4 North Carolina Spots On Open Table’s Top 100 For Outdoor Dining
Whether I’m on vacation or just looking for a night out I love an outdoor patio. There is nothing better than the atmosphere of a wonderful outdoor cocktail and meal….
Whether I'm on vacation or just looking for a night out I love an outdoor patio. There is nothing better than the atmosphere of a wonderful outdoor cocktail and meal. That's why I was so intrigued by Open Table's latest list- the 100 Best Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining. And while many are in places like California, New York, and Florida they aren't all. In fact, 4 North Carolina restaurants ranked as some of the best for outdoor dining in the country. Not bad, NC, not bad.
Another interesting statistic was that due to the pandemic reservations for outdoor dining increased nationwide by 54%. This list was based on over 13.6 million reviews on OpenTable. These 100 spots feature restaurants with impeccable food, picturesque views, and an all-around top-notch outdoor dining experience. I've only visited one of the 4 North Carolina top places for outdoor dining. None are in Charlotte- one in Asheville, one in Calabash, and the other two- in Greensboro. That surprised me! I guess I'll add these to the list the next time I make the drive to a concert at the Greensboro Coliseum.
Our South Carolina neighbor also has a few spots on this list in tourist hotspots Charleston and Hilton Head. You can read through the list below in no particular order. The North Carolina restaurants are listed first followed by South Carolina, then the rest of the 100 are listed in alphabetical order.
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer it's the perfect time to enjoy all of what Charlotte has to offer. Whether you want to enjoy a good meal, day drink, watch the sunset or have a romantic nighttime skyline view a rooftop is a perfect place. And Charlotte has no shortage of places to do just that. Take a moment to enjoy the views, get that perfect Instagram picture, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. But to help you pick your next destination I've compiled a list of all the Charlotte Rooftop Bars.
Whether you want to be only a couple of stories up in your neighborhood or 20+ stories up in the heart of uptown there is something on this list for you. Family-friendly restaurants, 21 and up bars, breweries, tropical cocktails, gourmet food, or wings we've got you covered. Several are on the rooftops of Charlotte's best hotels, but you don't have to be a guest to visit. Uptown, South Park, Plaza Midwood, No-Da, Southend, and even Ballantyne are the neighborhoods these spots call home. Know of a rooftop bar I missed? Please let me know I'd love to check it out as well.
Just want to be outside and don't care as much about the view? Check out our list of 15 Outdoor Patios to visit.
The Ultimate List Of Charlotte North Carolina Rooftop Bars
Aura
Address: 124 E. Stonewall Street
Follow the glow five stories high to the JW Marriott rooftop bar, a place inspired by the regal aura of Queen Charlotte herself. The views reflecting off of our mirror-like facade are even more alluring with a drink in hand – whether it’s one of Aura’s signature botanical cocktails or your favorite pour.
Buho
Address:201 W. Trade Street
Much like the rooftop bars and lounges across South America, Búho Bar truly is a destination itself, with sultry music, stirring conversation and artfully crafted concoctions that capture the essence of a vibrant culture and modern city, and inspire new levels of urban elegance. Stay, sip a cocktail and abandon plans, if only for a little while.
The Chamber At Wooden Robot
Address: 416 E 36th St STE 100
Our new wood-aging facility in the heart of the NoDa neighborhood. Enjoy the views of our oak foeders and barrels while exploring our taproom, patio and rooftop biergarten. The Chamber features a rotating selection of draft and packaged beer, with a focus on farmhouse ales and sours.
Charlotte Beer Garden
Address: 1300 S Tryon St
Located in heart of Southend right on the edge of Uptown enjoy the largest selection of beers at any restaurant on their rooftop patio overlooking uptown.
Cloud Bar
Address: 555 South McDowell St
Surrounded by the lights of Charlotte’s skyline, Cloud Bar by David Burke is located on the rooftop of Le Méridien. Sip on a signature cocktail while enjoying uptown Charlotte’s best sunset view and light bites from world-renowned celebrity chef David Burke.
