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.
The Ultimate List Of Charlotte North Carolina Rooftop Bars & Restaurants
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZzb6cBp8fn/
The Ultimate List Of Charlotte North Carolina Rooftop Bars & Restaurants
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.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZzb6cBp8fn/
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