Rooftop L.O.A. in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for a resort-style rooftop bar in Atlanta with a pool, views, and a full dining experience, Rooftop L.O.A. (short for “Leave of Absence”) in West Midtown is one of the city’s most talked‑about spots. This guide walks you through what it is, where it is, what to expect, and how to make the most of a visit.

What Is Rooftop L.O.A.?

Rooftop L.O.A. is a multi‑level rooftop bar, pool, and restaurant perched above The Interlock development in West Midtown. It’s designed more like a mini urban resort than a typical rooftop bar.

You’ll find three main areas:

• The Pool Club – a rooftop pool with loungers, cabanas, and bar service
• The Restaurant – full‑service dining with indoor and outdoor seating
• The Grove – an outdoor lounge and bar area with greenery, couches, and skyline views

The overall vibe leans upscale but social: you’ll see everything from date nights and birthday groups to hotel guests and locals looking for a staycation feel.

Location & Basic Info

Neighborhood: West Midtown / The Interlock
General area: Near Howell Mill Road NW and 14th Street NW

Rooftop L.O.A. sits on top of one of the main buildings at The Interlock, a mixed‑use development with restaurants, a hotel, apartments, and retail. It’s close to Georgia Tech, Midtown, and the Westside Provisions District.

Because this is a nightlife and hospitality venue, hours, entry policies, and pool access rules may change by season and day of the week. It’s wise to:

• Check their current hours before you go
• Confirm whether there’s cover, reservations required, or special events scheduled that may affect walk‑in access

The Three Main Areas: Pool, Restaurant, and Grove

1. The Pool Club

The Pool Club is what makes Rooftop L.O.A. feel like a resort. It generally offers:

• A rooftop pool with views over West Midtown
• Loungers and daybeds (often with minimum spend or reservations)
• Cabanas available for group reservations
• Full bar service and a food menu suited to poolside snacking

Key things Atlantans usually want to know:

• 🩱 Dress code at the pool: Swimwear is expected in the pool area, often with a cover‑up when walking through shared spaces.
• 💳 Access: Pool access may require a day pass, reservation, or hotel/partner access, especially during peak season.
• 🕶️ Seasonality: The roof is open air; pool activity ramps up in warmer months and can be more limited during colder weather.

If you’re planning a summer Saturday, book ahead. Same‑day walk‑ins for the pool are often harder, especially in the afternoon.

2. The Restaurant

The restaurant at Rooftop L.O.A. is a full‑service dining space that offers:

• Indoor dining room with floor‑to‑ceiling windows
• Outdoor terrace seating overlooking the pool or city
• A menu that leans modern, coastal, and shareable, with cocktails to match

What to expect:

• Reservations are strongly recommended for prime times (weekend evenings, special dates, and popular brunch hours if offered).
• Attire trends toward smart casual—nicer than a typical bar but not overly formal.
• Food and drink pricing is usually in line with upscale Atlanta restaurants, reflecting the rooftop setting and experience.

Locals often treat it as a special-occasion dinner spot, a place to take out-of-town guests, or an elevated pre‑night‑out stop before heading deeper into Midtown or West Midtown.

3. The Grove

The Grove is the more relaxed, lounge‑style section. It typically includes:

• Outdoor couches and groups of chairs
• Fire pits or heaters in cooler seasons
• A central bar or bar access with full cocktail service
• Open‑air views of the West Midtown skyline

This area is well‑suited to:

• Casual meetups and drinks after work
• Smaller celebrations and birthdays
• Pre‑ or post‑dinner cocktails if you’re also dining at the restaurant

Compared with the pool area, The Grove usually feels more flexible: you’re in regular clothes, you’re not committing to a full pool day, and it works well before or after other West Midtown plans.

Atmosphere, Crowd, and Vibe

Rooftop L.O.A. feels different depending on time and day:

• Weekday evenings: After‑work drinks, dates, and small groups; more mellow.
• Weekend afternoons (pool season): Louder, more social, music‑driven; a “day club” environment.
• Weekend nights: Dressier crowd, lots of photos, celebratory vibe, often busier at the bar.

In general:

• Expect an adult‑oriented crowd; this isn’t a family pool.
• Music is usually a noticeable part of the experience, especially near the pool and bar.
• You’ll see a mix of locals, hotel guests, corporate groups, and visitors exploring the city.

If you’re sensitive to noise, you may prefer weeknights or earlier hours.

