.png)
INTRODUCTION
Asheville, NC, is not only known for its stunning mountain views and vibrant arts scene but also for its fantastic rooftop bars that offer a unique experience for special occasions. Whether celebrating a milestone, enjoying a date night, or simply wanting to unwind with friends, these rooftop bars in Asheville provide a perfect setting. In this blog post, we'll explore the top rooftop bars in Asheville, NC, where you can indulge in delicious cocktails, and delectable snacks, and create lasting memories.
To provide the best reviews, I have taken the time to tour along with my partner to share with you all these awesome places, and to highlight the best cocktails they have to offer! It can be frustrating and overwhelming to decide where to go and what each place is known for, so I hope if you find yourself reading this I can provide some helpful insight to enhance your Asheville vacation!
When you visit the mountains, I think you can agree with me that it is a refreshing experience. To be outside, gaze at the beauty of the mountains, and eat delicious food in some of the best weather. It does get cooler in the wintertime, but there are still ways to enjoy the mountains inside too!
The Montford Rooftop Bar offers stunning mountain views of the Asheville skyline. Perched atop the Double Tree Hotel downtown, this rooftop bar is the highest vantage point for a rooftop bar in downtown Asheville. From the outdoor patio, you can take in sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.
Our Experience: The Montford Rooftop bar was one of our favorite experiences. Normally I wouldn’t mention the parking recommendation until later, but this Rooftop bar offers free Valet parking! Just roll right into the front lot of the AC Hotel, and feel like royalty with professional valet services! Right off the bat, we didn’t have to worry about parking. It is, however, not located in the center of downtown, but on the outskirts close to the highway. But don’t let that deter you, The Montford Rooftop bar was the highest viewpoint from all the others and boasted more mountain views than city building views.
Access to the rooftop was super easy. There is an elevator specifically for the Montford Rooftop bar. As soon as you step out of the elevator you are greeted by a friendly host. The Montford Rooftop bar was not as large as the others, however, you are immediately greeted with stunning views that you can see from the entire bar.
We were fortunate enough to be at Montford Rooftop bar where the sun was setting. This Rooftop bar is the best Rooftop bar for the sunset, as it is facing directly west. Bring your sunnies! The view was amazing, and we enjoyed sipping our cocktails as the sun melted over the mountains.
Our waitress was very kind and knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. We also learned that all of their food was locally sourced and that the staff seemed like a tight-knit crew that felt supported by the management team.
Our waitress was very kind and knowledgeable about the menu and drinks. We also learned that all of their food was locally sourced and that the staff seemed like a tight-knit crew that felt supported by the management team. I always like to hear and support businesses that treat their employees well. We highly recommend checking out the Montford Rooftop bar when visiting!
Recommended Cocktails: “Bury Your Dead” “Persephone”
Located on the rooftop of Cambria Hotel, Hemingway's Cuba offers an authentic Cuban experience with its vibrant atmosphere and flavorful cocktails. Sip on their signature mojitos or daiquiris while enjoying stunning views of the city. Pair your drinks with mouthwatering Cuban snacks like empanadas or traditional Cuban sandwiches for the perfect rooftop experience!
Our Experience: Hemingway’s was a delightful Caribbean experience in the mountains. First off, you can make reservations if you would like, but they also have “first come, first serve” eating areas with spectacular views of the city, and views of the Pisgah mountain range. We could also see Mt. Pisgah from our table! Hemingway’s had options for your traditional table and chair seating, as well as comfy couches to enjoy. The couches and smaller tables are most of your “first come, first serve” areas. We were there on a Thursday evening, and there were usually always a couple of options available, so checking out Hemingway’s for a quick cocktail would be a good choice and shouldn’t be much of a wait, if any.
The ambiance of Hemingways included a Caribbean vibe, with tropical plants scattered throughout the deck. There was Latin music playing in the background that was at the perfect volume to enhance the Caribbean experience in the mountains! Once it got dark, the low-mood lightning was turned on which topped off the experience with a perfect ambiance.
The service was spectacular and very professional. Our waiter was very familiar with the menu and offered some of his favorite recommendations for food and drinks. Our Waiter also expressed his gratitude for working at Hemingways, which always says something about a business!
Before we get to our recommended cocktails, I did want to give you all some parking recommendations. Most street parking around the building will be hit or miss. I recommend parking at the Wall Street Garage, especially if you’re there on a weekend. Parking was free for the first hour. We parked there for about 2 hours and were only charged $2.
Recommended Cocktails: “Hemingway Sunset” “Paradise Falls”
CAPELLA ON 9
Situated on the ninth floor of the AC Hotel, Capella on 9 boasts a modern and sophisticated ambiance. Their rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Indulge in their handcrafted cocktails, such as the Lavender Mule or the local favorite, Asheville Ashtray. Take advantage of their delectable small plates, like crispy Brussels sprouts or truffle fries, to complement your drinks.
