NYC Rooftops for Summer Corporate Parties
As the days get sunnier and longer, it becomes harder and harder to sit at a desk. Summer is beckoning — heed the call. We asked top New York event planners for their favorite NYC rooftops for outdoor corporate events and they came back with a list of spots that boast sweeping views, flexible spaces and creative menus complete with cocktails perfect for cooling down after the hottest of dog days. Check out our experts’ favorite rooftop venues in NYC and reward your employees with a little summer-style R & R (reward & recognition) for all of their hard work.
Ramscale
This historical landmark building overlooks lower Manhattan, the Hudson River and the New York Harbor. It’s views galore from this rooftop perch. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, this clean and modern spot offers flexibility and a built-in rain plan. Katie Conrad of AMG Events & Visuals says of the chic venue, “Ramscale is pretty awesome. It’s sleek and trendy — a raw space with multi-levels.”
Studio Capacity: 100 (seated) – 150 (standing
Midtown Loft & Terrace
The open-air terrace at Midtown Loft & Terrace offers summer fun — but also winter experiences with its retractable roof. Your guests will enter a private elevator that opens right onto the terrace’s luxe mahogany-floored interior. With the flexibility of an indoor space paired with an amazing, beautifully-landscaped, wrap-around terrace offering 360-degree views of Manhattan, this spot offers the best of both worlds for the ultimate corporate celebration. Vikram Panicker of top design firm, Elegant Affairs, says, “The staff at the midtown loft & terrace is wonderful to work with. With clear views of the Empire State Building, the venue offers a unique charm only a terrace in New York City can offer.”
Terrace Capacity: up to 150
The Press Lounge
The Press Lounge, sister venue to PRINT. Restaurant, offers both an expansive roof deck and a glass-walled interior space, ensuring fabulous views regardless of the season or weather. Pamela Newman of Urban Art & Design says, “The stunning setting gives guests an all-encompassing view of the NYC skyline as well as of the sunset over the Hudson River. The farm-to-table menu is inventive and beautifully-curated. Wendy Nash, heading up the social events department, together with her experienced and professional team, assists in executing unforgettable rooftop experiences.” The spot has multiple flexible spaces that Amy Katz of Amy Katz Events adores. She says, “The Press Lounge is a sleek space adorned with a greenhouse, a fire pit, and a panoramic view of NYC and the Hudson River.”
Full Rooftop Capacity: up to 350
Westlight at The William Vale (Brooklyn)
This chic rooftop venue was recommended by three top New York event planners. Andrea Adelstein of NYLUX Events says, “The view from the rooftop at the William Vale Hotel always makes guests wide-eyed when they first ascend the stairs and see the skyline of Manhattan. The unobstructed cityscape is absolutely the best, and the glass walls disappear giving guests the feeling of standing on a lawn in the sky. I love working at the William Vale rooftop as it’s such a wow space and guests have fun pointing out all the recognizable NY architecture. The in-house team is top-notch and the food from the NOHO hospitality group is delicious. Working on the rooftop is like planning a party in the clouds.” Leslie Mastin of Leslie Mastin Events also appreciates the view of Manhattan that the across-the-river spot offers as well as the permanent Airstream food truck, “Mr. Dips” on the hotel’s elevated outdoor promenade (imagine treating guests as they arrive or leave). Amy Katz of Amy Katz Events assures New Yorkers that the venture out of Manhattan “is worth it” for the “cool vibe and modern architecture” of this venue.
Capacity: 220 (indoor/outdoor seated) – 250 (indoor/outdoor standing)
Weil Roof Terrace at Carnegie Hall
Leslie Mastin of Leslie Mastin Events says, “One of the city’s best kept secrets is the Weil Roof Terrace for corporate or social events. It’s a large outdoor terrace that offers a ‘plan B’ in the form of a great indoor space.” She does note that the spot is best for cocktail parties and dinners as music must be acoustic only (no all-night dance party at this chic spot!). The garden-landscaped terrace is rich with nature in the form of trees and grassy areas and utilizes a storm-water recycling system that captures rainwater to stay lush. Carnegie Hall boasts an LEED Silver Certification for the spot as well as the 2017 AIA National Honor Award for Architecture.
Capacity: up to 300
230 FIFTH Rooftop Bar
This venue, recommended by Amy Katz of Amy Katz Events, boasts New York’s largest outdoor rooftop garden and fully-enclosed penthouse lounge. The rooftop is open to the sky and is the perfect space for semi-private and private corporate events against a city backdrop that includes the iconic Empire State Building. Customizable to the season, the spot has fashionable umbrellas for sunny summer days, heaters for crisp fall evenings and seasonal giant clear igloo structures that provide warmth and endless style on fun winter nights.
