SoHo’s cobblestone streets and cast-iron architecture make the neighborhood charming at ground level, but the real magic happens when you ascend to SoHo’s spectacular rooftop bars and lounges. From intimate terraces overlooking the Hudson River to glamorous poolside scenes high above the city streets, these elevated venues offer craft cocktails, stunning views, and a healthy dash of that quintessential New York energy. Here’s your guide to the best rooftop experiences SoHo has to offer.
JIMMY at ModernHaus SoHo
18th Floor, ModernHaus SoHo
Perched 18 stories above SoHo, JIMMY stands as one of Lower Manhattan’s most striking rooftop destinations. This sophisticated bar has both indoor and outdoor spaces, with panoramic views of NYC that stretch as far as the eye can see. There is even an outdoor pool deck, one of a handful of rooftop swimming experiences in the city, complete with poolside lounge areas.
Inside, the aesthetic is elegant and modern, with leather and velvet couches, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a working fireplace ideal for cooler evenings. The bar’s mixologists craft specialty cocktails including gin and tequila spritzes, and something called the “Sunset Glow,” featuring vodka, peach, jasmine, passionfruit lemon, and flowers. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date spot or a glam venue for celebrating with friends, JIMMY delivers an unparalleled rooftop experience.
ART SoHo (Arlo Roof Top)
11th Floor, Arlo SoHo
ART SoHo combines the best of indoor and outdoor rooftop dining with breathtaking views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. From the outdoor terrace, you can gaze out at (and take awesome photos of) the Freedom Tower and the Hudson River, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the neighborhood. The flexible seating arrangements cater to everything from intimate conversations to larger group gatherings.
Open year-round, this rooftop bar features a mix of lounge seating, high-tops, and open spaces perfect for mingling. The menu focuses on elevated comfort food, including tacos and small plates, while seasonal cocktails, local beer, and a curated wine list make up the beverage selections. ART SoHo regularly hosts DJ sets and pop-up events, creating an always-on, vibrant atmosphere that embodies the creative energy SoHo is known for.
Rooftop Bars at Hotel Hugo
Hotel Hugo SoHo
Transport yourself to Old Havana without leaving Manhattan at Azul on the Rooftop,a sophisticated, Cuban-inspired rooftop lounge. Savor the tropical flair with refreshing frozen cocktails, classic mojitos, and postcard-worthy views of Lower Manhattan. Zagat has praised it as “a taste of Havana in Hudson Square,” and it’s easy to see why. The bar specializes in rum-based cocktails and offers an escape from the typical Manhattan bar scene with its light-strung, laid-back atmosphere.
Also at Hotel Hugo is the Bar Hugo Rooftop, a duplex bar and lounge that sits 20 stories up. The bar offers floor-to-ceiling windows which create incredible views of the Hudson River, the Statue of Liberty and the Freedom Tower. Inside, the space has a minimally elegant look, with chrome and leather finishes. Craft cocktails are the main attraction on the bar menu, and you can enjoy Sunset Happy Hour specials, Monday and Wednesday from 5pm–8pm, and Thursday and Friday from 3pm–8pm.
The Rooftop at The Manner
The Manner Hotel
For those seeking a more serene rooftop experience, The Rooftop at The Manner is an idyllic escape with inspiring city skyline views. This venue embodies simple luxury, whether you’re grabbing morning coffee, unwinding during sunset cocktail hour, or enjoying post-dinner cocktails.
The space is designed for relaxation, and is an ideal spot for intimate conversations, business meetings, or simply soaking in the sights from above one of New York’s most beloved neighborhoods.
Grand Bar & Salon at Soho Grand Hotel
While not a rooftop bar, the Grand Bar & Salon features floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the cityscape on West Broadway, giving patrons excellent street-level and elevated views of SoHo;s iconic architecture. The bar has a classic, dignified atmosphere with a marble-top oak bar, and chandeliers inspired by the New York Public Library. A throwback to NYC’s classic bars of yore, the Grand Bar is a great place to sample something from the selection of 50 rare American Whiskeys, or to enjoy a curated cocktail by one of the resident mixologists.
Planning Your SoHo Rooftop Experience
Early evening during golden hour provides the most spectacular lighting for photos, as well as the most comfortable temperatures for enjoying drinks al fresco at one of SoHo’s rooftop bars. As with most bars, weekday happy hours tend to be less crowded than on the weekends. Obviously, spring and summer are the peak times of year to get the most out of a rooftop bar visit, but some of these venues, like ART SoHo, are open year-round, keeping patrons warm with inside areas or outdoor heaters. So, dropping by for a cozy fall or winter cocktail is also a great rooftop bar plan. Before you go, check your preferred spot’s dress code and reservation policy. While some welcome walk-ins, reservations may be required, especially on weekend evenings or during peak seasons.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor seeking that perfect Instagram moment, SoHo’s rooftop bars and lounges fit the bill and embody the neighborhood’s creative spirit and sophisticated style. Get ready to elevate your night—some of SoHo’s best experiences are waiting for you in the sky.
