When the sun dips low the sky is awash in shades of peach and gold, Raleigh doesn’t just call it a night. In this city where high-rises intertwine with oak trees, you will find no shortage of stunning rooftop bars in Raleigh with elevated views and sky-high sips.
Raleigh’s rooftop bar scene is continuously growing, and more and more bars are opening up their top floors so that patrons can take in the amazing cityscape views.
Whether you’re chasing sunsets or just after the perfect Negroni under the stars, these are some of the best rooftop bars Raleigh has to offer. It’s time to savor the city skyline from above!
1. The Willard Rooftop Lounge
The AC Hotel in downtown Raleigh opened its viewpoint overlooking the Raleigh skyline back in November 2021 in the form of Willard Rooftop Lounge.
The Willard Rooftop Lounge was once voted the Best Rooftop Bar in Raleigh by Raleigh Magazine in 2024, and also won the Diner’s Choice Award by Open Table in 2024.
It has an upscale vibe, with two heated outdoor terraces and an indoor dining space with spectacular downtown Raleigh views.
We had pre-dinner drinks here before our 20th wedding anniversary dinner, and a late afternoon/early evening drink at the Willard Rooftop Lounge has now become one of our favorite past times.
We love sitting out on the deck and admiring the views of the ever-growing downtown Raleigh skyline.
It especially pops on a sunny afternoon with the sun’s rays washing over the downtown high rises, and there’s a cool, comfortable vibe here – it’s a fun place to gather and relax with your significant other, a group of friends, or work colleagues!
Located in the happening Glenwood South District, you’re steps away from many other bars and restaurants up and down Glenwood Ave to make a real night of it, and within walking distance of the Warehouse District.
The Willard serves cocktails, beer, wine by the glass or bottle, plus Mediterranean-inspired small plates with city views. They also host cool events like wine tastings and star gazing. And no, you don’t need to be stay at the hotel to access the rooftop lounge!
It also made our list for best espresso martini in Raleigh – as recommended by locals.
- Address: 9 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: TheWillardRaleigh.com
2. 10th & Terrace
One of the highlights of our staycation at the Residence Inn for us was drinks at the fantastic 10th and Terrace rooftop lounge and bar, especially good as a spot to take in an elevated sunset drink in Raleigh.
We’ve also recently enjoyed 10th & Terrace’s weekend brunch filled with delicious buffet style food, including lots of gluten free options which helped me feel so cared for! The views as we ate were incrredible! It’s now one of my top places in Raleigh to eat brunch.
The outdoor deck has comfy lounges, tables and chairs, and uninterrupted views of the Performing Arts Center, which looks brilliant at night time with sweeping views over the Southern part of downtown – we loved looking out over all the trees towards the south!
This a lovely space to relax and enjoy an excellent cocktail, local craft beer, or fine wine. You can eat here too, and they have a Contemporary American Fusion small plates menu, and the attached indoor bar area is very inviting and cozy too if the weather turns bad or to visit in cooler months!
Dress code here is smart casual, and you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to enjoy this rooftop area.
Plus, you’re right in the heart of downtown Raleigh to walk to other bars and some of the best downtown Raleigh restaurants.
By the way, this would be an awesome space to hire for a private event/party (one for the future).
- Address: 616 S Salisbury St f10, Raleigh
- Website: 10thandTerrace.com
3. Level7
At the top of the AC Hotel in the fabulous North Hills District you’ll find another sopshisticated rooftop bar, Level7, a cocktail lounge specializing in craft cocktails, small batch brews, wines, and small bites.
With stunning views out over the North Hills neighborhood and a vibrant atmosphere, Level7 compliments the European inspired experience of the AC Hotel below.
It feels more like something you’d find in Vegas, or NYC, with huge lamps as decor and glass-fronted highrises wrapped around you, with lush greenery poking through in the distance.
