A great cocktail or glass of wine can elevate an evening, but exceptional company and stunning views can transform it entirely. These 13 hotel bars and rooftops offer some of the best panoramas in the country — from city skylines to ocean sunsets — making them ideal spots to unwind. Why not visit one and toast the view?
© Courtesy of the RoofTop at Exchange Place
RoofTop at Exchange Place, Jersey City, New Jersey
Perched on top of the Hyatt House Jersey City, RoofTop at Exchange Place delivers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. It’s a relaxed setting for handcrafted cocktails and small plates, with landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty visible across the water. The menu features bright, refreshing signature drinks that pair well with the panoramic scene.
Percheron © Visit KC
Percheron, Kansas City, Missouri
Located atop Crossroads Hotel, Percheron is an elevated beer garden and rooftop bar showcasing downtown Kansas City views. Open during the warmer months, it offers creative cocktails, light bites and frequent events like summer concerts and themed parties — all enjoyed against the city skyline.
Catbird © Gus Schmiege
Catbird, Dallas, Texas
Nestled on the ninth floor of Thompson Hotel, Catbird blends rustic charm with contemporary elegance. Large windows frame busy city streets below, while a thoughtfully crafted cocktail menu and small plates enhance the relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere.
Tetto © Visit SLO CAL
Tetto, San Luis Obispo County, California
At The Piccolo, Tetto is an al-fresco rooftop designed to take in the vineyard-studded hills of SLO CAL. It’s an ideal spot for locally inspired craft cocktails and small plates while watching the tree-lined town square and rolling landscapes. The drink list often highlights bright, seasonal combinations that reflect the region’s flavors.
MDRD © Experience Grand Rapids
MDRD, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Occupying the 27th floor of The Amway Grand Plaza, MDRD overlooks downtown Grand Rapids with an impressive city skyline view. The menu focuses on modern Spanish-inspired small plates, elevated entrées and indulgent desserts, complemented by a curated wine and cocktail selection that pairs well with the high-rise setting.
Beacon Social Drinkery © Fort Myers Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
Beacon Social Drinkery, Fort Myers, Florida
On the 12th floor of Luminary Hotel, Beacon Social Drinkery provides panoramic views of lush waterways and scenic surroundings. It’s a relaxing spot for cocktails, wines and beers — especially at sunset when the colors over the landscape are at their best. The beverage program leans toward bright, fruit-forward drinks that suit warm evenings.
© Madera Bar at Rosewood Sandhill
Madera Bar, Menlo Park, California
At Rosewood Sand Hill, Madera Bar & Lounge opens onto a revamped California garden terrace with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The setting feels intimate and classic, and the cocktail menu includes elegant, well-balanced options that complement the mountain backdrop.
Cypress Beach House, San Luis Obispo County, California
Cypress Beach House at Inn at the Pier is a reimagined rooftop concept featuring an updated menu and an enviable seaside setting. It’s an inviting place to savor a signature cocktail while watching the Pacific coast and the colors of sunset over the water.
H20 Bar & Grill © Visit Atlantic City
H20 Bar & Grill, Atlantic City, New Jersey
At The Golden Nugget Atlantic City Hotel Casino & Marina, H20 Bar & Grill pairs ocean and skyline views with top-shelf cocktails and poolside seating. Open daily in the summer, it’s a lively waterfront spot to relax and enjoy both drinks and the Atlantic vistas.
© Courtesy of the New York Marriott Marquis
Broadway Lounge, New York City, New York
Found on the eighth floor of the New York Marriott Marquis, Broadway Lounge offers floor-to-ceiling windows that look down on the neon-lit energy of Times Square. It’s a dramatic place to sip expertly mixed cocktails while watching the city’s nonstop action below.
The Beach Bar, Manasota Key, Florida
Located at Manasota Key Resort, The Beach Bar provides some of the most memorable Gulf sunsets on the East Coast. Guests can enjoy refreshing drinks from a comfortable lounge chair while watching the sun sink over the water — a quintessential beachside cocktail experience.
Broken Shaker, Los Angeles, California
On the rooftop of The Freehand in downtown Los Angeles, Broken Shaker is known for handcrafted cocktails and charming string-lit ambiance with skyline views. A James Beard Award finalist and a past winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Bar recognition, this bar features inventive drinks made with house-infused elixirs and bold, unexpected ingredients.