Brian Nagele
You’ll want to see Raleigh from above to appreciate its beauty and greatness. And of course, you should observe it while holding a drink and eating a delicious meal.
That’s why I’ve compiled this ultimate list of places. I know it can be challenging to find the best of the best, but I’ve done the hard part for you.
10th and Terrace
616 S. Salisbury St. f10, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Phone: 919-856-0017
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Located inside the Residence Inn Hotel, this rooftop bar and restaurant serves contemporary American fusion fare and has beautiful views over Raleigh.
You can find 10th and Terrace inside of a hotel in Downtown Raleigh. It’s situated right on the corner of West Lenoir and South Salisbury Streets.
The place is located right next to the Raleigh Convention Center, so you definitely can’t miss it. The atmosphere at this restaurant is cozy, chic and a bit romantic.
I love the sleek, modern furniture used both inside and out. Their large, comfortable chairs and couches will make you want to stay all night.
My favorite item on their menu is the fried green tomato sliders. This unique dish is packed with flavor — sweetness from the maple syrup and saltiness from the bacon make these the perfect small plate.
Level7
101 Park at N. Hills St., Raleigh, NC, 27609
Phone: 984-204-7688
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Located inside the AC Hotel, this high-class rooftop bar is famous for European and Spanish influences on its food, serving tapas as the specialty.
Visitors can find Level7 in North Hills just across from the Bank of America Tower. It sits on Park at North Hills Street., in between Dartmouth Road and State at North Hills Street.
This rooftop bar is modern, comfortable and classy. The vibe is laidback, but the environment and atmosphere are both upscale.
Every one of their tapas’ meat and cheese combos is amazing, which is no surprise considering this is what makes them famous. My favorite is the black truffle salami paired with the fig and honey goat cheese.
Raleigh Beer Garden
614 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC, 27603
Phone: 919-324-3415
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The Raleigh Beer Garden won’t disappoint if you’re a beer lover. A three-story building with the third floor being a rooftop, this bar claims to have the widest variety of draft beers available in a sing;e restaurant.
Located in the Glenwood South district, it’s near several other spots for shopping and food, so the convenience is unmatched.
The vibe here is much more laidback, family-friendly and casual than some of its other counterparts on this list.
It may be simple, but the classic beer garden burger is my favorite food. It’s a go-to of mine, and I think the CBG sauce is delicious.
What’s even cooler is that they let you sub a Beyond Burger patty for the meat if you prefer.
The Raleigh Times
14 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC, 27601
Phone: 919-833-0999
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One of the most unique rooftops on this list, The Raleigh Times Bar is incredible. It’s situated in a historic building, representing over 100 years of Raleigh history.
You’ll find this bar between Moore and Nash Squares, on East Hargett Street, and between Fayetteville and South Wilmington Streets. The rooftop has a great view of the city below.
This bar is another more casual place. The atmosphere is special because of the history and culture evident within the building.
They serve southern American food. If you’re looking for the best thing to eat, the bangin’ shrimp po’boy is perfect. The flavor is so bold, spicy and vibrant that it never gets old.
Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar
326 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC, 27603
Phone: 919-881-8333
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The lush, green beautiful rooftop bar at Taverna Agora makes for a Mediterranean-feeling experience. There are not many views because of the foliage, but it’s almost better to have the green beauty surrounding you.
Located next to the Holiday Inn in downtown Raleigh, it’s a can’t-miss destination next time you’re wandering around downtown looking for dinner.
The restaurant allows guests to rent out certain spaces for private parties, and it can be classy and fancy when the staff is making it over for an event. Usually, though, the vibe is somewhere between casual and formal.
When you’re at a Greek food place, you can’t pass up on the lamb, and I wholeheartedly recommend the lamb chops. They won’t disappoint.
Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant
311 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC, 27603
Phone: 919-833-2258
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Another great option in Glenwood South district is the Hibernian Irish Pub & Restaurant. Complete with a relaxed upstairs patio, this restaurant provides a full view of Raleigh.
Situated next to The Glenwood Center, this pub is located in a popular spot. On the corner of Glenwood Avenue and West North Street, you’re once again surrounded by lots of other popular destinations in Raleigh.
True to its Irish pub inspiration, the atmosphere is jovial, friendly and casual. You can sit back and relax while you dine on their rooftop.
It’s too difficult for me to choose between recommending either shepherd’s pie or fish ‘n chips. Both are traditionally Irish fare and delicious. You’ll just have to visit twice so you can try both!
The Dillon
223 S. West St., Raleigh, NC, 27601
Phone: 123-456-7890
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Located inside the Dillon Apartments, you’ll find a small but charming restaurant and bar called Barcelona Wine Bar.
In Raleigh’s famous Warehouse District, the Dillon is a complex made up of many different things: apartments, stores, restaurants, etc.
You’ll find this lowkey-but-upscale restaurant to have a lovely, buzzing atmosphere with a fairly casual dress code. My favorite of their Spanish-style tapas is the spiced beef empanadas.
The Willard Rooftop Lounge
9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC, 27603
Phone: 919-803-5200
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You can find this high-up rooftop lounge also in the AC Hotel. I
t’d be a great way to spend your stay in Raleigh to sleep in the AC and eat at Level7 and The Willard every night! I can’t even imagine how fun that would be.
This beautiful lounge and rooftop bar includes stunning views of Raleigh and a cozy atmosphere to relax and unwind with family or friends.
When you visit this classy and chic lounge, be sure to try the crispy shrimp shakshouka.
Rudino’s Rooftop
8800 Harvest Oaks Drive #102, Raleigh, NC, 27615
Phone: 919-848-8899
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A gritty, familiar, welcoming sports bar, Rudino’s Rooftop is located in North Raleigh, a little bit away from the main action.
But it’s worth the drive. You can find it in the Harvest Plaza, on the corner of Strickland Road and Harvest Oaks Drive.
You won’t find a more relaxed, casual atmosphere full of fun and exciting characters anywhere else in Raleigh.
Like all truly great sports bars, my two favorite options are the wings and the burgers. Try the boom boom or spicy garlic parm wing sauces and then order the intriguing, surprising and delicious pizza burger.
Highgarden
419 Glenwood Ave. Level 3, Raleigh, NC, 27603
Phone: 919-615-3545
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Situated on the same street as Raleigh Beer Garden and Hibernian Irish Pub, you’ll find another beautiful, fun rooftop lounge and bar.
Highgarden is on Glenwood Avenue, just next to Anwood Place. You could probably try to hit all three rooftops in one night if you wanted.
Certainly, the more upscale option, Highgarden’s rooftop lounge is chic and fun. The atmosphere is lively and convivial, and you may even share seating with another group.
When grabbing a small bite to go with your drinks, be sure to try the burrata.
Jolie Restaurant
620 N. Person St, Raleigh, NC, 27604
Phone: 919-803-7221
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Jolie is located on North Person Street between Pace and North Boundary Streets. The property is only a few blocks north of the downtown area.
The restaurant is mostly white painted and has ample seating despite being a smaller establishment. You’ll want to dress more on the casual side to ensure you fit in.
Jolie’s menu features French cuisine, and my favorite item is the parisienne gnocchi. Make sure to try a glass of their Domaine Amido 2019 merlot.