Grab a cocktail before dinner such as their signature Gin & Tonic, or the Smoked Manhattan, and then maybe a late night drink under the stars and socialize with all age groups from young professionals, to middle-aged couples, to people living in North Hills.
When the weather is beautiful out, this outdoor patio is a great place to unwind and relax with a date or group of friends. Open to the public seven days a week.
- Address: 101 Park at North Hills St, 7th Floor
- Website: Level7RoofBar.com
4. Highgarden Rooftop Lounge
In the middle of all the action on Glenwood South, the beautiful Highgarden is a happening spot and one of the best bars in Raleigh for a party-like atmosphere on a rooftop, and we’ve also enjoyed drinks here during quieter times for networking events.
This is a completely open-air rooftop bar that offers fantastic views of the downtown skyline with beautifully appointed cabanas surrounded by greenery and you feel like you’re on a getaway in the middle of the city.
They specialize in craft cocktails, a full champagne bar, plus 14 different tapas-style food items to choose from.
The atmosphere is lively, and if you’re up for a big night you can combine drinks here with many of the other fun bars on Glenwood, some of our favorites close by include The Ark Royal Tiki Bar, The Avenue, Milk Bar, Raleigh Beer Garden, and Teets.
- Address: 419 Glenwood Ave Level 3, Raleigh
- Website: HighgardenRaleigh.com
5. Raleigh Times Bar
The Raleigh Times is a timeless watering hole and the most famous of the bars in downtown Raleigh – even Obama had a campaign beer here – and it’s named after the former newspaper that occupied this 100 year old historic building that has been beautifully restored.
On offer is an extensive Belgian beer selection and multiple levels including their open rooftop bar that was added in 2012.
We like to make our way up to this rooftop bar for drinks and a bite to eat – the burger and nachos are very good – and you get nice views overlooking the corner of E Hargett and S Wilmington Streets right in the heart of the city!
Come grab a drink with friends and chow down on some American pub grub surrounded by 100+ years of history and chat about Raleigh’s past, present and future!
- Address: 14 E Hargett St, Raleigh
- Website: RaleighTimesBar.com
6. High Rail
Located on the seventh floor of the Hyatt House at historic Seaboard Station, High Rail is a sophisticated rooftop bar that blends panoramic city skyline views with elevated small‑plate dining and cocktails
In true respect to Raleigh’s industrial heritage, this bar, housed in a repurposed railway building, nods to Raleigh’s Seaboard Station heritage through sleek design, a wraparound bar, and mid-century modern seating that channels a swanky ’60s lounge aesthetic.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and the outdoor terrace bring the unparalled vistas of Raleigh into the space, creating an open and freeing atmosphere any time of day. The fireplace on the terrace is the perfect place to sit beside on a dry winter’s night.
There is a globally inspired menu with shareable meals and handcrafted cocktails, though prices are a bit on the steep end – it would make for a wonderful date night or special occasion venue.
The best time to come to High Rail is for sunset – we were wowed by those expansive views and the tangerine setting sun!
- Address: 11 Seaboard Ave 7th Floor, Raleigh, NC 27604
- Website: highrailraleigh.com
7. Urban Oak Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Raleigh’s tallest rooftop bar is Urban Oak, which sits on the 14th floor of the Tempo by Hilton in downtown Raleigh.
It offers sweeping city views from both a covered patio and open-air terrace – perfect for sundowners under starry skies.
Inside, a dramatic faux oak tree anchors the glamorous lounge, nodding to our city’s nickname, the “City of Oaks”, and creating an upscale yet inviting ambiance.
There are two rooftop bars – the north side features lush greenery, sofas, and stargazing opportunities, while the south side features a shaded, chic rooftop space with panoramic views. They seamlessly converge around a stylish indoor lounge/bar area.
The menu is tapas focused with shareable small plates, while the drinks menu is cocktail focused, with roughly a dozen signature cocktails on offer, plus wine and beer.