Coaltranes
Address: 1518 Central Ave
Coaltranes is a South American-inspired rotisserie and char grill, with a focus on healthy. Enjoy local chicken, stuffed avocados, char grilled wings, freshly-made bowls, and many vegetarian options on their rooftop patio.
Coin Bar
Address: 132 E Trade Street
The Coin Bar provides guests a contemporary urban oasis with a stylish bar and grill. Double-sided LED television screens, each 22 feet wide by 12 feet high, some of the largest in the city, make the pool bar the destination of choice for any and all sports and entertainment happenings in the city. Come enjoy a cocktail poolside and take in stunning views of the Charlotte skyline.
Cordial
Address: 1824 Roxborough Rd
Cordial is a destination, but it's also an everyday spot. It's a bar where everyone belongs, and the bar belongs to everyone. We offer inventive cocktails for sipping, small plates for sharing, and plenty of good conversation—plus a stunning view of the Charlotte skyline from our spacious outdoor veranda.
www.instagram.com/p/CSkDpJsjiag/
Devil's Logic
Address: 1426 E 4th Street
On the edge of Cherry and Elizabeth and a mile from Trade & Tryon, we’re ‘next door’ to the best of Charlotte. Drinks and food can be enjoyed from two outdoor patios, one elevated and with a clear view of uptown Charlotte!
Fairwood 226
Address: 226 Fairwood Ave,
TF226 has a bar-centric open air vibe with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating. Oh, & did we mention we have rooftop seating with amazing Uptown views?
Fahrenheit
Address: 222 South Caldwell St
Fahrenheit features amazing, unparalleled views of Uptown Charlotte and inventive new American cuisine.
Gin Mill
Address: 1423 S Tryon St
The Gin Mill is a Southend restaurant and sports bar with a rooftop patio. They have daily features and live music on the weekends!
Graham Street Pub
Address: 400 S Graham St
Graham Street Pub & Patio offers skyline views and an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and bites. Graham St. Pub and Patio, just blocks from Bank of America Stadium is a neighborhood bar with inside seating, a street-level patio, and a rooftop that overlooks Knights Stadium and the picturesque Queen City skyline.
Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
Address: 1320 S Church St Suite 400
The restaurant is also known for innovative cocktails featuring house made shrubs, sodas, barrel-aged cocktails and curated wine list. The restaurants midcentury nostalgic rustic yet refined design finds the balance between nature and modern, featuring a moss wall, lime washed brick, a walnut live edge bar, 48 seat dining room and a 30 seat roof top deck.
Merchant & Trade
Address: 303 S Church St
On the 19th floor, with panoramic views of Uptown Charlotte, Merchant + Trade is broken into four distinct zones – indoor bar, outdoor terrace, private terrace and the law.
Mizu
Address: 3100 Apex Drive
Inspired by the wood-fired Robata grills of Japan, Mizu offers a refreshed take on live-fire cooking atop the Hyatt Centric in the heart of Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood.
Novelty House
Address: 123 E 5th St Suite 500
Taking the energy of the 5th Street District vertical! Spend your evenings after work with us and enjoy craft cocktails, assorted champagnes, local beers and seltzers and more! That's not all! Enjoy views on all four sides of Binaco Tower, including Uptown's largest mural by local artist Alex Duncan.
Nuvole Rooftop 22
Address:220 E Trade Street
Twenty-two stories into the Charlotte skyline, Nuvolé is a rooftop bar and lounge that rises above expectations in every way. Here, just beneath the clouds, modern urban elegance meets natural beauty and fresh flavors intermingle with handcrafted cocktails. Pull up a seat at our sleek bar, share a variety of savory bites with friends, or just soak up the city views while enjoying your craft beer or wine — the perfect way to spend an evening in uptown Charlotte.
