The Best Rooftop Bars in Atlanta: Where to Drink With a View

Atlanta’s skyline is one of the most recognizable in the South, and the city has leaned into that with a growing lineup of rooftop bars. Whether you want a casual patio with local beer, a craft-cocktail destination date night spot, or a pre-game perch near a stadium, Atlanta has options in almost every intown neighborhood.

This guide focuses on Atlanta’s best rooftop bars, what each is known for, and how to choose the right one for your night out.

Quick Overview: Top Rooftop Bars in Atlanta

Names and lineups can change, so always confirm hours, reservations, and dress codes before you go.

What Makes a Rooftop Bar “Best” in Atlanta?

When locals talk about the best rooftop bars in Atlanta, they usually mean a mix of:

• View: Clear sightlines of the downtown or Midtown skyline, or a unique neighborhood angle (like overlooking the BeltLine).
• Drinks: Solid craft cocktails, local beer, and thoughtful wine options—not just sugary mixes.
• Food: Some rooftops are full-service restaurants; others stick to snacks. Knowing which matters if you’re planning dinner.
• Atmosphere: Anything from casual and family-friendly before dark to DJ-driven and nightlife-focused.
• Location & Access: Proximity to MARTA, parking garages, rideshare drop-offs, and walkability from neighborhoods or attractions.

Below are some of the standout rooftop experiences around the city, organized by general area and style.

Old Fourth Ward & BeltLine: Skyline Views + Walkability

9 Mile Station at Ponce City Market

(Inside Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)

On the roof of Ponce City Market, 9 Mile Station and the adjacent Skyline Park area give you:

• Wide-open skyline views of Midtown and Downtown.
• Indoor–outdoor seating, so it works in cooler months.
• Full restaurant menu plus cocktails, beer, and wine.
• Easy access to the Eastside Trail of the BeltLine, ideal if you’re walking or biking from Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or Midtown.

Above 9 Mile Station is Skyline Park, a playful rooftop area with mini-golf and carnival-style games. It’s family-friendly earlier in the day and more adult-leaning at night.

Good for:

• Showing off Atlanta to visitors
• Date nights with dinner and drinks
• Pre- or post-BeltLine hangouts

Tips:

• Reservations for 9 Mile Station are often recommended, especially on weekends.
• Check whether there’s a separate admission for Skyline Park and any age restrictions at night.

Westside & West Midtown: Resort-Style Rooftop Experiences

Rooftop L.O.A. at The Works

(The Works, 1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318)

Rooftop L.O.A. (short for “Leave of Absence”) at The Works in West Midtown leans into a resort vibe more than a traditional bar:

• Rooftop pool with cabanas and loungers (typically reservations and day passes required).
• Multiple zones: a pool area, a full-service restaurant, and often a more casual lounge/bar section.
• Views of the Westside and parts of the skyline in the distance.
• Access to the larger The Works mixed-use development with other food and drink options.

Good for:

• Special-occasion nights
• Groups that want a “day club” or pool-club feel
• A more dressed-up, destination evening

Tips:

• Expect at least a smart casual dress code in some areas.
• Check policies for pool access, age restrictions, and reservations—these can be strict and time-specific.

Downtown & Centennial Park Area: Close to Stadiums and Attractions

If you’re heading to a Hawks, Falcons, United, or State Farm Arena event, downtown rooftops are great for pre- or post-game drinks with views.

SkyLounge at the Glenn Hotel

(110 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303)

Located on top of the historic Glenn Hotel near Centennial Olympic Park:

• Intimate rooftop with direct views of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and downtown skyscrapers.
• Cocktail-focused bar, often quieter than the big party rooftops.
• Walkable to events and MARTA stations like GWCC/CNN Center and Five Points.

Good for:

• Date nights before a concert or game
• Visitors staying downtown who want a nearby rooftop
• Smaller groups looking for a calmer atmosphere than large clubs

RT60 at the Reverb by Hard Rock Downtown

(89 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)

On top of Reverb Downtown near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, RT60 (or similarly branded hotel rooftops in that area):

• Offers stadium-facing views ideal on game days.
• Draws a lively, event-day crowd.
• Has indoor and outdoor sections, so weather is less of a concern.

Good for:

• Pre- or post-game drinks
• Visitors who want a rooftop near their hotel and the stadium

Midtown: Rooftops Near Nightlife, Arts & Events

Midtown’s high-rises and central location make it a natural hub for rooftop options. Many are attached to hotels or residential buildings and can shift from relaxed to nightlife-focused depending on night and season.

Common Midtown rooftop themes:

• Pre-show drinks before a Fox Theatre performance or a concert.
• Happy hour with skyline views for office workers.
• Proximity to MARTA Midtown and Arts Center stations.

When considering a midtown rooftop, pay attention to:

• Noise level and music style (DJ vs. background music).
• Dress code, especially on weekend nights.
• Whether it’s hotel guest–priority or open freely to the public.

Buckhead: Upscale Hotel Rooftops & Nightlife

Buckhead specializes in higher-end bars, hotel lounges, and nightlife, many with elevated or rooftop spaces.

