Your guide to 10 must-try rooftop bars in Charlotte, with cocktails, burger and beer duos, and more
The bright Queen City skyline and a warm, welcoming breeze – there’s nothing quite like taking in the sights, sounds and sleek style of Charlotte from its iconic rooftop locales. From signature cocktails to craft beers and gourmet eats, CLT’s rooftop bars have a lot to offer.
Whether the ambiance is relaxed or dressed-up, these staple establishments take the best elements of city life and bring them together. Want to try few of the must-visit spots? See below!
Fahrenheit
222 S. Caldwell St.
Asian undertones meet upscale New American cuisine for a uniquely-wrought combo that sets Fahrenheit apart. Situated on the 21st floor of its South Caldwell Street building, Fahrenheit boasts a roomy patio and cozy fire pits for a cool, modernized backdrop against the city lights. A picture-perfect panorama of Charlotte rounds out the scenery of this CLT favorite, toeing the line between relaxed and ritzy.
What to order:
Try one of the menu’s signature entrees. My favorite is the Pepper Crusted Ahi, which comes with cauliflower carrot puree and crispy sesame haricot verts. The wine list is expansive, but my go-to cocktail is the Four Simple Things: cucumber vodka, lime juice, cloister honey and mint. It’s the perfect subdued drink for Fahrenheit’s richer dishes.
Graham St. Pub & Patio
400 S. Graham St.
If you’re looking for a spot that’s a bit more laid-back, Graham St. Pub & Patio fits the bill. It’s a newer rooftop bar in Uptown, between Knights Stadium and Bank of America Stadium (a total plus if you’re a sports fan). Its location sets the stage for that kind of relaxed, lazy Saturday vibe, but the menu is anything but lazy or simplistic. Though Graham St. offers the old-favorite burger and beer duo, you’ll find Greek and Indian influences on the menu that make it one-of-a-kind.
What to order:
I’m always a fan of sliders and ciders, but at Graham St., I order the Fried Avocado Taco. Beer-battered and fried avocados, pickled red cabbage, and jalapeno crèma come together for a filling bite. And I’ve found the meal complements the Southern Spicy Mule, prepared with Dixie Pepper vodka, pineapple juice, ginger beer, and lime for a refreshing twist.
City Lights Rooftop
Le Meridien, 18 S. McDowell St.
Come for city views, creative cocktails and classic bar fare. City Lights Rooftop has cornered the market on an all-encompassing experience. It’s located in the Sheraton Hotel and promotes itself as Charlotte’s newest, largest rooftop bar, known for its popularity amongst brides and grooms-to-be before they head down the aisle. Plus, it’s the only rooftop that boasts a 360-degree view of the skyline, so both unparalleled sights and spirits are its bread and butter.
What to order:
The Chicken Skewers are a must-have. Seriously. With the right amount of spice and pared-down yet robust flavors, they’re made to mix and match with City Lights’ complex cocktails. And speaking of cocktails, my favorite is Dark & Pearolous. Pear-infused Sailor Jerry rum, fresh-squeezed lime, and finger beer provide a sweet and crisp palate that’s wonderfully delightful.
A post shared by City Lights Rooftop (@citylightsrooftop) on May 10, 2018 at 5:08pm PDT
The Gin Mill
1423 S. Tryon St.
Good beer, good food, good music. The Gin Mill at South End has a pretty straight-forward attitude. Serving Charlotte since 1927 (but in a new and improved locale), it’s solidly down-to-Earth with a back-to-basics air that puts you right at home. Its rooftop patio is the cherry on top and offers bingo and bands every Thursday for an ideal after-work vibe.
What to order:
The Pimento Cheese Fritters are my personal staple and come with a side of bacon jam (and what’s better than cheese and bacon?). The Gin Mill also offers a pretty significant brunch menu that covers the full gamut of Sunday faves, from Shrimp and Grits to Cornbread French Toast. As far as drinks, I follow their lead: keep it simple. Beers for the fritters and a build-your-own Mimosa Bar for brunch.
The Imperial
300 N. College St., #101
Switching gears to a more traditional, timeless atmosphere, The Imperial provides a modern take on retro jazz bars with a sleek, swanky vibe and heated rooftop with sweet city views. Weekly Friday and Saturday live jazz sets from top local musicians, like Steven Daley and the David Hamilton Trio, make The Imperial a throwback jewel. Its menu capitalizes on that nostalgic theme with classic cocktails that’d win Frank Sinatra’s approval.