RH
Address:
The RH Rooftop Restaurant features an ingredient-driven menu accompanied by a curated selection of artisanal wines and craft beers. Guests dine in a year-round skylit garden escape amidst trickling fountains, trellised London plane trees, and glimmering chandeliers.
Royal Tot
Address: 933 Louise Ave Suite 350
The Bird's nest is the upper deck at The Royal Tot! Here you'll enjoy a tropical experience but in a more relaxed, flippy floppies welcome kind of vibe. This area is walk-in only and complete with shade sails, individual fire pit tables, space heaters, and an unparalleled view of Uptown Charlotte.
The Waterman
Address: 2729 South Blvd Ste D
Ahoy! Welcome to The Waterman, where it’s easy to satisfy a craving for delicious, fresh seafood. Guests can belly on up after work at Happy Hour for a hearty fill of oysters (House Oysters are $1.5 Mon-Fri from 2-7PM), craft cocktails (we call them ‘boat drinks’ around here), or a cold beer (only the best here). For dinner, locals can enjoy fish camp-inspired dishes like The Waterman’s Platter or classic Fried Fish Sandwich. Don’t forget to check out the Uptown views from the rooftop bar ‘Topside’
Whiskey Warehouse
Address:1221 The Plaza
With a rooftop bar, a whiskey-forward cocktail program, and an endless roster of quality local beers, Whiskey Warehouse leaves little to be desired. The skyline view from the expansive string-light-clad rooftop earns this two-story bar/restaurant some serious street cred in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood.
Woody's Seafood Saloon
Address:
This is the second location of Woody's which is in the Ballantyne area. The first location? The Virgin Islands. The Shark Bites are said to be a must try and the cocktails will almost have you thinking you're in a tropical oasis instead of NC.
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer it's the perfect time to enjoy all of what Charlotte has to offer. Whether you want to enjoy a good meal, day drink, watch the sunset or have a romantic nighttime skyline view a rooftop is a perfect place. And Charlotte has no shortage of places to do just that. Take a moment to enjoy the views, get that perfect Instagram picture, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. But to help you pick your next destination I've compiled a list of all the Charlotte Rooftop Bars.
Whether you want to be only a couple of stories up in your neighborhood or 20+ stories up in the heart of uptown there is something on this list for you. Family-friendly restaurants, 21 and up bars, breweries, tropical cocktails, gourmet food, or wings we've got you covered. Several are on the rooftops of Charlotte's best hotels, but you don't have to be a guest to visit. Uptown, South Park, Plaza Midwood, No-Da, Southend, and even Ballantyne are the neighborhoods these spots call home. Know of a rooftop bar I missed? Please let me know I'd love to check it out as well.
Just want to be outside and don't care as much about the view? Check out our list of 15 Outdoor Patios to visit.
The Ultimate List Of Charlotte North Carolina Rooftop Bars
Aura
Address: 124 E. Stonewall Street
Follow the glow five stories high to the JW Marriott rooftop bar, a place inspired by the regal aura of Queen Charlotte herself. The views reflecting off of our mirror-like facade are even more alluring with a drink in hand – whether it’s one of Aura’s signature botanical cocktails or your favorite pour.
Buho
Address:201 W. Trade Street
Much like the rooftop bars and lounges across South America, Búho Bar truly is a destination itself, with sultry music, stirring conversation and artfully crafted concoctions that capture the essence of a vibrant culture and modern city, and inspire new levels of urban elegance. Stay, sip a cocktail and abandon plans, if only for a little while.
The Chamber At Wooden Robot
Address: 416 E 36th St STE 100
Our new wood-aging facility in the heart of the NoDa neighborhood. Enjoy the views of our oak foeders and barrels while exploring our taproom, patio and rooftop biergarten. The Chamber features a rotating selection of draft and packaged beer, with a focus on farmhouse ales and sours.
