The rise of rooftop culture in the Triangle.
BY DATHAN KAZSUK
North Carolina isn’t exactly the first place that comes to mind when you think of rooftop bar culture. That distinction usually goes to New York, Miami, and maybe even Nashville with its boot-stomping rooftop stages. But if you’ve looked up lately while walking through Raleigh or Durham, you’ve probably noticed something: Our cities are finally taking the hint. Rooftops are in, and the Triangle is climbing skyward—one cocktail at a time.
For years, Level7 in Raleigh’s North Hills was quietly serving espresso martinis and sunset views without much rooftop competition. It was the exception, not the rule. But in the last year or two, the game has changed. Seemingly overnight, rooftop spaces have gone from novelty to necessity. They’re the new benchmark for where to meet after work, take a date or sip a Negroni while pretending you’re not checking your phone every three minutes.
There’s no better setting for a romantic evening than a rooftop bathed in golden-hour light. Whether it’s a first date or your 15th anniversary, something about being eye level with the skyline turns even the simplest cocktail into a shared memory.
There’s something special about a good rooftop. The elevation. The fresh air. The view of the skyline. And for business owners? It’s real estate gold. One extra level means more square footage, bigger views and a front-row seat to every sunset selfie.
RALEIGH RISES UP
In Raleigh, places such as The Willard and 10th & Terrace helped bring rooftop vibes to downtown proper. The Willard, perched atop the AC Hotel, opened in 2021 after what Conrad Most, the downtown Raleigh market food and beverage director for Summit Hospitality Group, described as “a labor of love.” Navigating supply shortages and delays post-Covid, the team pushed through and emerged with one of the most desirable rooftop settings in the city.
“We had a great honeymoon period here, and we’ve tried to stay fresh and keep things moving with new ideas and events,” Most says. “People respond to creativity—especially when it feels like something they can take home with them.
One of those creative hits is Cocktails & Cuisine, a monthly series designed to teach guests how to entertain at home like pros—without needing a commercial bar setup. It’s educational. It’s fun. And for the budget-conscious, it’s also a practical night out.
Over at 10th & Terrace, which recently celebrated seven years in downtown Raleigh, they’ve doubled down on comfort. Literally. A six-figure investment added a pergola system that covers a large part of the rooftop, shielding guests from sun and storms and extending the season well into fall and winter. “It’s not Miami weather here, but we’ve added heaters under the pergola to keep people cozy in November and December,” says Most. “The view’s still there. The vibe’s still there. Now you just don’t have to freeze for it.”
Conveniently located next to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts and within easy walking distance of Red Hat Amphitheater, both rooftop spots have leaned into event-driven traffic. During major concerts or conventions, they curate themed cocktails and limited-time menu items to match the crowd—without oversaturating the experience. “It’s not just about capitalizing on traffic,” Most adds. “It’s about reading the room—knowing what kind of guests are coming and giving them something they’ll remember.”
Not to be outdone, Durham’s skyline is getting its own buzz. Bull City is in on the action, from the sleek rooftop at Unscripted to the swanky new perch at The Velvet Hippo (yes, that’s a real name) and Fizzwerks, which offers up craft hard seltzers alongside cocktails and a great view.
Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the other rooftop spots in Raleigh and Durham:
Jolie
Inside Raleigh’s historic Oakwood neighborhood, Jolie is Chef Scott Crawford’s intimate French bistro, delivering charm and elegance. While the main dining room exudes cozy sophistication, it’s Le Rooftop that elevates the experience—literally and figuratively. Designed by Louis Cherry Architecture, the rooftop features a custom canopy, lush greenery and candlelit tables, creating a romantic atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city below. Guests can enjoy the full French bistro menu under the stars, making it an ideal setting for date nights and special occasions.
