The Best Rooftop Bars for a Classy Birthday Party in NYC
As you get older, birthdays become more about the atmosphere of the venue rather than the activities planned. Guests want a relaxed and casual vibe that still matches the special occasion with a touch of class.
Rooftop bars give you the best of both worlds with open-air relaxation combined with expertly crafted cocktails and sophisticated decor.
Take a look at the best bars for a birthday party in NYC and which rooftop options match the class and fun you’re looking for.
Why Choose a Rooftop Venue for a Classy NYC Birthday Party?
No other venue gives you 360-degree views of the New York City skyline like rooftop bars. The panoramic sights provide a stunning backdrop for any birthday party, and you get a feeling of the NYC energy without having to be in the center of it all.
In an open-air environment, people feel more relaxed and at ease. It creates a conversational atmosphere for meeting new people, and you never have to worry about getting too loud, like you do indoors.
Everyone can be themselves without holding back, and the stylish setting turns any birthday into an unforgettable and joyous occasion. Rooftop bars also create a sense of exclusivity where you and your friends get to enjoy the night without disturbance.
Top Five Rooftop Venues for a Classy NYC Birthday
Instead of spending hours online researching the best rooftop venues in town, all the hard work has been done for you. This list of rooftop bars rounds up all the possibilities for you into a curated list of the best of the best. Each one has their own style and atmosphere that will help you understand where’s the best place to celebrate in NYC.
Starchild
Perched high on the 27th floor above Midtown, Starchild Rooftop is the premier rooftop bar in town for a birthday celebration with class.
Complete with sweeping views of the skyline, and an added touch of sophistication, Starchild stands out among the dozens of other options in NYC.
For starters, few other places have a fully retractable roof option that lets you transform a climate-controlled bar into an open-air oasis.
You’ll even have the option to request your own personal DJ to accompany your birthday celebration.
Harriet’s Rooftop
Located at the Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in Dumbo, Harriet’s Rooftop offers expansive views of Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
While not as high as Starchild, located on the 10th floor, it still has relaxed seating and an upscale atmosphere.
The design and furniture incorporate reclaimed and sustainable materials to create a chic and urban environment that still makes everyone feel at ease. The menu is a collection of craft cocktails and Asian-inspired light bites.
The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel
On the Lower East Side of NYC is The Roof at PUBLIC Hotel. It has a 360 panoramic view of the city with their 18th-floor location and features floor-to-ceiling windows.
The venue spent some extra time decorating the outdoor terrace with live plants and greenery to give a more natural and organic feel.
They also feature a glass-enclosed indoor lounge in case the weather turns bad, and the venue has a capacity of 300 guests.
You’ll get existing sound system capabilities and a custom-curated chef menu for your private event.
Westlight
Almost as high as Starchild, Westlight has plenty of views from the 22nd floor of the William Vale Hotel.
Located in Brooklyn, you get floor-to-ceiling windows, and a complete wraparound terrace for great views from any side of the building.
The global street food small plates are worth a try, and there is a selection of various cocktails, wines, and craft beers.
You can fit up to 240 guests for your monster birthday celebration in this huge venue.
Mr. Purple
Hip and chic are two words used to describe this lively Lower East Side rooftop bar. Mr. Purple is located on the 15th floor of the Hotel Indigo, and features soft yellow lighting, classy mid-century decor, and intricate floor patterns.
You have the option of two different rooftop terraces: the west-facing, 5,000-square-foot option, and the 750-square-foot eastern terrace.
You can choose either one, depending on the size of your birthday celebration. The cocktail menu has specialty options, like the Smokey Melon Margarita and the Purple Cosmo.
Why Choose Rooftop Over Traditional Indoor Venues?
You can never get a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the Manhattan Skyline by staying indoors surrounded by concrete walls.
Rooftop bars offer an unparalleled atmosphere compared with indoor options with stunning backdrops that create an unbeatable ambiance.
Unlike indoor venues, the open-air setting allows guests to get some fresh air to stay relaxed and invigorated in the party.
The high-up position also makes the party seem more exclusive as you watch others below you who are unable to join in on the fun. With rooftop bars, the combination of breathtaking views, refreshing atmospheres, and unique setting is perfect for a classy and sophisticated birthday party.
Is Starchild Rooftop Suitable for Private Parties?
Starchild gives you the option to rent out the entire rooftop terrace for your very own rooftop birthday party.
Our staff will be dedicated to making your night unforgettable and helping you with any pre-party arrangements or decorations. You can even use our Funktion-One sound system to play your favorite music.
The retractable roof gives you the flexibility to transform your party space into an indoor venue if the weather gets unruly.
With Starchild, the party must go on and you have everything you need to make it a night to remember.
How Far in Advance Should You Book a Rooftop Birthday Party?
You want to book your rooftop birthday party at least two weeks in advance. This is the minimum time recommended to secure a spot, but if you want to ensure you have the perfect venue, you need to book at least a month out.
All bars in NYC are busy, but the weekends hit the hardest. A popular venue like Starchild is usually completely filled on weekends with limited room available. If you want to book the entire terrace for your celebration, you need to do so well in advance.
To start your own reservation at Starchild Rooftop Bar, just use our booking page where you can fill out all the essential info, like party size, date, and any special notes, and then our staff will reach out to you for confirmation.
We will help you arrange any details and decorations for the big night, and help you feel at ease with all the planning.
What Rooftop Menu Items Are Must-Haves for Birthday Parties?
Starchild has a curated menu of birthday must-haves that take your party to the next level.
Signature cocktails, like the Ticking Teenage Timebomb, is a blend of tequila, cucumber, coconut, lime, and absinthe yogurt. The Lychee Cosmo is another favorite with vodka, lime, and lychee cranberry.
The small plate options should not be overlooked with delicious treats, like the Wagyu and Foie Gras Dumplings, and Spicy Sea Bass Ceviche.
Larger birthday groups don’t need to worry about portions with the “not small” plate options. The Imported Charcuterie and Ripe Cheese Board, the Disco Crudite, and Mezze Tower are all enough to feed a large group.
The Best Bar for a Birthday Party in NYC
With a completely retractable glass roof that provides panoramic views of the city, a custom-made Funktion-One sound system, and expertly crafted drinks and cocktails, Starchild is your number one choice for the ultimate birthday party destination.
Reserve the entire terrace for yourself by contacting our team, and we will help you arrange a night to remember.