Top 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Minneapolis

Tullibee brings a rare combination of serious culinary credentials and rooftop accessibility to the Hewing Hotel property, functioning as both a destination restaurant and lively bar depending on the time and your mood. The Wild Rice Porridge has put this spot on the map among food-forward diners, showcasing the kitchen's commitment to locally-sourced, Midwest-inspired dishes that transcend typical bar food. The space transitions seamlessly from dinner service to late-night drinks, with a nightclub energy emerging on weekends that attracts a younger, stylish crowd. If you want substance with your skyline views—where the food is as memorable as the setting—Tullibee delivers in spades.

With a 4.6 rating and a location atop the AC Hotel on Nicollet Mall, On The Rox delivers modern sophistication and panoramic city views that make you feel like you've discovered Minneapolis's best-kept secret. The Smoked Mezcal Margarita showcases the bar's commitment to elevated classics with unexpected twists, perfectly complementing the sleek, contemporary design and fire features that keep the space usable into shoulder seasons. The crowd skews professional and polished—think post-work networking drinks and stylish weekend gatherings—without feeling stuffy or pretentious. Being a hotel rooftop, it's also convenient for those staying downtown who want a nightcap without venturing far.

The Hewing Hotel's rooftop scene combines boutique hotel sophistication with North Loop industrial-chic design, creating a space that feels both exclusive and welcoming to non-guests who venture up. The rooftop bar and pool area (yes, there's a pool) attracts a fashionable crowd sipping meticulously crafted cocktails—the Hotel Manhattan has become a signature order that showcases the bar program's serious approach to mixology. The vibe skews slightly more upscale than neighboring rooftops, making it ideal for impressive first dates, small celebrations, or when you want to feel like you're on vacation in your own city. Pro tip: the view at sunset rivals anything in the Twin Cities.

Tucked along Hennepin Avenue with Nicollet Island views, Riva Terrace offers a Mediterranean-inspired escape that feels worlds away from downtown's bustle despite being right in the thick of it. The Aperol Spritz flows freely here, perfectly suited to the European terrace aesthetic and riverfront breeze that makes this spot shine on warm evenings. It's a touch more refined than your typical sports-bar rooftop, attracting couples seeking romance and friend groups celebrating life's moments without the nightclub energy. The smaller review count suggests it's still flying under the radar, which means you can actually get a table when other rooftops are packed.

While primarily known as a groundbreaking food hall featuring Travail's innovative approach to chef-driven casual dining, Graze's rooftop component offers a refreshing departure from typical bar-only rooftop spaces. The Travail Burger has achieved near-mythical status in Twin Cities food circles, and enjoying it under open skies with a craft beer from the extensive tap list elevates the experience exponentially. The space attracts curious food lovers and North Loop residents who appreciate having multiple cuisine options from different vendors, making it perfect for groups with varied tastes. It's more casual food hall than swanky lounge, but the quality-to-price ratio and chef pedigree make it a standout.

The newest jewel in Minneapolis's rooftop crown, Babylon has quickly earned its stellar 4.6 rating by bringing a sophisticated, almost Mediterranean energy to the Nicollet Mall corridor. The Espresso Martini here has locals buzzing—rich, perfectly balanced, and dangerously smooth—while the fourth-floor perch offers a fresh perspective on downtown's evolving skyline. The intimate space attracts a stylish crowd seeking something beyond the standard rooftop experience, with bottle service options and DJ sets on weekends creating a lounge-meets-rooftop-bar atmosphere. Book ahead on Fridays and Saturdays, as word is spreading fast about this elevated newcomer.

The granddaddy of Minneapolis rooftops, Brit's Pub has been serving pints on their legendary lawn bowling green since before rooftop bars were trendy, and it remains the city's most beloved elevated hangout. The authentic British pub fare anchors the experience—try the Scotch Egg for something you won't find elsewhere in town—while the actual lawn bowling adds an interactive element that turns casual drinks into memorable outings. With over 5,600 glowing reviews, this is where locals bring out-of-town visitors, where summer leagues gather, and where the city collectively celebrates everything from soccer matches to graduation parties. The vibe is convivial and quintessentially Minneapolis, welcoming everyone from families to corporate groups.

Located in the North Loop's vibrant warehouse district, The Rooftop Bar offers an intimate escape that feels like a well-kept secret among downtown dwellers. The space leans minimalist and modern, letting the views do the talking while craft cocktails and local beers fuel conversation among young professionals and neighborhood regulars. Though newer to the scene with fewer reviews, early adopters praise the Smoked Old Fashioned and the relaxed vibe that never feels overcrowded. It's ideal for those seeking a low-key rooftop experience without the typical weekend wait times.

Perched above the bustling Hennepin Avenue theater district, Union Rooftop delivers exactly what downtown Minneapolis needs: an accessible, unpretentious spot with solid cocktails and unobstructed skyline views. The Frosé has become the unofficial drink of Minneapolis summers, slushy and dangerously drinkable during golden hour. This is where the after-work crowd mingles with pre-show theater-goers and first dates, creating an energetic vibe that picks up as the sun sets. With fire pits extending the season into cooler months and a menu of shareable bites, it's become a reliable go-to rather than a one-time novelty.

This isn't just a rooftop—it's a destination dining experience wrapped in RH's signature aesthetic of crystal chandeliers, heritage olive trees, and fountain gardens suspended above Edina. The space feels more European courtyard than Minnesota rooftop, with an ambiance that screams special occasion and effortlessly romantic date nights. Don't miss the Lobster Roll, which has developed a cult following among Twin Cities food lovers, and expect to linger over wine as natural light filters through the soaring glass atrium. It's pricey, but the Instagram-worthy setting and impeccable service justify the splurge for those milestone celebrations.