Rooftop Capacity: 150 (seated) – 200 (standing)
Bar SixtyFive at Rainbow Room
NYC mainstay, the Rainbow Room — open since 1934 — contains several event venues and Bar SixtyFive upholds its rich tradition of excellent service and attention to detail. The spot pays homage to American cocktail culture with a seasoned bar staff and creative drinks that will wow company guests and employees. Leslie Mastin of Leslie Mastin Events says, “Rainbow Room is an iconic NY venue with a great terrace, private dining and evening cocktails.” Amy Katz of Amy Katz Events adds, “Whether you’re going for a drink, an intimate gathering or an event, Bar SixtyFive provides a 360-degree view of Manhattan, 65 Floors above Rockefeller Center.” The space’s glass walls provide a sparkling city backdrop for every type of celebration.
Capacity: 130 (seated) – 185 (standing)
620 Loft & Garden
This wow-worthy venue that Leslie Mastin of Leslie Mastin Events describes as a “secret garden” offers a stylish spot for events. Andrea Adelstein of NYLUX Events says, “I love 620 Loft & Garden because guests view it as a surprise jewel within the heart of significant Manhattan architecture. With views of Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Church, 5th Avenue and grand Saks Fifth Avenue, it’s a surprise that even many old-school New Yorkers are unaware of. Whether entertaining clients or employees, throwing an event at 620 Loft & Garden makes a company look smart and chic, with an insider knowledge of the best of New York. I enjoy working at 620 Loft and Garden because the inside space is easy and flexible — you can do a formal dinner or make it look like a lounge. Guests are always wowed when they see the Garden and you can’t go wrong decorating because it is so gorgeous to begin with. Caterers like working there and it is intimate and personal. It’s almost hard to make an error in the space!”
Capacity: 120 (seated) – 165 (standing)
PH-D Terrace at Dream Hotel Downtown
This 1,500-square-foot rooftop spot is a favorite for Amy Katz of Amy Katz Events. The venue offers two floors of entertainment space — the lower (15th floor) is a sophisticated lounge sporting long leather banquettes with wood accents and chic decor while the higher (16th floor) level is an outdoor roof deck space with a DJ booth, two bars, and stunning views of Midtown Manhattan and Times Square. The space is available for both private and semi-private events for as few as 20 guests, all atop the stylish Dream Hotel Downtown.
Capacity: 200 (seated) – 350 (standing)
Brooklyn Lantern at The Box House Hotel (Brooklyn)
The Box House Hotel in Greenpoint, Brooklyn launched their new rooftop space, Brooklyn Lantern, just this year. With 10,000 square feet of space, the spot is totally customizable and flexible. It sports a retractable roof and and a glass enclosure and can be heated in the winter for all-year enjoyment of its fabulous views. A wraparound marble bar adds to the swanky ambiance of the bar and restaurant which specializes in creative American cuisine using organic and hand-picked ingredients.
Capacity: up to 275
Social Drink & Food at YOTEL
Be enveloped by the city at this 4th floor spot. One of the city’s largest outdoor hotel terraces (at 7,000 square feet), Social Drink & Food is located within modern, hip hotel, YOTEL. The super-accommodating events team will work with groups of any size to create memorable private and semi-private celebrations. Serving Mediterranean-influenced street food and craft cocktails, this urban venue is perfect for a relaxing summer company party.
Capacity: 100 (seated) – 300 (standing)
St. Cloud Rooftop at The Knickerbocker hotel
This “hidden gem of a rooftop” as described by Leslie Mastin of Leslie Mastin Events, has three plush “pods” overlooking Times Square for guests to enjoy. With living walls of greenery, the towering spot feels like a garden getaway. Its location makes it ideal for sweeping views of Times Square. The 3,400-square-foot deck offers multiple areas for entertaining as well as two luxe indoor spaces for more intimate gatherings.
Exterior Space Capacity: Up to 150
Tribeca Rooftop
This stylish industrial space sports a roof deck offering sweeping views of Tribeca’s hip neighborhood scene. Andrea Adelstein of NYLUX Events says, “Tribeca Rooftop is an incredible space for a corporate event. It holds a significant number of guests and allows for 360-degree views of Manhattan, the Hudson, and the New Jersey skyline. The kitchen is very capable and always willing to create fun, unique and delicious speciality items. The rooftop has great furniture and is planted with containers of flowers and greenery. For corporate events there’s enough room for creative activations. And the rain plan of coming inside is still great.”
Rooftop Capacity: up to 400
Special thanks to the following amazing NY event professionals for their sage recommendations:
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