Top Outdoor Bars and Lounges Across the U.S.
There’s something about eating and drinking outdoors that enhances the overall experience, and the perfect time of year for this is fast approaching. Across the country, locals are returning to their favorite outdoor venues as well as those reserved for special occasions.
We have explored various outdoor bars and lounges that are welcoming, serve delightful libations, provide excellent food, and create an inviting atmosphere. These venues range from luxurious hotel rooftops to casual, down-to-earth bars, many situated in historic areas like Atlanta’s Nine Mile and The Outsider in Milwaukee, making them ideal destinations for visitors exploring these cities.
Trendy Outdoor Dining Experiences
The bar food scene has significantly evolved; it’s no longer limited to just peanuts and pretzels. Menus now feature luxurious options such as Wagyu beef, truffle fries, and caviar. Nevertheless, classic staples like tacos, burgers, and pizza remain popular. Live music and lawn games like bocce and cornhole create a lively atmosphere, while stunning views of city skylines and ocean waves serve as fantastic backdrops at many of these spots.
While your local favorite may not appear on this list, we hope to inspire you to gather friends and venture out to enjoy summer, complete with snacks, sips, and fresh air.
The Bungalow Santa Monica: Santa Monica, CA
This Baja surf-style lounge at the Fairmont Miramar features a charming brick garden patio adorned with comfy sofas and casual seating. Lanterns sway in the trees, and ocean breezes invite guests to gather around cozy fire pits. Guests can enjoy specialty cocktails, sangria, beer, wine, and more, served alongside delectable dishes from Fig, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant.
The Spare Room – Somewhere Else at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel: Hollywood, CA
This al fresco cocktail lounge is tucked behind the hotel’s iconic David Hockney-designed pool surrounded by lush palms and vibrant plants. The menu features creatively named cocktails like “Highway to Bell” and “40-day Dream,” alongside small plates such as grilled ciabatta, hamachi crudo, and wagyu meatballs. Don’t forget to capture a fun photo or snag a logo sweatshirt, and enjoy vintage games with friends while sipping cocktails.
L.P. Rooftop at E.P. and L.P.: West Hollywood, CA
Overlooking the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Strip, this lively rooftop attracts a vibrant crowd for cocktails, wine, and beer. The menu features a selection of global snacks, including carne asada skewers, ahi tuna tartare, burgers, and more. Guests often visit L.P. or head up after enjoying a meal at E.P., the modern American restaurant.
The Pool at The Sagamore Pendry: Baltimore, MD
Located at Recreation Pier on the waterfront, this seasonal outdoor bar presents beautiful views of the harbor, marina, and city skyline, making it an ideal spot for lounging, enjoying cocktails, and dining poolside or in a private cabana. Sip on a “Sagamore Crush” or “Georgia Mule” while indulging in antipasti or a full dinner, or unwind with cocktails and light bites throughout the afternoon.
Deck 12 at Yotel Boston: Boston, MA
This year-round indoor/outdoor venue provides stunning views of the downtown Boston skyline and waterfront from 12 stories above the seaport. Its inviting atmosphere, complemented by a curated playlist, cocktails, and wine choices, make it a favorite for gathering with friends, especially after dark. Enjoy shareable plates and drinks under the clear skies during the day or amidst city lights at night.
Beach Tree Bar & Lounge at the Four Seasons Hualalai: Hawaii, HI
Just steps from the sand, this oceanfront beach bar offers a perfect setting on a wooden deck equipped with casual seating, tables, and umbrellas. Guests can kick back with a tropical drink while listening to the soothing sounds of waves. The all-day menu features ceviche, tacos, burgers, and pizzas, all perfectly paired with beer, wine, and signature cocktails like “Tom’s Pink Shirt” and the aptly named “Paradise Spritz.”
