14 kid-friendly rooftop bars in New York!
One of the questions I receive the most on my Instagram direct messages when I post stories at rooftop bars here in New York is: can minors or children accompanied by parents enter rooftops in New York?
The answer is usually no, as rooftops are bars and serve alcoholic beverages, and the legal minimum age for consumption in the United States is 21 years old.
However, there are some exceptions, so I literally contacted dozens of rooftop bars here in New York until we came up with this list! But before going up, it’s worth sending a DM or email to make sure that nothing has changed. I hope it’s helpful, and have fun here!
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TimeOut Market and Empire Stores
The famous TimeOut Market is a market with various vendors, handpicked by the editors of the magazine and website. And you can really find many options for all budgets and tastes, from ramen to breakfast pancakes!
The market is located on the first floor of the Empire Stores and has another section with various food and bar options on the rooftop (on the fifth floor), with that beautiful view that I always show you on my Instagram stories.
The rooftop is very casual, but for those who want to have some drinks and something tasty with an amazing view, this is the place to go!
Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201.
Cantor Rooftop Garden Bar
The Cantor Roof Garden Cafe is located in one of the most incredible museums in the city, the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With a beautiful garden and breathtaking views, it is a favorite of many tourists and locals! On a nice summer day, it’s common for it to be very crowded.
The atmosphere is great for a drink or light snack in the late afternoon, very casual and you can bring children too. It’s open from April to October, but this may change due to weather conditions!
Click HERE for the official website. It is open from Sunday to Thursday from 11:00am to 4:30pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00am to 10:00pm. However, it may close for events or due to weather.
It is located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, on the fifth floor, using the elevator from the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts gallery in the museum.
Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028.
Loopy Doopy Bar at Conrad Hotel
This rooftop is located in downtown at Conrad New York. The atmosphere is quite calm and you’ll have a view of the Hudson River, I recommend going for the sunset, which happens around 8pm in the summer. I don’t think the view is particularly amazing, but it’s a recommendation for those in the area. It closes in the winter (but check beforehand if anything has changed).
To learn more about the drink menu, click HERE, or visit the official website for opening hours HERE.
Address: 102 North End Ave, New York, NY 10282.
SERRA By Birreria
Eataly is already a must-visit spot for those coming to New York, but what not everyone knows is that Serra By Birreria is one of the nicest rooftops in the area if you want a nice meal. It is located on the fourteenth floor of the (Flatiron) Eataly, ask for help to locate the elevator if you need to.
The restaurant and bar do not have a very specific dress code, it is more relaxed and the place operates year-round, but the roof usually stays closed in cold months or on rainy days. So it’s a rooftop bar that is not fully open like most are.
Another cool thing is the decoration that changes according to the season, so for those who like photos in cute places, this is it. You can check menu prices and more information HERE!
Address: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010.
230 Fifth
230 Fifth is one of the most famous rooftops in New York. In addition to having an open space to enjoy a good drink in the middle of the afternoon, the rooftop also surprises with a breathtaking view of the Empire State Building. Best of all, from Monday to Thursday (any time), and Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (until 8 pm), they welcome minors accompanied by parents and guardians. For more information, visit the website HERE!
Address: 230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10001.
Electric Lemon
The Electric Lemon is a rooftop located at the top of the Equinox Hotel, a luxury hotel in Hudson Yards. It has both indoor and outdoor areas, with a garden, fireplace, and a beautiful view of the Hudson River and New Jersey.
The place has a more sophisticated yet casual vibe, offering a varied menu with options for drinks, snacks, seasonal dishes, and a weekend brunch. Children are allowed during regular business hours.
Address: 33 Hudson Yards 24th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
St. Cloud
St. Cloud is a bar located on the rooftop of the Knickerbocker Hotel, in Times Square.
It has a cozy indoor area and an outdoor area perfect for happy hour on a summer day.
The menu offers a variety of cocktails, craft beers, and snacks that change according to the season.
