Best Rooftop Restaurants in Atlanta: Where to Eat With a View
Atlanta’s skyline, tree canopy, and long patio season make it a perfect city for rooftop dining. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or planning a special night out, rooftop restaurants in Atlanta offer a mix of great food, cocktails, and elevated views you won’t get at street level.
Below is a practical guide to some of the most notable rooftop restaurants in Atlanta, what to expect at each, and tips for choosing the right spot for your occasion.
What to Know Before You Pick a Rooftop Restaurant in Atlanta
Before diving into specific spots, it helps to think about:
- Location: Midtown and Buckhead offer skyline views; Old Fourth Ward and BeltLine rooftops feel more neighborhood-focused.
- Vibe: Some rooftops are laid-back and casual; others lean dressy and date-night.
- Reservations: Popular rooftop restaurants in Atlanta often book up on weekends and at sunset times.
- Parking & transit: Many rooftops are attached to hotels or mixed-use developments with garages; some are easier by rideshare or MARTA.
- Weather: Most spots have umbrellas, awnings, or partial coverings, but heavy rain or storms can affect seating.
Midtown & Downtown: Skyline Views and Central Locations
1. Polaris (Downtown)
Why go:
Polaris is the iconic blue rotating restaurant atop the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. It has been part of the downtown skyline for decades and offers a full 360-degree view as the room slowly turns.
What to expect:
- View: Sweeping downtown skyline, especially dramatic at night.
- Food & drink: Upscale American dishes, craft cocktails, and small plates.
- Vibe: Slightly nostalgic, polished, and special-occasion friendly.
Location (inside Hyatt Regency Atlanta):
265 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 577-1234 (Hyatt Regency Atlanta main line – ask for Polaris)
Best for:
Anniversaries, “classic Atlanta” experiences, and visitors staying downtown.
2. Rooftop L.O.A. (West Midtown / Upper Westside)
Why go:
Located at The Interlock development, Rooftop L.O.A. (Leave of Absence) combines a restaurant, pool, and lounge on multiple rooftop levels, making it one of the more expansive rooftop experiences in the city.
What to expect:
- View: West Midtown, downtown skyline in the distance, and sunset views.
- Food & drink: Coastal European-inspired menu, polished cocktails.
- Vibe: Trendy, resort-like, and social; often a see-and-be-seen destination.
Location (The Interlock):
1115 Howell Mill Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 496-4620 (main Interlock management or directory can provide current restaurant contact)
Best for:
Group celebrations, birthdays, and visitors wanting a “destination” rooftop.
3. Drawbar & Rooftop Spaces at Bellyard Hotel (West Midtown)
Why go:
Inside the Bellyard, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Drawbar offers indoor-outdoor seating with a terrace that looks out over the railroad tracks and skyline.
What to expect:
- View: Midtown cityscape with a mix of industrial and modern buildings.
- Food & drink: Modern Southern-leaning plates and cocktails.
- Vibe: Relaxed but stylish, good for after-work drinks and date nights.
Location (Bellyard Hotel at The Interlock):
1 Interlock Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: (404) 806-8333
Best for:
Locals and business travelers looking for a polished but not overly formal rooftop.
Buckhead: Upscale Rooftop Dining and Hotel Terraces
4. Whiskey Blue (Buckhead)
Why go:
Perched atop the W Atlanta – Buckhead, Whiskey Blue is known for its elevated patios and Buckhead skyline views.
What to expect:
- View: Buckhead high-rises, Peachtree Road, and tree-lined neighborhoods.
- Food & drink: Small bites and cocktails; more lounge than full restaurant, but often used as a dinner-and-drinks combo when paired with nearby restaurants.
- Vibe: Lounge-style, energetic on weekends, with a dressier crowd.
Location (W Atlanta – Buckhead):
3377 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 523-3600 (hotel main line; ask for Whiskey Blue)
Best for:
Pre- or post-dinner drinks, nightlife with a view.
5. Spaceman (Buckhead / Perimeter Border)
Why go:
On the rooftop of the Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta, Spaceman offers views toward Buckhead’s commercial centers and a modern interior bar that opens to an outdoor terrace.
What to expect:
- View: Buckhead skyline, particularly around Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza.
- Food & drink: Shareable small plates, craft cocktails, and often seasonal menus.
- Vibe: Stylish, contemporary, and generally more relaxed than some nightlife-focused rooftops.
Location (Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta):
3301 Lenox Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 477-1234
Best for:
Cocktails with friends, hotel guests, and Buckhead office workers.
BeltLine & Old Fourth Ward: Rooftops With a Neighborhood Feel
6. New Realm Brewing Company (Eastside BeltLine)
Why go:
New Realm is a brewery with a two-level rooftop that overlooks the BeltLine and offers distant views of the Midtown skyline.
What to expect:
- View: BeltLine trail activity, Atlanta’s treetops, and skyline in the distance.
- Food & drink: House-brewed beers, pub-style food, burgers, wings, and shareable plates.