Charlotte Beer Garden
Address: 1300 S Tryon St
Located in heart of Southend right on the edge of Uptown enjoy the largest selection of beers at any restaurant on their rooftop patio overlooking uptown.
Cloud Bar
Address: 555 South McDowell St
Surrounded by the lights of Charlotte’s skyline, Cloud Bar by David Burke is located on the rooftop of Le Méridien. Sip on a signature cocktail while enjoying uptown Charlotte’s best sunset view and light bites from world-renowned celebrity chef David Burke.
Coaltranes
Address: 1518 Central Ave
Coaltranes is a South American-inspired rotisserie and char grill, with a focus on healthy. Enjoy local chicken, stuffed avocados, char grilled wings, freshly-made bowls, and many vegetarian options on their rooftop patio.
Coin Bar
Address: 132 E Trade Street
The Coin Bar provides guests a contemporary urban oasis with a stylish bar and grill. Double-sided LED television screens, each 22 feet wide by 12 feet high, some of the largest in the city, make the pool bar the destination of choice for any and all sports and entertainment happenings in the city. Come enjoy a cocktail poolside and take in stunning views of the Charlotte skyline.
Cordial
Address: 1824 Roxborough Rd
Cordial is a destination, but it's also an everyday spot. It's a bar where everyone belongs, and the bar belongs to everyone. We offer inventive cocktails for sipping, small plates for sharing, and plenty of good conversation—plus a stunning view of the Charlotte skyline from our spacious outdoor veranda.
www.instagram.com/p/CSkDpJsjiag/
Devil's Logic
Address: 1426 E 4th Street
On the edge of Cherry and Elizabeth and a mile from Trade & Tryon, we’re ‘next door’ to the best of Charlotte. Drinks and food can be enjoyed from two outdoor patios, one elevated and with a clear view of uptown Charlotte!
Fairwood 226
Address: 226 Fairwood Ave,
TF226 has a bar-centric open air vibe with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating. Oh, & did we mention we have rooftop seating with amazing Uptown views?
Fahrenheit
Address: 222 South Caldwell St
Fahrenheit features amazing, unparalleled views of Uptown Charlotte and inventive new American cuisine.
Gin Mill
Address: 1423 S Tryon St
The Gin Mill is a Southend restaurant and sports bar with a rooftop patio. They have daily features and live music on the weekends!
Graham Street Pub
Address: 400 S Graham St
Graham Street Pub & Patio offers skyline views and an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and bites. Graham St. Pub and Patio, just blocks from Bank of America Stadium is a neighborhood bar with inside seating, a street-level patio, and a rooftop that overlooks Knights Stadium and the picturesque Queen City skyline.
Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails
Address: 1320 S Church St Suite 400
The restaurant is also known for innovative cocktails featuring house made shrubs, sodas, barrel-aged cocktails and curated wine list. The restaurants midcentury nostalgic rustic yet refined design finds the balance between nature and modern, featuring a moss wall, lime washed brick, a walnut live edge bar, 48 seat dining room and a 30 seat roof top deck.
Merchant & Trade
Address: 303 S Church St
On the 19th floor, with panoramic views of Uptown Charlotte, Merchant + Trade is broken into four distinct zones – indoor bar, outdoor terrace, private terrace and the law.
Mizu
Address: 3100 Apex Drive
Inspired by the wood-fired Robata grills of Japan, Mizu offers a refreshed take on live-fire cooking atop the Hyatt Centric in the heart of Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood.
Novelty House
Address: 123 E 5th St Suite 500
Taking the energy of the 5th Street District vertical! Spend your evenings after work with us and enjoy craft cocktails, assorted champagnes, local beers and seltzers and more! That's not all! Enjoy views on all four sides of Binaco Tower, including Uptown's largest mural by local artist Alex Duncan.
