Rooftop season is upon us in Charlotte. From casual spots to bring the whole family to swanky places to dress up for date night, the city has plenty of rooftop bars and restaurants to enjoy.
We’ve organized this list of our favorite Charlotte rooftops by occasion, so you can pick the one that fits your vibe every time.
Best Rooftops for a Girls Night
Merchant & Trade
303 S Church St
Located on the 19th floor of the Kimpton Hotel with panoramic views of the city, Merchant & Trade is the perfect rooftop for girls night. Enjoy classic cocktails such as an espresso martini or a gin & tonic, or opt for something off the rotating seasonal menu while you chat with your girls above the Charlotte skyline.
Aura Rooftop
24 E Brooklyn Vlg Ave
For a fun day out with the girls, visit Aura Rooftop. Not only can you get food and drinks at this space above the JW Marriott Hotel, but you can also soak in the sun at Aura Pool. That’s right — this rooftop has a pool complete with bubbly wine, frozen cocktails and cabana rentals. It’s the ultimate way to spend a girls day.
Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
1320 S Church St #400
Many know Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails for the delicious food and drinks, but did you know the restaurant also has rooftop seating? Located on the edge of South End, the rooftop provides views of the Uptown skyline, making it the perfect place to grab dinner and take pictures on a girls night out.
Cordial
1824 Roxborough Rd
If you’re looking for a SouthPark rooftop to bring your girls, don’t miss Cordial. This rooftop boasts live music on weekends, a Spanish-inspired tapas menu, and crafted cocktails. For those that want an Uptown rooftop feel without all of the hustle and bustle, Cordial is definitely your spot.
Best Rooftops for Date Night
Fahrenheit
222 S Caldwell St 21st Floor
Perhaps Charlotte’s most well-known rooftop, Fahrenheit has breathtaking views and delicious food and drinks. The romantic atmosphere makes it a great date night spot and now is the perfect time to visit, as the rooftop has just unveiled an all-new sushi and sake menu.
Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo
220 E Trade St, Suite 2200
Named because it sits 22 floors above the city, Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo serves elevated drinks and bar bites. Share dishes such as lamb lollipops and ahi tuna nachos with your date, and pair them with a drink from the seasonal, signature, or mocktail menu.
Mizu
3100 Apex Dr 9th Floor
Spend date night at Mizu, a SouthPark rooftop that offers live-fire cooking, sushi, craft cocktails and more. Mizu is a great date night spot when you feel like getting dressed up and splurging a bit and trust us — the food, drinks and atmosphere are well worth it.
Platform Sports Bar
3216 South Blvd #301
The sporty couple or those looking for a more casual rooftop date night will love Platform Sports Bar in LoSo. Cheer on your favorite team with your date with wall-to-wall coverage of almost every sporting event, while munching on elevated bar bites such as buffalo chicken dip, flatbreads and burgers.
Best Rooftops for Family Night
The Waterman
2729 South Blvd, Suite D
For a rooftop dinner fit for the whole family, check out The Waterman. Parents will love the boat drinks and seafood entrees such as lobster rolls and oysters available, while kids can order off the lil’ waterman menu, which includes grilled cheese, chicken fingers, shrimp and more. It’s truly the best of both worlds.
State of Confusion
3500 Dewitt Ln
Get brunch, lunch or dinner with the kids on State of Confusion’s rooftop in LoSo. The New Orleans meets Southern style menu provides unique flavors for adults, while a kids menu is supplied for the more picky eaters. Kids can choose among a bologna sandwich, chicken tenders, cheeseburger and mac and cheese, and the whole family gets to dine al fresco on a rooftop.
RH Rooftop
6903 Phillips Pl Ct
After a day of shopping with the family at Phillips Place in SouthPark, take the kids for an elevated dining experience on the rooftop of Restoration Hardware. While it might not be suited for rambunctious little ones, older kids will be enchanted by the beautiful interior and feel fancy ordering a lobster roll, burger, or fried chicken sandwich.
Best Rooftops for Celebration Night
Whiskey Warehouse
1221 The Plaza
A rare Plaza Midwood rooftop, Whiskey Warehouse is fit for a celebration. There are daily drink specials, a large menu that ensures there will be something for everyone in a large group, live music, and there are even Warehouse rooftop parties on occasion.
Hestia
14819 Ballantyne Village Way, 16th Floor
For an elevated celebration, head to Hestia in Ballantyne. This sophisticated rooftop space serves a Japanese fusion menu with a focus on premium ingredients. As Ballantyne’s only rooftop the space feels special, and the menu of small plates, sushi and even omakase ensures you’ll have a meal to remember.
Büho Bar
201 W Trade St
The rooftop bar at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Uptown, Büho Bar, is a lively place to celebrate. With music, craft cocktails, skyline views and an elevated, chic interior, you’ll have a great time celebrating any occasion here.
Charlotte Beer Garden
1300 S Tryon St
With the largest selection of draft beers available at one restaurant, it’s clear everyone will find something to love at Charlotte Beer Garden’s rooftop. And, while you sip on your drink of choice, you gaze at the skyline, enjoy the sunshine and order appetizers and pizza from the menu.
Author’s Note: This article was written by Alex Maloney. You can find more of her foodie content on Instagram, @slicesandsushi.