Highgarden
Highgarden, perched atop Glenwood South, offers an enchanting rooftop experience perfect for date nights. This open-air lounge boasts panoramic views of downtown Raleigh complemented by lush greenery, cozy cabanas and ambient lighting. The setting creates an intimate atmosphere where couples can enjoy craft cocktails, fine wines and small bites under the stars. Before its transformation into Highgarden, the location was home to Solas, a vibrant nightclub that was a staple in Raleigh’s nightlife scene.
High Rail
High Rail, located atop the Hyatt House at Seaboard Station, opened in November of last year. This seventh-floor venue offers panoramic views of the city skyline from its expansive 4,500-square-foot terrace, complete with fire pits, an outdoor bar and plush lounge seating. “The main attraction is the view, followed by our updated menu of signature elevated cocktails and sharable plates,” says Anthony Zinani, general manager of Hyatt House Raleigh Downtown/Seaboard Station. “[Director of restaurants] Ingrid Folkers did a fantastic job curating a menu specifically tailored for our space.”
The Lenny
Perched atop the 11th floor of 555 South Mangum Street, The Lenny is Durham’s latest rooftop gem. This elevated venue offers sweeping 180-degree views of downtown Durham, including a prime overlook of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Imagine watching a Bulls win on a night where the fireworks explode at eye level while enjoying a bottle of expensive sparkling wine and sipping on freshly shucked oysters! The menu features brasserie-style small plates with a creative twist, complemented by an agave-centric cocktail program. Whether you’re indulging in their Sunset Hour specials or enjoying a weekend brunch, The Lenny provides a vibrant atmosphere for any occasion.
The Velvet Hippo
Yes, The Velvet Hippo is a real place. And yes, it’s just as funky as it sounds. Sitting on the third floor of 119 Orange Street, this new addition to downtown Durham is mixed parts tropical escape, neighborhood bar and rooftop cocktail wonderland. It’s hard to define—but that’s kind of the point. Inside, it’s moody and lounge-y with serious “sip and stay awhile” energy. But head up to the rooftop and you’ll find a splash of color, a skyline view, and a drink menu that doesn’t take itself too seriously—slushies, mocktails, frozen things with umbrellas … you get the idea. It’s the kind of place where everyone’s welcome and no one’s judging your second round.
Fizzwerks
If you haven’t heard of Fizzwerks yet, that’s about to change. Tucked away at 618 Ramseur Street in Durham, this spot claims the title of the city’s first craft-brewed hard seltzer bar.
Owners Ragen Lowek and Andy Pruss aren’t just cracking open seltzer cans here—they’re doing everything in-house, using real fruit, herbs and whatever’s in season, giving their seltzers a fresh, punchy edge that puts the big-name brands to shame. And then there’s the rooftop. It offers chill vibes, low-key elegance, and an elevated view to remind you you’re in the middle of a city—but without all the noise.
The Roof at The Durham
Head up to the sixth floor of The Durham Hotel and you’ll discover The Roof at The Durham, which offers a quintessential rooftop experience in the heart of downtown for the past 10 years. This mid-century modern space boasts panoramic views of the city skyline, making it an ideal spot to catch a stunning sunset or enjoy the evening lights. “We recently brought back our oyster program and do oyster specials on Sundays,” says Andrew Trevillian, manager of food and beverage at The Durham Hotel. “We’re also doing a Build-Your-Own Spritz Bar on Sundays.”
WHAT’S FUELING THE TREND?
Blame it on the pandemic. Blame it on Instagram. Blame it on the Triangle finally growing up. Our cities are building higher, thinking smarter and designing with ambiance in mind. That extra floor isn’t just square footage. It’s an experience. It’s date night with a view. It’s happy hour with a breeze. “People want something different,” says Most. “And we’ve seen that rooftops give them a way to escape—without really going anywhere.”
And as rooftops become more ingrained in our drinking and dining culture, the competition is heating up in the best way. From themed events to rooftop yoga and curated playlists for Red Hat shows, it’s clear these venues aren’t just counting on the view to keep people coming back.
