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13 Best Rooftop Bars in Charlotte

rooftop-bars-charlotte-north-carolina

Experience the Queen City from new heights as we take you on a journey to explore the Best Rooftop Bars in Charlotte. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening, a lively night out with friends, or just a serene place to unwind, Charlotte’s rooftop bars offer a diverse range of atmospheres and beverages to suit every taste. With panoramic views of the city’s skyline as your backdrop, these rooftop destinations provide the perfect setting to enjoy craft cocktails, delectable cuisine, and the company of fellow patrons. From chic lounges to vibrant rooftop gardens, this guide will lead you to the top spots where you can sip, savor, and soak in the vibrant energy of Charlotte from above.


Novelty House

123 E 5th St Suite 500, Charlotte, NC 28202
980-498-5750
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Novelty House Charlotte
Source: Instagram

If you’re looking for a pic that’s Instagram-worthy, look no further than Novelty House in the bustling 5th Street District. Five stories up with an upscale dress code and seriously decked out with floral arrangements; this bar is gorgeous. Novelty House is truly a rooftop bar–they focus on their cocktails, so there’s no restaurant attached. Plus, the entire space is open-air, so the operation is weather-dependent. On a sunny day, there’s nowhere else like it. I loved their Higher Love cocktail–a summery watermelon and Red Bull mojito.


Aura Rooftop

124 E Brooklyn Vlg Ave, Charlotte, NC 28202
704-499-6645
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Aura Rooftop Charlotte
Source: Instagram

Aura Rooftop, on top of the JW Marriot hotel in uptown Charlotte, is all about ambiance. It’s right by Charlotte hotspots like the Mint Museum. Not only do you get to take in the views from five stories up, but you can also do it all while swimming in their rooftop pool. With private cabanas, it’s an upscale spot that will transport you to vacation mode. They’re known best for their handcrafted cocktails but don’t miss out on their tasty food menu either. I love pairing the Mirror Image elderflower cocktail with the Ahi Tuna tacos.


Charlotte Beer Garden

1300 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28203
704-375-1776
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Charlotte Beer Garden Charlotte
Source: Instagram

If you’re a Charlottean, you know it’s a beer city. That’s why Charlotte Beer Garden is such a perfect CLT rooftop bar–it combines local brews with local views! While the first floor is dedicated to NC beers and the second floor to international beers, the rooftop offers the best of both. Charlotte Beer Garden has all of the best of a traditional beer garden–tables big enough for your whole crew, a relaxed vibe, and world-class beers. I’m partial to Sycamore Brewing’s Sticky Crystals Hazy IPA.

See also  9 Best Vegan Restaurants in Charlotte

Coin Bar

132 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
704-377-0400
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Coin Bar Charlotte
Source: Instagram

For game day, there’s nowhere better than Coin Bar, located on the roof of uptown Omni Hotel on Trade St. With some of the largest TVs in Charlotte plus a luxurious pool, Coin Bar is made for a chill day of sipping cocktails, taking in the views, and cheering on the Panthers. Is it casual game day or not. When the lights go down, the party starts, and things tend to get a little dressier. On game day, I love their frozen margarita with crispy wings!


Fahrenheit Charlotte

222 S Caldwell St 21st Floor, Charlotte
980-237-6718
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Fahrenheit Charlotte
Source: Instagram

Chef Rocco Whalen outdid himself with Fahrenheit. On top of the Skye Condos on S Caldwell, it has some of the best views in Charlotte. It’s an upscale, Asian-influenced bar and restaurant known for its creative fusion dishes. It’s a go-to spot for Charlotteans to celebrate graduations, engagements, and birthdays thanks to its intimate atmosphere and killer food and drink. I like to indulge with some bubbly and their Slow Braised American Wagyu Short Ribs.


Graham St. Pub & Patio

400 S Graham St, Charlotte, NC 28202
980-218-9228
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Graham St. Pub & Patio Charlotte
Source: Instagram

Graham St. Pub & Patio is my favorite place to take out-of-town friends. The central location, casual atmosphere, wide variety of drinks, and amazing food make it a fun place to start the night. You can also enjoy brunch here, which I highly recommend. As it is located on Graham St, right by the Bank of America and Knights Stadium, the rooftop views and access to the rest of the city are amazing. I love a draft Legion Juicy Jay beer with their appetizer platter.


Merchant and Trade

303 S Church St, Charlotte, NC 28202
704-445-2550
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Merchant and Trade Charlotte
Source: Instagram

If you’re looking for panoramic views, Merchant and Trade is located right in uptown on the 19th floor of Church St. with a floor-to-ceiling window. This means every seat has a view. What’s special about Merchant and Trade is that they have an indoor bar, outdoor terrace, private terrace, and lawn–all 19 stories high. It’s on the dressier side of casual with signature cocktails and an extensive wine and beer list. I’m obsessed with The Redeemer cocktail–it’s spicy, fruity, and perfect for sipping on.


Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo

220 E Trade St Suite 2200, Charlotte, NC 28202
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Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo Charlotte
Source: Instagram

Nuvole has craft cocktails, small plates, and incredible sunset views from 22 floors up for an intimate night. The lounge seating makes for a cozy but upscale atmosphere. This bar has seating available both inside and outside, so you can enjoy their long list of signature cocktails, local beer, and wine whether it rains or shines. For a cozy night, I always choose the Maple Leaf cocktail–with bourbon, maple syrup, and lemon, it warms me up from the inside out!

See also  20 Best Pizza Places in Charlotte

Whiskey Warehouse

1221 The Plaza, Charlotte, NC 28205
704-334-7005
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Whiskey Warehouse Charlotte
Source: Instagram

Plaza Midwood is home to many of the best bars in Charlotte, but none do it quite as well as Whiskey Warehouse. With sunset views and a neighborhood vibe, it feels special and comfortable all at once. They serve mainly whiskey cocktails and local beers alongside perfected classic bar food like wings and pretzels. It’s a perfect spot to meet up with friends on a Friday after work. I dream of their Buffalo Cauliflower washed down with a Blackberry Mojito.


Topside at The Waterman Fish Bar

2729 South Blvd suite d, Charlotte, NC 28209, United States
704-275-5558
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Topside at The Waterman Fish Bar Charlotte
Source: Instagram

Located right on the LYNX blue line in South End, Topside is the rooftop bar of the famous Waterman Fish Bar. It’s known for its beach vibe and delicious seafood. Because it’s easy to catch the LYNX from Topside, it’s a great spot for after-work drinks or casual dinners. They feature mostly local craft brews, plus their “boat drinks” craft cocktails. I love sipping on their Cat 5 rum cocktail with some of their signature oyster plates.


Cordial

1824 Roxborough Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
980-281-2080
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Cordial Charlotte
Source: Instagram

If you’ve spent the day shopping away at SouthPark Mall, Cordial is a great spot to take in the city views and rest your feet with a craft cocktail in hand. With both indoor and outdoor seating spaces, the atmosphere is lively and fun. The Spanish-inspired food menu offers mainly tapas, perfect for sharing and trying all of their dishes. Their drinks menu is seasonal, but my favorite from my last visit is the Setenta Y Cinco mezcal-based cocktail.


Búho Bar

201 W Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
980-999-5510

Búho Bar Charlotte
Source: Instagram

Búho Bar, at Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte, is a 16-story high sipping and dining experience. With bohemian and Argentinian decor and cuisine influences, there’s nothing else like it in the Queen City. With a business casual dress code, weekend live music, and sultry decor, it’s a spot to celebrate, even if you’re just celebrating a night out on the town. I love their La Vida Bohemia cocktail with jalapeño and butterfly pea tea-infused tequila paired with their Chorizo Croquettes.


Mizu

3100 Apex Dr 9th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28211
704-981-9299
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Mizu Charlotte
Source: Instagram

For a SouthPark rooftop experience, Mizu, located on top of the Hyatt Centric, creates Asian-Southern fusion in both their cocktails and foods. It’s the perfect spot to get away from it and indulge your senses. You can enjoy their creative cuisine above the tree line on their rooftop. Complete with string lights and lots of greenery, it has a fresh and intimate atmosphere with plenty of fresh air. I love anything off of their chilled and raw menu, like the salmon Sake Tataki with the Kikusui Funaguchi sake.

See also  14 Best Mexican Restaurants in Charlotte

Why Trust Us?

When it comes to local restaurant recommendations, we pride ourselves on being a reliable and trustworthy resource. Our suggestions are not just based on our personal experiences, ensuring a more authentic and well-rounded perspective, but also on extensive online research. We diligently searched the internet and reviewed 6 credible sites and blogs, including Therooftopguide.com and Charlotte.axios.com. 

We compiled all the findings in one location and sorted them by the frequency of mentions to ensure you receive top-notch recommendations. We strive to present you with a curated list of establishments that truly stand out, allowing you to enjoy the best dining experiences possible. 

Interested in the sources we consulted? Check out the list of all 6 sites we referenced below this paragraph, offering transparency and an opportunity for our readers to explore further. Our commitment is to deliver trustworthy and unparalleled recommendations, helping you make informed decisions on your culinary journeys.

https://www.therooftopguide.com/rooftop-bars-in-charlotte.html
https://charlotte.axios.com/122690/best-rooftop-bars-in-charlotte/
https://www.charlottesgotalot.com/articles/eat-drink/charlotte-rooftop-restaurants-and-bars
https://wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/80387/best-rooftop-bars-in-charlotte
https://secretcharlotte.co/best-rooftop-bars-charlotte/
https://www.scoopcharlotte.com/2023/05/16/best-charlotte-rooftop-bars-restaurants-for-summer-2023/

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.