As the weather starts to warm up and the U.S. start to slowly come out of shelter-in-place orders, a rooftop bar is quickly becoming the most desirable place to be this spring. Lucky for you, I have some recommendations of the best rooftop bars to hit from coast to coast. Get ready to grab a drink with a view!

Aba Chicago

This Chicago rooftop is located in the Fulton Market District and is known for its gorgeous ambiance and delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Aba is also featured in my Best Rooftops in Chicago blog post here, so be sure to give that a read if you find yourself in my hometown this spring! 302 N Green St 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607

Charmaine’s Rooftop Bar & Lounge, San Francisco

My fellow San Franciscans have definitely heard of the San Francisco Proper, but have you heard of its incredible rooftop? Charmaine’s Bar & Lounge is situated at the top of the San Francisco Proper and is equipped with fire pits to fight off the ocean chill. Give this rooftop a visit to see a gorgeous view of the city by the bay. 1100 Market Street Entrance, 45 McAllister St at, San Francisco, CA 94102

Cindy’s Chicago

Another enchanting Chicago rooftop is Cindy’s on top of the Chicago Athletic Association. This is one of the best rooftop bars because of its radiant vintage decor, panoramic views, and dynamic menu. After closing for shelter-in-place, they are reopening back up on April 1st! I can’t wait to see what they have in the works for their upcoming reopening. 12 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603

Élephante Beach House Santa Monica

In Los Angeles, Élephante Beach House is one of the best rooftop bars. Ocean front views, bright cocktails, and a dazzling Italian menu make this Santa Monica restaurant feel like summer all year long. 1332 2nd Street, Rooftop, Santa Monica, CA, 90401

Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails Seattle

As a frequent visitor to Seattle, I have to include Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails. Glowy, luminous decor and long fireplaces give this place a modern and cool feel. Even better, they also have gourmet s’mores. 1415 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

London House (LH) Rooftop Chicago

LH Rooftop at LondonHouse Chicago is no rookie to the rooftop bar scene. Featured in my Best Rooftops in Chicago blog post, this rooftop boasts electric views of Chicago and a delectable menu. 85 East Wacker Drive At, N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601

Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge New York

The first NYC rooftop on my list of the best rooftop bars is Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge. Situated on top of the Moxy NYC Times Square, this bar has some of the coolest and most intriguing events and their decor is equally as enticing. As of March 2021, the entire rooftop is decked out for their Pink Winter Lodge promotion. They’ve curated an après-ski themed outdoor dining experience that you must see for yourself. 485 7th Ave 18th floor, New York, NY 10018

Photos courtesy of timeout.com.

Mr. Purple New York

Another great NYC rooftop is Mr. Purple on the 15th floor of Hotel Indigo. This rooftop mimics the ambiance of an artist’s loft and has a wide selection of beer, wine, and both classic and modern cocktails. 180 Orchard St 15th floor, New York, NY 10002

Penthouse at the Battery San Francisco

As one of the coolest hotels in the city, it’s no surprise that The Battery’s Penthouse rooftop bar is one of the best in San Francisco. Currently open to reservation for groups of six and under, you must visit this rooftop for yourself this spring. 717 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111

Perch Los Angeles

One of the hottest rooftops in the country is Downtown LA’s Perch. With panoramic views of the city and an impressive menu, this is a spot you definitely do not want to miss out on. Plus, it’s as charming for brunch as it is for dinner and late-night drinks. 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Refinery Rooftop New York

Industrial decor, dramatic views, and creative cocktails make this Midtown rooftop an NYC gem. Currently open for indoor dining and heated outdoor dining, you can head over to this spot while the city continues to thaw out from winter. 63 W 38th St, New York, NY 10018 

The View Lounge San Francisco

Last but not least, The View Lounge in San Francisco’s Marriott Marquis. This restaurant has stunning views, handcrafted cocktails, and delicious shared plates. Visit this enchanting restaurant and its Art Deco atmosphere next time you find yourself in the Bay Area. 780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103