11 Best Rooftop Bars In York, England

1. Sora

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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If you choose just one of the several rooftop bars to visit during your stay in York, let Sora be the one. Nestled in the historic centre of York, this cocktail bar rests on the seventh floor of Malmaison York. Guests can savour delectable fare paired with a signature cocktail while being entertained by musicians and resident DJs. If you like the saxophone, you can catch the musicians playing it every weekend. It is best to reserve a table in advance as the bar tends to get crowded during weeknights.

Among the many specialities at Sora, you can order sushi or any of the tapas delicacies with an Asian twist from a carefully curated menu.

Sora

Address: 2 Rougier St, York YO90 1UU, United Kingdom

Website: Sora

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 12pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 1am; Sun: 12pm - 12am (closed on Mon & Tue)

2. Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Kennedy’s Bar & Restaurant opened back in 2000 and has been dutifully serving guests ever since. Located in the heart of the city centre, this bar encapsulates York’s nightlife. The ambience of the bar transports you to a different realm altogether, as you drink and dine with friends.

What’s even better is they serve excellent food, with patrons raving about their Sunday roast. This casual little tucked-away bar is a must-visit. Don’t forget to check out their rooftop terrace, as well!

Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant

Address: 1 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX, United Kingdom

Website: Kennedy’s Bar & Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 8am - 11pm; Wed & Sun: 8am - 12am; Thu - Sat: 8am - 2:30am

3. Las Iguanas York

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Las Iguanas York is a Latin American cocktail bar in York that is guaranteed to tickle your taste buds with their drinks and food. With a cheerful ambiance at all times, guests can easily feel comfortable inside this bar. There’s even a hidden garden rooftop which serves as a perfect place to enjoy your drinks and food! Their Latin American-spiced cocktails are dangerously addictive, especially considering they have a 2-for-1 special, all day long!

Las Iguanas York

Address: 21 Back Swinegate, York YO1 8AD, United Kingdom

Website: Las Iguanas York

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11:30pm; Sun: 10am - 10:30pm

4. The Habit Cafe Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Habit Cafe Bar is a small yet intimate and cosy bar. Built within the city’s walls, the bar manages to encapsulate the city’s history, whilst providing a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere for guests. The bar garden on top has a lovely view of the streets in the city and is perfect for summer drinks. Not to mention this York bar’s live music, as they frequently have open mics and other guest performances which are bound to entertain you.

The Habit Cafe Bar

Address: 40 Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF, United Kingdom

Website: The Habit Cafe Bar

Opening hours: Mon & Thu: 10am - 12am; Tue: 10am - 11pm; Wed: 10am - 1am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 2am; Sun: 10am - 10:30pm

Nearby rooftop bars

5. Angelica

Angelica is a classy, fancy-looking bar, located in a shopping mall. Located on a high floor, the outside panoramic view of the city down below is stunning. The large, glass windows that cover the entire bar provide a nice atmosphere with natural lighting, as well. Whilst you’re here, be sure to try their speciality cocktails that are delicious and tasty. This spot is perfect for a special occasion or just a night out!

Angelica

Address: Level 6, Trinity, 70 Boar Ln, Leeds LS1 6HW, United Kingdom

Website: Angelica

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 11am - 11pm

6. The Alchemist Trinity

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Another fantastic rooftop bar located in a mall, the Alchemist Trinity has gigantic glass windows, as well as a stunning roof terrace. The bar is chic, stylish and modern, offering guests a cosy interior, comfortable for chats with friends. For more special occasions, the fine dining here is spectacular and definitely worth your money. If you’re tired of the indoors, walk over to the rooftop terrace with umbrella shades and a majestic view down below.

