Top 5 American Cities with Most Rooftop Bars or Restaurants (state, places, ranking)
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It's nice to see people post a few suggestions in different cities. I love a rooftop vibe. Here are a few in DC. The list below has 34 options in DC which is a good start for anyone interested. There are more if you research other areas around the city. Spring is here everyone!!
Every time we go down to DC to visit our friends, brunch and a rooftop bars are on the agenda. I think my only beef with saying DC is a top spot for it is there's nothing to really look at. "Oh cool, there's the washington monument!" wears off pretty quick.
Every time we go down to DC to visit our friends, brunch and a rooftop bars are on the agenda. I think my only beef with saying DC is a top spot for it is there's nothing to really look at. "Oh cool, there's the washington monument!" wears off pretty quick.
Yeah, there are pros and cons to the height limit in DC. If you're looking for skyscrapers, you won't get that; however, the amount of rooftops with unobstructed views in DC provides some crazy vantage points. The weather in DC is also a plus because it stays warm for a long period of time.
I would say the footprint of DC buildings could also be seen as a pro because height limits forces buildings to be built on large lots allowing rooftop venues to be larger and prevalent across the city. That may be why there are so many in DC. You won't get the same skyline seen in other cities though.
There is something about being able to see far across a sea of endless high-rises for miles in all directions though without any gaps that does make DC feel really large when you're on the roof. Even though the city is only 61.4 sq. miles, being on the roof is a different world looking toward Arlington VA, Bethesda MD, Silver Spring MD, and Tyson's Corner VA which can be seen from anywhere in DC due to the height limit.
Every new high-rise residential building in DC built in the last decade also has a rooftop pool it seems which has a similar vibe so there is a serious rooftop culture in DC I would say. I own a house in DC so I don't get that rooftop pool vibe sadly (Sometimes I miss those amenities rental buildings have), but my gym has a rooftop pool with a restaurant and bar so it makes up for it. Either way, to your point, there are trade-offs.
If anyone is looking for a rooftop pool option in DC because they either own a house or live in a building without a rooftop pool, here is an option. You can get the rooftop pool membership for the summer too if you don't want to join the gym. They serve drinks and food poolside.
I love the rooftop dining/bar trend--very cool experience in any city in the summer months (and as been mentioned several times, I do recall DC having lots of good ones when living in that area).
This thread calls for more pictures! One of the most unique rooftop bars I've seen is in Philadelphia, actually pretty removed from Center City, called Bok Bar.
It's former South Philly high school turned into a bunch of micro-entrepreneurial spaces and a very popular rooftop bar, with fantastic views of the cityscape:
I love the rooftop dining/bar trend--very cool experience in any city in the summer months (and as been mentioned several times, I do recall DC having lots of good ones when living in that area).
This thread calls for more pictures! One of the most unique rooftop bars I've seen is in Philadelphia, actually pretty removed from Center City, called Bok Bar.
It's former South Philly high school turned into a bunch of micro-entrepreneurial spaces and a very popular rooftop bar, with fantastic views of the cityscape:
Esquire just came out with this article on best NYC rooftop bars; I’ve always enjoyed myself at 230 5th and Westlight (William Vale, Williamsburg) but need to check out Nubeluz at Ritz Carlton on the next visit.
Nice list with many options. It's interesting that the average height of these rooftop spots in Miami is actually pretty low. I figured they would all be much higher than DC, but on average they're lower. There are a few above 10-12 floors on the Miami list, but most are down on the 2-6th floor. Did anyone else notice that?
Location: Miami (prev. NY, Atlanta, SF, OC and San Diego)
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Height does not necessarily effect the views or detract from ambiance and enjoyment. Of the higher ones listed below, all have great urban and/or water views which one would expect--but, yeah, there are no 70th or 80th floor rooftop bars.
Sugar: 40th floor
WATR: 18th floor
Area 31: 16th floor
Rosa Sky: 22nd floor
ADDiKT: 15th foor
For those with lower floor rooftops Astra, Terras, Giselle and Dolores have great views of the downtown Miami and/or Brickell skyline whereas Klaw, Level 6, and Bellini have an amazing view of Biscayne Bay. Juvia has a very nice view of South Beach looking out towards the ocean.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MDAllstar
Nice list with many options. It's interesting that the average height of these rooftop spots in Miami is actually pretty low. I figured they would all be much higher than DC, but on average they're lower. There are a few above 10-12 floors on the Miami list, but most are down on the 2-6th floor. Did anyone else notice that?
Last edited by elchevere; 04-27-2023 at 05:48 PM..
NYC definitely has the most. I've been going to rooftops in Manhattan since before they were even a thing in the 90's.
They are literally everywhere now in this area in the 5 boros and the Jersey waterfront.
+Morristown, White Plains, Hackensack area, New Brunswick area, etc...
Not even mentioning the Shore or CT.
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rental buildings have), but my gym has a rooftop pool with a restaurant and bar so it makes up for it. Either way, to your point, there are trade-offs.
