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Charlie & Debbie

Popular North Carolina Tiki Bar Reopens With New Owner After Abrupt Closure

Author Debbie Nance
Friends enjoying Tiki themed drinks during Royal Tot's Sippin' Santa event in January 2023. The Royal Tot has reopened under new ownership with a soft opening phase following an abrupt closure in May 2023.

There’s no shortage of bars and breweries in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.  However, when a popular one shuts its doors we miss it.  And, that’s what happened in May when we shared the news of Royal Tot tiki bar abruptly closing.  But, just as suddenly as it closed, Royal Tot is back open under new ownership.

According to AXIOS Charlotte, new owner Greg Walter reopened on June 15 following a month-long closure.  The previous owner sold the much loved tiki themed bar to Walter, citing escalating costs and “difficulty bringing a new concept to Charlotte” as some of the reasons for the sale.

Currently, the Royal Tot website advertises “the softest of soft openings.”  They indicate it’s a chance to test drink and menu items and do some tweaking in preparation for the upcoming grand opening.  Plus, as a promotional boost during the soft opening period they offer drink and menu specials customers can enjoy.

And, it seems the food menu added some items with an Asian flair.  In scanning the highlights, I saw spring rolls, Malaysian tacos, teriyaki meatballs and pineapple rice.  It all sounds delicious!  Also, Royal Tot packed the drink menu with plenty of exciting cocktail creations.  And, the location is great too, boasting beautiful views of the Charlotte skyline from the rooftop deck.

We first discovered Royal Tot early this year on the last day of their famous “Sippin’ Santa” pop up.  It was such a fun day sampling the unique drinks and sharing holiday themed tiki creations with friends.  Plus, the decor was quite the conversation starter.  It felt as if we weren’t even in Charlotte anymore.  Not only did the eye catching string lights, fixtures and wallpaper feel like a different world, it seemed like we went back in time, too!

So, make sure to check their website and social media pages for more info as Royal Tot re-launches!

Royal Tot tiki drink with multiple straws

Rudolph’s Rum Rhapsody for two at Royal Tot tiki bar Sippin’ Santa event. It contains Jamaican & Puerto Rican Rums, Lime, Orange, Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Falernum, Honey, Ginger, Angostura Aromatic Bitters

The Ultimate List Of Charlotte North Carolina Rooftop Bars & Restaurants

As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer it’s the perfect time to enjoy all of what Charlotte has to offer. Whether you want to enjoy a good meal, day drink, watch the sunset or have a romantic nighttime skyline view a rooftop is a perfect place. And Charlotte has no shortage of places to do just that. Take a moment to enjoy the views, get that perfect Instagram picture, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. But to help you pick your next destination I’ve compiled a list of all the Charlotte Rooftop Bars.

Whether you want to be only a couple of stories up in your neighborhood or 20+ stories up in the heart of uptown there is something on this list for you. Family-friendly restaurants, 21 and up bars, breweries, tropical cocktails, gourmet food, or wings we’ve got you covered. Several are on the rooftops of Charlotte’s best hotels, but you don’t have to be a guest to visit. Uptown, South Park, Plaza Midwood, No-Da, Southend, and even Ballantyne are the neighborhoods these spots call home. Know of a rooftop bar I missed? Please let me know I’d love to check it out as well.

Just want to be outside and don’t care as much about the view? Check out our list of 15 Outdoor Patios to visit.

The Ultimate List Of Charlotte North Carolina Rooftop Bars

  • Aura

    Address: 124 E. Stonewall Street

    Website

    Follow the glow five stories high to the JW Marriott rooftop bar, a place inspired by the regal aura of Queen Charlotte herself. The views reflecting off of our mirror-like facade are even more alluring with a drink in hand – whether it’s one of Aura’s signature botanical cocktails or your favorite pour.

  • Buho

    Address:201 W. Trade Street

    Website

    Much like the rooftop bars and lounges across South America, Búho Bar truly is a destination itself, with sultry music, stirring conversation and artfully crafted concoctions that capture the essence of a vibrant culture and modern city, and inspire new levels of urban elegance. Stay, sip a cocktail and abandon plans, if only for a little while.

  • The Chamber At Wooden Robot

    Address: 416 E 36th St STE 100

    Website

    Our new wood-aging facility in the heart of the NoDa neighborhood. Enjoy the views of our oak foeders and barrels while exploring our taproom, patio and rooftop biergarten. The Chamber features a rotating selection of draft and packaged beer, with a focus on farmhouse ales and sours.

     

     

  • Charlotte Beer Garden

    Address: 1300 S Tryon St

    Website

    Located in heart of Southend right on the edge of Uptown enjoy the largest selection of beers at any restaurant on their rooftop patio overlooking uptown.

  • Cloud Bar

    Address: 555 South McDowell St

    Website

    Surrounded by the lights of Charlotte’s skyline, Cloud Bar by David Burke is located on the rooftop of Le Méridien. Sip on a signature cocktail while enjoying uptown Charlotte’s best sunset view and light bites from world-renowned celebrity chef David Burke.

  • Coaltranes

    Address: 1518 Central Ave

    Website

    Coaltranes is a South American-inspired rotisserie and char grill, with a focus on healthy. Enjoy local chicken, stuffed avocados, char grilled wings, freshly-made bowls, and many vegetarian options on their rooftop patio.

  • Coin Bar

    Address: 132 E Trade Street

    Website

    The Coin Bar provides guests a contemporary urban oasis with a stylish bar and grill. Double-sided LED television screens, each 22 feet wide by 12 feet high, some of the largest in the city, make the pool bar the destination of choice for any and all sports and entertainment happenings in the city. Come enjoy a cocktail poolside and take in stunning views of the Charlotte skyline.

