Temps are heating up quickly, which means we’re on the hunt for spots to sip (and dine) outside with a view. Here’s our updated 2022 list for where to grab a rooftop cocktail or drink in Charlotte:
Mizu
3100 Apex Dr 9th Floor
Perfect for: Satisfying all your seafood cravings while overlooking the beauty of SouthPark.
Wood-fired seafood and sushi are all the rave at this new SouthPark restaurant. Head out to the spacious rooftop where you’ll find comfortable seating and views of the neighborhood. Don’t leave without trying a flame-grilled dish made on their Robata grill (we’re eyeing the lobster tail, of course).
Cordial
1824 Roxborough Rd
Perfect for: Tapas and cocktails on a spacious outdoor veranda.
Inventive cocktails that change with the season and their mood, a spanish-inspired menu, and a modern outdoor space all make Cordial a perfect spot to hang out this summer. Note: seating is first come, first serve.
Novelty House
123 E 5th St. Suite 500
Perfect for: An Instagrammable spot for drinks with the girls.
It’s hard to miss this elegant rooftop, adorned with seasonal floral arrangements made by Nga Vu Designs, completed with skyline views of 5th street in Uptown. Novelty House is a rooftop cocktail bar, meaning the venue is completely open air and very weather dependent. Note: no reservations are needed to visit, but please keep in mind their light dresscode. Visit here for more details.
The Chamber by Wooden Robot
416 E 36th St. STE 100
Perfect for: A brew with a view.
Wooden Robot’s newest location in NoDa boasts a healthy rotation of draft and packaged beers, ales and sours, and visits from local food trucks to make your afternoon on their rooftop complete.
Sister
1500 Central Ave
Perfect for: European cafe fare on a rooftop terrace.
In the heart of Plaza Midwood lies Sister, formerly Kiki Bistro, where you can find all day Greek and Mediterranean food. Take a seat on their intimate terrace that overlooks Central Avenue.
Coin Bar
132 E Trade St.
Perfect for: Soaking in the pool while watching the game.
A large screen to watch games, a pool withpoolside drink and food service, outdoor games, a live DJ, and impressive views of Uptown make the Coin Bar a go-to for summer hangs.
Merchant and Trade
303 S Church St.
Perfect for: A special night out with breathtaking views.
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 Carolina BBQ pork sliders.
Fahrenheit
222 S Caldwell St.
Perfect for: Catching a sunset and a chef-inspired meal.
New executive chef Justin Loo brings a fresh menu with inovative dishes to Fahrenheit, including a new vegetarian-vegan menu coming soon. View Fahrenheit’s menu here.
Aura Rooftop
124 E Stonewall St.
Perfect for: Botanical cocktails and paradise vibes.
New on our list, Aura Rooftop can be found on the fifth floor of the JW Marriott in Uptown. Inspired by Queen Charlotte herself, expect a botanical paradise complete with delicious small plates, handcrafted cocktails, and city views.
Nuvolé Rooftop TwentyTwo
220 East Trade St.
Perfect for: Sunday brunch with Instagram-worthy views.
Charlotte’s highest indoor-outdoor rooftop makes for a great outing with the gals. Experience brunch at a new level every Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. along with craft cocktails, comfortable seating and panoramic views.
Cloud Bar by David Burke
18 S. McDowell St.
Perfect for: Signature cocktails with a 360-view of Uptown.
Find one of the best (if not THE best) views of Uptown’s skyline on the 18th floor of the outdoor terrace at Le Meridien Hotel. While you take in the breathtaking views, enjoy light bites created by world reowned celebrity chef David Burke and signature cocktails.
Búho Bar
201 W Trade St.
Perfect for: An elegant dining experience on a rooftop.
Take a ride up to the 16th floor of the art-centric Grand Bohemian Hotel for a rooftop bar with sweeping city views and Argentinian-inspired design. Note their dress code: smart casual attire and no baseball caps.
Rà Rá Irish Pub
208 N Tryon St.
Perfect for: Casual gatherings with the friends and family.
In the heart of Uptown, this local spot features classic Irish and pub grub food and drinks and weekly entertainment including live music and sports. Chill out on the patio and take in views of the city. The rooftop patio is currently open Friday and Saturday, unless otherwise booked by private events
Graham St. Pub & Patio
400 South Graham St.
Perfect for: Grabbing a beer before or after a game.
This Uptown neighborhood bar is a prime location between BB&T Ballpark and Bank of America Stadium. Expect an extensive bar menu, cocktails, and plenty of beers on draft.
Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
1320 S Church St.
Perfect for: 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.
The Waterman
2729 South Blvd.
Perfect for: Satisfying your seafood craving.
Enjoy oysters on Waterman’s Topside rooftop bar at the South End location. As with most restaurants, the patio is first come first serve.
Charlotte Beer Garden
1300 S Tryon St.
Perfect for: When you can’t decide what beer you’d like, 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 wide variety of food. Expect sharables like a beer-battered pretzel, fried pork belly bites, and CBG mac & cheese bites, plus salads, poutines, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and full entrees. View the full menu here.
The Gin Mill
1423 S Tryon St.
Perfect for: An upbeat spot that stays open late.
In South End, The Gin Mill offers a casual but lively place with a rooftop patio facing the city. With live music every Saturday and Sunday, 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.
JJ’s Red Hots
1514 East Blvd.
Perfect for: Delicious dogs for a family lunch or dinner.
Witness the bustle of East Boulevard from the rooftop at JJ’s while chowing down on the most creative hot dogs Charlotte has to offer. Yum.
Whiskey Warehouse
1221 The Plaza
Perfect for: Weekend Bloody Mary bar and mimosa specials.
Head to Whiskey Warehouse in Plaza Midwood for a great view of Uptown. While you’re there, don’t forget to ask about their daily specials, and be sure check out their classics like the Tex Mex Burger.
The Royal Tot
933 Louise Ave Suite 350
Perfect for: Tropical drinks with a relaxed vibe.
Escape to a tropical oasis when visiting Charlotte’s newest tiki bar. Head upstairs to the rooftop, known as ‘The Birds Nest’, where you’ll not only find tropical rum-based drinks to imbibe, but also shady sails, individual fire pit tables, comfortable lounging, and unparalleled views of the city.
Note: The Royal Tot is temporarily closed for maintenance and crew training. We will update this when they open back up.
RH Charlotte
6903 Phillips Pl Ct.
Perfect for: Dinner and drinks with a dreamy view.
RH brings a stunning year-round rooftop restaurant to SouthPark’s Phillips Place offering 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.
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 expansive rooftop at Village Tavern is just what we need.
Moosehead Grill
1807 Montford Dr.
Perfect for: A chill space for a post-work happy hour.
Enjoy the best view of Montford from atop Moosehead Grill, a long-time Charlotte favorite for wings and classic fare.
The Pump House
575 Herrons Ferry Road, Rock Hill
Perfect for: Elegant waterside dining with an extensive wine list.
Enjoy upscale New American cuisine, wine and craft cocktails along the Catawba River. Come out and enjoy lunch, brunch or dinner with the girls. Reservations strongly recommended.
Nellie’s Southern Kitchen
36 N Main St., Belmont
Perfect for: A family dinner or brunch al fresco.
Hearty servings of Southern cooking aren’t the only thing Nellie’s Southern Kitchen serves up. Find views of downtown Belmont when you dine on the roof. Also yes, this is the restaurant owned and operated by the Jonas family (helloooo, Jonas Brothers!).
