The Best Fall Rooftop Bars for When You Just Can't Let Go of Summer
One of the best things about summer is sipping a drink and enjoying the breeze from a rooftop bar as you look out on the city below. But just because the weather is starting to get cooler, doesn’t mean you have to give up your rooftop vision.
You can hang on to summer a little longer — or even all winter long — with rooftops across the country that provide fire pits, heat lamps, and even igloos that keep you cozy while still delivering unobstructed views and fresh air.
Sip from a party pouch while perched on a seat that slowly rotates like an antique carousel at Magic Hour in New York City or try a CBD cocktail at I|O Godfrey in Chicago — both offer all-weather outdoor options so you can have a good time and be comfortable.
Head to these 10 rooftop bars for summer-like fun when summer weather is but a dream.
Seattle: The Nest
Take in views of the famous Pike Place Market, Elliott Bay, and the Seattle Great Wheel from one of the plush couches on top of the Thompson Seattle hotel. When the weather gets cooler, the rooftop is covered with a clear tent that warms you up while still making it feel as if you’re sitting under the open sky.
Find it: The Nest, 110 Stewart St.
New York City: Magic Hour
This rooftop bar on top of the Moxy Times Square sits 18 stories above midtown, but feels like another world. Play a round of mini golf at their “Foreplay” course or take a ride on the bar’s carnivalesque carousel seating while you sip a shareable Berry Bubbly cocktail from an old-school popcorn bucket.
Find it: Magic Hour, 485 7th Ave.
New York City: B. On Top
The outdoors are brought inside at this rooftop bar at the Gansevoort Meatpacking hotel. The bar’s translucent walls and roof let you take in views of the skyline and Hudson River as you enjoy the bar’s tropical vibe and sip a fruity cocktail to bring back those summer memories.
Find it: B. On Top, 18 Ninth Ave.
San Francisco: Charmaine’s
Take a seat at one of the outdoor lounge areas and warm up in front of a fire pit while snacking on tempura maitake mushrooms or a kale salad with pecorino, sunflower seeds, and a “hippy vinaigrette” at this rooftop bar on top of the San Francisco Proper hotel. If the weather gets too chilly, head inside and grab a seat on the couch by the indoor fireplace.
Find it: Charmaine’s, 1100 Market St.
Boston: Lookout Rooftop
%image1
Take in unmatched views of Boston’s harbor at this rooftop bar at the Envoy Hotel. Here, you can spread out on semi-circle-shaped couches and warm up near the fire pits. Built-in ceiling-mounted heaters make this bar the perfect place to transition from warm summer days to cool fall evenings, and they’ve been known to set up igloos lit up with funky neon colors in the winter.
Find it: Lookout Rooftop, 70 Sleeper St.
Philadelphia: The Continental Mid-town
Jump back in time with this retro-inspired three-level bar that channels the best of Mad Men and summer combined. Sit on the patio’s mid-century modern chairs or take a seat on the rounded couch surrounded by windows and an indoor fire pit on the top floor while you sip a Double Agent cocktail or a Champagne-O-Rama.
Find it: The Continental Mid-town, 1801 Chestnut St.
Chicago: The J. Parker
Sip a frozen drink or a glass of Champagne and look out at the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan from the top of the Hotel Lincoln. Take in the views from the bright, glass-enclosed room, bringing the best of summer inside where it’s nice and toasty.
Find it: The J. Parker, 1816 N. Clark St.
Washington D.C.: Terrazza at Officina
You’ll feel like you’re having aperitivo in Milan at this indoor-outdoor rooftop in the nation’s capital. A tent keeps the warm air in, but doesn’t take away from the feeling of being outdoors. Meanwhile, you can perch on a couch, enjoy the views, and sip an Aperol Spritz (who says it’s exclusively a summer drink?).
Find it: Terrazza at Officina, 1120 Maine Ave. SW
New York City: The Igloo Bar at 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
You’ll be transported to somewhere in the Arctic when you step inside one of the transparent (and heated) igloos at this New York City bar. Sip a boozy hot chocolate or a spiked apple cider as you look out at the Empire State Building from inside your cozy igloo.
And if there’s a wait for an igloo, don’t worry — you’ll be wrapped in one of the bar’s complimentary red robes as you wait. Igloos available starting November 2019.
Find it: 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar, 230 Fifth Ave.
Chicago: I|O Godfrey
Get cozy in a booth under the retractable roof of this River North bar or grab a spot next to the large fire pit as you take in views of Chicago’s skyline. Snack on blistered shishito peppers and avocado toast while you sip a Summer Smash cocktail with CBD.
Find it: I|O Godfrey, 127 W Huron St.
