Raisin’ the Roof

Wine, dine and float on cloud nine at these popular Raleigh rooftop bars and restos.

Alexa, play “Rooftops” by Wiz Khalifa. … Come for the views and stay for the vibes (and the food and bev options, natch) at these high-in-the-sky spots around Raleigh as the summer begins. We’re seeing lots of alfresco meals in your future! 

La Terazza
Post up (literally) on The Dillon rooftop for approachable spins on Mediterranean-meets-Southern Italian at this Warehouse District masterpiece showcasing elevated urban dining ops (think: tuna tartare, burrata, cheesy cauliflower to pizzas and homemade pastas)—and a bev program worth heading up for. laterrazzaraleigh.com

Taverna Agora
An alfresco outing on Taverna Agora’s rooftop could easily be mistaken for a night out in Greece—what with its lush greenery, string lights and live Greek music on select nights, NTM those delish authentic Mediterranean dishes. Opah! tavernaagora.com

10th & Terrace
The perf Instagram backdrop doesn’t exis-… Don a fancy fit and venture to the rooftop of DTR’s Residence Inn for drinks and dinner—and that perf ’Gram-worthy photo op of course. 10thandterrace.com

Level7
Hop on the stairway to seven… or settle for the elevator that takes you to the rooftop lounge of the AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills (a 2021, 2022 and 2023 RM Best Rooftop Bar winner!). This swanky and sophisticated space offers sips and samplings ideal for your next date night, GNO or any occasion in between. level7roofbar.com

Raleigh Beer Garden
With three floors, there’s plenty of alfresco seating ops on which to cop a squat and sip one of RBG’s 350+ beers on tap—but, obv, the rooftop provides the best perch for panoramic views of Glenwood South. We’d tap that! theraleighbeergarden.com

Raleigh Times Bar
Here’s one hot off the presses! Raleigh Times Bar’s rooftop is a DTR hidden gem—the ultimate spot for an alfresco outing with the crew, co-workers or your SO—whether for lunch, dinner or drinks. Essentially, it’s always time for those famous Times Nachos (!). raleightimesbar.com

The Willard
Take your next night out to new heights at The Willard, a can’t-miss sip and sup spot located atop DTR’s AC Hotel—and don’t miss the bar’s regularly occurring events and pop-ups. thewillardraleigh.com

Highgarden Rooftop Lounge
Ride the high at one of our 2021–2024 Best Rooftop Bar winners, Highgarden. This Glenwood South addition offers a 100% open-air setting—aka views for days! And if you’re going with a group, you’re gonna wanna order the G&T tree (aka five G&Ts mixed to perfection) that’s as ’Grammable as it is sippable. highgardenraleigh.com

High Rail
Sip, snack and soak in the city skyline with a handcrafted cocktail at this Seaboard Station mainstay paying homage to Raleigh’s industrial heritage. highrailraleigh.com

Hibernian Pub
Get the paddy started with a Guinness and some pub grub at Glenwood South’s staple Irish bar and restaurant. How grand! hibernianpub.com

Jolie
Transport yourself a la Paris via this Person Street rooftop where the elevation serves as the perf match for elevated French dining at the hands of five-time Beard-nominated chef Scott Crawford. restaurantjolie.com

Tin Roof
It’s all in the name. … Head to this lively Glenwood South live music bar every weekend to jam out to tunes from local DJs—or work your own vocal muscles during karaoke every Wednesday night. tinroofraleigh.com 

Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern
For impeccable views that aren’t tall buildings, head to Lynnwood Grill’s super-popular rooftop boasting a casual atmosphere and even better bites (Pizza! Wings!)—plus beer, natch. lynnwoodgrill.com

Urban Oak
An elevated experience awaits atop Raleigh’s tallest rooftop bar. Done your proper attire (smart casual recommended!) for craft cocktails and curated bites on the chic patio amid lush greenery and starry skies. urbanoakraleigh.com