The best rooftop bars in Atlanta

The renovation of this iconic dive hotel in Poncey-Highland turned the Hotel Clermont into a must-see rooftop spot. The Astroturf-covered space features retro furniture, plants, a cute bar shack, and chill vibes. Sip a frosé when it’s hot, a hot toddy when it’s not, snack on flavorful street food and enjoy the beautiful views. An excellent way to end a day, the rooftop views are especially stunning as the sun goes down.

You’ll be hard-pressed to say which is more stunning — the panoramic views of the Centennial Park District or the luxurious, handcrafted fusion cocktails served at this chic Downtown spot. SkyLounge, the sophisticated rooftop lounge located on the 11th floor of the historic Glenn Hotel, has the perfect combo of class and quality for a breezy, beautiful night out above it all. The rooftop area is covered, so dress your best and don't worry about the weather.

As if a rooftop amusement park weren’t enough, Ponce City Market also features a beer garden up on its roof. 9 Mile Station offers local beers, innovative craft cocktails, sophisticated shots, a nice wine selection and an elevated menu of European-inspired American fare. After a few drinks, wave at the shoppers below and challenge a friend to a round of mini-golf. The rooftop here has everything you need for a fun-filled night out.

Stunning skyline views are on tap at Drawbar at the Bellyard Hotel in Midtown. Innovative cocktails look as good as they taste, and small bites include Southern favorites like pimento cheese deviled eggs and salt and malt vinegar pork rinds. Looking for some lighthearted after work fun? Stop by during Recess at Drawbar from 4-7, Monday-Thursday for $10 signature cocktails like the Jim Class (Jim Beam, demerara syrup, grapefruit juice) or the Teacher's Lounge (Aperol, Wycliff Champagne, soda water).

The Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Buckhead boasts a breezy rooftop bar with well-crafted cocktails and elevated bar snacks. St. Julep’s location on the ninth floor of the hotel overlooks East Paces Ferry Road and features miles of views. Try a Saville Sour (gin, elderflower, earl grey, lemon) or a Wheelz of Steel (Monkey Shoulder, blueberry, coconut water, yuzu lemon, orgeat), and pair with a house-made corn dog, Sichuan tots or spiked soft serve.

The top floor of the Hotel Reverb by Hard Rock is home to the trendy RT60. From here you’ll get not only sweeping views of the downtown Atlanta skyline, but a fabulous view of the stunning Mercedes-Benz Stadium (the impressive building looks even more amazing at night). Local DJs and live music set the vibe for socializing on the stylish rooftop terrace. Sip signature cocktails like a Caribbean Mai Tai or a spicy margarita and nibble on a selection of shareable plates.

Buzzy, colorful Gypsy Kitchen in Buckhead serves drinks and dishes from Spain tinged with Moroccan and Indian flavors. The Mediterranean vibe is enhanced by sweeping views of Peachtree Street and the towering skyscrapers of Buckhead. Enjoy tapas, sangria, Spanish lager and more. Rooftop brunch is popular as well as Under the Mediterranean Sun each Sunday, featuring a live flamenco guitarist and a rotating selection of wines and dishes from each week’s featured region of the Mediterranean.

Great beer, local food and a fun brewery tour are all reasons to check out New Realm Brewing. But the brewery also offers lively views of bustling Beltline Park. The expansive rooftop patio is perfect for an outdoor pint, and it’s also where you’ll find weekly trivia nights and cornhole tournaments. You might catch a yoga class down below but up on the roof with a cold beer is probably where you’d rather be. 

Quite possibly the sexiest rooftop bar in Midtown, Virtue is located atop the popular restaurant 5Church. Dress to impress and you’ll be rewarded with delightful cocktails, an extensive selection of wine and beer, sophisticated small plates and of course a view. This spacious rooftop terrace, with its swanky but fun atmosphere, unique design touches, live musicians and a rotating roster of DJs, is perfect for both pre-dinner (downstairs of course) drinks or a night out with friends.

Republic Social House is a straightforward, relaxed neighborhood bar with a terrace overlooking Grant Park. There’s nothing fancy here, but great drinks (craft beer, drafts and cocktails), classic pub fare and a friendly vibe. The bar hosts trivia nights, bingo, poker and darts. The covered patio is heated in winter, making it a particularly cozy option for outdoor drinking. It’s a great spot to gather with friends and unwind while enjoying views of the park.

While the roof deck may not be too high up, it still affords great views of the street activity below. You never know who or what you’ll see wandering by, as Little Five Points remains a neighborhood full of interesting characters. Plus, after a few beers and a Carpetbagger (a burger stuffed with blue cheese, PBR-battered, deep-fried and dipped in buffalo sauce), you’ll definitely need some fresh air. 

For fun times and panoramic views of Midtown Atlanta, head to the rooftop at Rowdy Tiger. This energetic spot is inspired by speakeasies located in homes, so the rooftop is like your friend’s backyard. You’ll find cozy fire pits, lawn games, comfy sofas and an outdoor whiskey bar offering one ounce tastings and whiskey cocktails. It’s an escape from the urban grind with the bonus of fab skyline views, a top spot to kick back and relax with friends above it all.

Central to many of Atlanta’s major attractions, the rooftop bar at Suite Food Lounge overlooks Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, State Farm Arena, and other local landmarks. It’s a classy but welcoming spot and is known for its day parties that last well into the night. So stop by after a night out Downtown or enjoy a lively round of day drinking with spectacular views of the bustling Downtown neighborhood.

This sleek spot in Midtown is home to some of the most innovative sushi in Atlanta. On top of that, O-Ku has an extensive sake list and a menu of cocktails that feature Japanese whiskey, shochu, Asian fruits and other creative ingredients. Best of all, you can enjoy your cocktails up on the airy rooftop’s comfy couches and cozy tables. It's perfect for a celebratory night out or an intimate alfresco date.

Big steins of beer, soft pretzels, schnitzels, sauerkraut and more make Der Biergarten a classic German beer garden. It’s Atlanta’s first indoor/outdoor beer garden, and boasts a festive atmosphere with Downtown views. The extensive beer selection — with many German beers on tap and bottles from Germany, Ireland, England, and Belgium — is unmatched. It’s hard not to have a good time while drinking from a boot-shaped stein al fresco, especially when accompanied by giant pretzels and delicious German fare.

A fish camp in the middle of Atlanta? It’s a stretch, but Six Feet Under creates that vibe with a laid-back decor and baskets of seafood and fried dishes. The rooftop views of Grant Park and the city skyline remind you of your urban surroundings (while views of the cemetery remind you to live it up), and a solid beer selection plus an extensive cocktail list make this one of the city’s most popular alfresco options. 

The Atlantic Station location of this local tavern chain — popular for its cocktails and fishbowls — is home to HOBNOB HIGH UP, a beautiful rooftop patio. Sunset views are amazing, but any time is a good time to enjoy a drink or a bite of "Tavern Fare with a Southern Flair" while gazing down on Atlantic Station’s courtyard or out on the Midtown Skyline. With one of the most comprehensive Bourbon lists, HOBNOB hosts monthly Bourbon Club meetings.

Fado Irish Pub in Buckhead is the spot for English Premier League football, and you’ll find fans here watching matches at all hours of the day. It has all the standard trappings of an Irish pub, with a surprisingly elevated menu — even their traditional rashers and breakfast puddings use locally-sourced ingredients. But the rooftop terrace is where it’s at, with a comfortable and convivial vibe that offers fantastic views.