Our Experience: Capella’s on 9 was a stunning experience from beginning to end. This place feels more upscale, although casual wear was just fine. As you step out of the elevated on the 9th floor, hence the name, you are immediately greeted with that upscale feel with a friendly host just to your left. Cappella boasts two different outdoor seating areas, both on either side of the floor. This means that you’ll have two view options! The first patio that you can see is reserved seating. When we were there on a Thursday evening there was still a table or two available. They do not make reservations, so it’s first come first serve seating. The first patio is perfect for a date night out, as most of the tables are 2 and 4 tops overlooking the city and looking mostly West. The outside lighting is dim and perfect for that romantic evening.
To the left of the host, you will find your indoor seating that is sectioned off from the main bar. This would be ideal for the colder months or for those who prefer to eat inside, yet still have an upscale dining area. These tables are also first come first served and seated by the host.
As you continue down, you will find the bar and the other larger outside rooftop patio. This area is first come first serve with many waiters/waitresses walking around that will serve you after you find a table or area. The bar area is particularly exquisite, offering many different drink selections. We did not spend much time indoors, as we were quickly drawn to the outside patio.
The outdoor patio was very large with great views all around. There were gas heaters and fireplaces outside that enhanced the experience and also created some nice heat and ambiance on a crisp evening. We started at a table along the outside of the patio with fantastic views. It was nice to gaze at the distant mountains but also see the hustle and bustle of the city streets. Asheville is such a beautiful place from up high!
Capella on 9 served a variety of delicious cocktails. Their tapas-style menu created by Asheville native executive chef Rakim Gaines offers many delicious menu items. One of the unique aspects about Capella on 9 is that they also serve breakfast starting at 6:30 a.m.! So, not only can you catch a sunset here, but you can also catch the sunrise! So if sipping on a warm cup of coffee and a sunrise is your favorite, this would be the perfect spot!
Capella on 9 is located in central downtown Asheville, so that can make parking hard and easy at the same time. Because most of Asheville is walkable, and you may be visiting other places as well, this
makes it easy because it is centrally located. If you cannot find street parking, then I would suggest the Asheville Parking garage located on Walnut Street. The first hour is free, then it is $2 every hour after that. I recommend this over some of the “Car park” parking areas that will cost more.
Recommended Cocktails and Food: “Ole #4” “Grilled Salmon”
OTHER ROOFTOP BARS IN THE AREA
PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR
Located atop the Hilton Garden Inn, Pillar Rooftop Bar is a hidden gem with a serene and relaxed atmosphere. Sip on their specialty cocktails like the Blackberry Smash or the Lavender Lemonade while taking in panoramic views of downtown Asheville. Pair your drinks with their tasty appetizers, including charcuterie boards or savory crab cakes.
TOP OF THE MONK
Nestled above Thirsty Monk Pub, Top of the Monk is a rooftop bar that brings a unique speakeasy vibe to Asheville. Known for their expertly crafted cocktails, this hidden gem offers a curated menu that changes regularly. Enjoy inventive drinks like the Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned or the Monk's Margarita. While they don't serve food, you're welcome to bring your snacks or enjoy food from nearby restaurants.
Carolina Mornings, A leader of excellence in luxury-mountain living for 20 years, Asheville Cabins of Carolina Mornings has a much sought-after selection of the finest vacation homes and cabin rentals in the Asheville, NC area and the surrounding area. Whether you choose to stay in a captivating Blue Ridge Mountain chalet, a Smoky Mountain log cabin, an elegant downtown loft, or a luxury vacation villa located at the center of Historic Biltmore Village, you will be showered with free exclusive activities, personal attention, exceptional service, and superior amenities. Our Asheville, NC vacation rental cabins offer spectacular mountain views, hot tubs, swimming pools, fireplaces, wireless Internet, pool tables, and more. Carolina Mornings is truly your best choice for finding your luxurious Asheville cabin, cottage, condo, or vacation home rental.
Lucky you! I have a promo code "AVLROOFTOP" for a discount when booking. Use the "AVLROOFTOP" code at checkout to redeem! You can also call one of their friendly vacation coordinators who can help you book the perfect cabin for your stay. Be sure to mention this blog post to receive this exclusive discount.
Nestled amidst the scenic backdrop of Asheville's rolling hills and historic architecture, Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours offer an unparalleled experience for both locals and visitors alike. These three-hour guided tours provide a unique vantage point, allowing guests to soak in breathtaking panoramic views while sipping on artisan cocktails and mocktails. As you hop from one rooftop to another in well-appointed, provided transportation, you not only get a feel for Asheville's vibrant foodie culture but also a rich narrative of its history and cultural significance. Whether you're chasing the sunset or the city lights, these year-round tours blend the best of Asheville's charm with its cosmopolitan allure. It's no surprise that Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours has earned the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award for four consecutive years and has been a recurring winner in the "Best of Asheville Awards." Additionally, as a Just Economics WNC Living Wage Certified Employer, you can be confident that your support of the tours directly bolsters our local economy and celebrates the individuals who enrich it.
For details and booking: https://www.ashevillerooftopbartours.com/When it comes to rooftop bars in Asheville, NC, these five establishments offer an unforgettable experience for special occasions. Indulge in delicious cocktails, savor mouthwatering snacks, and soak in breathtaking views as you celebrate or unwind with loved ones. Each rooftop bar has its unique charm, so be sure to explore them all and discover your favorite. Cheers to memorable moments and unforgettable experiences in Asheville's rooftop bar scene.
