NYC Best Views And Happy Hours

Top 10 Summer Spots For Drinks And Views 2025

Hello, Tri-State area! Memorial Day Weekend is right around the corner, and if you're not escaping to the Hamptons, Jersey Shore, or traveling elsewhere, I've got you covered! Check out my curated guide to NYC's Top 10 Summer Spots featuring amazing drink deals and spectacular city skyline views.

1. Magic Hour Rooftop Bar And Lounge At Moxy Times Square

   Located steps away from the heart of Times Square on the 18th floor of Moxy Hotel, Magic Hour Rooftop Bar and Lounge offers a whimsical escape above the city. This iconic rooftop destination features a carnivalesque adult playground, complete with unique rotating carousel-style seating. The all-season rooftop experience treats visitors to epic views of the Empire State Building.

Happy Hour: Monday- Friday 5PM- 6:30PM ($4 Fries, $6 Beers, $8 Wine, $10 Mixed Drinks, available at the bar only!)

2. Westlight (The William Vale)

   Perched 22 stories above Williamsburg, Brooklyn at The William Vale hotel, Westlight offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Manhattan's iconic skyline and the shimmering East River. This chic rooftop destination combines sophisticated ambiance with expertly crafted cocktails, making it a must-visit Brooklyn gem.

Happy Hour: Monday- Thursday 5PM-7PM ( Select cocktails and small plates available at discounted prices.)

3. City Vineyard

   Savor the perfect pairing of award-winning wines and gourmet cuisine at City Vineyard NYC, where every meal comes with sweeping views of the Hudson River. This waterfront oasis offers an extensive wine list featuring carefully curated selections from renowned vineyards across the globe. As the sun sets, the outdoor terrace transforms into a magical dining experience, with the city lights twinkling across the water and the gentle river breeze enhancing every sip and bite. Whether you're planning a romantic evening or a casual wine tasting with friends, the restaurant's intimate atmosphere and seasonal menu make it an unforgettable NYC dining destination.

   
   

   

   Happy Hour: Weekends 4PM-7PM ( $10 Tap Wine, $10 Beer, $10 Featured Cocktails)

4. The Frying Pan

   As one of my absolute favorite waterfront views in NYC, The Frying Pan offers a truly unique dining experience aboard a historic lightship-turned-floating-restaurant. Permanently docked at Pier 66 in Chelsea, this maritime treasure serves up an unforgettable blend of nautical charm and urban energy. As the sun dips behind the Hudson River, locals and visitors gather on the spacious deck to enjoy casual bites and refreshing drinks while soaking in spectacular views of Manhattan's glittering skyline. The authentic maritime atmosphere, complete with the ship's original fixtures, makes this beloved Chelsea hotspot a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly distinctive NYC dining experience.

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 4PM-6PM (Discounted drinks available)

5. Berry Park

Tucked away in the heart of trendy Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Berry Park stands out as a rooftop oasis where European beer garden vibes meet stunning NYC views. This local favorite serves up an impressive selection of international brews alongside hearty German-inspired cuisine, all while treating visitors to breathtaking panoramas of Manhattan's skyline and the East River. Whether you're gathering with friends for weekend brunch or unwinding after work, the spacious indoor-outdoor setup creates the perfect atmosphere for both sun-soaked afternoons and starlit evenings in Brooklyn.

Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 3PM-7PM (Discounted beers and well drinks)

6. Bar SixtyFive (Rainbow Room)

   Elevate your evening—literally—at Bar SixtyFive, an elegant oasis perched on the 65th floor of the iconic Rockefeller Center. This sophisticated sanctuary in the sky treats visitors to some of Manhattan's most awe-inspiring views, stretching from Central Park to the Empire State Building. While the classic cocktail menu and refined cuisine command attention, it's the dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and wrap-around terrace that steal the show, offering a truly elevated Manhattan experience. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an unforgettable night out, Bar SixtyFive transforms ordinary evenings into extraordinary memories against the glittering backdrop of NYC's skyline.

   
   

   Happy Hour: Weekdays 5PM-7PM (Martini Mondays offers discounted martinis)

   
   

6. 7. ART NoMad (Arlo Rooftop)

   Crowning the Arlo Hotel in NoMad, A.R.T. (Active Rooftop Terrace) combines Manhattan glamour with Middle Eastern flair for an unforgettable dining experience. This chic rooftop destination enchants guests with stunning views of the Empire State Building while serving up a tantalizing menu of modern Middle Eastern cuisine alongside expertly crafted cocktails. The stylish space seamlessly blends urban sophistication with warm Mediterranean hospitality, creating an atmosphere where traditional flavors meet contemporary NYC vibes. Whether you're sharing mezze plates with friends or sipping craft cocktails infused with exotic spices, A.R.T. NoMad offers a perfect escape above the city's bustling streets.

   
   

   Happy Hour: Monday-Thursday 4PM-6PM (Special prices on select drinks and appetizers)

   
   

   8. The Watermark Bar

   Discover a slice of waterfront paradise at The Watermark Bar, an enchanting outdoor oasis nestled along Pier 15. This scenic destination offers front-row seats to New York's most iconic views, including the majestic Brooklyn Bridge and the bustling harbor's maritime charm. The sprawling outdoor space invites visitors to unwind with an impressive selection of craft beers and artisanal cocktails, while the kitchen serves up delectable bites perfect for sharing. As boats glide by and the sun paints the sky in golden hues, The Watermark transforms into one of downtown Manhattan's most picturesque spots for a memorable afternoon or evening by the water.

   
   

   Happy Hour: Monday – Thursday 4–7pm • Fridays 2–6pm $8 Beer • $10 Select Wines • $12 Well Drinks  • $55 Jumbo Margarita Pitchers

   
   

   9. Harriet's Rooftop and Lounge

   Perched atop the eco-chic 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet's Rooftop & Lounge delivers one of NYC's most spectacular viewing experiences. This exclusive rooftop sanctuary treats visitors to a breathtaking trifecta of iconic views: the glittering Manhattan skyline, the majestic Statue of Liberty, and the historic Brooklyn Bridge. The sophisticated space pairs masterfully crafted cocktails with an upscale atmosphere, creating the perfect backdrop for those seeking an elevated evening in Brooklyn Heights. As day transitions to dusk, Harriet's transforms into a glamorous escape where urban luxury meets unparalleled New York Harbor vistas.

   
   

   Happy Hour: Check website for seasonal events and specials HERE

   
   

10. The Baylander

Anchored at the West Harlem Piers, The Baylander offers one of NYC's most unique drinking and dining experiences aboard a piece of living history. This decommissioned aircraft carrier, which began its journey in 1968 as a Vietnam War utility craft and later served as a helicopter landing trainer, has transformed into one of Manhattan's most distinctive waterfront destinations. Today, this floating gem serves up panoramic views of the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge alongside craft cocktails and delicious bites ranging from fresh seafood to hearty burgers. The vessel's rich military heritage adds an authentic charm to the experience, as guests can enjoy their drinks on the same deck where helicopter pilots once trained. Whether you're catching a spectacular sunset over the Hudson or sharing stories over craft beer flights, The Baylander combines naval history with modern Manhattan sophistication for an unforgettable waterfront experience.

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   Happy Hour: Tuesday-Thursday 3PM-5PM Friday 2PM-5PM (Beers starting at $6, Select cocktails and appetizers $11. See full menu HERE