Inside NYC’s Ultimate Rooftop Escape: Daintree LES

If you thought you already knew Daintree from their iconic Midtown location overlooking the Empire State Building, think again.

Photos by Alexandro Loayza

The team brought their lush, Australian-accented hospitality downtown to Orchard Street—and the Daintree Lower East Side location is officially the neighborhood’s newest, worst-kept secret for an epic night out.

Tucked atop 139 Orchard Street, stepping off the elevator feels less like stepping into a standard NYC hotel bar and more like landing at a private, plant-filled penthouse party. Here’s why this rooftop needs to be at the absolute top of your city radar.

The Atmosphere: Downtown Cool Meets 360-Degree Views

While Midtown gives you big-city drama, the LES spot brings pure downtown energy. The vibe is cool, effortlessly chic, and completely magnetic. Wrapped in sweeping, 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline, it’s the kind of space where a casual sunset catch-up with a friend quickly turns into a few too many drinks come midnight!

Inside, plush, botanical-inspired seating and moody lighting keep things cozy, while the outdoor terrace gives you front-row seats to lower Manhattan’s endless glow. It’s vibrant, intimate, and packed with the kind of infectious energy that makes you want to stay for just one more round.

In the Glass: Elevated, Tropical-Leaning Mixology

For the drink-obsessed, Daintree’s cocktail program doesn’t disappoint. The bar team leans heavily into fresh ingredients, clever agave and gin builds, and playful twists on global classics.

Something Spicy With Tequila: Exactly what you want out of a kicky agave drink! Tequila balanced with rhubarb, tropical pineapple, bright lime, and a lingering habanero heat.
Aussie Spritz: An inventive, crowd-pleasing blend of Aperol, strawberry, thyme, and sparkling wine. It’s crisp, endlessly crushable, and practically made for rooftop golden hour.

Garden Soirée: Crisp, herbaceous, and wildly refreshing. Made with gin, cucumber, basil, blanc apéritif, and lemon, this one tastes like liquid sunshine in a glass.
Cold Brew ’tini: A standout take on the classic Espresso Martini—pairing vodka and Mr Black cold brew liqueur with fresh cold brew and a subtle hint of banana for a rich, velvety profile.
Daintree Martini: For the spirit-forward purists, their signature house martini pairs Four Pillars Gin with olive-infused vermouth and a touch of olive oil for an ultra-silky, savory finish.

On the Plate: Elevated Snacks & Raw Bar

Instead of heavy entrees, the food menu is tailor-made for drinking alongside—think fresh, flavor-packed grazing plates meant for the center of the table:

Oysters: Fresh, bright, and perfectly brined. Served with a berry mignonette, salmon roe, and fresh dill.
Something Pickled: Any savory girls out there?! A crunchy, tangy assortment of cornichons, banana peppers, pearl onions, green tomatoes, and jalapeños that serves as the perfect palate cleanser between cocktail rounds.

Crudité + Dips: A vibrant spread of seasonal veggies paired with hummus, citrus salsa verde, and creamy whipped feta (pro tip: definitely add the focaccia).
Chicken Sliders: Sounds basic but is anything but that. A standout bite featuring gochujang chicken salad, bell pepper, yuzu kosho, and crispy shallots—savory, spicy, and perfectly proportioned for sharing.
Ice Cream Sundae: End things on a high note with a tropical twist on a classic sundae, layered with yuzu lemon curd, fresh mango, and raspberry.

The Verdict

Whether you’re looking for a killer date spot, a weekend hangout with friends, or just a stellar martini accompanied by panoramic downtown views, Daintree LES delivers on every front. Next time you’re in the Lower East Side, take the elevator up to the 16th floor—your new favorite rooftop is waiting.

Daintree LES | 139 Orchard St, 16th Floor, New York, NY

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