Just as a queen is expected to wear a crown, the Queen City’s best bars are expected to be crowned with rooftop patios. Admiring the skyline views, against the backdrop of the not-so-far-away Spencer Mountain, with a cold drink in hand is one thing Charlotteans love to do. And the city’s average annual temperature of 59.8-degrees means most times of year are ideal for rooftop gazing -- with or without a sweater.
A lot of bars in Charlotte offer rooftop patios, whether big or small, but these five remain the cream of the crop for combining stunning views with beverages you won’t want to put down.
1. Whiskey Warehouse
Whether you’re into beer tastings, gourmet pub fare or watching your favorite sports teams in front of the Queen City background, Whiskey Warehouse is the place to dine and drink above ground level. Whiskey Warehouse’s industrial feel lets you know you’re in the city, but the monthly events (like November’s Vino! Vino! Vino! Italian Wine Tasting and Tutorial) and daily specials will probably turn it into your go-to neighborhood bar.
2. Peculiar Rabbit
Not all rooftop bars need to be enjoyed at night. In fact, the Peculiar Rabbit is as praised for its farm-to-fork brunches as it is its English and southern-inspired evening appetizers and entrees. There’s typically a wait for Sunday brunch on the rooftop at Peculiar Rabbit, but sinking your teeth into a rich cheddar scallion biscuit and sipping on the award-winning “Game Changer” bloody mary on a breezy fall day is worth an extra hour of your time.
3. Fahrenheit
Above 222 South Caldwell St.’s Sky Condos, you’ll find Chef Rocco Whalen’s Fahrenheit rooftop bar and restaurant. Fahrenheit is known for offering some of the top uninterrupted views of the city, but it’s also known for serving up new takes on classic American cuisine. An extensive wine list, craft cocktails and a wide selection of locally-brewed beers make dining near the clouds at Fahrenheit even more enjoyable.
Need an easier way to find Fahrenheit? Search for the attached Hyatt Place Hotel and follow the crowds to the elevator, where you’ll stand until you reach the 21st floor.
4. Gin Mill South End
Charlotte’s Gin Mill South End is for locals and visitors who prefer their bars without all of the frills. While it’s not a grubby-feeling dive bar, the Gin Mill South End offers a casual, unpretentious atmosphere for patrons who want to sip on a well-made cocktail or their favorite beer while playing bar games or chatting with fellow bar-goers.
The rooftop at the “Gin Mill,” no longer features a bar, but it’s an ideal place to catch some fresh air and take in the view. The downstairs bartenders are courteous and attentive, so you won’t have to wait long when it comes time to order another.
5. Rooftop 210
Uptown Charlotte’s EpiCentre opened in 2010, bringing more nighttime entertainment options to Charlotteans and the Queen City’s tourists. Rooftop 210 is one of the EpiCentre establishments that continues to be praised for providing a much-needed rooftop event venue and sophisticated club scene within the city.
The contemporary and sophisticated interior bar is an ideal place to chat over a cocktail, while the scenic rooftop bar encourages visitors to join in on a lawn game or socialize. Visit Rooftop 210 when one of their many annual events are being held, and you’ll see why this somewhat new bar has become one of Charlotte’s top night spots.
