Rooftop Bars

As little as a decade ago, rooftop bars were almost unheard of in the US.

Though some may have experienced a cocktail while taking in the views of a foreign land, many of us weren’t lucky enough to have the same experience here in the US. 

Since then, a revolution has occurred and rooftop bars have gained a new lease of life.

Instead of being limited to the views of a few select states, most cities in the US will now have at least one rooftop bar for guests to enjoy. 

Some major cities in key US states will have several different ones, each one catering to a different group of people.

In fact, many hotels are using these rooftop bars as a key part of their marketing campaigns, using it to entice people from all different backgrounds to visit their state.

If these campaigns have left you feeling a little confused, or overwhelmed with so many options available to you, then don’t worry, as this list compiles the best rooftop bars currently available.

With family friendly options, and more sophisticated rooftop bars that allow you to drink cocktails long into the night, you’re bound to find somewhere you want to be this summer. 

Without further ado, let’s get into the ultimate list of the best rooftop bars in the US. 

The Up Room

Located on the 13th floor of the Robey Chicago, this intimate rooftop bar provides you with some of the best views in Chicago.

Listed as one of the best rooftop bars in Chicago by Cool Things Chicago, it’s worth a visit if you’re ever in the city.

With a luxurious, exclusive experience and 35 comfortable lounge seats, there may be a wait during busy periods.

If you’re looking for a roof bar with an innovative cocktail menu that allows you to view the best sights in Chicago, however, it’s well worth the wait.

Altitude Sky Lounge

Altitude’s Sky Lounge provides the highest views of any drinking establishment in San Diego, and is located on the 22nd floor of the Altitude hotel.

If you’re a sports fan, this rooftop bar is perfect for you as it allows you a great view of nearby Petco Park, where the Padres often play.

Even if you aren’t a fan, their infamous cheesesteaks and 7$ cocktail menu gives you plenty to do while viewing the surrounding sites.

City Lights Rooftop

City Lights Rooftop is the only award winning 360-degree view of the Queen City skyline, making it the perfect destination for tourists and locals alike.

It is also the largest rooftop bar in Charlotte and regularly creates the perfect night out destination for party loving friends.

To create an atmosphere not dissimilar to a nightclub, this rooftop is kitted out with LED rooftop furniture as well as an exciting list of weekly live music and a rotating DJ roaster.

Columbia Room

Columbia Room is a relatively new rooftop bar, opened as a new addition to Derek Brown’s infamous DC cocktail bar.

Having received lots of buzz from the locals, this new bar is now being celebrated by people from all around the country—and you could be next.

Kitted out with twinkling strings of lights and freshly grown herbs, this environment is perfect for those looking for a sophisticated way to relax after a long day of exploring.

MBar

Just a couple of years old, MBar has quickly become a favourable location in the heart of Seattle.

Entering through a neon-lit corridor, you will instantly be faced with breath-taking views of the city’s biggest monuments, including the infamous Space Needle.

One of the larger rooftop bar options on our list, MBar offers a variety of different food and drink options that allow you to catch up with friends long into the night.

Monarch Club

Monarch Club is a newly-opened rooftop bar located in Detroit; the first open to the public in the city for a long time.

On the 13th floor of the Element Hotel, this 150 seat bar has three terraces that are open to all ages, with an indoor option if it gets cold.

Don’t let the family-friendly experience put you off, however, as this rooftop bar does include a number of speciality cocktails for you to enjoy, as well as expansive views of the local area.

Sugar At EAST

Miami, Considered to be a highlight of downtown Miami, Sugar at EAST is a sleek rooftop bar located on the 40th floor of the EAST hotel.

Carrying on the Asian influences, Sugar at EAST possess Balinese furnishings and exotic plants that will make you feel like you’re living in a Bollywood movie.

The views are traditionally Floridian however, with one of the most famous being the growing skyline.

Percheron

If you’re looking for a rooftop bar with plenty of history, Percheron is the place for you.

Located on the top of Crossroads Hotel, this is Kansas City’s first rooftop beer garden.

Having been a Pabst Blue bottling plant in a previous life, this hotel pays homage to its past with a drink, the ice-old PBR, named after the horses of said brewery.

Ophelia Lounge

New York City isn’t short on rooftop bars but Ophelia Lounge, which sits on top of Beekman Tower in Manhattan is one of its best.

Considered a hidden treasure by many, this sophisticated establishment takes artistic inspiration from the neighbourhood it sits in.

This theme is also carried through to their reasonably priced cocktail menu, which you can enjoy alongside views of the East River and Manhattan skylines.

P6

Located in Austin on the top floor of the parking garage at The Line Hotel, P6 is the perfect place to go if you’re looking to bask in the Texan sun.

With panoramic views of the Lady Bird Lake and a hip interior, the atmosphere is perfect for those wanting a chilled lunch destination or somewhere to relax after a long day.

To prevent overheating from the sun, this rooftop bar focuses on cool alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a number of light Mediterranean dishes to please your taste buds on the hottest summer days.