Cost Expectations and Typical Spending

Rooftop experiences in Atlanta tend to price above average neighborhood bars. Rooftop L.O.A. usually fits into the upscale range. While exact numbers can change, you can expect:

• Cocktails: Priced similarly to other popular Midtown/West Midtown rooftops
• Small plates or apps: Higher than casual pubs, in line with trendy restaurants
• Pool seating/daybeds/cabanas: Often priced per person or with a minimum spend

To avoid surprises:

• Check any day pass or cabana pricing before committing to a pool day
• Factor in service charges or automatic gratuities for large groups or cabana reservations
• Ask staff upfront if there are per‑person minimums in certain areas at certain times

Rooftop L.O.A. at a Glance

Getting There: Parking, Rideshare, and Transit

Because Rooftop L.O.A. is at The Interlock, you have several options to get there from around Atlanta:

• 🚗 Driving & Parking

  • The Interlock includes parking decks/garages with paid parking.
  • West Midtown can be busy during peak dining hours, so allow extra time for parking and elevator access to the rooftop.

• 🚕 Rideshare

  • Many locals rely on rideshare services when visiting Rooftop L.O.A., especially if they plan to drink.
  • Using “The Interlock” or the main address in your app usually gets you to the correct drop‑off area.

• 🚉 Public Transit + Short Ride

  • MARTA heavy rail doesn’t go straight to West Midtown, but some visitors take the train to a nearby station (such as Midtown Station) and then connect by bus or short rideshare.
  • This is more common for visitors staying along MARTA’s North‑South line who don’t want to drive.

Making a Reservation or Planning a Visit

When planning a visit to Rooftop L.O.A. in Atlanta, you’ll generally choose between:

1. Dining reservation at the restaurant
2. Pool reservation/day pass for the Pool Club
3. Casual visit for drinks in The Grove (sometimes more flexible for walk‑ins)

Practical tips:

• For groups, especially birthdays, bachelorettes, or work outings, consider reaching out in advance for group options and minimums.
• If you want both pool time and dinner, look at the venue’s current guidance on recommended timing so you’re not rushed between areas.
• Policies for ID checks, age limits, and bag checks can vary by season and event; be prepared to show valid ID and go through a standard security check at busy times.

What to Wear

Atlanta rooftop culture leans toward polished but comfortable, and Rooftop L.O.A. is no exception.

Pool Club:

• Swimwear appropriate for a shared public space
• Cover‑ups, sandals, and sunglasses
• Dry clothing when leaving the pool area or heading into restaurant sections

Restaurant & Grove:

• Smart casual works well: sundresses, button‑downs, nice tops, well‑kept jeans or pants, dressier sandals, or closed‑toe shoes.
• Athletic wear, very casual flip‑flops, or overly revealing outfits may feel out of place at busier evening hours.

When in doubt, aim slightly dressier than you would for a neighborhood bar in Inman Park or the Old Fourth Ward.

When Locals Tend to Go

Different Atlantans use Rooftop L.O.A. in different ways:

• Locals nearby (West Midtown, Atlantic Station, Georgia Tech area):

  • Weeknights for happy hour or a sunset drink
  • Occasional weekend dinners or celebrations

• Visitors staying in Midtown or Downtown:

  • Friday or Saturday night for the “Atlanta rooftop” experience
  • Afternoon pool time if staying nearby or at a connected hotel

• Suburban Atlantans (Cobb, DeKalb, North Fulton, etc.):

  • Planned nights out where the rooftop is the main event
  • Special dates, anniversaries, or visitors in town

If you want a quieter experience with the same views, aim for earlier evening on weeknights, especially outside of major holidays and big event weekends in the city.

Is Rooftop L.O.A. Right for You?

Rooftop L.O.A. is likely a good fit if you:

• Enjoy rooftop views, crafted cocktails, and resort‑style atmospheres
• Don’t mind spending a bit more for a “destination” night out
• Want a pool day without leaving the city
• Are hosting visitors who want to see a “headline” Atlanta rooftop

It may be less ideal if you:

• Are seeking a budget‑friendly night out
• Prefer quieter, pub‑style spaces or low‑key neighborhood bars
• Want a family‑oriented pool experience

For many Atlantans, Rooftop L.O.A. is a place to plan for, not just wander into—especially during warm‑weather weekends. With a little advance planning around reservations, dress, and timing, it can deliver one of the more distinctive rooftop experiences in the city.