Drinking on rooftops is one of those universally beloved activities. As summer melds into fall, there’s no better perch to view the Garden State on sunny afternoons and crisp evenings.
Some specialize in cocktails and raw shellfish, others offer a beer garden experience, but all feature beautiful views. Wherever they are, these rooftop bars are sure to elevate your day and evening outings.
RoofTop at Exchange Place
Jersey City
A panoramic view of the New York City skyline from across the Hudson sets the Rooftop at Exchange Place apart. Enjoy cocktails and bites, rotating draft beers and more on this spacious indoor/outdoor destination.
1 Exchange Place, 551-256-7850
Salvation
Asbury Park
This seasonal rooftop bar set atop the Asbury Hotel opens each May, and is one of the hottest spots in town during the summer. It features guest DJs all summer, cocktails and some of the best views in Asbury Park, especially during sunsets. Heads up: Per the website, a dress code (no athletic wear, baseball caps, tattered clothing, etc.) is enforced for entry after 9 pm, when it becomes a popular nightlife destination.
210 5th Avenue, 732-774-7100
Splendid Rooftop
Montclair
View this burgeoning town from on high at this see-and-be-seen perch at the top of the MC Hotel. The 3,000 square-foot-space offers indoor/outdoor seating, a dance floor and large, bar serving cocktails and bar bites.
690 Bloomfield Avenue
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AP Rooftop
Asbury Park
Ocean views and art deco design combine for a satisfying visual treat at this rooftop Shore spot that welcomes guests year-round. Come for lunch, brunch, dinner and happy hour, where you’ll find tapas-style offerings, like cheese plates and personal pies.
1200 Ocean Avenue, 732-444-2043
The Bradford Rooftop
Bridgewater
This restaurant, bar and rooftop maybe tucked in a central Jersey hotel, near office parks, but trust there is fun to be had there. Designed to add wow-factor to your Insta reels with lots of flowers, golden sunsets, a top-notch cocktail list and a tasty selection of small plates. Thursdays bring DJs to amp up the fun and Sunday brunch is a great way to end the week.
600 Somerset Corporate Boulevard, 732-384-6831
Watermark
Asbury Park
The rooftop deck at the Watermark, a modern bar and lounge, overlooks Asbury Park’s boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. You also get a western view, making it an ideal spot for sunset drinks. The menu includes craft cocktails, wine, beer and light, seasonal bites to snack on.
800 Ocean Avenue, Floor 2, 732-455-3447
O-Bar at Daddy-O
Brant Beach
The Daddy O Hotel boasts LBI’s only rooftop bar, O-Bar, that is decked out in a simple yet elegant beachy theme: lounge chairs, colorful umbrellas, stringed lights. While the restaurant downstairs might require fancier dress or footwear, beach attire and flip-flops are perfectly fine up on the roof. Enjoy cocktails, sushi and other small plates with a refreshing rooftop breeze. The O-Bar opens daily at 4 pm on weekdays, at at noon on weekends, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
4401 Long Beach Boulevard, 609-494-1300
The Vüe
Atlantic City
Take in the panoramic view of the Atlantic City skyline and ocean at the aptly-named Vüe Bar and Lounge, located on the 23rd floor of the Claridge Hotel. Enjoy small bites like cheesesteak spring rolls, flatbreads and sliders. You can go all out and order bottle service, or come for Happy Hour, which is offered from 4-7pm, Sunday through Thursday.
The Claridge Hotel, 23rd floor, 114 South Indiana Avenue, 844-224-7386
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grill
Cape May
Find this popular rooftop bar at the family-owned and operated Montreal Beach Resort. Harry’s offers local oysters and clams, salads and sandwiches, and their signature clam chowder, plus cocktails, local beer and wine. From the rooftop bar, enjoy a panoramic view of the beach, just across the road.
1025 Beach Avenue,