Nuvole Rooftop 22
Address:220 E Trade Street
Twenty-two stories into the Charlotte skyline, Nuvolé is a rooftop bar and lounge that rises above expectations in every way. Here, just beneath the clouds, modern urban elegance meets natural beauty and fresh flavors intermingle with handcrafted cocktails. Pull up a seat at our sleek bar, share a variety of savory bites with friends, or just soak up the city views while enjoying your craft beer or wine — the perfect way to spend an evening in uptown Charlotte.
RH
Address:
The RH Rooftop Restaurant features an ingredient-driven menu accompanied by a curated selection of artisanal wines and craft beers. Guests dine in a year-round skylit garden escape amidst trickling fountains, trellised London plane trees, and glimmering chandeliers.
Royal Tot
Address: 933 Louise Ave Suite 350
The Bird's nest is the upper deck at The Royal Tot! Here you'll enjoy a tropical experience but in a more relaxed, flippy floppies welcome kind of vibe. This area is walk-in only and complete with shade sails, individual fire pit tables, space heaters, and an unparalleled view of Uptown Charlotte.
The Waterman
Address: 2729 South Blvd Ste D
Ahoy! Welcome to The Waterman, where it’s easy to satisfy a craving for delicious, fresh seafood. Guests can belly on up after work at Happy Hour for a hearty fill of oysters (House Oysters are $1.5 Mon-Fri from 2-7PM), craft cocktails (we call them ‘boat drinks’ around here), or a cold beer (only the best here). For dinner, locals can enjoy fish camp-inspired dishes like The Waterman’s Platter or classic Fried Fish Sandwich. Don’t forget to check out the Uptown views from the rooftop bar ‘Topside’
Whiskey Warehouse
Address:1221 The Plaza
With a rooftop bar, a whiskey-forward cocktail program, and an endless roster of quality local beers, Whiskey Warehouse leaves little to be desired. The skyline view from the expansive string-light-clad rooftop earns this two-story bar/restaurant some serious street cred in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood.
Woody's Seafood Saloon
Address:
This is the second location of Woody's which is in the Ballantyne area. The first location? The Virgin Islands. The Shark Bites are said to be a must try and the cocktails will almost have you thinking you're in a tropical oasis instead of NC.
The Oyster Rock
Calabash, NC
Sunset Terrace at Omni Grove Park Inn
Asheville, NC
Green Valley Grill
Greensboro, NC
Print Works Bistro
Greensboro, NC
Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar
Charleston, SC
Charlie's Coastal Bistro (L'etoile Verte)
Hilton Head, SC
1906 at Longwood Gardens
Kennett Square, PA
Alma Nove
Hingham, MA
Anis Cafe and Bistro
Atlanta, GA
Anthonie's Market Grill
Simonton, TX
AOC-3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA
Arnold Palmer's Restaurant
La Quinta, CA
Bacari Silver Lake
Los Angeles, CA
Barca Wine Bar & Pier
Alexandria, VA
Beachcomber Cafe
Newport Coast, CA
Bella Siena
Benicia, CA
Bistro Don Giovanni
Napa, CA
Boat House Waterfront Dining
Tiverton, RI
Brasserie Mon Chou Cho
San Antonio, TX
Bravas Bar de Tapas
Healdsburg, CA
Buck and Rider
Pheonix, AZ
C-Level
San Diego, CA
Ca Del Sole
North Hollywood, CA
Cafe Bixou
Agoura Hills, CA
Cafe Luxembourg
New York, NY
Cafe Terracotta
Littleton, CO
Campfire
Carlsbad, CA
Canoe
Atlanta, GA
Casa Nostra Ristorante
Westlake Village, CA
Cesarina
San Diego, CA
Citron Bistro
Vero Beach, FL
Coast Guard House
Narragansett, RI
Coastal Fish Company
Memphis, TN
Coastal Kitchen
Dana Point, CA
Coasterra
San Diego, CA
Continental Naples
Naples, FL
Copley's on Palm Canyon
Palm Springs, CA
Del Vino Vineyards
Northport, NY
Dog Watch Cafe
Stonington, CT
Dry Dock Waterfront Grill
Longboat Key, FL
Duke's Beach House Maui
Lahaina, HI
Echo & Rig Steakhouse & Butcher Shop
Las Vegas, NV
El Chorro
Paradise Valley, CA
El Dorado Kitchen
Sonoma, CA
EPIC Steak
San Fransisco, CA
FARM
Palm Springs, CA
Farmhouse at Roger's Gardens
Corona Del Mar, CA
Fia
Santa Monica, CA
Fleetwood's On Front Street
Lahaina, HI
Foreign Cinema
San Fransisco, CA
Girl & the Goat L.A.
