The 20 Best Rooftop Restaurants in Charlotte, NC
Love enjoying your drink and chill moments in spots with good vistas?
Charlotte is just the place for that. As the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte has a stunning, expansive skyline and nearly endless rooftop bars to take it in from.
If you’ve never been to one but hope to soon, you’re just in good company. From swanky lounges to charming, intimate chill spots, here are the best 20 rooftop restaurants Charlotte, with food and drinks as fantastic as the view they offer.
1. Fahrenheit
- Where: 222 South Caldwell St. Charlotte, NC 28202
- Phone: 80-237-6718
Fahrenheit at Hyatt Place downtown might be a little old-timer (built-in 2014), but it’s inarguably one of the best rooftop restaurants Charlotte.
We aren’t the only ones of that opinion.
Big 7 Travel, a renowned media company, ranked it 27 among the best rooftop bars in the country!
It’s worth the hype. Set on the 21st floor of Sky Condo, this trendy bar features an airy outdoor setting with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. As a result, it offers stunning and unobstructed views of the city with a relaxing ambiance to match.
To top it up, they have excellent service and a rich menu featuring delicacies like a yummy buttery steak made by Chef Rocco Whalen, the restaurant owner himself, and a famous chef in Charlotte. Be sure to try some craft cocktails too.
2. Buho Bar
- Where: 201W Trade St. Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
- Phone: 980-999-5550
Buho Bar is unlike any rooftop bar on this list. They ditch loud music, and noisy partying for sultry music and have a laid back Bohemian theme, creating an ambiance perfect for a drink and a conversation.
Sweeping views of Charlotte are guaranteed because Buho Bar sits on the 16th floor of the Grand Bohemian hotel. They are open from Wednesday through Saturday from 5.30 pm and host live music and DJs most Friday and Saturday nights.
3. Aura Rooftop
- Where: 124 E. Brooklyn Vlg Ave Charlotte, NC 28202
- Phone: 704-499-6645
Want to catch some sun as you down some bubbles with a bunch of friends? Aura rooftop bar fits your mood. This uptown bar is set on the 5th floor of the classy JW Mariotte Charlotte, where it’s tucked between skyscrapers creating an intimate ambiance with enough skyline.
It has a spacious botanical setting with an open terrace where you can sample its impressively wide selection of crafted cocktails and bubbles. They also serve some tasty small plates like scallop ceviche to wash with. If you want to soak and sunbathe, the pool area is open daily and available by reservation.
4. Charlotte Beer Garden
- Where: 1300 S Tyron St, Charlotte, NC 2823
- Phone: 704-375-1776
Happiness means something different to everyone but all beer lovers can agree on one thing; beer is an integral part of it. And if you are one, the Charlotte Beer Garden will make you incredibly happy.
This popular spot boasts a whopping 436 beer taps! These are spread across three floors; the first is where you’ll find local beers, the second has any international beers you can think of, and the third has an additional 24 taps and is where you’ll enjoy downing your cider or ale while taking in city views.
The ambiance doesn’t disappoint, either. The rooftop is partly covered to allow views without the sun blinding you. Due to the wide selection of draft beers available, the Charlotte Beer Garden doesn’t offer menus. You can instead check out the menu on the website, a handy tool if you’re into pre-outing planning.
5. Cordial
- Where: 1824 Roxborough Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
- Phone: n/a
How do some inventive cocktails or tapas with a nice view of Uptown Charlotte sound? Great? Yeah? Then you also need to check out Cordial on the rooftop of AC Hotel Southpark.
It’s perched on the 8th floor and has an open, patio-like design with cozy lounging chairs allowing fantastic and relaxing views of Uptown Charlotte.
They also serve nicely crafted cocktails, have a decent variety of taps and draft beers, and their food is nothing short of appetizing. Not in the mood for an outdoor setting? There is a full space and partial indoor lounge within the hotel that you’ll love.
6. Cloud Bar
- Where: 555 S McDowell St, Charlotte, NC
- Phone: 980-237-5356
Cloud Bar is indeed a befitting name for this rooftop bar. It’s set on the 18th floor of the Le Meridien Charlotte, an equally popular and elegant attraction in Charlotte. Cloud Bar also offers 360-degree views meaning amazing cityscapes and a view of Queen City Skylines as far as your eyes can keep up.
Like all the best rooftop bars in Charlotte, it offers more than stunning views. Meals here are made by David Burke, an incredibly renowned celebrity chef famous for his tantalizing light bites. To go with the bites, Cloud Bar serves a long string of refreshing cocktails and a rich selection of beers.
7. Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo
- Where: Uptown Charlotte 220 East Trade Street, Suite 2200, Charlotte, North Carolina 28201
- Phone: N/A
If 18 floors aren’t high enough for you, head to Nuvole TwentyTwo, the highest rooftop bar in Charlotte. It’s an Uptown bar on the 22nd floor of the AC Hotel & Residence Inn. They have a U-shaped bar area and an exceptionally cozy lounging area perfect for sunset or cityscape viewing.
