Rooftop Restaurants and Bars in Charlotte
Feeling overwhelmed by all of the rooftop dining and drinking options in Queen City? Look no further!
by Lauren Hawk
Whether you’re looking for a lowkey night on the town with some light bites and refreshing drinks or want to go full-scale city glam and dance the night away above the clouds, the Queen City has options – and we’ve broken them all down here.
Aura Rooftop
Neighborhood: Uptown
One of the newest additions to the Charlotte rooftop scene is Aura, located on the fifth level of the Carolinas’ first JW Marriott. Inspired by Queen Charlotte herself, the city views, aesthetic foliage, and signature botanical cocktails create an idyllic – and photogenic – urban oasis in the heart is the Queen City. Looking for a higher-altitude place to cool down? Aura Pool offers day passes and cabana rentals through ResortPass.
Buho Bar
Neighborhood: Uptown
Like the Grand Bohemian Hotel that houses it, Búho Bar is dripping in luxury and Argentinian inspiration. Channeling the rooftop bars and lounges across South America, Búho Bar is an open-air, bohemian-style cocktail lounge with sultry music, artfully crafted concoctions and sweeping views of the Charlotte skyline. Guests are encouraged to wear business casual-and-above attire as they enjoy small plates and cocktails.
Charlotte Beer Garden - Photography by Cody Hughes
Charlotte Beer Garden
Neighborhood: South End
Famous for housing the world’s largest selection of draft beer available in one restaurant, Charlotte Beer Garden has four bars on three levels – including its greenhouse-style, partially covered rooftop. With picnic seating, lawn games and fire pits, the bar is a great option for rooftop venue lovers looking for a lowkey day with limitless beer options.
Cloud Bar
Neighborhood: Uptown
Head into the lobby of Le Méridien hotel and take the elevator to the 18th floor. There, you’ll find unobstructed panoramic views perfect for sunset viewing. The menu features signature cocktails and light bites from world-renowned celebrity chef David Burke in his first Southern venture.
Coin Bar
Neighborhood: Uptown
Atop the Omni Hotel is Coin Bar, a resort-style pool bar with a lively atmosphere. The food and drink menu features fruity drink mixes and seasonal snacks for guests to enjoy while playing cornhole or relaxing in a seating area, and double-sided 22-foot-by-12-foot LED screens are some of the largest in the city, making the pool bar a great spot for game day. Day passes are available for purchase on ResortPass.
Cordial
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Above the treeline in SouthPark’s AC Hotel is Cordial, which became the neighborhood’s first rooftop bar upon opening. Cordial – aptly named to apply to both meanings of the word – offers a unique but equally stunning view of the city’s skyline when compared to its Uptown and South End counterparts alongside a Spanish-inspired menu filled with tapas, entrees and inventive, seasonal cocktails.
Fahrenheit
Neighborhood: Uptown
Fahrenheit has an unrivaled Uptown view from its 21st-floor post atop Skye Condos/Hyatt Place Charlotte Downtown. Snapping a selfie from the balcony with a skyscraper backdrop is on every Queen City bucket list. The view’s only competition is the food—short ribs, steaks, and grilled seafood—coming from the kitchen, which is led by Chef Rocco Whalen.
Gin Mill
Neighborhood: South End
The Gin Mill is located along the LYNX Blue Line light rail. Its rooftop bar is a lowkey space to gather with friends. The Gin Mill offers drink specials and live music on the weekends. Its proximity to the breweries of South End and Bank of America Stadium, about half a mile away, makes it a convenient pre-game or after-party stop.
Graham Street Pub & Patio - Photography by Kate Magee
Graham St. Pub & Patio
Neighborhood: Uptown
Graham Street Pub & Patio offers skyline views and an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and bites. A popular neighborhood bar, Graham St. Pub and Patio has located just blocks from Bank of America Stadium making it a buzzing gameday stop for drinks, food-truck-inspired and vegetarian-friendly snacks, and the picturesque Queen City skyline.
Merchant & Trade - Photography by Cody Hughes
Merchant & Trade
Neighborhood: Uptown
Tucked on the 19th floor of the Kimpton Tryon Park is Merchant & Trade, one of Charlotte’s best-known rooftop bars. Overlooking Uptown’s Romare Bearden Park and Truist Field, the swanky hangout boast panoramic views of the city below and the skyline ahead. Cocktail lovers will enjoy the cocktail program, which highlights North Carolina-produced spirits expertly blended into classic cocktails. Guests can also sample small Southern-inspired bites and a selection of locally brewed beers.
Mizu
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Inspired by the wood-fired Robata grills of Japan, Mizu offers a fusion of ancient Japanese cooking with Southern influences and Asian flavors. Inside this live-fire cooking restaurant located atop the Hyatt Centric, guests will find a seasonally-driven menu featuring a seafood-focused cuisine and a cocktail program highlighting bright, easy-drinking libations using Japanese spirits and seasonal ingredients.
Novelty House
Neighborhood: Uptown
Novelty House Rooftop’s big draw is its expertly crafted floral aesthetic and Insta-worthy walls, making it a great destination for events, drinks or a well-timed golden hour photoshoot. Guests can sample specialty cocktails from its full bar and catch a live DJ most nights. While it doesn’t have an in-house menu, Novelty House partners with nearby restaurants for brunches and other events.
Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo - Photography by Kate Magee
Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo
Neighborhood: Uptown
Located on the 22nd floor of Uptown’s AC Hotel, Nuvolé Rooftop TwentyTwo is a rooftop bar and dining experience that’s anything but ordinary. With patio seating, outdoor heaters and firepits, and unforgettable views of the Queen City, Nuvolé is a great year-round option for date nights, happy hours, and everything in between.
RH Charlotte
Neighborhood: SouthPark
Located on the third floor of Charlotte’s Restoration Hardware, RH Rooftop features an ingredient-driven food menu alongside a curated selection of artisanal wines and craft beers. Open year-round for brunch and dinner, the skylit garden whisks guests away as they enjoy the sounds and sights of trickling fountains, trellised trees, and glimmering chandeliers.
The Waterman
Neighborhood: South End
This neighborhood seafood restaurant features a casual atmosphere while serving fresh and sustainable seafood. Those looking for a rooftop experience can be seated at Topside, the rooftop bar open year-round (weather permitting), which offers a stunning view of the South End and the Charlotte skyline.
Whiskey Warehouse
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Whiskey Warehouse’s bar occupies most of its upper floor. The covered, U-shaped bar has TVs for game-watching. The tables rimming the deck’s edge have umbrellas, so diners can enjoy streetscape views in the shade. Monday is half-priced wing night, and the weekend brings specials on mimosas, sangria and bloody Marys, which all offer a can’t-miss fusion of luxury and tranquility.