The Alchemist Trinity

Address: Trinity, Level 1, Leeds LS1 6HW, United Kingdom

Website: The Alchemist Trinity

Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 10am - 12am; Thu - Sat: 10am - 1am

7. Headrow House

Headrow House is a gem of a bar with a brilliant rooftop. The wooden tables and umbrellas that cover the roof terrace create a homey atmosphere. The scene at the bar is akin to a typical rooftop party, which makes the feeling even more comfortable. The prices are amazing and the large venue makes the bar perfect for social gatherings. Book a table and have a catch up with your friends here!

Headrow House

Address: 19a The Headrow, Leeds LS1 6PU, United Kingdom

Website: Headrow House

Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 11pm; Tue: 12pm - 11:30pm; Wed: 12pm - 12am; Thu: 12pm - 12:30am; Fri: 12pm - 2am; Sat: 11am - 3am; Sun: 11am - 11pm

8. East 59th

East 59th is an American bar, aptly named after the same street in New York, USA. The place offers both American dining as well as drinks, served at a Manhattan-style rooftop bar. In terms of food, enjoy American-style grilled dishes and other meat-based dishes to fill your stomach. Afterwards, wash down your meal with a selection of their high-quality cocktails.

Important to note is that this place offers catering for events and celebrations, with bottomless meals and drinks, making this a perfect place for a birthday party, or just any party!

East 59th

Address: Victoria Gate, 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU, United Kingdom

Website: East 59th

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 12pm - 10pm; Thu: 12pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

9. Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen is the perfect destination for stunning views, quality drinks and top-notch, great music, all in one. The venue has two bars, two kitchens and, most importantly, an amazing roof terrace. Whilst sipping on your drinks, enjoy the live performances that include not only music, but theatre, comedy, and film, as well! The guests all rave about the pizza at this restaurant and the multitude of toppings on offer, so be sure to grab a bite, along with your drinks.

Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen

Address: Cross Belgrave St, Leeds LS2 8JP, United Kingdom

Website: Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 11am - 12:30am; Wed: 11am - 1am; Thu: 11am - 1:30am; Fri: 11am - 2:30am; Sat: 11am - 3am; Sun: 11am - 12am

10. Issho Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Issho Rooftop Restaurant & Bar is a Japanese themed restaurant and bar, and it is one of the best Asian eateries in the area. It offers a beautiful setting for your meal and drinks. The contemporary rooftop venue has modern, sleek decor and an exquisite ambience. The food is delicious and they serve traditional Japanese dishes and snacks for you to feast on. It’s the most ideal Japanese place for lunch or dinner. Moreover, their cocktails have an Asian twist, which makes them fresh and unique. Don’t forget to try some luxurious Japanese sake whilst you’re here!

Issho Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Address: Victoria Gate 3rd Floor Rooftop, George St, Leeds LS2 7AU, United Kingdom

Website: Issho Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 12am - 10pm; Thu: 12am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 12am - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

11. Bar Biccari Italian Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re looking for a fine, stylish and fancy Italian place, this is the restaurant and bar for you. Downstairs, there is an authentic Italian restaurant with meals that take you to the streets of Italy. You must try their pizza and pasta, cooked fresh and generously filled with cheese and other delicious spices. Upstairs, the Prosecco bar is on the outside terrace, which is heated, giving you the perfect ambience to enjoy your drinks. Sip on their delicious cocktails and enjoy a late-night cocktail for a fulfilling night.

Bar Biccari Italian Restaurant

Address: 2 Highfield Rd, Horbury, Wakefield WF4 5LY, United Kingdom

Website: Bar Biccari Italian Restaurant

Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 5pm - 10pm; Thu: 12pm - 2pm & 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 2pm & 5pm - 10:30pm; Sun: 3pm - 9pm

Grab a bite or drink at one of these amazing rooftop bars

York’s outdoor bars are cool places to stop by before tourists go home to their amazing log cabins or bed and breakfast accommodations. What are you waiting for? Grab your friends and head over to these fantastic rooftop bars now. Nothing can compete with the amazing vibes and ambience that these rooftop bars have to offer. Use this list to find out which type of cuisine you’re looking for – English, Asian, or American, as well as the ambience that you’d like. York has it all!