Rooftop Bars Atlanta: 31+ Must Visit Spots for Cool Drinks and Awesome Views

There is something cosmopolitan about sipping cocktails high above the bustling city on patio rooftop bars.

Atlanta has a growing list of rooftop establishments with amazing views of everything from high-rise skylines, to suburban neighborhoods, and even a cemetery (which is actually very cool). Here are some of the best rooftop bars Atlanta has to offer!

COOLEST PLACES TO STAY (WITH ROOFTOP BARS) IN ATLANTA

• Best Downtown Views. Home of the famous Sun Dial Restaurant and Lounge, you can enjoy 360-degree views of Downtown Atlanta from the Westin Peachtree Plaza‘s restaurant. You’re also steps away from the Georgia Aquarium.

• Best Buckhead Views. Kimpton – Sylvan Hotel, an IHG Hotel features accommodations with free bikes, private parking, a fitness center and a garden. You’ll enjoy breezy cocktails, fun bar snacks, and views for days from their rooftop bar, St. Julep.

• Best Perimeter Views. AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Perimeter provides accommodations with a fitness center, private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. You’ll love the Perimeter Center’s skyline views from its rooftop bar, Bar Peri.

CLASSIC ROOFTOP BARS IN ATLANTA YOU MUST VISIT AT LEAST ONCE

NINE MILE STATION

Ponce City Market | 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE | Atlanta | 770-999-1532

Ponce City Market changed the game with Skyline Park, their rooftop playground that includes a fun carnival atmosphere amid sweeping city views.  You’ll love their rooftop restaurant beer garden Nine Mile Station, and a newly opened speakeasy RFD Social, named for a 1920’s radio program that was once broadcasted from the tower.

NEW REALM BREWERY

550 Somerset Terrace NE | #101, Atlanta | 404-968-2777

Our favorite spot at New Realm Brewing is a bar stool along the railing with great views overlooking the Atlanta BeltLine. Nosh on some wood-fired hot pretzels while you sip your craft brew. If you are hungry, they serve more than pub burgers here too.

THE SUN DAIL

The Westin Peachtree Plaza | 210 Peachtree Street | Atlanta | 404-589-7506

Take a glass elevator 723 feet above the city to the Westin’s rooftop bar, The Sun Dial. This Atlanta classic has been a favorite since I was a kid. I remember my aunt and cousins taking me here for a Shirley Temple, and panoramic views of downtown via the rotating rooftop restaurant. Unfortunately, the restaurant no longer rotates, but those views are still as stunning as ever.

SKYLOUNGE

The Glenn Hotel | 110 Marietta St NW | Atlanta | 404-521-2250

The best views of Downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Atlanta Ferris wheel are from the top of The Glenn Hotel, part of Marriott’s Autograph collection. The SkyLounge rooftop bar is one of the most popular in the city, and even if you aren’t a hotel guest, you can still enjoy the amazing views for a $5 cover on weekends and event nights.

SIX FEET UNDER PUB & FISH HOUSE

437 Memorial Dr. SE | 404-523-6664 | views of Oakland Cemetery

Six Feet Under Pub and Fish House has been serving up dramatic views of historic Oakland Cemetery and the Atlanta skyline since 2002, way before it was the thing to do. Don’t miss the craft beer selection and Oakland-themed cocktails like Tombstone Tea and Pushin’ Up Daisies at this Grant Park institution.

Come for happy hour and take a post-drink stroll through Oakland’s 48 acres of lush gardens and unique historical monuments. Be sure to visit the final resting places of golf legend Bobby Jones, Gone With the Wind author Margaret Mitchell, and Atlanta mayor Maynard Jackson while you’re there. The cemetery closes at dusk.

EXPERT’S PICK OF BEST ROOFTOP BARS IN ATLANTA

As parents of children from 5 years old to 25 years old, Lesli and I aren’t frequenting as many rooftops as we’d like, so we enlisted the help of Henna Bakshi of ATL Rooftops to help us with this list and to tell us her absolute favorites. Here’s what she said.

O-KU

Westside Ironworks | 1085 Howell Mill Rd. NW A3 | Atlanta | 404-500-2383

My favorite rooftop patio is O-ku in West Midtown. They have sweeping views of Midtown, Downtown and Buckhead, all paired with some of the best sushi I’ve ever had. Their cocktails change seasonally and the sake selection is wonderful, too. I tend to get their aburi style hamachi toro nigiri (torched yellowtail belly) and the crunch roll that comes topped with fried onions, with a pour of funaguchi sake. (This is one of Lesli and Sue’s favorites, too.)

