Whether you want to socialize with friends or enjoy the mountain views, Asheville’s rooftop bars like Hemingway’s Cuba are the place to be.
Photo by Emily Chaplin/ExploreAsheville.com
This article was originally published in April 2024 and most recently updated on July 23, 2026.
I lived in the Asheville area for about 10 years, and in that time I quickly learned to love the trail-to-town concept unique to this city in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains: During the day, hike a beautiful trail in Pisgah National Forest, drive a stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, or trail run a section of single-track in Bent Creek Experimental Forest, and then head back into the city to recount your adventures over drinks and food, ideally in an open-air spot with a view back to those outdoor playgrounds. You don’t even need to stop at your hotel to freshen up first, as Asheville is known for its super-casual environment where muddy hiking boots are rarely out of place. Here are seven of my favorite rooftop bars with the best drinks and views of Asheville and its gorgeous mountains.
For incredible mountainous landscape views, head to the Montford.
Courtesy of The Montford (left), Photo by Chelsea Lane Photography (right)
Montford Rooftop Bar for afternoon drinks and light bites
- Location: 199 Haywood Street in the Doubletree by Hilton Asheville Downtown
- Neighborhood: Downtown Asheville
With nothing but a wall of glass rising up between patrons and the city below at the edge of this eighth-floor Montford Rooftop Bar, you might experience a bit of vertigo—especially when combined with a potent and delicious Montford Mule, a signature cocktail made with locally crafted Devil’s Foot “Fuego” Ginger Beer. Pair it with an order of bacon wrapped chorizo-stuffed dates (made with chorizo from nearby Hickory Nut Gap Farm). Pro tip for day-drinkers: Bring sunblock and shades to really enjoy the Montford’s direct afternoon summer sun.
The Observatory for an upscale evening
- Location: 68 Patton Avenue in the Restoration Hotel
- Neighborhood: Downtown Asheville
Asheville’s Drum Circle—featuring a collection of beat-keepers, dancers, and Hula-Hoopers—has been taking place every Friday at 6 p.m. in Pritchard Park for nearly 25 years. While it gets a bit crowded, Observatory goers can elevate their experience by watching and listening to the scene from above the fray among the modern furniture, floral accents, and potted plants that give it a sophisticated feel. The bar is a fine spot for a romantic evening, special celebration, or even just a drink for one on any night of the week. The bar has a deep selection of local craft beers and inventive cocktails, as well as an impressive lineup of nonalcoholic cocktails, including the Berry Citrus Cooler and Lemon Basil Refresher. While the staff welcomes everyone and says there’s no official dress code, this is the perfect place to wear your favorite collared shirt or a new midi dress.
Antidote at Chemist Spirits for craft cocktails
- Location: 151 Coxe Avenue
- Neighborhood: South Slope
Many guests have never made it to the rooftop at Antidote—because of the appealing ambience down below. But do pull yourself away from the 1900s apothecary-inspired bar on the first floor because the rooftop is worth it. The partially covered rooftop lounge overlooks the popular South Slope neighborhood and provides the perfect backdrop for sipping a flight of its handmade, award-winning spirits like the Barrel Rested Gin or Burial Single Malt Whiskey. If cocktails are more your style, try one of Antidote’s classic remedies, such as a boozy White Negroni or a bright yet balanced Paper Plane. In a beer-obsessed town, this is one place that puts craft cocktails front and center. It’s also an ideal vantage point for peeping the annual Mardi Gras parade and a fine place to people-watch on any warm evening. It’s also become one of the best places in the city for live music featuring local DJs on Friday nights from June through late October.
Capella on 9 for kicking back no matter the weather
At Capella on 9, chef Rakim Gaines serves a tapas-style menu.
Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com
- Location: 10 Broadway Street in the AC Hotel Downtown Asheville
- Neighborhood: Downtown Asheville
Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours founder and owner Kaye Bentley has arguably spent more time canvassing the best buzzed panoramas than anyone else in the city. She made it her job back in 2018, when she combined a love of gorgeous Asheville vistas with history and a few thoughtfully crafted cocktails, which vary from spot to spot (and also include nonalcoholic options). She spun it all into what is now one of the most beloved experiences in town. So it’s no small thing when she highlights Capella on 9 for having the best ambience in the game. “At Capella, you can enjoy two distinct areas for rooftop views with spacious outdoor seating and see local art on display,” she says. And if you’re feeling peckish, she adds, “They have a great tapas-style menu.” The rooftop is open year-round, and its intimate seating nooks and cozy firepits make it a great choice for winter-time hangs.
The Social Lounge is one of Asheville’s rooftop bars that can be enjoyed year-round.
Photo by Tim Robison
Social Lounge for people-watching
- Location: 29 Broadway Street
- Neighborhood: Downtown Asheville
The Social Lounge specializes in craft cocktails— try the refreshing Local’s Negroni, which is made with Chemist Gin, Eda Rhyne Bitter Tooth, both of which are local and Dolin Vermouth to start—and food comes from Strada Italiano trattoria next door if you’re in the mood for pasta or pizza. The rooftop here is covered and heated during the chilly months and you’ve got a bird’s-eye view of what’s happening right in the middle of downtown; when it gets balmy in warmer weather, the roll-up doors open and the fans come on. “Social Lounge is Asheville’s OG rooftop,” says Melissa Reardon, the Social Lounge’s marketing and communications coordinator. “It was the first in town. It’s a covered three-season space with a convenient upstairs bar and indoor gathering space, and you can make reservations.” That last bit is a rarity in Asheville and helpful if you want to lock in a table on a busy weekend night.
Hemingway’s Cuba for music lovers and large groups
- Location: 15 Page Avenue in the Cambria Hotel
- Neighborhood: Downtown Asheville
Share a couple of small plates at Hemingway’s, a Cuban-inspired rooftop where you can pair your food with an exquisite cocktail. To eat, we recommend the mariquitas and croquetas de jamóni; and to drink, a shining example is the Coco Sol Margarita, a refreshing, tropical blend of Corrazon blanco tequila, Aperol, triple sec, coconut cream, fresh lime juice, and orange bitters. On Saturdays, stick around after dinner for lively dancing on the roof starting at 8pm with Miami Nights, an energetic dance party where the vibe is heavily inspired by South Beach. Move your body all night to salsa, bachata, merengue, reggaeton, and Latin house music while sipping on cocktails. All skill levels are welcome and there is even an on-site instructor to help beginners learn the basics.
The Roof at the Radical for sunset views over the river
- Location: 95 Roberts Street in the Radical Hotel
- Neighborhood: River Arts District
At one of the city’s most scenic rooftops, the Roof peers down on the French Broad River in the heart of the River Arts District. “Its open-air bar is a great way to relax and soak in the collective energy and creativity of the Arts District from a bird’s-eye view,” says Bentley. At sunset in summer the river turns golden, dotted with specks that are people floating along on inner tubes and kayaks. The Radical’s clever use of outdoor furniture and firepits creates pockets of intimacy in a space that feels both laid-back and modern. And its early opening time (3 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays) makes this a solid afternoon-cocktail headquarters (say yes to its Tropic Like It’s Hot). Keep an eye out on the hotel’s events page for information about Pride events, art markets, music on the roof, and more.
