Although it’s still technically spring, these 80+ degree days are reminding us that summer is right around the corner in Charlotte. And when the weather is this nice, we can’t resist dining and drinking outside — especially on a rooftop.
Here, we’ve rounded up a list of our favorite rooftop bars and restaurants in the Queen City, just in time for you to enjoy this summer.
SouthPark and South Charlotte
Cordial
1824 Roxborough Rd
Cordial, the cocktail bar located on the rooftop of the AC Hotel in SouthPark, provides delicious drinks and city views. From their vantage point in SouthPark, you’re able to see the entire Uptown skyline, which is even more magical at night. As you take in the view, enjoy craft cocktails and a Spanish-inspired food menu.
Mizu
3100 Apex Dr 9th Floor
Inspired by the wood-fired robata grills of Japan, Mizu offers truly delicious live-fire cooking and incredible views to go along with it. Order maki sushi rolls like shrimp crunch, small plates like pork belly buns, robata grilled items like lobster and mushrooms, and large plates like wagyu filet on the rooftop.
RH Charlotte
6903 Phillips Pl Ct.
One of the prettiest rooftops in Charlotte, RH’s year-round rooftop restaurant in Phillips Place offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dine under this skylit garden surrounded by trickling fountains, London plane trees, and all the sparkling chandeliers you can dream of.
Hestia
14819 Ballantyne Village Way, 16th Floor
Hestia is Ballantyne’s first rooftop, which opened just about a year ago. Visit this rooftop for panorama views of Charlotte, a classy ambiance, and Asian fusion dishes. The menu features small bites like A5 wagyu tacos and hamachi crudo, and entrees like speciality sushi rolls and filet mignon. If you’re celebrating something special, try out one of the omakase experiences.
South End
The Waterman
2729 South Blvd, Suite D
Enjoy a dinner filled with fresh seafood at The Waterman’s rooftop, coined Topside. Fan favorites on the menu include oysters on the half shell, lobster rolls, salmon BLTs, and blackened platters. Don’t forget to order a cocktail as you soak up the good vibes on this rooftop.
State of Confusion
3500 Dewitt Ln
Located in the heart of bustling LoSo, the rooftop at State of Confusion is a fun place to grab a meal or a drink. The menu here features authentic, scratch-made cuisine from Latin America, New Orleans, and the Carolina Lowcountry. Expect to enjoy dishes like Peruvian guacamole, shrimp po’ boys, ceviches, jambalayas, and beignets as you soak up the sun on this rooftop.
Sycamore Brewing
2151 Hawkins St
After its recent relocation and remodel, Sycamore Brewing now features a rooftop to spend the summer days drinking and dining at in South End. Pair one of their signature beers — like a Mountain Candy IPA or a Southern Girl Blonde Ale — with a sandwich, pizza, or burger. If you have a big group, Sycamore is sure to please everyone.
RSVP
225 Fairwood Ave
RSVP, located in South End, is a rooftop that’s recently opened in Charlotte. RSVP stands for Rooftop, Stage, Veranda, Parlor, which symbolizes the four different spaces available within the location. Snag a spot on the rooftop and enjoy cocktails like the ginger pineapple margarita and blueberry lavender mule.
Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
1320 S Church St, #400
Grab brunch or dinner with a view in South End at the rooftop at Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails. For brunch, enjoy classics like avocado toast and shrimp and grits. For dinner, order everything from mussels to pork belly to salmon. And at either meal, don’t forget your cocktail of choice.
Charlotte Beer Garden
1300 S Tryon St
Charlotte Beer Garden is a great place to bring a large group of friends for a quick bite and a drink. Head up to the rooftop and sip on a beer — you’ll have no shortage to choose from because Charlotte Beer Garden offers the world’s largest selection of draft beers available in one restaurant.
