Rooftop Drinks, Open Air or Lounge Comfort
Two rooftop bars in Midtown Manhattan, compared: cloudM New York Times Square's terrace and High Bar New York's indoor lounge, with free entry and small plates.
Both Midtown Rooftop Bars on the Map
cloudM Times Square: An Open-Air Rooftop Bar Above Midtown
Atop citizenM at 218 W 50th St, cloudM New York Times Square pairs panoramic city views with cocktails, beer, and wine. The space offers both indoor and outdoor terrace seating, letting visitors take in the skyline outside or settle into its decorated interior. It opens daily at 4:00 PM and closes at midnight. Last call is 11:30 PM, and entry is free. A downstairs bar is also listed.
High Bar New York: An Indoor Rooftop Lounge With Skyline Views
High Bar New York sits atop the DoubleTree at 346 W 40th St, with relaxed terrace seating and panoramic Manhattan outlooks. It welcomes visitors daily from 5:00 PM to midnight. Inside, the polished setting uses sofas, layered ambient lighting, and multiple TVs. The menu centers on cocktails and small plates. Reviewers also flag expensive drinks and inconsistent service, while the bathrooms are notably small. That detail may shape plans for a longer evening.
Choosing Between Midtown's Two Rooftop Bar Formats
These Midtown venues divide their appeal between open-air panorama and indoor comfort. cloudM New York Times Square offers near-360-degree skyline perspectives from outdoor terrace seating, with beer, wine, and cocktails available without an admission fee. High Bar New York leans toward a polished interior, using sofas, layered lighting, multiple TVs, and small plates. The contrast is clearest in the setting, one emphasizes expansive views and terrace movement, while the other centers on lounge seating, with reviews noting expensive drinks and inconsistent service.
