9 best heated patios and rooftops in Charlotte
Just because the temperatures drop (and rise, and drop again), it doesn’t mean that you should cancel a fun night out with friends. You can keep the good times rolling by cozying up next to a fire pit or staying warm under a heat lamp.
Luckily, a few of Charlotte’s bars and restaurants have heated options on their patios and rooftops. So there’s no need to ditch those happy hour plans, no matter what the weather.
Check out these area spots aiming to keep you warm when the nights are cold:
(1) Charlotte Beer Garden
1300 South Tryon St.
Even before its Wednesday opening (which was officially announced Tuesday afternoon), Charlotte Beer Garden’s third-story rooftop patio has South End beyond excited. The beer garden with 436 taps will also have a heated sidewalk patio, so whether you’re feeling streetscape or skyline, this place has got you covered.
What to order: Beer, of course. And if you’re hungry, check out the Esquites Corn Dogs, with roasted corn, pimento peppers, pickled onions, avocado spread and sweetened mayo. It’s the favorite of executive chef Dan Yeager. — Melissa Oyler
(2) Fahrenheit
222 S. Caldwell St.
Nothing says perfect night like a rooftop skyline view and a fire pit. You can get both at this uptown restaurant and bar. Whether you check it out for dinner or hang out for an after work drink, you can guarantee warmth either way.
What to order: Four Left Turns (Tito’s vodka, Solerno blood orange liqueur, Aperol, orange juice, simple syrup, prosecco).
(3) Goodyear House
3032 N. Davidson St.
Warning: Don’t plan to just drop in for one drink here. You can, of course, but you won’t want to leave. Goodyear House’s back patio is especially enticing. There’s a bar out back, but the main bar also opens up to the patio via garage doors. A side dining room also opens to the back patio. The patio itself is decorated with heaters and string lights and an American Holly tree.
What to order: Wandering Botanist, with gin, campari, vermouth, lillet blanc, hopped grapefruit bitters and a shaken fry bag, with your choice of seasoning (chile-sesame, garlic-herb-parm or sea salt and malt vinegar). — MO
(4) Merchant and Trade
303 S. Church St.
As one of Charlotte’s few rooftop bars, you’ll definitely want to add this to your list of places to go this winter. There will be fire pits, as well as heat lamps, as Jack Frost rolls into our city. You can even take the party inside and still get the amazing views. That’s a win-win.
What to order: Hot Crossed Buns (Tito’s Vodka, Leblon Cachaca, lemon, lime, cinnamon, ginger, lavender, Regan’s orange bitters).
(5) Nuvole 22
220 E. Trade St. Suite 2200
This uptown bar sits 22 floors up, giving the feeling of being in the clouds. The rooftop area is complete with heat lamps, fire pits and retractable screens that can shield against wind and rain. Nuvole even offers blankets to guests who want to be even warmer.
What to order: Winter Mule (Sailor Jerry spiced rum, spiced cranberry cordial made with cardamom, anise, ginger, allspice, clove and cranberry, lime, ginger beer).
(6) Reid’s Fine Foods- Levine
135 Levine Avenue of the Arts, Suite 120
As the newest location to this popular local chain, Reid’s Levine added a heated patio to the mix. Whether you stop in for your weekday lunch, dinner or Saturday brunch, you won’t have to worry about freezing.
What to order: A glass of Pinot Noir from Reid’s private label.
(7) Selwyn Avenue Pub
2801 Selwyn Ave.
This cozy Myers Park neighborhood bar is the perfect game day spot to catch your favorite team in action. With heated lamps on the patio, you can keep up with all of the action year-round.
What to order: Carolina Transfusion (vodka, Sprite, blue Powerade and a splash of Simply Lemonade).
(8) The Workman’s Friend
1531 Central Ave.
The covered side patio in Plaza Midwood has heated lamps ready to go, just in case. Gather your friends and plan a fun day or night of great food and great drinks.
What to order: Irish coffee (Pure Intentions coffee, brown sugar, Jameson and fresh cream).
(9) VBGB
920 Hamilton St.
This popular NC Music Factory hangout spot is definitely looking to keep the fun going. Sit back and enjoy your favorite craft beers and bar bites while playing games like giant Jenga or Connect Four. The large outdoor patio is nice and toasty, thanks to several heat lamps.
What to order: Jalapeno Pale Ale sourced from Birdsong Brewing Company.
Coming soon: SouthPark
SouthPark’s first public rooftop bar, Cordial, opens this spring at AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark. It won’t be alone for long: Restoration Hardware’s new space at Phillips Place will include a rooftop restaurant when its construction is finished. — Vanessa Infanzon
Editor’s note: This article originally published in Dec. 2019 and has been updated to add some new places.
This story was originally published February 25, 2020 at 2:00 PM.