On the roof, it’s peaceful as can be
-The Drifters (written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin)
And there the world below can’t bother me
I’m going to argue that rooftop bars in Brooklyn are better than in Manhattan. While rooftop bars in Manhattan may have great views of surrounding buildings, many rooftop bars in Brooklyn have great views of Manhattan. Watching the sun as it sets behind the iconic New York City skyline makes the price of your drink feel better.
Summer in New York City means rising temperatures and alfresco seating. Rooftops are the way to go when the heat hits. Not only are you further from the pavement that is radiating heat, but also you are more likely to catch a refreshing breeze when you’re up in the air.
Rooftop bars in Brooklyn are among my favorite things about summer in New York City. There are plenty to choose from, but I’ve narrowed my favorite Brooklyn rooftop bars to this list of seven.
Are you spending a day in Brooklyn?
Check out my one-day Brooklyn itinerary!
7 Rooftop Bars in Brooklyn to Visit This Summer
The Roof at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
60 Furman St. (Brooklyn Bridge Park)
One of my favorite rooftop bars in Brooklyn is on top of 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Even when we went once for my birthday in winter, it was beautiful. They have floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan.
During the summer, though, the outdoor rooftop terrace wraps around the building with umbrellas for shade. Enjoy a cocktail like Purple Haze, made with Prosecco, Grey Goose Pear, St. Germain, lychee, and hibiscus.
You don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to access the rooftop. It can (understandably) get a little busy, but we’ve been able to go right up without having a reservation. However, if you want to snag a good spot for sunset, reservations are recommended.
Berry Park
4 Berry St. (Greenpoint)
This German-themed beer garden is one of the best casual rooftop bars in Brooklyn. There is a lot of space on the roof, so it’s a great place for group meetups. Plus, you can see Manhattan in the distance!
The bar itself is covered, with windows that can pull down or retract depending on the weather.
In addition to cocktails, Berry Park has lots of beers on tap that are perfect for the summer. Pair your pale ale with some Bavarian pretzels or bratwurst and fries. If you’re feeling fancy, the meat and cheese board is also delicious.
Of course, being a European bar, not only do they have a large projection for soccer matches, but there’s actually a soccer field out back as well!
Rooftop Reds
63 Flushing Ave, Building 275 (Brooklyn Navy Yard)
One of the most unique rooftop bars in Brooklyn would have to be Rooftop Reds. It’s the world’s first “commercially-viable urban rooftop vineyard”!
The Brooklyn Navy Yard is having a bit of a renaissance, but it’s definitely going with an “industrial-chic” vibe. However, set above the urban location is a little oasis that is a working winery, with grape vines and all, with views of the Empire State Building! The views are the only reminder that you’re in Brooklyn; otherwise, you feel transported.
Rooftop Reds partners with Point of the Bluff Vineyards near Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes, where the grapes grown on the roof in Brooklyn are processed. They worked with Cornell University in Ithaca to develop the planter box system at Rooftop Reds, which grows grapes during the summer. (I’m a huge fan of Finger Lakes wineries, so I trust they know what they’re doing!)
Enjoy white, red, or rosé by the glass or carafe, or try several within a flight. (The Grüner Veltliner and the dry rosé are very good.)
Reservations are required at Rooftop Reds. You select your time slot and can arrive anywhere within that time window.
Westlight
111 N 12th St. (Williamsburg)
On top of The William Vale, an upscale Williamsburg hotel, sits one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn for a fun date night. With sweeping views of Manhattan, this cocktail bar is popular amongst guests and locals alike.
Reservations are recommended for the indoor section of the 22nd floor, but the outside section is first-come, first-served. While it can get busy on the weekends, the closeness of your neighbors is worth the sunset views. (The food and drinks at Westlight aren’t too shabby either.)
Split an order of chicken empanadas while sipping a craft cocktail, like the Spicy Sunset, made with Blanco Tequila, lime, Dry Curaçao, agave, and habanero pepper tincture.
Fornino Pier 6
Pier 6 (Brooklyn Bridge Park)
At Fornino Pier 6 you can’t get much more “New York”. They combine pizza, cold drinks, and skyline views to make one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn.
While there are a couple of Fornino locations, the one in Brooklyn Bridge Park is right on the water. It’s a casual spot, with picnic tables and umbrellas, and views of the Financial District.
Fornino specializes in pizzas, with pies like the “Lombardi,” which is the perfect summer pizza, made with mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, parmesan, and lemon zest.
Best of all, you can order sangria or beer by the pitcher! Fornino is a great place to meet up with friends, split some pizza and a pitcher, and enjoy a lovely summer afternoon.
Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.
1150 Manhattan Ave. (Greenpoint)
If there’s one thing Brooklyn hipsters love, it’s craft beer. Combine that with rooftop seating, and it makes sense why Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. is one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn.
You’ll be able to spot the roof from blocks away with the giant green plexiglass-paned water tower acting as a beacon.
This Brooklyn gastropub makes small batches of ales, lagers, and Brett beers on a five-barrel system. For fun, summery flavors you’ll want to try their fruity sour beer; or keep things simple with the Greenpoint IPA, which has notes of mango, pineapple, and orange.
They also serve hot sandwiches and snacks, such as pretzels, Belgian fries, and beer-battered frickles. Plus, they have mac and cheese made with beer cheese!
Seating at Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. is communal, with long picnic tables and old barrels. The roof tables do have umbrellas for shade. Even better, you can take shelter under the giant stained-glass water tower on the roof!
Challenge your friends to pinball matches on vintage-feeling machines with modern themes like Mandalorian or Jurassic Park.
Juliette
135 N 5th St. (Williamsburg)
At this French restaurant in the middle of bustling Williamsburg, Juliette beautifully blends plants and antique signs to create a garden oasis. From the dining room covered in greenery to the second-floor rooftop, it’s a quaint spot to grab a bite. In fact, it’s one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn for brunch!
Try the Croque Monsieur with a mimosa, or the Eggs Benedict with a spicy Bloody Mary.
Beyond brunch, Juliette has some classic French favorites, like Hanger Steak Frites (get it with the bordelaise sauce) and French onion soup.
Juliette also has a lengthy wine list, as well as seasonal cocktails, beers, and ciders. The bar on the roof has stools if you just want to swing by for a drink.
Honorable Mentions
- The Roof at Whole Foods: Once you’ve done your grocery shopping at the Whole Foods in Gowanus, pop up to the roof for pub bites, craft beers, and views of Manhattan and Brooklyn.
- Our Wicked Lady: For some views plus live music, check out this industrial-chic Bushwick bar.
I hope you are able to visit some of these Brooklyn rooftop bars this summer! It’s one of the best ways to relax, catch up with friends, and enjoy New York City.
Not visiting Brooklyn yet? Save this post for later:
Leave a Reply