy modern American fare and reimagined brunch classics like their RH Scramble (with crème fraîche, avocado, and chives) and Avocado Toast.

Pair your entree with their signature RH Bellini, made with Prosecco and fresh peach puree, and you have a contender for the best rooftop brunch NYC has to offer.

Pro Tip: Visit their on-site gallery to pass the time while you wait.

Address: 9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014

Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Price: Entrees start at $20.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the 1/2/3 train to 14th Street and walk from there.

14. Serra by Birreria (Flatiron)

Serra in Eataly with a flower motif on the roof.

I love this beautiful rooftop brunch NYC offering. However, as they do not have a brunch specific menu, you might run into some misgivings if one of your party was hoping for more breakfast options.

That being said, the food they DO serve is absolutely scrumptious. And seeing as they open at 11:30 am, it is 100% a brunch-appropriate spot. Especially if you’re craving Italian.

And I don’t know about you, but I am ALWAYS craving sweet, sweet carb goodness.

So what can you eat at the best rooftop brunch NYC, you ask? Well, it’s difficult to say as their menu is mostly seasonal. Buf if you’re lucky enough to visit during the fall months, their gnocchi al tartufo is to die for!

Plus the atmosphere is just on point, and with a casual dress code, it’s one of the most relaxing rooftop brunch spots in NYC.

Part of the rooftop is open and uncovered, while the other half is under a glass covering that is usually adorned with beautiful plants, streamers, or other colorful decorations.

Because of this, it’s one of the best brunch spots to truly soak up fall in NYC because it is normally decked out in stunning fall colors.

Pro Tip: The extravagant decor here changes every couple of months to match the feel of the season. Also be sure to make reservations since this place is super popular and sits just above Eataly in the Flatiron District.

Address: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm.

Price: Entrees start at $26.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the N/R train to 23rd Street and walk from there.

15. Mr. Purple (Lower East Side)

Okay, so this one is pushing it a bit as they don’t even open until 2 pm (and that’s on weekends, it’s not until 4pm during the week!), but I stand by it.

Mr. Purple is one of the best places for rooftop brunch in NYC for late risers since it sits on the 15th floor of the luxe life Indigo Hotel in LES.

And if I’m honest, I like to indulge in the occasional lazy morning in bed before rolling out of it and finding my way to one of my favorite rooftop brunch spots in New York City.

Wondering what to eat? I am OBSESSED with their baby zucchini tempura and truffle waffle fries. One of my friends says they make the best nachos in the city since she loves their blue corn tortilla chips.

For drinks, I recommend the hot spiked cider, which is bourbon, ginger juice, lemon and cinnamon. Just be careful you don’t drink too many, it’s easy to forget they have alcohol since they’re THAT good!

Plus, Mr. Purple has some of the best views you’ll get from a rooftop brunch NYC spot. However, I will admit that their tall bar chairs aren’t always the most comfortable for long periods of time.

Address: 180 Orchard St 15th floor, New York, NY 10002 (they also have a pool on the roof for hotel guests)

Hours: Open Monday through Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 2:00 am, Thursday and Friday from 4:00 pm to 4:00 am, Saturday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 am, and Sunday from 2:00 pm to 2:00 am.

Price: Small plates start at $10.00 each and cocktails are around $18.00 each.

How to Get There: Take the F train to Delancey Street of the N/R train to Prince Street and walk from there.

Map of the Best Rooftop Brunch NYC

Map of Best Rooftop Brunch NYC.
Click here for the full map.

Additional New York Resources

That just about wraps up this guide to the best rooftop brunch NYC has to offer.

Tell me, did your pick for the best rooftop brunch New York City has make the list? If not then let me know in the comments below.

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