The Nuvole rooftop bar has an excellent selection of cocktails, wines, beer, and nearly everything alcoholic you may want. They also offer small plates and hold themed events such as their costumes & cocktails nights, where you get the cover charge waived if you rock an actual costume.
Note that they have a dress code and open daily but at varying hours on weekends, so be sure to check out their website for more details.
8. Graham St. Pub & Patio
- Where: 400 South Graham St, Charlotte, NC 28202
- Phone: 980-218-9228
Are you craving some food-truck-like dishes with a side of stunning city views? It sounds like you need to check out Graham Street pub.
They offer some of the yummiest burgers in Charlotte and a diverse cocktail and drinks menu to wash them down. Graham Street pub has an open setting with a full bar and is tucked between two stadiums, Knights and the Bank of America stadium, making it the perfect place to end up after a live game. It directly overlooks the stadium providing revelers with not just city but also awesome stadium-based activity views.
9. Merchant and Trade
- Where: 303 Church Street Charlotte, NC 28202
- Phone: 704-445-2550
Whether you are in the mood for a drink in an intimate, indoor rooftop area or an open one, Merchant and Trade fits it.
The bar is divided into three zones; an open outdoor terrace with glass-to-roof windows for unobstructed panoramic views of the city from its 19th floor, a private terrace with similar views, perfect for when you need to hold private parties, an indoor bar, and the lawn.
Merchant and Trade is the place to go for brunch during summer and the perfect spot for dinner dates in winter. During summer, it’s open, airy, and the ideal place to enjoy some sun with a group of buddies, but when it’s winter, they bring out and serve private dinners in igloos taking the diners’ experience to another level.
It is a fancy place with a strict dress code policy, so be sure to rock your best fit because the people around you are sure to be dressed to kill. They offer happy hour regularly. So, if you’re looking to dine and drink at a fancy spot without breaking the bank, check out their website for happy hour details. They also host events occasionally.
10. The Peculiar Rabbit
- Where: 1212 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
- Phone:704-333-9197
The Peculiar Rabbit is the best rooftop bar in Charlotte for peeps who love to party hard in a casual setting.
The space regularly hosts live music, dancing, and comedy events to keep revelers on their feet and amply entertained. However, it’s also the perfect place to go for fine dining and private party catering as well.
Their food menu doesn’t disappoint and includes some English and Southern fare and everything from finger-licking appetizers and desserts to full meals. The Rabbit Hole is essentially a gastropub meaning the setting is casual but open and perfect for catching the sunset. They are located in the Plaza Midwood area, making things even easier for revelers as it’s easily accessible.
11. RH Rooftop Restaurant
- Where: 6903 Phillips Pi CT, Charlotte, NC 28210
- Phone: 800-762-1005
If wine is more your speed, RH might be the best rooftop bar in Charlotte for you. They’ve got an impressive selection of artisanal wines, including 60-wines from renowned vintners worldwide and an additional 40 options served by the glass.
For non-wine persons, RH restaurant has an equally impressive array of craft beers.
If dining is your focus, you’ll be glad to know they offer an ingredient-driven menu featuring options like charred heirloom broccolini and shaved ribeye on charred garlic bread. And if you’re after views, the space sits on the third floor of RH Charlotte and has glass windows for unparalleled views of the area.
12. The Waterman Fisherman Bar
- Where: 2729 South Blvd Ste
- Phone: 704-275-5558
Prefer relaxation spots with a waterfront view? If yes, start making reservations at the Waterman Fisherman bar.
It’s a seafood restaurant with nearly every seafood dish you might dream of, from oysters and shrimp to cod and creole crawfish. For non-seafood lovers, the Waterman Fisherman Bar has other options, including spicy and yummy chicken wings.
Those looking to indulge can do so from their South End rooftop patio, which features a beer menu so rich it’ll make your day, but if you’re looking for other options, they’ve got a range of sailor-themed cocktails.
13. Whiskey Warehouse
- Where: 1221 The Plaza Charlotte, NC 28205
- Phone: 704-334-7005
If you live by Mark Twain’s; “too much of anything is bad for you, but too much of good whiskey is barely enough,” you might want to check out The Whiskey Warehouse.
They have a fantastic selection of top, authentic whiskeys led by everyone’s favorite; Jack Daniels. The Whiskey Warehouse also boasts an impressive array of creatively named, whiskey-forward cocktails like the Hocus Pocus, not forgetting their rich beer collection, which includes ales and drafts.
There are daily, weekend, and monthly cocktail specials, so be sure to ask for one. Their food menu is pretty admirable, and as a whiskey-based bar, it’s no surprise that some of their dishes are doused in whiskey for that extra oomph!
Everything about this spot is unique because, besides the rich drinks and food menu, they’re not just a regular rooftop bar. They’re a two-story, treehouse-style rooftop bar tucked away in the Plaza Midwood area.
They have a rustic theme going on. The lower floor features vintage chandeliers and reclaimed wood furniture, while the bar area has a terrace in the middle and plenty of seating around the perimeter for seamless views. The east side is stunning during sunset, so you might want to grab a spot on that end. Be sure to get there early, as it gets pretty packed.
