The best rooftop restaurants in Charlotte to enjoy this season, broken down by location.
Being outside is good for the brain, body and soul. So, here’s a list of picturesque rooftops to make the very most of the season, good weather and our city, from casual spots to upscale lounges. Don’t worry, we’ve included food and drink tips, too.
Best Rooftop Restaurants In Charlotte – Uptown
Merchant and Trade
Look no further than M&T for one of the best skyline views in Uptown, complete with an impressive indoor bar and a spacious, elevated outdoor patio. Located in Third Ward, Merchant and Trade serves up a delightful menu of artisanal food and craft cocktails. We recommend the Roasted Bone Marrow and one of their many unique cocktail creations.
merchantandtrade.com
City Lights Rooftop
Get your phone ready for this award-winning 360-degree sight of Queen City; It’s the perfect setting for a summer night you’ll remember. Grab the “popsicle in prosecco” drink and flavorful pepper-glazed lamb ribs to cool off from the heat. For an optimal experience, visit the Le Meridian rooftop just before sunset to catch the panoramic view.
citylightsrooftop.com
Fahrenheit
Experience Charlotte from 21 floors up at one of best rooftop restaurants in Charlotte. In Second Ward, you can relish in a buttery steak or the Pan Seared Chilean Seabass prepared by Chef Rocco Whalen as you take in the city views outside on the patio. Situated above the Skye Condos, Fahrenheit has a wonderful outdoor setting lined with seasonal herb gardens to appreciate as you sip from their extensive cocktail, wine and beer selection.
chefroccowhalen.com
Nuvole Rooftop Twentytwo
Easily one of the best rooftop bars in Charlotte, Nuvole is located 22 stories above Charlotte’s AC Hotel in the Uptown Epicentre. Enjoy the view from above at Nuvole Rooftop Twentytwo and indulge in their small shareables divided into land and sea. Sip and socialize with a Just A Peach In Thyme cocktail in hand, featuring white rum, lemon juice, lime juice, Sauvignon Blanc, peach syrup, a splash of soda, and, of course, fresh thyme.
nuvole22.com
The Imperial
If something more low key strikes your fancy over high rises, this will be your spot of choice. The Imperial boasts a classy industrial interior, rooftop patio and live jazz without all the extra height. Similarly, imagine craft cocktails without the additives and processed sugars. Escape the heat with a Cool As A Cucumber cocktail, featuring a dry ice smoke effect.
theimperialclt.com
Ri Ra
Restored in Ireland and shipped to the United States, Ri Ra provides a genuine Irish Pub setting. Order their fish and chips and wash it down with Guinness. (Come on, you have to.) Finish off with their bread pudding and whiskey caramel sauce. Tucked away amongst the skyscrapers, you can find their patio that is perfect for a summertime soiree.
rira.com
Best Rooftop Restaurants In Charlotte – South End
Charlotte Beer Garden
A three-story bar with 436 beer taps could sound overwhelming but we’ve broken it down for you. For the main level, grab a Wheat Mojito, Gose Margarita, or a local NC beer on their outdoor patio and bar. On the second level, choose from 222 taps of national or international beer. Lastly, get an elevated view of the skyline with an additional 24 taps. Order their Fancy Esquites Corn Dogs served with roasted corn, pimento peppers, pickled onions, avocado spread, and sweetened mayo.
charlottebeergarden.com
Gin Mill
We recommend heading to this upbeat tavern located in South End for weekend brunch. Indulge in the build-your-own Moscow Mule bar, Cornbread Benedict and grilled grapefruit. Head outside for sunshine and a gorgeous, rooftop view.
ginmillsouthend.com
Pins Mechanical
Reminisce on the good times at Pins Mechanical, South End’s newly opened social house, 16-Bit bar and arcade. Check up on their monthly food truck schedule to enjoy tasty bites as you play 80s and 90s arcade classics. Make sure to head outside for one of the best views of the skyline you’ll see.
pinsbar.com
Plaza Midwood
Whiskey Warehouse
Take the skyline view, leave the city hustle and bustle by experiencing the trendy, laidback neighborhood of Plaza Midwood. We recommend starting out with their Whiskey Poppers, pimento cheese fried to perfection with ranch dressing. Delight in a cold drink and grab their Jack and Coke Glazed Salmon, or even try it in a salad.
whiskeywarehouse.com
NoDa
The Chamber, Wooden Robot
Grab a beer at The Chamber; the sister location of Uptown’s original Wooden Robot. Nestled in historic NoDa, this location houses their Wood Aging Program to age beer with wild yeast, taproom and rooftop patio. Check out their farmhouse saison beers, neighboring food trucks or Billy Jacks delivers beef and bacon fare for free.
woodenrobotbrewery.com
