The Low Down on Drinking Up High at Charlotte's Rooftop Bars & Restaurants

Summer is here, and that means that we’re on the hunt for spots to (safely) imbibe outdoors with a view. Here’s our updated 2020 list for where to grab a rooftop cocktail or drink in Charlotte:

NEW RH Design Gallery SouthPark
6903 Phillips Pl Ct.

Heather Ison Photography

The revamped Restoration Hardware brings a stunning year-round rooftop restaurant to SouthPark’s Phillips Place offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. See our full walk-through of the stunning rooftop spot here. Current hours for RH are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m to 6 p.m. on Sunday, although the company plans to potentially expand the store hours in the future.

NEW Cordial at AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark
1824 Roxborough Rd.

Cordial – The Plaid Penguin

Perfect for: Getting a different kind of rooftop view – you’ll be able to see Uptown and the SouthPark tree canopy.

AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark’s rooftop concept, Cordial, is now open offering inventive cocktails by food and beverage director Amanda Gibbons, a European-focused wine collection, craft beer and tapas. It’s currently operating on one-third capacity in its outdoor veranda and indoor bar. Open Thursday – Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., and Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Lincoln St. Kitchen & Cocktails
1320 S Church St.

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Perfect for: A date night out with an Uptown view.

In South End, enjoy craft cocktails, as well as small plates, brunch and dinner at Lincoln St. Kitchen & Cocktails. Now open for indoor and rooftop seating, and staff has completed Count On Me NC training.

Charlotte Beer Garden
1300 S Tryon St.

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Perfect for: When you can’t decide what beer you’d like to drink, Charlotte Beer Garden’s sure to have something up your alley.

In addition to offering the world’s largest selection of draft beers in one restaurant, Charlotte Beer Garden also boasts a healthy food menu. Expect sharables like a beer battered pretzel, fried pork belly bites and beer garden fries, plus salads, poutines, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and full entrees. View the full menu here. They’re open full operating hours: 11am-2am daily.

Merchant and Trade
303 S Church St.

Perfect for: A special night out following a show or lively gathering with friends.

Head to the 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park for sweeping park and city views, craft cocktails and sharable menu options including charcuterie and oven-baked Mediterranean lamb meatballs, plus more serious fare like coffee rubbed flat iron steak and an ahi poke bowl. They’re temporarily closed, so be on the lookout for a reopening date.

Fahrenheit
222 S Caldwell St.

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Perfect for: Catching a sunset and chef-inspired meal.

On the 21st floor, Chef Rocco’s Fahrenheit takes sunset views to the next level. Grab your seat for Instagrammable city views, a cocktail and carefully-crafted bites. They’re open regular hours, and reservations are required for dine-in. The bar and outdoor space is first come, first serve.

The Waterman
2729 South Blvd.

South End’s oyster bar debuted their rooftop bar Topside just in time for warmer weather. Join them for Tiki Thursdays, which include Tiki-themed drink specials and live music each week. They’re open now with limited capacity and a limited menu.

Nuvolé Rooftop TwentyTwo
220 East Trade St.

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This Uptown newcomer takes Charlotte’s drink and culinary scene to new heights. Nuvolé Rooftop TwentyTwo offers Instagram-worthy views, handcrafted cocktails, seafood dishes and more served in a plush indoor/outdoor setting dotted with curated local art. Open now.

Graham St. Pub & Patio
400 South Graham St.

Perfect for: Grabbing beer before or after a Knights game.

This Uptown neighborhood bar boasts a bustling patio with a prime location between BB&T Ballpark and Bank of America Stadium. Expect an approachable bar menu, cocktails and plenty of beers on draft. The rooftop, patio and inside area is open at 50% capacity.

The Gibson Charlotte
11318 N Community House Rd.

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Perfect for: Brews and elevated bar food in the heart of Ballantyne.

In south Charlotte, The Gibson offers a lively rooftop patio, classic bar fare and rotating daily specials. They’re currently closed, but be on the lookout for a re-opening soon.

Village Tavern
4201 Congress St #190

Perfect for: Soaking up some vitamin D on your lunch break.

Whether gathering for a weekday lunch or happy hour, the sunny rooftop at Village Tavern fits the bill. Open now for dine-in and patio service.

The Unknown Brewing Co.
1327 S Mint St.

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Perfect for: Grabbing beers with friends on the weekend.

Unknown’s rooftop is a lively destination for craft beer lovers. Grab a pint from the outdoor bar and a seat with an Uptown view. Open for outside seating only.

Nellie’s Southern Kitchen
36 N Main St.

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Perfect for: A family dinner or brunch al fresco.

Hearty servings of Southern cooking isn’t the only thing Nellie’s Southern Kitchen serves up. Views of downtown Belmont are also up for grabs when you dine on the roof. Open now at 50% capacity. Call 704.396.7169 to make a reservation.

City Lights Rooftop
18 S McDowell St.

Perfect for: Instagrammable cocktails (try the Sparkle and Pop cocktail).

Go ahead, hold your drink up to the skyline and snap a pic. At City Lights Rooftop, the view is too good not to share.

Whiskey Warehouse
1221 The Plaza

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Perfect for: Weekend Bloody Mary bar and mimosa specials.

Head to Whiskey Warehouse for a great view of Uptown and to take advantage of their brunch cocktail specials and classics like the hangover helper. They’re open now for indoor and patio dining.

Rooftop 210
210 E Trade St.

Perfect for: Bar crawls, silent discos, live music and pre-game pep rallies.

There’s never a dull moment at Rooftop210. The views live up to its name – you’ll feel like you’re part of the skyline while dancing the night away. They’re closed for now.

Moosehead Grill
1807 Montford Dr.

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Perfect for: Post-work happy hour or a sunny Saturday hangout.

Enjoy the best view of Montford from atop Moosehead Grill, a long-time Charlotte favorite for wings and classic fare. Open inside and outside for regular service until 2 am. 

JJ’s Red Hots
1514 East Blvd.

Perfect for: Family lunch or dinner.

Supervise the bustle of East Boulevard from the rooftop at JJ’s as you chow down on the most inventive hot dogs the city has to offer. The rooftop and patio are open, but no indoor dining yet.

The Pump House
575 Herrons Ferry Road, Rock Hill

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Perfect for: Scenic waterside dining.

Enjoy upscale New American cuisine, wine and craft cocktails along the Catawba River. Come out and enjoy lunch, brunch or dinner with us. Open for inside and patio seating, with reservations strongly recommended. 

Coming soon: 

Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte

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Coming soon to Uptown, the art-centric Grand Bohemian Hotel will feature a rooftop bar boasting sweeping city views and Argentinian-inspired design.

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