- Address: 200 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
- Website: urbanoakraleigh.com
8. Hibernian Pub
Nestled in the vibrant Glenwood South district, the Hibernian has been a local institution since 2000. It’s celebrated for bringing a genuine taste of Ireland to Raleigh and is known for its cozy interiors, lively atmosphere, live music, and strong community following.
Paying homage to Ireland, the inside is decorated with dark wood, sculpted bars, cozy nooks, and even a snug, but it’s the rooftop where the action is.
It’s one of the few pubs in the Glenwood South area to have a rooftop, which overlooks the historic neighborhood and has a high octane open-air energy on busy nights.
Foodwise it offers hearty Irish pub favorites such as fish and chips and burgers, whilst the drinks menu boasts Irish whiskeys, beers on tap, and signature cocktails. It’s also THE place to party for St Patrick’s Day. We love looking down on the crowds and live band on the street party below from their deck.
- Address: 311 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Website: hibernianpub.com
9. Raleigh Beer Garden (3rd level)
One of our favorite spots for a drink on a warm summer’s day is the aptly named Raleigh Beer Garden, which features several levels of outdoor seating.
It’s not just a staple institution in Raleigh, but one of America’s most legendary beer destinations, as it officially enters the Guinness World Records for having the largest variety of draft beers on tap (386+).
The spacious backyard and rooftop “garden” were renovated in 2024 and now feature mini‑golf (Hop Shots) and more family‑friendly fun games!
- Address: 614 Glenwood Ave Suite B, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Website: theraleighbeergarden.com
10. Tin Roof
Tin Roof bills itself as more of a “a live music joint” with deep roots in the local music scene, but it also has a wonderful rooftop overlooking the Glenwood South district.
It has a reputation for hearty, familiar pub grub, and has a vibe that’s all about community, creativity, and keeping the party alive.
While the ground floor hosts a stage and bar for live bands, the upstairs rooftop patio has its own bar, a DJ‑powered dancefloor on weekends and acoustic nights on weekdays.
- Address: 300 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Website: tinroofraleigh.com
11. Lynwood Grille and Brewing Concern
Lynnwood began as a local grill back in 2004 and added its name to one of Raleigh’s in-house breweries in 2013.
What started as neighborhood comfort food has become a craft‑beer destination with a relaxed rooftop-ish – more like a terrace -, 26 beers on tap, open air views and a rotating events calendar.
It doesn’t have views like the other bars on this list, but it has a vibe – it often hosts trivia nights, has rotating food trucks, family events, and local sports on 30 HD TVs.
- Address: 4821 Grove Barton Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
- Website: lynnwoodgrill.com
13. La Terrazza Raleigh
Lastly, another downtown rooftop bar, La Terrazza. Located on the 9th floor of The Dillon in Raleigh’s Warehouse District, La Terrazza is one of the newest elevated restaurants which opened in May 2024 by the team behind Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar.
It has a stylish and modern decor, with a large indoor space with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and an expansive terrace delivering increcible panoramic scenes of Raleigh’s skyline.
On the menu, the bar offers mediterranean cuisine alongside a curated wine list and craft cocktails. Despite it looking sleek and modern, the dress code is more business-casual with a more relaxed tone.
- Address: 223 S West St 9th Floor, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Website: laterrazzaraleigh.com
Final thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a nice date spot, or to socialize with friends or work colleagues, there’s a Raleigh rooftop bar for you and each of the bars listed offer a unique experience and are beloved by locals.
When you see Raleigh from above, you’ll appreciate why it’s nicknamed the City of Oaks, one of our favorite reasons for living in Raleigh is all the trees and greenery and it can feel like the city is in the middle of a forest – we’ll drink to that!
More Bars in Raleigh
Need more inspiration for places to drink in Raleigh? Here are some other guides on bars in Raleigh…
- Popular Raleigh cocktail bars
- Awesome sports bars in Raleigh
- Local Raleigh breweries
- Top Raleigh wine bars
Which of these rooftop bars are you most looking forward to visiting? Let us know in the comments.
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