What to order:
The Imperial specializes in cocktails only, but their drinks are substantial and filling. My recommendations include the signature Imperial Old Fashioned and Spiced Margarita. Their Old Fashioned is a customized take on the cherished cocktail, with Bulleit Rye Whisky, Angostura bitters, agave simple syrup and orange elements, all hickory smoked. By contrast, their margarita is truer to its agave and tequila roots with one big surprise: a flaming jalapeno garnish.
A post shared by Imperial Craft Cocktail Lounge (@theimperialclt) on Feb 19, 2018 at 1:34pm PST
The Peculiar Rabbit
1212 Pecan Ave.
The marriage of a trendy gastropub and relaxed pub hangout, The Peculiar Rabbit is rendered truly distinct by its farm-to-table approach. Whether you’ve come for the pool and air hockey or the breezy rooftop deck with city views, this casual spot has it all – delicious eats, mouth-watering cocktails, and first-class ambiance.
What to order:
An expansive, varied menu makes narrowing your order down to one choice difficult, but Peculiar Rabbit’s Loaded Skillet Mac-N-Cheese Dinner is my happy dish. A three-cheese blend with bacon bits and jalapenos meets a crisp cornbread crust for the ultimate comfort food. And since I love Bloody Marys, the Game Changer Bloody Mary is choice. Absolut Pepper vodka is the star ingredient, along with house-made mix and Guinness float for an unexpected kick.
Whiskey Warehouse
1221 The Plaza
Gourmet burgers and delectable cocktails are a match made in heaven at Whiskey Warehouse. With a spacious, panoramic rooftop that’s instantly iconic (plus a full bar), it’s a super cool venue that will keep you coming back. Its location makes it a prime pick for those who want to see the skyline but avoid the hustle and bustle of uptown. A relaxed atmosphere and bold menu options, as well as weekly live music and other events like trivia, make it second to none in Plaza Midwood.
What to order:
I’m a brunch gal and Whiskey Warehouse’s brunch menu is delish. I order their iteration of the classic Chicken & Waffles, complete with sausage gravy and a side of sweet syrup. And predictably, the Bloody Mary Bar is pretty much required.
Merchant & Trade
303 S. Church St.
Sitting atop Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel on the 19th floor, the heightened Merchant & Trade puts an elevated spin on bar bites, craft cocktails and local beers, all with a modern American twist. Amazing views with fantastic food and drinks? Check. Merchant & Trade’s upgraded ambiance puts you right in the center of the city and offers the quintessential CLT experience.
What to order:
Merchant & Trade’s menu merges posh ingredients with local favorites artfully. One of my favorite examples of that masterful fusion is the Fried Mini-Bella Mushroom. Flanked by mustard tempura and Cheerwine BBQ sauce, it takes down-home taste to the next level. One of their house cocktails, Rosa, is essential: El Jimador Blanco, Aperol, Domaine de Canton, and raspberry syrup make it sweet but ultra-succulent.
Rooftop 210
210 E. Trade St., B320
Rooftop 210, part of the EpiCentre, is synonymous with bar-hopping in Charlotte and is arguably the city’s most well-known rooftop venue. It’s expansive (to say the least) and juxtaposes opulent skyline views with premier special events like ‘Alive After Five!’ Rooftop 210’s retractable walls and ceilings mean a breathtaking view, no matter the weather, and its classic cocktails keep guests loyal.
What to order:
Rooftop 210 is a true bar with no food on the menu but plenty of drinks. I stick with a timeless treat: the Cosmo. It’s a drink that’s tailor-made to enjoy while soaking in the Queen City skyline.
Rí Rá Irish Pub
208 N. Tryon St.
The Irish Pub of choice in Charlotte, Rí Rá provides an authentic Irish experience that’s local. It’s anchored by an antique, Victorian-style bar (circa 1800s) where cocktails, craft beers, and the perfect pub grub are served. And whether you head out onto its diminutive terrace overlooking uptown or stay in The Whiskey Room upstairs, Rí Rá is the authority when it comes to curating a relaxed, warm environment bar-goers love.
What to order:
All of Rí Rá’s burgers are stars in their own right, but my personal pick is the Dubliner Burger. A fresh, rosemary-infused lamb patty, goat cheese, grilled red onions, and curry aioli are sandwiched between fresh, toasted buns. Continuing my beloved burger and beer theme, I like to pair the Dubliner with the Jalapeno Pineapple Ale, which hails from Legal Remedy Brewing in Rock Hill, SC. This local beer has a distinctive, almost spicy flavor that works with just about any meal from Rí Rá.
This story was originally published July 17, 2018 at 1:13 AM with the headline "Your guide to 10 must-try rooftop bars in Charlotte, with cocktails, burger and beer duos, and more."