If you find yourself in the western North Carolina town of Asheville, make sure to set aside some time to visit the best Asheville rooftop bars.
Talk to anyone who’s been to Asheville, and they’ll tell you about the gorgeous rolling hills, famous Blue Ridge Parkway, and vibrant community of artists.
One thing I wasn’t expecting from this small southeast town? Incredible rooftop bars!
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Each rooftop bar throughout Asheville has something unique and wonderful to offer, from stunning views of the city skyline to signature drinks and snacks that will make your mouth water.
The bar scene is so popular that Asheville even offers guided bar tours with designated drivers that highlight the best places in town to grab a drink.
Whether you want to enjoy some good beer, a night of laughter, or a romantic evening with someone special, these Asheville rooftop bars guarantee an amazing experience.
9 Asheville Rooftop Bars You Have to Visit
1. The Montford Rooftop Bar
The rustic-chic Montford Rooftop Bar is located on the top floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown, overlooking Biltmore Ave.
Whether you sit inside or outside, the charming decor that perfectly combines contemporary and rustic elements creates a welcoming and familiar vibe.
Enjoy expertly crafted drinks and traditional Southern cuisine while taking in stunning panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Montford’s menu features seasonally inspired cocktails, local craft beers, and shareable plates.
Try the signature Montford Mule, a refreshing cocktail perfect for spring and summer, and order a Cheese and Charcuterie board to share, and you’re in for an awesome evening.
2. Pillar Rooftop Bar
The Pillar Rooftop Bar is a fan favorite in Asheville, thanks to its elegant atmosphere that elevates cocktail hour to the next level.
Located atop the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Asheville, this bar offers incredible views—time your visit around sunset and prepare to be amazed.
The indoor lounge at Pillar is chic and modern, while the outdoor terrace has a cozy and comfortable vibe, complete with fire pits that are perfect for late-night drinks.
Pillar Rooftop Bar serves delicious seasonal cocktails and local brews, and the bar sometimes hosts live music performances.
Pair your drinks with some of the bar’s incredible small plates, like Confit Duck Fat Potato Tots and Spicy Shrimp on a Grit Cake—yum!
3. Hemingway’s Cuba
Hemingway’s Cuba is a lively spot in downtown Asheville that offers a spacious indoor lounge and a rooftop terrace with showstopping views of the city and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Trust me, it’s impossible to go to Hemingway’s Cuba and not be in a good mood!
With Cuban-inspired decor and a relaxed atmosphere, this rooftop restaurant and bar is the definition of chill, and its tropical-inspired drinks are irresistible.
The food menu includes traditional Cuban dishes like yuca fries, plantain chips, and an El Cubano sandwich that’ll knock your socks off—all of which pair deliciously with cocktails like Hemingway’s Daquiri and an incredible Key Lime Pie Martini.
The fun and laidback atmosphere at Hemingway’s Cuba is what makes it one of the best Asheville rooftop bars.
From a delicious menu and picturesque views to the friendly and helpful staff, this place has it all.
4. The Social Lounge
Social Lounge is the OG craft cocktail bar in Asheville and boasts one of the best rooftop areas in the city.
The Social Lounge is the perfect place to grab an afternoon pick-me-up or kick off an evening of drinks, and the bar is well-known for its tasty concoctions.
Every bartender at The Social Lounge has perfected the art of mixing insanely good cocktails.
From classic drinks like martinis to one-of-a-kind creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at The Social Lounge.
This rooftop bar has a cozy vibe and spectacular views of downtown Asheville, making it a great spot if you want an intimate and romantic bar atmosphere.
5. Capella on 9
Asheville has a reputation for being a chill and laidback city, but Capella on 9 is an awesome exception to that rule.
This downtown Asheville rooftop bar is great for a night out with friends and just a super hip spot.
Take in panoramic views of the iconic Asheville skyline while enjoying handcrafted cocktails and small plates on the top floor of the AC Hotel Asheville Downtown.
Capella on 9 has a classic vibe with modern touches—it’s so chic!
The food menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients, so you know you’re getting the freshest flavors in town.
On weekends, Capella on 9 hosts musicians and DJs, transforming this space into a big outdoor dance party.
6. W XYZ Bar
W XYZ Bar is a stylish hotel bar situated on the rooftop of Aloft Asheville Downtown.
This Asheville rooftop bar was remodeled in 2020, so the bar now features a trendy indoor lounge with a pool table and ample comfortable seating.
From an outdoor ledge overlooking the city to an expansive “Air Level,” there’s plenty of outdoor space to take in the downtown Asheville views.
With a lively and modern lounge atmosphere that serves a variety of craft cocktails, beers, and small plates, there’s a lot to love at W XYZ Bar.
7. Top of the Monk
If you’re looking to trade your beer for a sophisticated cocktail, head to Top of the Monk, a rooftop bar located atop Thirsty Monk Brewery.
The view of downtown Asheville and the surrounding mountains is incredible from the rooftop of Top of the Monk, and the cocktails are delicious, too.
Top of the Monk has a rustic and cozy indoor area, but once you step outside it becomes airy and refreshing.
Enjoy creative specialty cocktails made with house-infused liquors, local wines, and craft beers.
The elevated bar food menu is the perfect accompaniment to your drinks—try the Truffle Fries, they’re delicious!
8. Highland Brewing
Head to east Asheville to discover the oldest craft brewery in town, Highland Brewing.
Asheville is home to an impressive number of breweries, but Highland Brewing stands out with its lively atmosphere and fun rooftop space.
Choose from one of Highland’s on-tap beer selections or try several with a beer flight and head to the rooftop terrace for mesmerizing views.
Highland Brewing also hosts a rotating selection of delicious food trucks, so there’s always something new and tasty to snack on.
The vibes at Highland Brewing are welcoming and vibrant, with community seating options that are perfect if you’re traveling solo or want to meet some locals.
9. The Great Hall Bar
One of the swankiest stays in Asheville can be found at the Omni Grove Park Inn Asheville, which is also home to The Great Hall Bar.
This bar features a cozy indoor space with rustic stone walls and roaring fireplaces, perfect for colder months.
The real treat at The Great Hall Bar is the open-air terrace where you can watch the sun dip below the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
Drinks can get pricy at this rooftop bar, but the gorgeous decor and overall experience make the price tag well worth it.
There’s no shortage of incredible Asheville rooftop bars that’ll become the highlight of your trip.
If you visit any of these spots, tag me on Insta (@wtfab) so I can enjoy the gorgeous views with you!
Check out my travel content for more trip guides and recommendations.
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FAQs
Asheville is known for beautiful scenery, outdoor adventures, and a delicious restaurant and bar scene.
Yes, Asheville is a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers!
Check out The Great Hall Bar or The Montford Rooftop Bar.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