NIKOLAI’S ROOF

Hilton Atlanta | 255 Courtland St. NE | Atlanta | 404-221-6362

This was an unexpectedly lovely find for date night Nikolai’s Roof at the Hilton Downtown. You don’t imagine hotel restaurants can be all that great, but Nikolai’s is a French-Russian fusion restaurant with a pretty upscale atmosphere. Nestled on the 30th floor, the views are spectacular. The burgundy escargot tart is one of my favorite things to get there, and my husband, Andy, loves the lamb chomps and creme brûlée.

I highly recommend going at night — the tables are candle-lit, the skyline sparkles, and your waiter, with a velvety Russian accent, takes care of your every need. It’s great fun!

GYPSY KITCHEN

3035 Peachtree Rd NE Suite A209 | Atlanta | 404-939-9840 

The Gypsy Kitchen offers a spectacular rooftop view and also excellent cuisine. Their restaurant draws inspiration from the culinary riches of Spain – infused with Moroccan traditions from across Gibraltar and Indian influences that traveled west along the same seas.  Centuries of the interplay between these food traditions and lands inspire their Iberian fusion plates.

ST JULEP BUCKHEAD ROOFTOP

374 East Paces Ferry Road | Atlanta | 470 531 8902

Floating nine stories over East Paces Perry Road at the top of the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel, St Julep invites Atlanta to come one, come all for breezy cocktails, kicked-up bar snacks, and views for days. This place is a true oasis in the sky. This place has a laid-back vibe, weekend DJ sets, and hidden design surprises around the rooftop deck.

SOUTH MAIN KITCHEN

9 S. Main St. | Alpharetta | 678-691-4622

It’s a miracle anytime Andy and I make it outside the perimeter…but we do! South Main Kitchen in Alpharetta is a great spot. All of their ingredients are locally sourced (yay)! What’s really to die for is their house-made red cabbage chow-chow. I begged the chef to sell me a jar! He said they will be bottling up that delicious goodness soon but couldn’t sell it to me just yet. Haha.

Their outdoor rooftop is quaint and perfect for an afternoon or evening meal. I especially loved their grilled octopus with lentils.

BAR PERI

AC Hotel Atlanta Perimeter | 40 Perimeter Center Place | Dunwoody

Atop the newly opened AC Hotel Atlanta Perimeter hotel is Bar Peri which is the first rooftop bar in the area, offering tapas-style small plates, innovative cocktails, and high-end service complemented by unparalleled skyline views of the city.  The hotel is just a short drive from Buckhead and Downtown Atlanta, across the street from the popular Perimeter Mall.

FOR A CASUAL EVENING – COME AS YOU ARE

BARLEYGARDEN KITCHEN & CRAFT BAR

Avalon Alpharetta | 900 1st Street | Alpharetta | 678-266-6218

Forgo the cocktail for a local beer from Barleygarden’s impressive brew options. Don’t know much about craft brews? Don’t worry, they cater to newbies, beer geeks, and everyone. Pair your hand-crafted brew with scrumptious meats from The Spotted Trotter and locally baked bread. Our go-to is the hot pretzels.

JEKYLL BREWING COMPANY

Alpharetta City Center | 15 Academy Street Suite 1E | Alpharetta | 470-273-5932
Marconi Taproom | 2855 Marconi Drive Suite 350 | Alpharetta| 470-273-5932

Jekyll Brewing, the first brewery located in Alpharetta expanded to Alpharetta City Center in the summer of 2019 taking the upper floor of the Exchange Building in a space that includes a 2500-square-foot rooftop deck overlooking Market Street Park. The two-level, 6500-square-foot-space, allows Jekyll to not only brew on site but also offer a tasting room and a full-service restaurant. Located at the Corner of Academy St. and Market St., the third-story rooftop deck features 360-degree views of downtown and the surrounding area.

GRINDHOUSE KILLER BURGERS

433 N. McDonough St. | Decatur | 404-400-0509

Grindhouse Killer Burger’s Decatur outpost has a unique feature, a breezy 21-and-over rooftop deck.  Couple of things that make this rooftop restaurant slash sports bar unique  – cheesy old movies on the big screens, and boozy milkshakes – creamy, handspun milkshakes spiked with flavor filled liquor. Come on Monday nights to play Dirty South Trivia with the locals.

EDDIE’S ATTIC

515-B N. McDonough St. | Decatur | 404-377-4976

Tucked away between Decatur City Hall and above a Waffle House is Decatur’s gem, Eddie’s Attic. Step into the alley, enter the side door and go up the stairs. To the left, is the legendary “listening room” that launched stellar acts including The Indigo Girls, John Mayer, Sugarland, and Shawn Mullins…but to the right is the rooftop deck. Grab yourself one of Eddie’s specialty mules and enjoy the sounds from the listening room (they’re piped in) as you watch the sun go down and the stars come out.