- Vibe: Casual, family-friendly, and lively—especially on weekends and game days.
Location (Eastside BeltLine):
550 Somerset Terrace NE, Unit 101, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 968-2777
Best for:
Groups, casual dinners, and anyone wanting to combine rooftop time with a BeltLine walk or bike ride.
7. The Roof at Ponce City Market (Old Fourth Ward)
Why go:
The rooftop at Ponce City Market (often referred to simply as “The Roof”) combines a bar, food options, and amusement-park-style games with some of the best Midtown and Buckhead skyline views.
What to expect:
- View: Full-on panorama of Midtown, downtown, and beyond.
- Food & drink: Seasonal menus, snacks, and cocktails; offerings may rotate.
- Vibe: Playful, social, and popular with both locals and tourists.
Location (Ponce City Market):
675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (404) 900-7900 (Ponce City Market main directory)
Best for:
First-time visitors to Atlanta, group outings, and sunset photo ops.
Midtown & Surrounding: Rooftops for Dates, Brunch, and Happy Hour
8. 9 Mile Station (Old Fourth Ward / Ponce City Market Rooftop)
Why go:
Also located on the Ponce City Market rooftop, 9 Mile Station is a sit-down restaurant that shares the same impressive views as The Roof but with a stronger focus on plated meals.
What to expect:
- View: Midtown skyline and BeltLine corridor from above.
- Food & drink: Elevated American fare, weekend brunch, and a solid beer and cocktail list.
- Vibe: Relaxed but refined; a good choice if you want a full dinner rather than just snacks or games.
Location (on The Roof at Ponce City Market):
675 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone: (770) 999-1532 (restaurant line may vary; use Ponce City Market directory if needed)
Best for:
Brunch with visiting friends or a more laid-back date night.
9. The Lawrence Rooftop Spaces & Nearby Midtown Patios
Several Midtown restaurants and bars may not be towering skyscraper rooftops but offer second-level patios or partial rooftop terraces with neighborhood views and open air. These can be less crowded and easier to book than the biggest, best-known rooftops.
When searching in Midtown, look for:
- Second-story patios facing Peachtree Street or side streets.
- Restaurants near Piedmont Park with elevated decks.
- Spaces attached to mid-rise boutique hotels.
These spots are ideal if you want to stay in Midtown Atlanta but avoid long elevator rides and highly touristy locations.
Quick Comparison: Rooftop Restaurants in Atlanta
| Area | Rooftop Spot | Best For | Typical Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown | Polaris | Classic “Atlanta” experience | Upscale, nostalgic |
| West Midtown | Rooftop L.O.A. | Parties, big nights out | Trendy, resort-like |
| West Midtown | Drawbar at Bellyard | Cocktails & small plates | Stylish, relaxed |
| Buckhead | Whiskey Blue | Nightlife, pre/post-dinner drinks | Dressy, energetic |
| Buckhead | Spaceman | Modern cocktails & small groups | Contemporary, chic |
| Eastside BeltLine | New Realm Brewing | Casual meals & craft beer | Lively, family-friendly |
| Old Fourth Ward | The Roof (PCM) | Tourists, games, skyline selfies | Playful, bustling |
| Old Fourth Ward | 9 Mile Station | Brunch & sit-down dinners | Refined, comfortable |
Practical Tips for Enjoying Rooftop Restaurants in Atlanta
Here are a few ways to make your rooftop outing smoother:
- Reserve when possible: Especially Thursday–Sunday and around sunset. Many rooftop restaurants in Atlanta allow online reservations or phone bookings.
- Check dress codes: Some Buckhead and high-end Midtown rooftops prefer business casual or cocktail attire at night.
- Plan for parking:
- Downtown and Midtown: Expect paid garages or valet.
- BeltLine/Old Fourth Ward: Limited surface parking; rideshare or MARTA plus a short walk can be easier.
- Buckhead: Most spots sit on top of hotel or mall garages.
- Weather backup: Even with covered areas, thunderstorms or strong wind can limit rooftop seating. Having a backup plan for indoor dining in the same building helps.
- Time your visit:
- 🌇 Golden hour / sunset: Most popular and most photogenic.
- 🌃 Later evening: City lights and a more nightlife-oriented crowd.
- ☀️ Weekend brunch: Milder weather for much of the year and usually more casual.
How to Choose the Right Rooftop for Your Occasion
Think about:
- Romantic date: Polaris, 9 Mile Station, or Spaceman.
- Group celebration or birthday: Rooftop L.O.A., The Roof at Ponce City Market, or New Realm Brewing.
- Out-of-town guests: The Roof / 9 Mile Station, Polaris, or New Realm for a BeltLine plus rooftop combo.
- After-work drinks: Drawbar at Bellyard, Spaceman, or New Realm.
Atlanta’s rooftop restaurants range from laid-back breweries to polished hotel lounges, so you can usually find a space that fits your budget, dress code, and mood—while still getting that skyline or BeltLine view that makes rooftop dining in the city feel special.