The Lost Square at The Alida: Savannah, GA
This charming spot boasts panoramic views of the Savannah River and the city’s landscape, creating a relaxing atmosphere with plush seating, music, cocktails, and shareable plates. The Lost Square showcases its playful side with inventive cocktail names like “Your Mom’s Chest Hair” and “Get in, Loser.” Gather friends to sip from a Pineapple Punch bowl for extra fun.
Citrus Club at The Dewberry: Charleston, SC
Perched on the highest rooftop in Charleston, this eighth-floor terrace provides breathtaking views of the city and Atlantic Ocean. The Citrus Club serves citrus-inspired cocktails alongside local delicacies such as East Coast oysters on the half shell and blue crab dip. The inviting setting features casual seating and, of course, a citrus tree.
Cottonwood Pool Club at the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel: Omaha, NE
This indoor-outdoor lounge on the pool deck offers comfy seating and a lively atmosphere, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying refreshments. Guests can savor cocktails, local craft beers, wine, and light bites by the pool. Live music on Saturdays and summer happy hours enhance the overall ambiance.
Nine Mile Station: Atlanta, GA
Located in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward, this rooftop lounge and restaurant is celebrated for its fantastic skyline views. Visitors can enjoy classic cocktails, shareable dishes, and a wide array of craft beers in a casual beer garden-style atmosphere. Frequent diners appreciate the popular weekend brunch accompanied by authentic Southern hospitality.
Denim at The Joseph: Nashville, TN
Perched on a rooftop 21 stories high, this poolside bar and restaurant provides stunning skyline and Cumberland River views, alongside craft cocktails and a menu of Italian and American dishes designed by Michelin-starred Chef Tony Mantuano. With its sophisticated vibe, expansive deck, curated soundtrack, and lush living plant wall, it offers a perfect setting for an indoor-outdoor experience.
Rooftop Lounge at Bobby Hotel, Nashville, TN
High above Music City, this casual rooftop lounge features a unique 1956 Scenicruiser tour bus, private cabanas, and games like ping pong and shuffleboard. Guests can enjoy a lively atmosphere with rock music, beer, wine, cocktails, and snacks while unwinding under the stars. Bobby’s Backyard hosts a monthly event showcasing local artists every first Thursday of the month.
The Ocean Grill at The Setai: Miami Beach, FL
This open-air drinking and dining venue, previously known as The Pool and Beach Bar, offers an expanded elevated deck to better appreciate its beachfront setting. With views of the Atlantic Shore and refreshing ocean breezes, it’s an excellent stop for cocktails, light bites, or casual meals. A new woodfire grill enhances the Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Schooners Last Local Beach Club: Panama City Beach, FL
Steps away from the beach, Schooners is a harmonious blend of fun and relaxation, featuring a cannon blast at sunset each evening. Beach enthusiasts flock here for craft beers, cocktails, and frozen drinks, complemented by casual offerings like Gulf shrimp appetizers, sandwiches, fish tacos, and their version of a classic Cuban sandwich.
Timber Room at Madeline Hotel & Residences: Telluride, CO
This new indoor-outdoor bar and lounge presents an impressive selection of signature cocktails and extensive champagne choices, perfect for pairing with elevated small plates meant for sharing. Guests can unwind by the outdoor pool and social terrace set amidst breathtaking mountain views while enjoying Alpine-inspired dishes and locally infused cocktails.
Owl Bar, Sundance Mountain Resort: Sundance, UT
This rustic mountain bar features a vintage 1890s bar that has a storied past involving infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy. Guests are drawn to the expansive outdoor patio surrounded by pine trees, inviting fire pits, and weekend live music. Here, patrons can sip cocktails, beers, wines, and indulge in delightful food offerings.
Lady Bird at the Kimpton Banneker Hotel: Washington, D.C.
This new rooftop bar is named in honor of one of the country’s significant Black innovators, Benjamin Banneker. Its spectacular setting offers unobstructed views of the White House, featuring fire pits, DJs, and inviting lounge furniture, establishing itself as a must-visit D.C. hotspot.
