The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is committed to continuing our normal features, where appropriate, during the coronavirus outbreak. For full coverage of the outbreak in Atlanta, please check our Coronavirus News Section. We have decided to continue Best of Atlanta voting for the time being, despite social distancing. We encourage our readers to support local businesses after the authorities loosen the social distancing rules — along with supporting those businesses that offer delivery or pickup during the outbreak.
There are few experiences better than enjoying a glass of wine and views of the skyline with a date, or getting friends together for a birthday celebration atop your neighborhood pub. Atlanta has some great rooftop bars where you can do either — or both — of those.
The coronavirus pandemic has limited attendance at some places and temporarily closed others, but that didn’t stop hundreds of you from voting for your best rooftop bar.
Here are the top five:
Fifth place went to Whiskey Blue, which sits atop the W hotel in Buckhead. “Guests arrive at the newly renovated rooftop bar from an all-glass elevator that ascends 125 feet high above the city’s skyline, with Buckhead and Lenox Square to one side, and Midtown to the other,” the lounge’s website states. Whiskey Blue is open 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Saturday.
Fourth place went to 9 Mile Station is on the roof of Ponce City Market. From there, “9 Mile Station offers a much more satisfying view of all three of Atlanta’s phenomenal skylines mixed with the foilage of the city’s green canopy along the Beltline, Piedmont Park, and all 4 local neighborhoods that merge at Ponce City Market,” it’s website states. The bar opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Third place went to another Ponce City Market rooftop area. Skyline Park has great views you can enjoy from a table or on one of the park’s rides. In addition to rides, Skyline’s “Coney Island style boardwalk includes mini golf, horse derby race, basketball, skee ball, and break-a-plate,” it’s website states. Skyline is open seven days a week, with masks required to enjoy the fun.
In second place was Hotel Clermont. The rooftop offers the “finest of the finer things: astroturf, street food, frosé in the summer, hot toddies in the fall. The romance of being on a roof, anywhere, but especially here, with its skyline views for days,” its website states. The rooftop is open 5:30 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Friday; noon to midnight Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
The 2020 winner of best rooftop bar in metro Atlanta shines. Even its name means star. Estrella, which is Spanish for star, “serves modern Mexican cuisine inspired by the flavors of the Yucatan Peninsula. Come dine under the stars for upbeat Latin music, fresh squeezed margaritas, and the best view of the Atlanta skyline,” its website states. The rooftop is currently open only on Saturday and Sunday with limited capacity on a first come, first served basis. No reservations are being accepted.
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