MCCRAY’S TAVERN ON THE SQUARE

100 N. Perry St. | Lawrenceville | 770-407-6754

Sip craft beer or cocktails while overlooking historic downtown Lawrenceville from the McCray’s Tavern patio deck.

They are a classic American Tavern with a large and diverse menu that includes mouth-watering burgers, tasty sandwiches, huge salads, tempting full entrees, daily specials, and a children’s menu. There is a full bar with over 40 beers on tap, a separate dining room, a private event room, and lots of TVs to watch your favorite game.

They are open late every Friday and Saturday with live music and boast an impressive skyline view!

THE EARL AND RACHEL SMITH STRAND THEATRE

117 N. Park Square | Marietta |770-293-0080

The Historic Marietta Square has a very modern rooftop. The Cobb Terrace of the Strand Theatre is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. In addition to a bird’s eye views of the Square and nearby Kennesaw Mountain, the Strand has live music.

FADO IRISH PUB

Buckhead Atlanta | 273 Buckhead Ave NE | 404-841-0066

Fado Irish Pub at Buckhead Village is the place to go for soccer fans. Cheer on your favorite English Premier League team or our own Atlanta United team. The rooftop here doesn’t have sweeping views of Buckhead, but it does have stone walls and large murals depicting Ireland’s rugged landscape.

Fadó recently unveiled an expanded streetside patio to complement their rooftop garden. Guests can enjoy the pub’s full food and beverage offerings, and fans and TVs with audio in both outdoor areas.

STEAMHOUSE LOUNGE

1051 W Peachtree St NW | Midtown Atlanta

Steamhouse Lounge in Midtown Atlanta is where you’ll find great oysters, their award-winning lobster bisque, the freshest seafood, ice cold bottle beer and and their signature Goombay Smash.

You’ll love the comfortable atmosphere and the great Midtown views from their patio deck.

GRANA PIEDMONT

1835 Piedmont Ave | Atlanta

Grana Piedmont offers Italian food and delicious drinks. Their first-come, first-serve rooftop is a great place to enjoy one of their famous Meatball Flights!

Grana also has a location in Dunwoody that doesn’t have a rooftop, but does have a fun outdoor patio.

UPSCALE BARS TO BREAK IN YOUR NEW OUTFIT

HIGH NOTE ROOFTOP BAR

53 14th Street NE | Midtown Atlanta

Positioned between AC Hotel and Moxy Atlanta Midtown, High Note is a great spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the amazing Midtown Atlanta views.

Enjoy a cocktail or mocktail from their drink menu, or try something from their southern-infused dining menu, while enjoying the open courtyard atmosphere.

OVERDRIVE LOUNGE

Solis | Two Porsche Drive | Atlanta | 470-466-3300

Located atop the eighth floor of Solís Two Porsche Drive Hotel, Overdrive Lounge has one of the most unique views in the city – that of the Porsche Experience Center’s car track, as well as planes landing on the runways at nearby Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  The short rib flatbread with fig and onion jam topped with manchego and mozzarella cheese is a total winner in my book. Pair it with a refreshing hand-crafted Ginger-Thyme Blood Orange Sparkler.

SPACEMAN

Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta | 3301 Lenox Square Parkway NE | Atlanta | 470-391-1234

Take in amazing views of Buckhead and the surrounding lively Lenox Square District from high above on the 15th floor at Spaceman’s rooftop lounge and bar.

Located at Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta, this year-round destination provides interior and exterior lounge options where you can enjoy delicious, shareable dishes along with exotic craft cocktails while admiring the breathtaking views.

Enjoy delicious cocktails like the Southern Sunset or the Spaceman Old Fashioned, before enjoying yummy eats like their Cauliflower Wings, Blackened Shrimp Tacos, or Lamb Sliders.

HOTEL CLERMONT

789 Ponce De Leon Ave NE | Atlanta | 470-485-0485

The Hotel Clermont has been a landmark on Ponce De Leon since 1924. The hotel (not to be confused with the basement, Clermont Lounge) has been under renovation of one kind or another since 2014, and finally, the renovation is complete, and it is FABULOUS!

The Clermont’s rooftop bar feels like a vintage early 70’s backyard with mismatched comfy patio furniture. Your bar bill is delivered in an old-fashioned cassette case. Plan to arrive early for this popular darling of the Atlanta rooftop bar scene. Hotel guests are always welcome, but the public is admitted as space allows. It’s not unheard of for patrons to rent a room just to access the patio.

LOCAL MOTIVES

45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard | Atlanta | 678-500-3190

The hotel restaurants at W Atlanta – Downtown Atlanta boast a mix of organic-inspired spaces to meet, mingle, sip and savor the flavors of the South. Local Motives restaurant blends an innovative, art-filled aesthetic with locally-sourced American cuisine. The Living Room is the place to gather and grab a coffee or cocktail, while the buzzing scene at our rooftop WETBAR overlooking attractions in nearby downtown Atlanta simply must be seen. 

