Why Are Rooftop Proposals So Popular? Explained
For a sophisticated date that takes the romance of dining to new heights, try Elsie Rooftop. The sophisticated spot is designed by famed interior designer Elsie de Wolfe and boasts incredible views over Bryant Park.
The rooftop bar usually has a dress code, so be sure to check beforehand. It’s also a good idea to have some hairspray and extra bobby pins in case of any wind or humidity that may affect your look.
1. Sunset
Sunset dates offer a perfect balance between serenity and excitement. The end of a day marks the start of something new, and there’s nothing more romantic than watching that happen on a rooftop. It’s also a time when your senses are heightened, and the beauty of nature can be especially moving.
To make the most of this awe-inspiring experience, it’s worth planning ahead to secure a table at a popular rooftop bar. This will ensure that you and your date have an amazing spot to enjoy drinks and 360-degree skyline views. Plus, it’s a great way to show your Bumble match you care by making the effort to book a reservation.
For those looking for a unique rooftop experience in Manhattan, check out the sophisticated décor and cocktail menu at Elsie Rooftop. Designed by famed interior designer Elsie de Wolfe, this stylish rooftop offers stunning city views and beautiful decor, which is sure to impress your date.
Other stunning rooftops to check out include the gastronomic paradise Zona de Cuba, which is an unforgettable night out for foodies and drinkers. This Bronx-based rooftop serves up classic Cuban and Latin cuisine, and will transport you to another world with its fantastic menu and cocktail list.
Alternatively, the Westlight Lounge and Bar in Williamsburg is a rooftop with unrivalled views of Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and more. Located on the top floor of the William Vale Hotel, this rooftop is a must-visit for anyone who loves a rooftop experience with a view.
If you want to make your date’s night even more memorable, try and arrive just before sunset. This will give you the best chance to catch a truly breathtaking cityscape, as the sun begins to set and the sky turns from natural blue to a sea of twinkling lights.
2. Early Morning
One of the most peaceful times to enjoy a rooftop is in the morning. It’s when the city is waking up and the weather is cool, so it makes for the perfect setting for a romantic date. You can also grab some brunch before the sun comes up, and this will give you a chance to try something new together. For instance, The RH Rooftop Restaurant on the 5th floor of Restoration Hardware in NYC is a great option that combines romance with shopping. The menu is upscale but affordable, and the view of the skyline and Hudson River will impress your date. It’s a great time to leave the engagement ring nestled at the bottom of their champagne flute.
For a more active date, you can go for a morning run together. This will allow you to catch up and chat without being distracted by other people. Afterward, you can treat yourself to a healthy smoothie or a bowl of cereal with bananas. If you want to kick your workout up a notch, you can try a yoga class on a rooftop. This will be more challenging but will be an unforgettable experience.
If you’d rather have a drink on your rooftop date, check out Honey’s in Bushwick. It’s a rooftop bar with a big open-air space that feels like a garden with incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. If you’re tired of the loud club music at other NYC rooftop bars, Honey’s is a good alternative with a fun playlist and tasty bar snacks.
During the day, you can also head to Roosevelt Island for an outdoor dining experience that’s truly unique. This rooftop features stunning 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline and has indoor and outdoor seating. It’s an experience that’s not to be missed.
It’s important to note that rooftop restaurants can get pretty crowded, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance. You can also try the swanky, copper-clad rooftop at the Mandarin Oriental in Manhattan to impress your Bumble match with its spectacular view of the Hudson River and Midtown. This is a luxurious rooftop date that’s worth the splurge.
3. Afternoon
The afternoon is a great time for a rooftop date because it’s not as crowded as the evening. Plus, the weather is usually still warm enough to enjoy a drink and snacks on the roof. This is also a good opportunity to take your date on a surprise outing that they won’t expect, like an elegant rooftop bar and lounge.
One of the best rooftop bars in NYC is The Crown, which has both indoor and outdoor seating areas with views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines. This spot is so popular that you can see people walking in wearing full puffy NASA spacesuits (it’s actually happened).
If your date loves interior design, you can impress them by taking them to a stylish and sophisticated rooftop like the Elsie Rooftop, which features a gorgeous design from renowned decorator Elsie de Wolfe. This chic spot near Bryant Park is the perfect place to sip a cocktail and admire the intricate details in the luxe décor.
You can also impress your date by bringing them to a rooftop restaurant for a delicious meal with stunning city views. This unique setting instantly elevates your date night and adds a romantic touch to the evening.
There are plenty of rooftop restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines, so it’s easy to find something to suit your partner. The RH Rooftop is a good option if you want to combine romance and shopping as it’s located on the 5th floor of Restoration Hardware and offers an exceptional brunch menu, including the RH Scramble and New York Lox.
Another romantic rooftop dining experience is Bar Cima, a swanky and seductive rooftop bar with breathtaking Empire State Building skyline views. This Brooklyn rooftop has an indoor cocktail lounge and a huge outdoor terrace, both of which serve exquisite craft cocktails made with 200+ agave spirits.
For a truly romantic dinner, head to a five-star hotel and enjoy a candlelit rooftop supper overlooking the glittering city lights. This is the ultimate way to treat your date and will definitely get them hooked on rooftop dates.
4. Evening
If you’re looking to take your date out after dark to enjoy the city lights and skyline, there are plenty of options in NYC. Check out The Crown in Chinatown for a rooftop bar that’s big enough to fit just about anyone in a puffy NASA spacesuit and serves delicious classic cocktails with great views at prices that won’t break the bank (unless you opt for bottle service, which will). For an evening with more of a party vibe, try Vacations in Bushwick. This neighborhoody spot has a fun playlist that never gets too loud, fruity cocktails and drinks at reasonable prices, and plenty of seating so you can snag a table without fighting a crowd.
Or check out Zona De Cuba in the Bronx. This huge Caribbean restaurant has a live salsa band, gaudy chandeliers that look like they came from the back of an old Chevy, and more life-size props than you can count. The wildly colorful dance floor and DJ booths are a good way to get a night full of flirting and laughing going, but the huge patio also offers plenty of socially distant tables and a relaxing vibe.
Then there’s the rooftop at Gansevoort Park Rooftop, where you can sit for a romantic dinner and enjoy a stunning view of the New York City skyline. It’s one of the best rooftop restaurants in the city and a sure-fire way to impress your date with your sophisticated taste and opulent surroundings.
Another option for dinner is a rooftop restaurant in Brooklyn, such as Juliette. Located in Williamsburg, this French-styled garden instantly transports you and your date to a quaint, beautiful place that’s sure to be memorable. Enjoy a succulent meal and champagne with views of the bridges and city below.
Or you could grab a table at Panorama Room on Roosevelt Island for an unforgettable night with amazing 360-degree views of three boroughs, the bridges, and the East River. It’s the kind of night you’ll want to take out your favorite bottle of wine or craft beer and a couple of tasty snacks for to really make the most of it.