  • Cordial

    Address: 1824 Roxborough Rd

    Website

    Cordial is a destination, but it’s also an everyday spot. It’s a bar where everyone belongs, and the bar belongs to everyone. We offer inventive cocktails for sipping, small plates for sharing, and plenty of good conversation—plus a stunning view of the Charlotte skyline from our spacious outdoor veranda.
    www.instagram.com/p/CSkDpJsjiag/

  • Devil's Logic

    Address: 1426 E 4th Street

    Website

    On the edge of Cherry and Elizabeth and a mile from Trade & Tryon, we’re ‘next door’ to the best of Charlotte. Drinks and food can be enjoyed from two outdoor patios, one elevated and with a clear view of uptown Charlotte!

  • Fairwood 226

    Address: 226 Fairwood Ave,

    Website

    TF226 has a bar-centric open air vibe with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating. Oh, & did we mention we have rooftop seating with amazing Uptown views?

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CaXGeiquMhZ/

  • Fahrenheit

    Address: 222 South Caldwell St

    Website

    Fahrenheit features amazing, unparalleled views of Uptown Charlotte and inventive new American cuisine.

  • Gin Mill

    Address: 1423 S Tryon St

    Website

    The Gin Mill is a Southend restaurant and sports bar with a rooftop patio. They have daily features and live music on the weekends!

  • Graham Street Pub

    Address: 400 S Graham St

    Website

    Graham Street Pub & Patio offers skyline views and an eclectic menu of handcrafted cocktails and bites. Graham St. Pub and Patio, just blocks from Bank of America Stadium is a neighborhood bar with inside seating, a street-level patio, and a rooftop that overlooks Knights Stadium and the picturesque Queen City skyline.

  • Lincoln Street Kitchen & Cocktails

    Address: 1320 S Church St Suite 400

    Website

    The restaurant is also known for innovative cocktails featuring house made shrubs, sodas, barrel-aged cocktails and curated wine list. The restaurants midcentury nostalgic rustic yet refined design finds the balance between nature and modern, featuring a moss wall, lime washed brick, a walnut live edge bar, 48 seat dining room and a 30 seat roof top deck.

  • Merchant & Trade

    Address: 303 S Church St

    Website

    On the 19th floor, with panoramic views of Uptown Charlotte, Merchant + Trade is broken into four distinct zones – indoor bar, outdoor terrace, private terrace and the law.

  • Mizu

    Address: 3100 Apex Drive

    Website

    Inspired by the wood-fired Robata grills of Japan, Mizu offers a refreshed take on live-fire cooking atop the Hyatt Centric in the heart of Charlotte’s SouthPark neighborhood.

  • Novelty House

    Address: 123 E 5th St Suite 500

    Website

    Taking the energy of the 5th Street District vertical! Spend your evenings after work with us and enjoy craft cocktails, assorted champagnes, local beers and seltzers and more! That’s not all! Enjoy views on all four sides of Binaco Tower, including Uptown’s largest mural by local artist Alex Duncan.

  • Nuvole Rooftop 22

    Address:220 E Trade Street

    Website

    Twenty-two stories into the Charlotte skyline, Nuvolé is a rooftop bar and lounge that rises above expectations in every way. Here, just beneath the clouds, modern urban elegance meets natural beauty and fresh flavors intermingle with handcrafted cocktails. Pull up a seat at our sleek bar, share a variety of savory bites with friends, or just soak up the city views while enjoying your craft beer or wine — the perfect way to spend an evening in uptown Charlotte.

  • RH

    Address:

    Website

    The RH Rooftop Restaurant features an ingredient-driven menu accompanied by a curated selection of artisanal wines and craft beers. Guests dine in a year-round skylit garden escape amidst trickling fountains, trellised London plane trees, and glimmering chandeliers.

  • Royal Tot

    Address: 933 Louise Ave Suite 350

    Website

    The Bird’s nest is the upper deck at The Royal Tot! Here you’ll enjoy a tropical experience but in a more relaxed, flippy floppies welcome kind of vibe. This area is walk-in only and complete with shade sails, individual fire pit tables, space heaters, and an unparalleled view of Uptown Charlotte.

  • The Waterman

    Address: 2729 South Blvd Ste D

    Website

    Ahoy! Welcome to The Waterman, where it’s easy to satisfy a craving for delicious, fresh seafood. Guests can belly on up after work at Happy Hour for a hearty fill of oysters (House Oysters are $1.5 Mon-Fri from 2-7PM), craft cocktails (we call them ‘boat drinks’ around here), or a cold beer (only the best here). For dinner, locals can enjoy fish camp-inspired dishes like The Waterman’s Platter or classic Fried Fish Sandwich. Don’t forget to check out the Uptown views from the rooftop bar ‘Topside’

  • Whiskey Warehouse

    Address:1221 The Plaza

    Website

    With a rooftop bar, a whiskey-forward cocktail program, and an endless roster of quality local beers, Whiskey Warehouse leaves little to be desired. The skyline view from the expansive string-light-clad rooftop earns this two-story bar/restaurant some serious street cred in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood.

  • Woody's Seafood Saloon

    Address:

    Website

    This is the second location of Woody’s which is in the Ballantyne area. The first location? The Virgin Islands. The Shark Bites are said to be a must try and the cocktails will almost have you thinking you’re in a tropical oasis instead of NC.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZzb6cBp8fn/

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

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