In Buckhead you can generally expect:

• More formal dress codes—collared shirts, no athletic wear at some spots on weekends.
• A mix of business crowd, locals, and visitors staying in nearby hotels.
• Rooftops and terraces attached to hotels or upscale restaurants.

Good for:

• Special occasions or date nights where you don’t mind dressing up
• Visitors staying in Buckhead hotels wanting a rooftop without going far

Consider before you go:

• Some Buckhead rooftops enforce age minimums or ID checks more strictly than neighborhood spots.
• Valet parking is common; street parking can be limited.

Neighborhood Rooftops: More Casual, Local Feel

Not all of Atlanta’s best “rooftops” are dramatic high-rises. Many neighborhoods feature:

• Second-story patios or decks overlooking a street or small skyline angle.
• Brewery rooftops or upper-level patios, especially on the Westside, Reynoldstown, and Edgewood areas.
• Rooftop or top-floor restaurant spaces that function like a bar, even if the focus is food.

These can be ideal if you want:

• Something lower-key and more local
• Shorter walks from residential neighborhoods
• More relaxed dress codes and family-friendlier early evenings

Because neighborhood spots change frequently, it’s a good idea to:

• Check current hours and whether roof seating is open year-round.
• Confirm whether the space is full-service dining, bar-only, or first-come, first-served.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Rooftop Bars in Atlanta

1. Weather, Seasons, and Heat

Atlanta weather can shift quickly:

• Summer (June–September): Hot and humid. Rooftops without shade or fans can be uncomfortable in late afternoon; evenings improve with a breeze.
• Spring and Fall: Often the best rooftop seasons, with comfortable temperatures and clearer skies.
• Winter: Many rooftops use heaters or partially enclose spaces. Views are still great, but always check whether outdoor seating is open.

📝 Tip: If you’re planning a birthday, date, or out-of-town visit, aim for early evening in spring or fall for the most comfortable experience.

2. Getting Around: MARTA, Rideshare, and Parking

• Parking: Many rooftop bars in developments like Ponce City Market or The Works have paid garages. Downtown and Midtown can be more expensive, especially on event nights.
• MARTA:
  • Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead rooftops are often reachable from Red/Gold line stations (Midtown, Arts Center, Peachtree Center, Buckhead, or Lenox).
  • From MARTA stations you may still need a short walk or rideshare.
• Rideshare: A common choice, especially when drinking. Many larger complexes (Ponce City Market, The Works, major hotels) have dedicated pick-up/drop-off zones.

📝 Tip: On game days or large events, plan extra time—traffic and parking around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena can be heavy.

3. Reservations, Cover Charges, and Dress Codes

Rooftop bars in Atlanta run the spectrum from casual walk-in decks to reservation-heavy venues.

• Reservations:
  • Common at restaurant-style rooftops (like 9 Mile Station or rooftop restaurants in hotels).
  • Less common at smaller, bar-focused rooftops, though some offer reservations for larger parties.
• Cover charges:
  • More likely at locations with DJ nights, special events, or pool parties.
  • Often vary by day and time; check event calendars.
• Dress codes:
  • Casual on many neighborhood or BeltLine-oriented rooftops.
  • Smart casual or dressy in some Buckhead and resort-style spaces, especially at night.

📝 Tip: If you’re with a group of out-of-town visitors, call ahead or check online so no one is surprised by cover fees or dress rules.

4. Age Limits and ID

• Most rooftop bars in Atlanta are 21+ after a certain hour, even if earlier in the day they may allow families or under-21 guests in dining areas.
• Valid photo ID is almost always required—especially downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.

If you’re bringing guests from out of state or from abroad, make sure they carry acceptable IDs (typically a driver’s license, state ID, or passport).

Choosing the Right Atlanta Rooftop for Your Plans

Use this quick guide to match your plans with the right style of rooftop:

• For visitors who want “the” Atlanta skyline shot:

  • Head to Ponce City Market’s rooftop (9 Mile Station / Skyline Park) or a Midtown/Downtown hotel rooftop.

• For a big night out with a resort feel:

  • Try Rooftop L.O.A. at The Works in West Midtown and plan for reservations and a dressier outfit.

• For pre-game or post-concert drinks near stadiums:

  • Look for downtown rooftops near Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena; they often lean into game-day energy.

• For a more relaxed, local evening:

  • Consider a neighborhood rooftop or upper-level patio in areas like the BeltLine, Westside, or mixed-use developments. These are usually more casual and easier to get into last-minute.

Key Takeaways for Rooftop Bars in Atlanta

• Atlanta’s best rooftop bars combine views, solid drinks, and a setting that fits your night—anything from casual BeltLine hangouts to upscale pool decks.
• Location matters: Ponce City Market for skyline + BeltLine access, West Midtown for resort-style rooftops, Downtown/Midtown for events and nightlife, Buckhead for upscale hotel vibes.
• Always check hours, reservations, dress codes, and age policies—they can vary widely by neighborhood and day of the week.
• Factor in weather and transportation so you spend more time enjoying the view and less time worrying about parking or heat.

With a little planning, you can easily find a rooftop in Atlanta that fits your style, budget, and neighborhood—whether you live here, are just visiting, or are exploring the city for the first time.