If you’re looking for elevated restaurants, rooftop bars, and panoramic views of Charlotte’s stunning skyline then look no further than this guide. We’ve included rooftops that do tiki, ones with elegant atmospheres perfect for photos, and pubs that will get you energized on a Friday night. Here are 9 of our favorite rooftop bars in Charlotte.
1. Novelty House
Novelty House opened up last year on the 5th floor of the highly anticipated Binaco Tower. NH offers a beautiful venue decorated in seasonal floral arrangements by Nga Vu Designs, completely open-air, with skyline views off of 5th street. There’s a slight dress code and they don’t take reservations, so it’s first come, first serve.
Where: 123 E. 5th Street, Charlotte NC
2. The Royal Tot
If you’re looking for a rooftop experience that’s got a little bit of everything, then The Royal Tot is your urban oasis. They’re crafting up special tiki cocktails and accompanying bites inside their beautiful bar and an awesome beach bar experience upstairs on their Bird’s Nest rooftop. Just a note, the rooftop experience is supposed to be relaxing and breezy so while there are fire pits, heat lamps for colder weather, and awesome views of Charlotte’s skyline, they’re also doing a different but still totally tiki version of their indoor menu that come in nonbreakable cups. Give their Mango Tango frozen cocktail a try this summer and pair it with SPAM Grilled Cheese.
Where: 933 Louise Ave Suite 350, Charlotte, NC 28204
3. Mizu
Mizu is a beautiful wood-fired seafood and sushi rooftop that opened last year at the Hyatt Centric in South Park. You’d be amiss to leave without trying some of their flame-grilled options, made on their Robata grill, like their decadent Lobster Tail or Salmon all made fresh on their grill. That doesn’t mean their chilled options aren’t just as good, like their fresh oysters with wasabi, soy, and chives, all enjoyed with panoramic views of South Park.
Where: 3100 Apex Dr. 9th Floor Charlotte NC
4. Aura Rooftop
“Follow the glow five stories high.” For a rooftop bar that’s classy and elevated, head to the JW Marriott Rooftop, inspired by the aura of Queen Charlotte. The bar is crisp white with pops of lush and tropical green, and their cocktail menu matches its vibe like their Green Fairy in the Garden with Vodka, Mint, Basil, Lime, Ginger Beer, and Absinthe Mist. They’ve also got small plates available if you’re hungry, like ahi tuna tacos and avocado hummus.
Where: 124 E Stonewall St, Charlotte, NC 28202
5. Coin Bar
Coin Bar is the Omio’s rooftop bar complete with a pool, making it one of the best spots to go when the weather warms up. If you’re interested, you can purchase a day pass for $50 with access to the pool and poolside food and drink services available, football watch parties on Sunday with a DJ from 11am to 1pm, plus outdoor games.
Where: 132 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202
6. Cloud Bar
Cloud Bar at the Le Meridian and owned by World-Renowned Celebrity Chef, David Burke, is a feast for the eyes. Take in stunning skyline views while sipping on expertly crafted signature cocktails. Share a creamy burrata salad then finish it off with either one of Cloud Bar’s spring-ready cocktails or Triple C beers.
Where: 555 S McDowell St, Charlotte, NC 28204
7. Cordial
Cordial does some of the best cocktails in the city, so the fact that they have a rooftop is even more incentive to go and give them a try if you haven’t already. Their menu is full of Spanish tapas, their cocktail menu is always changing depending on the season, and they even tap musicians to perform live music on the rooftops on some evenings. We’d recommend checking out their Instagram for their calendar.
Where: 1824 Roxborough Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
8. Graham St. Pub & Patio
Graham’s is not your typical pub. Although they’ve got that energetic pub atmosphere going, with an outdoor patio that’s got an open sunroof for those hot days, their cocktails are handcrafted and their food is eclectic. From smash burgers to baja fish tacos, pimento mac and cheese and goat cheese and arugula salads. They’ve also got a great menu filled with great craft beer from around the city to go with that great pub atmosphere.
Where: 400 S Graham St, Charlotte, NC 28202
9. Nuvole Rooftop Twenty Two
One of the most stunning rooftops on the list, Nuvole Rooftop Twenty Two is not to be missed. Nuvole is Charlotte’s highest rooftop bar in the city and if you an’t already guess by the name, it’s up twenty two stories making for the most elevated views of the skyline. They’ve got signature cocktails like their Peg Leg Punch that packs both rum and gin or their classic cocktails, like their amaretto sour. They’ve also got wine and craft beer if you want something light while you munch on rosemary parmesan fries or Thai rub pork belly.
Where: 220 E Trade St Suite 2200, Charlotte, NC 28202