Los Angeles, CA
Gracias Mardre
West Hollywood, CA
Hardware
North Aurora, IL
Istanbul Hawaii
Honolulu, HI
Izanami
Santa Fe, NM
Jeune et Jolie
Carlsbad, CA
Kyle G's Prime Seafood
Jensen Beach, FL
L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele
Los Angeles, CA
L'Auberge Chez Francois
Great Falls, VA
La Mar Cebicheria Peruana
San Fransisco, CA
Latitudes Key West
Key West, FL
Le Diplomate
Washington, DC
Lon's at the Hermosa
Paradise Valley, AZ
Los Andes Restaurant
Providence, RI
Mala Ocean Tavern
Lahaina, HI
Mariposa
Sedona, AZ
Mediterrano
Naples, FL
Mister A's
San Diego, CA
Mitch's on El Paseo Prime Seafood
Palm Desert, CA
Olive & Ivy Restaurant & Marketplace
Scottsdale, AZ
Ophelia's on the Bay
Sarasota, FL
Pacific Coast Grill
Cardiff-By-The-Sea, CA
Palace
Miami Beach, FL
Piccolo Sogno
Chicago, IL
Poseidon
Del Mar, CA
Prime: An American Kitchen & Bar
Huntington, NY
Raintree Restaurant
St. Augustine, FL
RH Rooftop Restaurant
New York, NY
Rive House Restaurant & Raw Bar
Louisville, KY
Ruthie's All-Day
Arlington, VA
Salty's on the Columbia
Portland, OR
Spencer's Restaurant
Palm Springs, CA
Steiner Ranch Steakhouse
Austin, TX
Tavern on the Green
New York, NY
Terrain Cafe
Glen Mills, PA
The Black Whale
New Bedford, MA
The Boathouse
Lake Buena Vista, FL
The Front Yard
North Hollywood, CA
The Mooring Restaurant
Newport, RI
The Twisted Olive
Green, OH
The Village Bakery & Cafe
Woodside, CA
Tin Roof Bistro
Manhattan Beach, CA
Tisha's
Cape May, NJ
Toms Hams Lighthouse
San Diego, CA
Ulele
Tampa, FL
Vivace Restaurant
Tucson, AZ
Waterbar
San Francisco, CA
Wildflower
Tuscon, AZ
Zaytinya
Washington, DC
Zinc Bistro
Scottsdale, AZ
Charlotte Outdoor Patios
The high is 80 degrees today, and yes it's March 3rd. I'm loving every second of this (and to my boss, if I'm MIA this afternoon it's because I'm working by my pool). So, if you're anything like me this weather has you dying to be outside. I'm actually meeting a friend for dinner and drinks tonight and I will be going somewhere that I can sit outside. But who has the best outdoor patios in Charlotte? I'm not quite sure I'm qualified to answer that (though I'll happily do a study and try them all out). But I can tell you some of my favorites. Here are 15 of the ones, in a variety of neighborhoods, on my list to visit this spring and summer.
Some of these are breweries (ok a lot are), some have food and drinks, others are known for their wine, but all have one thing in common. Their outdoor spaces. Whether it's a rooftop, table service, or some picnic tables you can enjoy the outdoors and gorgeous views! Know of a patio I missed? Please let me know I'd love to check it out as well.
