The late spring and summer are ideal times for rooftop events. From garden-inspired roofs to sports bars and spaces adjacent to pool decks, here are outdoor venues from across the United States with skyline views, beach views, and more.
The Box House Hotel in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, launched a new rooftop space this year. The 10,000-square-foot space holds 275 guests seated or standing. A wraparound marble bar and views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn add to the ambiance. The space, which has a retractable roof and a glass enclosure, can be heated in the winter.
Woodlea, located on the 17th floor of Nashville’s Kimpton Aertson Hotel, opened in January. Spanning 4,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, the venue is notable for its sweeping views of downtown and the campus of Vanderbilt University. The venue, which holds 150 guests, contributes to the overall 10,000 square feet of event space at the hotel. The catering menu features locally sourced ingredients in dishes from executive chef Daniel Gorman.
The Newport Beach rooftop bar Topside at the Lido House Hotel offers views of the bay and the Pacific Ocean. Highlights of the 3,000-square-foot relaxed space include fire pits, communal seating, audiovisual capabilities, and the “Ultimate Cabana,” which offers the best views. Capacity for the venue is 225 guests.
Sky and Vine, offering panoramic views of Napa Valley, debuted in April atop Archer Hotel Napa. From chef Charlie Palmer, the space is host to a bar, restaurant, and lounge. The entire rooftop spans 6,980 square feet and seats 168 guests or holds 315 for receptions. Separate areas of the rooftop are also available for semiprivate events. The bar, which covers 2,690 square feet, seats 60 or holds 125 reception-style.The patio, measuring 3,190 square feet, seats 60 or holds 150 for receptions. The Chef’s Show Kitchen, measuring 1,100 square feet, is also available for events; it seats 28 or holds 40 reception-style. The menu features elevated American fare as well as artisanal cocktails, craft beers and, naturally, a carefully curated wine list.
As part of the addition of a new wing to Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach that opened earlier this month in Miami, the boutique property added a rooftop area suited for events. Guests can enjoy views of South Beach, the Miami skyline, and the ocean from the sixth-floor space. Combined, the rooftop pool area and L-shaped Sun Deck cover 7,044 square feet and can hold 630 guests for receptions or 490 for banquets.
The SkyLawn, located on the third floor of the Embassy Suites Midtown Manhattan, is slated to open this month. The landscaped space covers 5,560 square feet and holds 200 guests. The venue, with its garden-like atmosphere and handcrafted cocktails, is available for large events or can be partially reserved for groups as large as 40. Amenities include audiovisual capabilities and seating, as well as custom floral arrangements and catering menus.
RoofTop at Exchange Place opened in April atop the Hyatt House Jersey City in New Jersey. The venue spans two stories, comprising the lower terrace level and the rooftop level. The spaces together measure 10,000 square feet. The entire terrace level seats 150 or holds 300 for receptions. The Terrace East, which accommodates 80, and the Terrace South, which accommodates 40, are available for smaller events. The rooftop, which holds 300 guests, offers views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline. Water and fire features liven RoofTop, which can be reached by train or ferry from Manhattan. The venue has a retractable glass roof and walls, making it usable year-round.
Bounce Chicago, known for its fun yet elevated sports theme, plans to open a rooftop space later this month. Maintaining the venue’s sports theme, the 1,500-square-foot venue will have bleacher-style seating and private cabanas for a total reception-style capacity of 150 guests. The space will be furnished with plush couch seating made from vintage sports gear, plus high-top tables, HD TVs, and downtown views. The addition of the rooftop will make the total square footage of the venue 6,000 and its capacity 600 guests.
Opened in September with an enviable location in Boston's Prudential Center, Earl’s Kitchen and Bar features a three-season rooftop lounge. The space measures 3,990 square feet; for private events, it seats 48 or holds 60 for receptions. Design details include an ivy-covered wall as well as a mix of couches, high- and low-top tables, and bar seating. There are also multiple televisions and a retractable roof.
Make Believe, the rooftop of Sixty LES hotel in New York’s Lower East Side, opened on April 18. The concept is designed to mimic an exotic atmosphere, with inspiration from East Asian and North African cultures. The new rooftop venue provides 2,000 square feet of event space with the roof open, and 1,400 square feet with the roof closed. Scarlet hues, bird cages, and tropical greenery add to the decor of make the venue, which holds 150 for receptions. The bar menu offers cocktails suited to its exotic theme, as well as a variety of sake.
Ophelia lounge opened in February atop the New York’s historic Beekman Tower. Sitting 26 stories high, the greenhouse terrace offers 360-degree views of the city skyline and the East River. With 1920s architectural details and 1930s-inspired design, the cocktail lounge highlights the rich history of the Beekman tower, built in 1928 as a residence for working women. The venue is composed of the Grand Terrace, the Outer Terrace, and a private dining room. The 4,500-square-foot space, which seats 100 guests in all, combines modern design and historical elements. The menu offers reinventions of classic cocktails, and the lounge features unique curios such as 1930s tarot cards and antique photography.
Arlo SoHo hotel in New York has revamped its rooftop with a new name—A.R.T. (Arlo Roof Top)—and new menu. The space, which opened May 15 and holds 180 guests, offers views of the Hudson River. Indoor and outdoor space combined measures 3,000 square feet. The rooftop is equipped to accommodate a DJ.
