2024 Connecticut Rooftop Bar Guide: 20+ Spots for Sips, Snacks, + Scenery

Carly Terzigni

Connecticut is no stranger to fantastic bars, but what if your beverage was paired with a spectacular rooftop view? There are several great rooftop bars around the state, each offering something unique. From Happy Hour deals to waterfront views, there’s nothing better than enjoying a drink with friends al fresco. And, since most of the following rooftop bars are sitting atop restaurants, it’s the perfect spot to grab a sip before or after dinner! Keep in mind that some of the following rooftop bars are only open seasonally, while others can stay open year-round in a climate-controlled rooftop setting.

Vesta Rooftop Kitchen at La Zingara-Bethel 

https://www.lazingara.com/about-vesta.php

Vesta rooftop kitchen and bar is the casual sister restaurant located above the highly-acclaimed La Zingara in downtown Bethel. Vesta features woodfired cooking, including Neopolitan-style pizza, burgers, crepes, and panuzzos. The menu extends with fresh salads, charcuterie, amazing small plates, and sweet dessert crepes. Vesta boasts a creative cocktail program as well as a local craft beer selection and unique wines and mocktails. Whether you visit Vesta for brunch or dinner, you will be impressed with not only its food but its retractable roof and garden murals.

At The Rooftop-Canton

https://www.attherooftop.com/

The newest addition to the Zen Restaurant Group, At The Rooftop, located in Canton, CT, offers one of the largest rooftop dining spots in the Farmington Valley. Its menu, crafted by Executive Chef Dan Fortin, is a celebration of New American cuisine with a global twist. Indulge in the ultimate culinary experience with their Omakase sushi bar or gather with friends at one of their 3 bars as their team reimagines classic cocktails of the zen kind. For the discerning beer and wine enthusiast, At The Rooftop has a self-pour taproom offering over 20 curated selections, allowing guests to sample a diverse array of beverages at their own pace. And with seating for up to 450 guests, there is plenty of room for any kind of party or social gathering with private and semi-private event spaces available.

High George at The Blake Hotel-New Haven 

https://www.theblakenewhaven.com/dine/high-george-rooftop-bar/

Located on the 6th floor of The Blake Hotel is New Haven's premiere rooftop bar, High George by Siena. The rooftop is open year round, outfitted with retractable windows and roof in the warmer months and indoor heaters during the colder months. An iconic cocktail oasis right in the heart of downtown, High George by Siena serves Connecticut microbrews, global wines, and craft cocktails, as well as enticing appetizers, shareable entrees, and desserts. Open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights from 5 PM to 9 PM. High George is frequently in demand for private events such as weddings, corporate gatherings, and many other special occasions.

The Abner Hotel-Litchfield

https://www.theabnerhotel.com/

A new rooftop bar will open in September 2024 atop The Abner Hotel in the heart of Litchfield. Enjoy craft cocktails, great music, and spectacular views. See Litchfield from a whole new perspective atop the historic courthouse building. 

Bar 19-New Haven

https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/new-haven-yale/dining/bar-19

Bar 19 welcomes you in an upscale atmosphere where you can enjoy a specialty cocktail with a twist. Perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks, Bar 19 opens daily at 5:00 p.m. and stays open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and 2:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Specializing in creative regional cuisine, Bar 19 also includes a selection of burgers, sliders, and pasta.

Cava Restaurant-Southington

https://www.cavact.com/

Open May through November, escape to Cava's luxury rooftop patio, an experience that transports you to a Mediterranean resort while enjoying a beverage in Southington.  Its all-white architectural design encourages an emphasis on nature, perfectly framing the surrounding trees, fields, and Southington Mountain. 

The Deck-Westbrook

https://www.thedeckct.com/

Conveniently located off Route 1 in Westbrook, The Deck offers views of the surrounding marina and waterways. Sip on a refreshing beverage before heading inside to watch whatever your sporting event is on one of their 40 flatscreen TVs.

The Elbow Room-West Hartford

https://www.elbowroomct.com/

Open seasonally, The Elbow Room's rooftop bar offers expansive views of the lovely West Hartford Center. It’s the only rooftop patio in town! In addition to a casual drink at the bar, tables are available for lunch or dinner.