14. Rí Rá Irish Pub
- Where: 208 North Tyron St Charlotte NC, 28202
- Phone: 704-333-554
The Irish didn’t invent the party, but visiting this rooftop bar will prove they know how to throw and enjoy one. Their name Rí Rá is Irish for fun, and they certainly live up to it.
They serve authentic Irish pub grub and have options like the pub burger; a mighty burger served with your choice of cheddar and some Swiss cheese, and, if you want, some smoked bacon, a fried egg, or onion rings.
Their drinks menu lives up to the Irish style, with rich Guinness flows, domestic to international draughts, and craft beers.
They also have a vast array of craft cocktails, wines, and whiskeys. There’s always something going on at the pub, so if you’re looking for an adventurous party experience, Rí Rá Irish Pub is the place to go.
15. Coin Bar
- Where: 132 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28802
- Phone: 704-377-0400
Is your team playing tonight? Then you might want to grab a day pass or a cabana to access Coin Bar, a rooftop oasis set on the rooftop of Omni Charlotte Hotel, one of the most popular resorts in Charlotte.
The bar has 22 foot x 12 foot LED screens, some of the biggest screens in all of Charlotte! So, sports and other entertainment viewing is always well-covered.
In addition to the massive screens, there’s a pool smack in the middle of the bar, making Coin Bar the perfect place to go on a lazy Sunday or gameday afternoon because you’ll get a relaxing dip and a side of skyline views, not forgetting entertainment from the giant screens.
Coin Bar has a decent cocktail menu characterized by fruity drinks, but you’re guaranteed to find your favorite. It is open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, and admission is complimentary for the hotel’s guests.
16. Novelty House
- Where:123 E 5th St Suite 500
- Phone: 980-498-5750
You’ll have to ditch your baggy shorts and favorite cuss-printed T-shirt when going to Novelty House (they have a dress code policy), but it’ll be worth your while.
Novelty House is an elegant, trendy bar perched on the rooftop of Binaco Tower. It has glass walls and a glass ceiling allowing unobstructed views of the Tower, including the creatively stunning, and also the largest mural by Alex Duncan, a famous local artist in Charlotte.
And despite being somewhat of an open-air setting bar, Novelty House is creatively crafted with pink and white flowers creating a unique floral aesthetic. This, coupled with the views, makes it one of Charlotte’s most popular Instagram spots.
They have no in-house menu but often collaborate with local restaurants to hold brunches and keep guests fed. This makes their menu pretty flexible, diverse, and perfect if you are a foodie. Plus, they make up for the food they don’t cook through their incredible drink menu. It features everything from craft cocktails, classic lagers, and ales to assorted champagnes and seltzers. Even better, they close at 2:00 am on Saturdays and are open till sundown on Sundays.
17. Mizu
- Where: 3100 Apex Drive, 9th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28211
- Phone: 704-981-9299
If you’re in the mood for something Asian, Mizu atop Hyatt Centric fits the bill. They have a calming- Japanese zen interior going inside the restaurant and on the rooftop area where you’ll find plenty of cozy seating and superb city views.
Dining at Mizu is a unique experience thanks to all the Japanese-style live cooking they do and their intriguing seasonally-inspired, seafood-based menu, which includes a long string of raw and wood-fired recipes.
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18. Rooftop 210
- Where: 210 E Trade St b320, Charlotte, NC 28202
- Phone: 704-526-0848
Rooftop 210 is the place to go if you want to fly out of Charlotte while buzzed or have just landed in Charlotte and want to catch some beers for the road. It is located less than half an hour from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
It also sits on the third floor of EpiCentre Mall, Charlotte’s signature entertainment and nightlife center. The mall has a decent selection of fine dining restaurants making Rooftop 210 the perfect choice when you want to enjoy some dinner first and party later without sacrificing views.
Ideal location aside, the rooftop bar boasts a fantastic, open-air setting with all-around views of the city, a good selection of drinks, and American cuisine at relatively affordable prices. They regularly host live music bands and concerts and can also be booked for parties.
19. The Royal Tot
- Where: 933 Louise Ave Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28204
- Phone: 704-906-7208
Picture this; you are lounging around a fire pit on a cozy rooftop with stunning views of the city’s skyscrapers at a distance, your favorite drink in hand while your buddies chatter away!
That’s what being at The Bird’s Nest feels like. The Bird’s Nest is a rooftop bar atop the Royal Tot, a revered urban oasis famous for its unique tiki cocktails. They also have a wide range of the hard stuff, from whiskey to vodka, and incredible food offerings to go with it.
20. The Pump House
- Where: 575 Herrons Ferry Road, Rock Hill, SC, 79730
- Phone: 803-329-8888
The Pump House is about a half-hour drive from Charlotte’s city center, but it’s worth the hassle. It sits five stories up the pump house and is by the banks of the Catawba River, guaranteeing not just picturesque vistas but also a relaxing ambiance.
Although the bar has its menu, there’s a multi-level indoor restaurant with a patio on-site making The Pump House the ideal destination for date nights as you can have a romantic dinner and head on for a happy hour at the bar later. They have happy hour Monday through Friday between 4-7 pm!
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