Rooftop Restaurants in Jersey City: The Best Spots for a Scenic Meal

Jersey City, New Jersey, brimming with diverse culinary delights, takes dining to new heights with its rooftop restaurants. Imagine feasting on gourmet dishes while admiring the breathtaking Manhattan skyline and the picturesque Hudson River. For an unforgettable romantic evening or an enjoyable outing with friends, these rooftop establishments present a dining experience that’s unparalleled.

If you’re looking for great views of New York, check out my recent article about the best rooftop bars with views of Times Square.

While the Rooftop at Exchange is the best reviewed and my personal favorite rooftop restaurant in Jersey City, there are a lot of diverse options to choose from. From fine dining to drag shows, you can enjoy a tasty meal and watch the sunset at one of these great rooftop restaurants in Jersey City.

Rooftop dining, a popular trend among modern urbanites, offers a unique blend of panoramic views, atmospheric ambience, and diverse cuisine. Jersey City’s rooftop restaurants encapsulate this appeal, catering to a variety of occasions.

The cityscape, Hudson River, and even the Statue of Liberty create an enchanting backdrop, especially at sunset. Their open-air settings with soft lights offer a distinctive, romantic atmosphere, making these venues ideal for private events. Cuisine-wise, these restaurants cover a spectrum from American and Italian to Asian, promising to satisfy varied culinary desires.

Jersey City, celebrated for its dazzling skyline and captivating waterfront views, is home to some spectacular rooftop restaurants. Catering to a variety of needs, these venues are perfect for a romantic meal or casual drinks with friends. Let’s explore some of the city’s top rooftop dining destinations:

Rooftop at Exchange Place

Situated atop the Hyatt House Jersey City, the Rooftop at Exchange Place delivers a mesmerizing view of the Manhattan skyline. The restaurant offers American cuisine and a vast selection of cocktails, ensuring a broad menu to cater to diverse tastes.

Among the standout dishes are the Steak Frites, Oysters Rockefeller, and signature cocktails like The Rooftop Cocktail.

With over 2000 reviews on Yelp and a noteworthy 4.5-star rating, the restaurant also sports a 3.6 value rating on OpenTable. This speaks to the excellent value-for-money it offers, combining quality food and beverages with remarkable views of New York. 

The multi-level indoor-outdoor venue, complete with a cocktail lounge and terrace dining room, is ideal for both intimate and large gatherings.

During warmer months, the outdoor patio and fireplace offer a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the NYC buildings. The Terrace Dining Room on the floor below offers a romantic ambiance with uninterrupted views and a polished, casual dinner menu.

Hudson & Co

Hudson & Co is a gastropub perched on Jersey City’s waterfront, offering panoramic views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. The restaurant focuses on locally-sourced American cuisine and presents an extensive cocktail menu served by friendly, knowledgeable bartenders.

The restaurant enjoys a solid 4-star rating on Yelp, with over 700 reviews. It features both indoor and outdoor seating, including a rooftop bar with a retractable roof, making it a perfect venue for celebrations or casual outings.

The stylish decor, breathtaking views, and interactive atmosphere at Hudson & Co, along with a diverse menu offering everything from Crunchy Tuna Tartare Rice Cakes to Delectable Pressed Young Chicken, make it a unique culinary destination in downtown Jersey City. Their indulgent dessert menu, featuring options like Warm Cookie Skillet and Caramel Apple Walnut Cake, guarantees a sweet conclusion to your dining experience.

Adding to the convenience, Hudson & Co offers three hours of free parking in the nearby outdoor lot and is located close to various public transportation options.

City Vineyard

City Vineyard, nestled on Pier 26, delivers astounding views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline. Specializing in American cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients, the restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list, making it a wine lover’s haven.

With an impressive 4-star rating from over 1100 reviews on Yelp, City Vineyard prides itself on exceptional service provided by its knowledgeable staff.

