6 must-visit rooftop bars and cocktail spots with skyline views in Raleigh

Summer is often spent looking for any way to have fun in the sun. Elevate your next drinks with friends with a bird’s eye view of the city. Rooftop dining experiences have popped up around the Triangle, offering dinner, drinks and dessert with a heightened experience.

Here are a few you don’t want to miss.

#1 Level7 Rooftop

Located at the top floor of the AC Hotel North Hills, this lounge offers heated seating and custom cocktails in a relaxed setting. It’s centrally located to other activities such as Kings Bowling, Regal Cinema and Woodhouse Spa. Level7 regularly hosts private parties, themed brunches and daytime socials. Location: 101 Park at N. Hills St., Raleigh

#2 Urban Oak Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh around the corner from the convention center is Urban Oak Rooftop Bar & Lounge. As the city’s tallest rooftop lounge, Urban Oak offers upscale metropolitan views catered to the young professional. The restaurant hosts Industry nights on Monday evenings and Wine Wednesdays. Location: 200 W. Davie St., Raleigh

#3 Botanical Lounge

Offering three levels of experiences, the Botanical Lounge features a rooftop terrace with table service, greenery and a view of Glenwood South. This space maintains a nightlife atmosphere with live music, dance floors and private events — but still offers a variety of food, from oysters and croquettes to tacos and ribeye. Location: 419 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh

#4 The Willard Rooftop

In between downtown Raleigh’s Warehouse District and Glenwood South sits this two-terraced experience on the top floor of the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown. City skyline views and heated seating offers a cozy venue for drinks, events and reasonably priced eats. Location: 9 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh

#5 High Rail Raleigh Rooftop at Seaboard Station

With panoramic views of the city this lounge near William Peace University offers Italian, Hispanic and American flavors. Prior to becoming a hub for shops, restaurants and hotels, Seaboard Station was once a historic railroad station. Created during the Jim Crow Era, the location plays an important role in North Carolina history. Location: 11 Seaboard Ave., 7th Floor, Raleigh

#6 Sixty Vines

This chain wine bar opened a Raleigh location in Dec 2025. With entrées such as pizza, pasta and steak, the Italian inspired restaurant has become a staple of North Hills during its six months in the city. The two-story building offers an elevated street view with up to 400 seats. Location: 4000 Center at North Hills St., Suite 110, Raleigh

Reporter Drew Jackson contributed to this story.

AC

Autumn Coleman

The News & Observer

Drew Jackson

The News & Observer

919-829-4707

Drew Jackson writes about restaurants and dining for The News & Observer and The Herald-Sun, covering the food scene in the Triangle and North Carolina.