ROSE & RYE

3377 Peachtree Rd NE | Atlanta | 678-500-3190

Perched atop the Hotel Colee, Rosé & Rye (formerly Whiskey Blue) undoubtedly plays hosts to one of the best views in Atlanta. Guests arrive at the newly renovated rooftop bar from an all-glass elevator that ascends 125 feet high above the city’s skyline, with Buckhead and Lenox Square to one side, and Midtown to the other.

Featuring two outdoor patios, a 66-foot long art mural from local Atlanta artist Chis Veal, and floor-to-ceiling light installation, Rosé & Rye has a vibe unlike any other.

ROWDY TIGER ROOFTOP

Renaissance Hotel Atlanta | 866 West Peachtree Street Northwest | 678-412-2402

Rowdy Tiger Rooftop is a seasonal, one-of-a-kind eatery at the Renaissance Hotel Atlanta. This is a more hidden rooftop bar in Atlanta featuring views of Midtown, along with intimate firepit seating, outdoor games, an Instagram-worthy mural, and more.

They’ve got an extensive whiskey selection, and small bites from the downstairs kitchen menu.  It’s the perfect place for weekend get-togethers, and happy hour.

ATLANTA BARS WITHOUT ROOFTOPS, BUT SCENIC VIEWS

RESTART BAR AT ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY

1500 Hwy 19/41 South | Hampton | 770-946-3954

The best seat is the house at Atlanta Motor Speedway is 20 rows up from the track at the Restart Bar, which is a nod to the NASCAR restart zone on the track’s front stretch.  Sipping cocktails at one of the high tops while you hear and feel the rush of the cars below puts you in the middle of the action. Need something a little less intense – step inside for a quieter experience. Note the Restart Bar is only open during NASCAR race weekends or other track events.

Insider Tip: While the action on the track is impressive, the sunsets at Atlanta Motor Speedway really take the checkered flag.

ATLAS

St. Regis Atlanta | 88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW | Atlanta | 404-600-6471

Atlas has a fantastic garden style patio that’s perfect for a cozy date night cocktail. But the reason we’re adding it to this list is the art collection inside the restaurant. Ask the maître d’ for an iPad guide to the original works throughout the restaurant that include pieces from Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh. Then head to the patio to discuss the works over your favorite beverage.

MEDIEVAL TIMES

5900 Sugarloaf Pkwy. |  Lawrenceville | 770-225-0230

What could be more fun that sipping a mug of ale at an authentic medieval joust? The Medieval Times dinner theatre isn’t just fun for the kids, adults love the glory, chivalry and valor of an authentic jousting tournament where six brave knights compete in games of skill astride magnificent Andalusian stallions – and of course there are some sword battles along the way too.

CAFE INTERMEZZO

4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road | Dunwoody | 770-396-1344

Transport yourself to a Parisian Cafe right in the heart of Dunwoody. Cafe Intermezzo is tucked inside a typical suburban strip mall across from Perimeter Mall, but it feels worlds away. The spacious patio looks out onto a sidewalk and other shops. I like to come here for the deliciously decadent desserts like tortes, tarts, cheesecakes, pies, and pretty much every sweet treat you can imagine.

Cafe Intermezzo also has wines by the glass or bottle and hundreds of liquors and liqueurs.

ATLANTA BARS WITH CHATTAHOOCHEE VIEWS

MOXIE BURGER

555 South Atlanta Street, Suite A600 | Roswell | 678-878-4411

Moxie Burger is a neighborhood gathering place that is family-friendly. Head out to their back patio for a view overlooking the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area.

RAY’S ON THE RIVER

6700 Powers Ferry Rd NW | Sandy Springs | 770-955-1187

At Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs you can enjoy a cocktail along the banks of the Chattahoochee River.

CANOE

4199 Paces Ferry Rd SE | Atlanta | 770-432-2663

Happy hour is so relaxing while sitting comfortably in an Adirondack chair overlooking the Chattahoochee River. Canoe’s gorgeous garden on the river makes it feel like an oasis far away from the hustle and bustle of the city just minutes away.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR ATLANTA VISIT

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
• ATLANTA: 53+ Things To Do in Atlanta You Should Not Miss (From Locals in the Know)
• DATE NIGHTS: 17 Best Date Night Restaurants in Atlanta
• ATLANTA SUNSETS: 12 Stunning Spots to Watch the Perfect Sunset
• ALPHARETTA: 35+ Amazing Alpharetta Restaurants Locals Love

WHERE TO STAY IN ATLANTA