14 Best Rooftop Venues For Large Groups in NYC
June 2020 update: While Covid-19 has us on lock down, you sometimes still need to have a safe and socially distant gathering. We have compiled some of the best rooftops in New York to get through this coronavirus situation.
Company parties. Networking events. Weddings. Birthday parties. New York is so full of people that sometimes it’s hard to find enough space to host any of these events, but we assure you: These spaces exist, and you’d be surprised at how many affordable rooftop bars exist in Brooklyn and Manhattan that can serve your exact needs. Here, we’ve gathered the best places for rooftop private parties and the best rooftop venues for large groups in NYC. Because even New Yorkers have to plan parties sometimes.
Midtown Loft & Terrace
Neighborhood: Midtown
Standing Capacity: 150
For a one-of-a-kind view of the city, you can’t beat the 4,400-square-foot terrace at Midtown Loft & Terrace. The modern, classy venue is perfect for hosting networking events, company parties/meetings, or even your wedding. It’s one of the few affordable rooftop bars you’ll find, and you (and your guests) won’t be disappointed if you book it. It even has a retractable enclosed rooftop, so it can be booked year-round.
230 Fifth Rooftop
Neighborhood: FlatironStanding Capacity: 1200
At 33,000 square feet, this Manhattan-located rooftop garden claims to be “the largest outdoor rooftop garden and fully enclosed penthouse lounge” in the city. The full-service venue has everything you could need to make your event a success, including in-house catering, furniture, dance floors, DJ equipment, and spectacular lighting. Whether you’re hosting a company party or wedding reception, if you want to rent a rooftop in NYC for a party, this is the place to do it.
Bryant Park Grill
Neighborhood: MidtownStanding Capacity: 275
For wedding venues rooftop realness, look no further than the rooftop terrace at Bryant Park Grill. This gorgeous space is located right behind the New York Public Library and is sure to surpass even your wildest dreams. The extremely helpful staff and in-house service will put your mind at ease before and during the big day, and you’ll have unforgettable pictures (and memories!) to cherish forever. (But let’s be real: It’s mostly about the pictures…)
Sky Room
Neighborhood: Midtown WestStanding Capacity: 550
It’s hard to find a more versatile venue than Sky Room. If you want a trendy space with impressive views under the comfort of a retractable roof, then look no further than their North and/or South Terraces. If you want to relax by a fireplace in a more intimate space, check out their Candlelight Lounge, which fits up to 50.
Hudson Terrace
Neighborhood: Hell’s KitchenStanding Capacity: 775
With a combined capacity of 775, the three available spaces at Hudson Terrace perfectly complement one another for any event: ceremonies, receptions, cocktail hours, business meetings—you name it. The star here is the venue’s rooftop with views of the Hudson and skyline. The affordable rooftop bar possesses a simple charm that will put guests at ease and create lasting memories, regardless of the event.
The Copacabana
Neighborhood: Times SquareStanding Capacity: 1,200
If you’re looking for a mix of outdoor and indoor space, the Copacabana has it. Their fourth-floor rooftop fits up to 500 people while their second and third floor spaces can fit up to 1200 total.
3 West Club
Neighborhood: Midtown
Standing Capacity: 130
3 West Club’s glass-walled, 900-square-foot Solarium is reasonably priced at just $1,100 for up to five hours and $1,900 for up to 10, making it one of the best affordable rooftop bars in the city. Despite being a fantastic budget option, it doesn’t skimp on also being one of the best rooftop venues. A retractable awning ensures the elegant white space is usable rain or shine.
Manhattan Penthouse on Fifth Avenue
Neighborhood: Lower MidtownStanding Capacity: 200
Manhattan Penthouse stands 17 floors tall and spans a whopping 8,000 square feet of space, but its 45 years of catering experience and one-event-at-a-time attitude propel it to the top of the list of venues for best rooftop private parties. Come for the party; stay for the stained glass windows and unique architectural details.
Mondrian Park Avenue — 15 Stories
Neighborhood: NoMadStanding Capacity: 250
Natural light abounds at 15 Stories, the wide-open rooftop terrace at Mondrian Park Avenue. Ideal for company gatherings or networking events, the venue has the latest technology available, including smart TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi, to ensure everyone can stay connected. And don’t forget to let Cleo cater your event with delicious, modern Eastern and Southern Mediterranean dishes.
The Skylark
Neighborhood: Times SquareStanding Capacity: 225
The Skylark takes the speakeasy vibe of Sir Henri and classes it up just a notch to make it a solid option for wedding venues rooftop parties. For other events, book the Skylark Room & Upper Deck combo so you can enjoy the cocktails indoors and get a breath of fresh outdoors. You’d be silly not to take advantage of the city views after lounging in the opulence of the bar area.
Magic Hour
Neighborhood: MidtownStanding Capacity: 3000
Magic Hour is truly one of the most magical spots in the city and by far one of the best rooftop venues for large groups. We don’t know what’s more amazing: the Empire State Building views or the naughty animal statues peppered throughout the Fore Play mini golf course. (Oh, did we mention this place is a little more adult than the others?) if you want to inject your event with some personality, this is the place to do it.
The William Vale — Westlight
Neighborhood: Greenpoint
Standing Capacity: 240
Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Manhattan anymore… Who said the best rooftop private parties are only in Manhattan? Consider Brooklyn for affordable rooftop bars that provide a hip touch—like Westlight at The William Vale! Floor-to-ceiling windows and black-and-white-tiled floors are modern flourishes of the bar area, and upstairs you can sip your cocktail 22 floors above ground level with a 180-degree panoramic view of the boroughs.
Supernova
Neighborhood: Times SquareStanding Capacity: 400
Trendy and located by Times Square, Supernova offers views and an experience you would otherwise find only in movies. Rent out an individual terrace for hosting smaller rooftop private parties, or rent them all for a multi-level gathering with fire pits and surround sound.
Elsie Rooftop
Neighborhood: MidtownStanding Capacity: NA
Celebrate a wedding or host an impressive reception at this elegant venue that shines as bright as you. White and gold decor give off a sophisticated-but-not-pretentious vibe, perfect for formal events. Elsie is for sure an excellent wedding venues rooftop choice. Cheers!
Sir Henri
Neighborhood: ChelseaStanding Capacity: NA
A midcentury modern speakeasy 18 floors up in Chelsea? Yes, please. Sir Henri is all class and some sass, a bold but worthwhile venue to rent a rooftop party in NYC for a party. Cool blues and browns demand your attention, and you’ll be inspired to go all-out formal for your event here. You are in Chelsea, after all...