The Gin Mill
1423 S Tryon St.
In South End, The Gin Mill offers a casual but lively place with a rooftop patio facing the city. With live music on select nights,some delicious pub gub, drink specials, a dart board and more, there’s much to do to keep your group entertained. Plus, they’re open until midnight or later Tuesday through Sunday.
Uptown
Dahlia’s
23 E 5th St, #300
New to the Uptown food scene is Dahlia’s, a cocktail bar with small bites on the third floor of the Binaco Tower. Enjoy Uptown views while munching on a charcuterie or dessert board with a signature cocktail in hand. From martinis to margaritas, there’s a drink for everyone at Dahlia’s.
Merchant & Trade
303 S Church St
Merchant & Trade is a tried and true rooftop in Uptown Charlotte. You can’t go wrong spending an evening on their elegant rooftop looking out onto the Charlotte skyline with a delicious cocktail in hand. Next time you visit, try one of their current seasonal beverages like the Violet Sky, with tequila, creme de violette, fresh lemon, cranberry, pineapple, and house-made simple syrup.
Fahrenheit
222 S Caldwell St, 21st Floor
Fahrenheit is an Uptown Charlotte rooftop staple with sweeping views of the city. Travel twenty-one floors up to visit this restaurant and bar that features new American cuisine, craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. Fahrenheit is a great spot to take photos with Charlotte as a backdrop and design elements like fire pits and a social pool lining the space.
Nuvole TwentyTwo
220 E Trade St, Suite 2200
Get your head in the clouds at Nuvole TwentyTwo rooftop in Uptown Charlotte. Named because it’s twenty two stories in the sky, Nuvole TwentyTwo is Charlotte’s highest indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge. Here you’ll find craft cocktails, small plates, and panoramic views of the Queen City.
Aura Rooftop
600 S College St
You’ll find Aura Rooftop above the JW Marriott Hotel in Uptown Charlotte. Take in the city views from five stories above with a cocktail in hand, or relax by the Aura Pool. This rooftop is filled with cabanas, foliage, and lounge chairs, making it the perfect place to spend a summer day — especially a hot one, considering you can take a dip in the pool and sip an icy cocktail all in one place.
Novelty House
123 E 5th St Suite 500
Novelty House is an Instagram-worthy rooftop bar located in Uptown Charlotte’s 5th Street District. Try a seasonal cocktail, something off their signature menu, or just order your favorite drink and take in the views and decor of Novelty House.
Buho Bar
201 W Trade St
Dance the night away at Buho Bar, where music, rooftop views, and libations await. This rooftop bar is located in the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Uptown. Pair cocktails like the Golden Goose, made with tequila, lemon, honey, Grand Marnier, and ginger beer with tapas like croquettes and octopus ceviche inside this elegant restaurant.
Graham St. Pub & Patio
400 S Graham St, #4
If you’re looking for a rooftop to spend time at before or after a Charlotte sporting event, look no further than Graham St. Pub & Patio. This rooftop is always packed before and after Charlotte FC, Charlotte Knights, Hornets, and Panthers games. When you visit, be sure to be on the lookout for daily food and drink specials available that day.
NoDa and Plaza Midwood
The Royal Tot
933 Louise Ave, Suite 350
Embrace the tiki bar vibes with fruity drinks and tropical decor at The Royal Tot. This Plaza Midwood rooftop has delicious drinks, gorgeous views and even an event space available. Plus, The Royal Tot’s rooftop is heated, so no matter what the weather is you can pretend you’re at the beach all year round.
Whiskey Warehouse
1221 The Plaza
Located in the heart of Plaza Midwood, the Whiskey Warehouse is a fun rooftop to spend a day or night on in Charlotte. They serve classic American food, craft beers and cocktails all night long, staying open until 1AM on the weekends. Plus, there are food and drink specials every day, so you’ll always get a deal with your rooftop views.
Author’s Note: This article was written by Alex Maloney. You can find more of her Charlotte-related content on Instagram, @slicesandsushi.
