On the Road

New Rooftop Bars in the South

By: Hannah Lee Leidy

The lingering sunsets and warmer days make us itch to escape to outdoor spots where we can soak it all in. And while we love patios, rooftop bars and restaurants provide a much more elevated (hehe) space to welcome spring. We rounded up a few of the latest skyline destinations to seek out a glass of rosé, craft cocktail, shareable plates, and sweeping cityscape and sunset views. 

Six Rooftop Bars to Seek Out this Spring

Bar Julian | Savannah, Georgia

Towering above the city, Bar Julian commands attention as the tallest rooftop bar in Savannah, Georgia. Located in the Thompson Savannah, it offers hotels guests and visitors creative drinks, a full menu, and views of downtown and the Savannah River. The drink menu features fun twists on classic cocktails, such as the This Negroni is Bananas, made with armagnac, Campari, banana, and cacao. Sunset drinks can turn into dinner at Bar Julian, thanks to the Mediterranean-inspired menu of bar snacks, pizzas, and salads. 

Quarterdeck | Hilton Head, South Carolina

This perennial waterfront locale features shucked oysters, cold beer, cocktails, and classic seafood fare along with views that overlook the Harbor Town Yacht Basin and Calibogue Sound. The menu showcases a variety of fish preparations, from fried calamari to ahi tuna platters. However, it doesn’t skimp on the turf options, either, with gumbo, burrata salads, filet mignon, and more. Whether you sail in for cocktail hour or want a glass of something from their forty-bottle-plus wine list, kick back with a refreshing beverage and watch the boats cruise past. 

Bar PeriAtlanta

Bar Peri made its debut as the first rooftop bar in Atlanta’s Dunwoody neighborhood in September 2021. Part of the AC Hotel Atlanta Perimeter, the bar offers an elevated experience in the midst of the city’s skyline, complete with shareable plates and whimsical cocktails. Try the Spellbound, made with gin, prickly pear, lime, and soda, and pick out a couple of flatbreads to split between friends. Removed from the less-trafficked parts of the city, Bar Peri provides a quieter setting to enjoy the rooftop bar experience.

Zeppelin | Nashville

Take the elevator to the seventh floor at TownPlace Suites, and it opens to the Zeppelin Rooftop Restaurant and Bar. The industrial yet modern indoor bar opens to a string-light covered terrace that overlooks the Nashville skyline. Kick back with a beverage, like the latest frozen cocktail on rotation. There’s also dinner table seating if you want a spot to chow down on the crispy chicken sandwich or mussels in yuzu and herb butter. 

Little Palm | Charleston 

Opened by the group behind Manhattan’s renowned Death & Co., Little Palm brings poolside drinks to a downtown rooftop above the Ryder Hotel. The space’s two-sided bar runs between the tropical-inspired indoor space and the outdoor pool deck, making this a place you can continue to hang even after the nighttime chill sets in. Hop into the pool or grab a seat on one of the cushy loungers. With tiki-inspired cocktails and elevated bites, such as raw oysters, shrimp rolls, and dark chocolate mousse, Little Palm reimagines Miami vibes with a Charleston spin.

Slabtown Public HouseAtlanta 

Opening in April 2022, Slabtown is the latest concept from chef Kevin Gillespie, a TopChef alum and the founder of Red Beard Restaurants. It brings casual eats and rooftop views to Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood in the space that formerly housed Cold Beer. The food menu deserves as much attention as the drinks—Gillespie uses high-quality, wholesome ingredients in their made-from-scratch pub fare. Pair cold draft beer with something from the Greatest Hits menu, which features staples from other Red Beard restaurants. 

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