There’s just something about summer nights dining al fresco with a view, and the time is right to turn our attention to the many rooftops to sip and dine throughout the QC. Here’s our updated 2023 list for where to grab a rooftop cocktail or meal in Charlotte, organized by neighborhood.
NEW TO TRY
Hestia Rooftop
14819 Ballantyne Village Way 16th Floor
Perfect for: Upscale drinks and panoramic views.
Cocktails, sushi, and a cozy outdoor setup all can be found at Ballantyne’s first and only rooftop. Now known for its 180-degree views over Ballantyne Village and the Omakase-style menu, Hestia is a great spot for South Charlotteans to grab a drink and dine al fresco.
State Of Confusion
Perfect for: Enjoying Peruvian-style dishes outdoors.
Sister concept of Stir in South End, this new LoSo restaurant offers Peruvian dishes influenced by New Orleans. Head up to the lively rooftop patio where you’ll find games to play and cabanas to relax. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
RSVP
Perfect for: A night out with the gals.
With four rooms to choose from, one being a rooftop, it’s obvious why RSVP is a new Charlotte favorite. Head upstairs to the rooftop bar and dance the night away with the girls.
SOUTHPARK
Village Tavern
4201 Congress St #190
Perfect for: Soaking up some vitamin D on your lunch break.
Whether you’re gathering for a weekday lunch or stopping by during happy hour, the expansive rooftop at Village Tavern has just what you need. Soak up all the sunshine while enjoying dinner or a weekend brunch with the girls.
RH Charlotte
6903 Phillips Pl Ct.
Perfect for: Dinner and drinks with a dreamy view.
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.
MIZU
3100 Apex Dr 9th Floor
Perfect for: Satisfying your sushi 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.
PLAZA MIDWOOD
Whiskey Warehouse
1221 The Plaza
Perfect for: Whiskey-forward cocktails and daily drink 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 to check out their classics like the Warehouse Burger.
Burial Beer Co.
1214 Thomas Ave
Perfect for: Casual drinks with a view.
A rooftop deck complete with a full bar that overlooks the busy streets of Plaza Midwood. Don’t forget about the mouthwatering eats and beer-to-go. Kids and pups are welcome to make this a full family outing.
NoDa
The Chamber by Wooden Robot
416 E 36th St. STE 100
Perfect for: A brew with a view.
Wooden Robot’s vibrant location in NoDa boasts a healthy rotation of draft and packaged beers, ales, sours, and local food truck visits to complete your afternoon on their rooftop.
DILWORTH
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.
SOUTH END
The Waterman Fish Bar
2729 South Blvd.
Perfect for: Satisfying your seafood craving.
Waterman’s Topside rooftop bar is one of our favorite spots to be on warm days. Grab a sea-inspired cocktail and a dozen of oysters and make your way upstairs to overlook the bustling streets of South End. 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 sharable plates such as a beer-battered pretzel, fried pork belly bites, and CBG mac & cheese bites, plus salads, poutines, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and full entrees.
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 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
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-renowned celebrity chef David Burke and signature cocktails.
Fahrenheit
222 S Caldwell St.
Perfect for: Catching a sunset and a chef-inspired meal.
With innovative dishes and unique craft cocktails made for sipping, Fahrenheit has it all, including breathtaking views of the city.
Merchant and Trade
303 S Church St.
Perfect for: A special night out with breathtaking views.
Head to the 19th floor of Kimpton Tryon Park for sweeping park and city views, craft cocktails, and sharable menu options.
Aura Rooftop
124 E Stonewall St.
Perfect for: Botanical cocktails and paradise vibes.
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: The tallest rooftop bar in Charlotte.
Charlotte’s highest indoor-outdoor rooftop makes for a great outing with the gals. Experience drinks, music, delicious bites, and some of the best views of Uptown.
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.
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, complete 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 dress code.
Coin Bar
132 E Trade St.
Perfect for: Soaking in the pool while watching the game.
A large screen to watch games, a pool with poolside drink and food service, outdoor games, a live DJ, and impressive views of Uptown make the Coin Bar a go-to for summer hangs.
Rà Rá Irish Pub
208 N Tryon St.
Perfect for: Casual gatherings with friends and family.
In the heart of Uptown, this local spot features classic Irish pub food, drinks, and weekly entertainment including live music and sports. Chill out on the outdoor deck for cocktail hour overlooking the city, or book the spacious patio for your next private event.
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.
& BEYOND
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!).