From up there, you have a view of the city’s buildings and a partial view of Times Square.
Minors can enter during operating hours (4 pm – 11 pm), as long as accompanied by an adult over 21 years old but they aren’t allowed to sit in the bar area (which is located indoors).
Address: 6 Times Square 17th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Westlight
Located on the 22nd floor of the William Vale, a beautiful hotel in Williamsburg, Westlight surprises with its wonderful view of the city skyline!
The place also has indoor and outdoor areas, perfect to visit at any time of the year!
Like most rooftops, it offers drinks and some food including small and large bites such as burgers, fries, etc. Check the menu HERE!
The venue only allows minors under 21 until 6pm daily, and they don’t need to be accompanied by an adult.
Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249.
Bar Blondeau
Another bar in Brooklyn for you to enjoy!
Bar Blondeau is a French-style bar located on the 6th floor of the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg.
If you like seafood, Bar Blondeau is a great choice as it offers a menu full of options.
In addition, it stands out for its international selection of natural wines and exclusive cocktails.
The view of the Manhattan skyline is also noteworthy.
Minors are welcome throughout the operating hours!
Address: 80 Wythe Ave 6th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249.
Gallow Green
Located at the top of the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea, Gallow Green is a great rooftop for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Its rustic decoration with plants draws a lot of attention and helps create a super cozy environment.
They are also known for their live music brunch. Minors are welcome, and brunch is free for children up to 5 years old. The experience is always very pleasant, and there’s even an old bench/swing that Serena loves!
Address: 542 W 27th St, New York, NY 10001.
Pier 17
If you’re looking for family fun, know that Pier 17 brings together several attractions in one place: rooftop, restaurants, space for shows, and much more!
The rooftop is one of the most sought-after places because, in addition to the beautiful view of the city, it has a menu of snacks, outdoor tables, and excellent drink options. In winter they used to have cabanas that you could reserve (paid separately) to enjoy the weather in a cozy way and go out to appreciate the view and come back.
I recommend taking a look at their website before visiting to see what they have going on on the rooftop for that season.
Address: 89 South St, New York, NY 10038.
Lost in Paradise Rooftop
Lost in Paradise is a rooftop located in Long Island City, Queens. Like many on the list, it has a beautiful view and is relatively close to Manhattan, perfect especially during sunset.
The menu is full of options for snacks, including Mexican food, seafood, typical American dishes, and more. I really enjoy the food – something not very common for rooftops.
It is located in Queens and takes about 7-12 minutes walking from the subway.
If there isn’t a party going on, the vibe of the place is laid-back, nice spot for families.
Address: 11-01 43rd Ave, Queens, NY 11101.
Refinery
Refinery is a rooftop located near Times Square. Despite being a bit smaller, it has a cozy atmosphere and a very nice view of the Empire State Building.
The menu offers options of dishes for all tastes, including salads, seafood, and hamburgers. They offer lunch, brunch, and dinner.
They also accept minors under 21 who arrive before 6pm, but they must be accompanied by parents or guardians. They do not have a children’s menu and do not have chairs to accommodate small children.
Address: 63 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018.
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Magic Hour
One of the trendiest rooftop bars in NYC (I’m talking cool decor and even a instagrammable small carousel) allows minors during thier Brunch hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am to 3pm! Don’t forget to bring your ID with you!
Address: 485 7th Avenue, 18th floor. Click HERE for more info!
Daintree
The Daintree rooftop is located in Midtown (almost next door to Refinery rooftop), and offers a gorgeous view of midtown and the Empire State Building. It has both indoors and outdoor spaces, which makes it perfect for the cold months. The lounge area is cozy, it has a nice decor with chairs, sofas and tables to relax and catch up with friends or even make it a date night! Their food menu offers small bites, but it also includes options like burgers.
They allow minors from 4-6pm.
Click HERE for their website!
Address: 25 W 38th St 29th Floor, New York, NY 10018