City Vineyard’s parent company, City Winery, was founded in New York City in 2008 by Michael Dorf to create a unique combination of culinary and cultural experiences for urban wine enthusiasts. Today, City Winery and its concepts span multiple cities and offers intimate concerts, food and wine seminars, private event spaces, and upscale dining, in addition to a fully functioning winery.

The establishment was inspired by Dorf’s passion for wine and music. Having made his first barrel of wine in California, Dorf wanted to create a space for urban wine enthusiasts who desired the experience of making their own wine without leaving their comfortable urban lifestyle.

Dorf aimed to create more than a winemaking facility; he wanted to celebrate the enjoyment and satisfaction derived from sharing wine with friends. He envisioned a space that would facilitate the unique social bond that occurs when communities of like-minded people gather over a bottle of quality Cabernet, a freshly-prepared meal, and live music.

City Vineyard is proud of its team, comprising individuals who are passionate about wine, food, and music. Many of their managers started in entry-level roles or internships and have grown with the company.

Philanthropy is another cornerstone of City Vineyard. Since its inception in 2008, the establishment has donated about 10% of its annual wine production to various causes. It also offers its venue at a discounted rate for benefits and fundraisers, furthering its commitment to caring for and nourishing the world.

The design of City Vineyard’s space blends the warmth of wine country with modern comfort and convenience. The performance venue offers pristine acoustics, and the tasting room invites guests for a pre-concert flight of wines. With a variety of functional spaces, City Vineyard can host a memorable night out for two or an unforgettable private event.

Six 26

Situated in downtown Jersey City, Six 26 is a lounge and rooftop bar with a diverse selection of cocktails. This establishment, ideal for a night out with friends or a romantic evening, is renowned for its spacious outdoor terrace. With over 140 reviews on Yelp, it maintains a solid 4-star rating.

The name Six 26 pays tribute to the date the Marriage Equality Act was passed in the United States – June 26, 2015. This landmark ruling by the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage in all 50 states, setting a precedent for states to honor out-of-state same-sex marriage licenses in the case Obergefell v. Hodges.

By day, Six 26 is a relaxed and friendly venue, but as the sun sets, it transforms into a vibrant, high-energy lounge with a garden-esque rooftop bar. The venue aims to celebrate life and love, welcoming all who enter.

In addition to its day-to-day operations, Six 26 hosts two Drag Shows a week featuring some of the best performers in the Metro Area. On Friday evenings, a late-night show commences around 10 PM and is open to the general public. On Saturdays, Six 26 offers a Drag Brunch, which runs from 2 PM to 4 PM, highlighted by their $3 Mimosas. Seating for the Drag Brunch is limited, with seating times at 1 PM and 1:30 PM. Reservations can be made by calling or texting their event phone at (201) 888-2566.

Furthermore, Six 26 holds a Ru Paul viewing party on Thursday evenings, offering another fun and engaging event for patrons to enjoy.

While planning your visit to any of these rooftop establishments, remember to call ahead to check availability. Many require reservations, especially for larger parties, peak hours, and weekends. Some may also request a credit card to hold your reservation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jersey City’s rooftop dining scene offers an array of choices to fit diverse tastes and occasions. With stunning views, diverse cuisines, and unique atmospheres, these establishments are redefining the urban dining experience. 

Notable rooftop restaurants include the highly-rated Rooftop at Exchange Place, the vibrant Six 26, the waterfront Hudson & Co, and the wine-centric City Vineyard. Whether you’re planning a romantic date or a fun outing with friends, exploring Jersey City’s rooftop dining is a must. Remember to check availability and make reservations ahead of time to secure your spot. Experience Jersey City’s finest and elevate your dining experience, literally and figuratively, with these rooftop gems.

Don’t forget to share your experiences on social media and tag your favorite rooftop restaurant to support local businesses. And for those searching for ‘Rooftop dining in Jersey City,’ ‘Best rooftop restaurants near me,’ or ‘Rooftop restaurants with best views,’ this guide offers an insight into some of the top picks in town. Happy dining!

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