Fall is the perfect season to linger outdoors — here are some of Raleigh’s best rooftop bars to hang outside as the weather cools down.
By Samantha Pressly
There’s something particularly enticing about a spot that combines open-air ambience with food and drink… especially if that spot is hundreds of feet in the air. With the start of a new season, we have gathered Raleigh’s best rooftop spots to share a cocktail (or two) with friends while taking in the brilliant views our city has to offer. Whether you are in the mood for international concoctions with a modern twist, a traditional Greek atmosphere, a casual open-air brewery or just a place to lounge, there is something on this list for everyone.
10th and Terrace
Head on up to this 10th floor (heated!) rooftop, where you can enjoy a wide variety of skyline sips, as well as carefully curated apps. If you are looking for more of a meal, enjoy the Overlook Restaurant menu for creative takes on American cuisine. 10th and Terrace has both an inside dining lounge and outside patio, and is conveniently located for pre-performance dining (right next to Red Hat Amphitheater and Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts). Plus, they have Sunday brunch! Keep an eye on the calendar for special events, like complimentary wine tastings.
616 S. Salisbury Street | 10thandterrace.com
Botanical Lounge
This three-level venue offers a plethora of opportunities for entertainment, from post-work drinks to a big night out. Food and drink go hand in hand here where “a passion for premium ingredients” and “creative presentation” are at the forefront of the creation of all cocktails and tapas — plus, they’ve got champagne on draft! The rooftop of the Botanical Lounge offers panoramic views of the Raleigh skyline, and lucious plants at every corner, great for city selfies.
419 Glenwood Avenue | botanicalraleigh.com
High Rail
Newly opened in November, this seventh floor rooftop bar in the center of Seaboard Station offers a wide array of specialty cocktails and apps that draw inspiration from international food and drink. Inside, there’s a chic circular bar and velvet booth seating; the patio area offers an Insta-worty of downtown.
11 Seaboard Avenue | highrailraleigh.com
La Terrazza
This ninth floor rooftop restaurant opened in the spring and has quickly turned into a Raleigh favorite. Blending cuisine from the Mediterranean and Southern Italy, this attention-to-detail menu uses seasonal fresh produce to create meals that are a combination of both comfort and creativity. Enjoy the artfully crafted combination of mixology and gastronomy at one of the two bars (one inside and one out) or within the comfort of the alluring dining space, whose full-length glass walls make sure to offer guests spectacular views of the city.
223 S. West Street | laterrazzaraleigh.com
Level 7 Roofbar
Focused on providing guests with European and Spanish inspired foods, this modern venue at the AC Hotel is perfect for grabbing some late night tapas and enjoying a drink or two with friends. The seventh floor terrace offers a wide variety of innovative mixtures as well as drinks from renowned breweries, distilleries and vineyards. Overlook the North Hills area from the large open-aired rooftop filled with comfortable seating and fire pits ensured to keep you warm as the night cools down.
101 Park at North Hills Street | level7roofbar.com
Raleigh Beer Garden
This 3 time Guinness World Record holding beer garden has over 350 beers on tap offered daily. The first floor offers local draft taps while upstairs you will find hundreds of varieties from around the country and the world. The third floor terrace also offers a wide selection of taps that include a selection from the event field (check out their website to find upcoming events) at the back of the venue. With a wide menu selection (even offering items for your pup), an 18 hole mini golf attraction, and special rooms for corporate events or group outings, this outdoor bar is the ideal place to unwind after a long day.
614 Glenwood Avenue | theraleighbeergarden.com
Raleigh Times Bar
This historic building, constructed in 1906, once held the location for the headquarters of one of Raleigh’s most influential newspapers, The Raleigh Times. Though this paper was bought by the News & Observer in 1955, memorabilia of this iconic part of Raleigh’s past still adorn the walls of the now bar. The building has greatly expanded throughout the years, and now boasts second floor seating as well as a rooftop terrace where one can pick from a wide variety of bar snacks as well as specialty drafts, cocktails, and wine served by a staff consisting exclusively of Cicerone Certified Beer Servers (AKA the best of the best)!
14 E Hargett Street | raleightimesbar.com
The Willard Rooftop
This stunning rooftop lounge offers indoor dining accommodations as well as two outdoor terraces with remarkable views of The City of Oaks. Located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, the patio’s ideal location and upscale vibe offer a perfect place to come together with friends before a night of bar-hopping. Enjoy specialty crafted drinks of all kinds and small (or big) bites that will surely leave you in awe.
9 Glenwood Avenue | thewillardraleigh.com
Tin Roof
A lively bar and music joint, this spot is a terrific place to go when you are looking for a place to dance and mingle. Head out to the (tin) rooftop terrace or grab a drink inside, either downstairs or upstairs. Be sure to look out for the daily specials in order to find the best night to hit the town.
300 Glenwood Avenue | tinroofbars.com
Young Hearts Distilling
This historic building converted into a restaurant and bar in the heart of the city is the perfect place to learn about various spirits and the distilling process. See where the Trophy Brewing Company’s liquors are made in the first and only distillery in downtown Raleigh. The restored space offers an open-air rooftop, mezzanine, and main level all which work together to make the art of distilling an immersive experience.
225 S. Wilmington Street | trophybrewing.com/young-hearts-distilling
This article was originally published on October 17, 2024.