Elm City Social-New Haven

https://www.elmcitysocial.com/

The rooftop tiki bar at Elm City Social is open for the summer! The bar menu is full of creative cocktails and unique to the roof, meaning you won’t be able to go to their other two bars and have the same cocktails. Its food menu is also available. The bar is open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner and late night and Saturday and Sunday for brunch (rooftop hours are weather-dependent).

Fortina-Stamford

https://fortinapizza.com/locations/stamford/

Visit Fortina this spring and summer every Wednesday through Sunday at the raddest rooftop bar this side of the sound. Weekday Happy Hour is available! Full-service dining, including weekend brunch, is also on deck! Looking to plan a rooftop party? Email catering@fortinapizza.com or visit their events page.

Gioia-New Haven

https://www.gioianewhaven.com/

Gioia’s rooftop is now open Thursday-Sunday, with bar seating available on a walk-in basis and specialty cocktails ready for mixing. Tables and a food menu exclusive to the rooftop are available as well. The three-season, 1900-square-foot space offers a unique menu for guests of all ages, featuring seasonal food and beverages in a casual and fun environment.

Kawa Ni-Westport

https://www.kawaniwestport.com/

The Kawa Ni rooftop, with its stunning views of the Saugatuck River, is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink before dinner. It’s also an ideal venue for small private events

The Lady-Hartford

https://www.longlivethelady.com/

Formerly known as The Russian Lady, this Hartford mainstay has reopened as a lively nightclub spot called The Lady. Rooftop access is still available to enjoy an outdoor space during your visit.

Mexicue-Stamford

https://www.mexicue.com/

It’s patio season at Mexicue! Its Stamford location features a rooftop bar perfect for a margarita. Food is also available for purchase if you want to pair your favorite taco. Rooftop space is also available to host your next private event.

Mix Rooftop Restaurant & Bar-Mystic

https://www.mixmystic.com/

Visit Mix upstairs at Mix Restaurant & Rooftop, open year-round. The pavilion-style rooftop has retractable canvas sides and a full heating system, and it offers views of the Mystic River area. Stop by for innovative drinks and delicious food in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.

The River Loft at The Watershed-Norwalk

https://thewatershednorwalk.com/

Head to The Watershed in Norwalk for their open-air rooftop lounge, the River Loft. Plush cabanas with comfy seating are available, as well as a cocktail water feature and bar. Join them for summer cocktail events on the roof, festive fall gatherings, and the tranquility of the surrounding Silvermine neighborhood. The River Loft is available for private bookings. 

Rooftop 120-Glastonbury

https://rooftop120.com/

Rooftop 120 is New England’s largest four-season rooftop. Their rooftop is open all year long and offers beautiful views to enjoy as you sip on their variety of inventive cocktails, wine, beer, and martinis. Savor your drink as you chat with friends around their two fire pits, couches, and outdoor heaters, which maintain a cozy atmosphere even when the weather is less than ideal.  Visit www.rooftop120.com for menus, a live entertainment calendar, and private events.

Sign of the Whale-Stamford

https://www.signofthewhalect.com/

It’s rooftop season at Sign of the Whale! Stop by for tasty sips that come with a lovely water view. Food is available, and rooftop brunch events are also available. Check their website for the latest schedule of events.

SoNo Sky Bar-Norwalk

https://www.sonoskybarnorwalk.com/

The SoNo Sky Bar is open seasonally, weather permitting. Light bites and beverages are available, and walk-ins are always welcome.

Treehouse at Oyster Club-Mystic

http://www.oysterclubct.com/

The Treehouse is an outdoor dining deck above Oyster Club, perched in the Trees with sweeping views of downtown Mystic and the river. They are open daily at 12 pm through Labor Day. In the summer, there are NO reservations, walk-up only. In fall, winter, and spring, the Treehouse serves the same menu as Oyster Club.  During this time, they do accept reservations and the Treehouse hours are the same as Oyster Club.  

The Wheel at the Village-Stamford

https://www.thevillagewheel.com/

Sitting atop The Wheel is the Village’s rooftop terrace, exclusively available for private events. The indoor and outdoor flex space makes for the perfect private event. Reach out to events@thevillagestamford.com if you have any interest in booking this picturesque rooftop space.