The Willard Rooftop Lounge

Open

Closed

$

$$

Raleigh

fast-casual

4.2
Street-level lounge atop an AC Hotel, mixing craft cocktails, rooftop seating, and skyline views with smooth service and a trendy, upscale feel.

$

$$

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fast-casual

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📍

The Willard Rooftop Lounge

Raleigh

$

Discover The Willard Rooftop Lounge in Raleigh: handcrafted drinks, skyline views, rooftop seating, and lively service. Reserve your seat today.

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About
4.2
(
570
)

The Willard Rooftop Lounge offers a unique rooftop experience atop the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown combining stellar views of the city with handcrafted cocktails and a curated food menu. The space balances indoor and outdoor seating, with a dedicated kitchen serving evenings Tuesday through Sunday and live entertainment including occasional dancing.

Expect attentive, fast service and a trendy yet comfortable atmosphere ideal for solo visitors or groups alike. Its rooftop location and crafted drinks make it a favored spot for birthday celebrations and after-work gatherings.

What to Expect:

    🍸 Extensive craft cocktail menu including featured specialty cocktails
    🍽 Rooftop dining with a focus on burgers, flatbreads, and shareable bites
    🌇 Spacious rooftop seating with city skyline views
    🎶 Live entertainment with dancing available
    🅿 Valet and paid parking options nearby

Important Information:

    – Age Policy: 21+ preferred, family not recommended
    – Reservations recommended via website or Google Maps
    – Dress Code: Trendy/upscale casual
    – Accessibility: Elevator access to rooftop, wheelchair accessible entrance and restrooms
    – Parking: Paid garage, valet and street parking available, can be difficult
    – Kitchen Hours: Kitchen open typically from 4 PM to 10 PM (varies by day)
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📍 Local Insights

🌞 Prime Rooftop Sunny Hours: Afternoon through early evening (4 PM–8 PM) offers the best skyline views and vibrant lighting for photos.

🍸 Industry Night Specials: Industry Night events include featured cocktails by LALO plus food discounts—check event pages ahead.

💺 Seek Indoor Patio: For quieter conversations or colder weather, the indoor patio next to the bar offers ample seating away from louder areas.

🅿 Parking Tips: Paid parking garages close by can fill up; valet is convenient but plan extra time on busy weekend nights.

⏰ Hours

Monday: 4:00 PM–11:00 PM

Tuesday: 4:00 PM–11:00 PM

Wednesday: 4:00 PM–11:00 PM

Thursday: 4:00 PM–11:00 PM

Friday: 12:00 PM–12:00 AM

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: 12:00 PM–9:00 PM

👉 Best For

Cocktail lovers, rooftop views, groups, celebrations

The Willard Rooftop Lounge

9 Glenwood Ave
,
Raleigh
,
NC
27603

Review Sentiment

Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
The Willard Rooftop Lounge is praised for excellent cocktails, gorgeous rooftop views, and attentive, friendly service. Many guests highlight the standout bartenders and comfortable seating. Some note the food is hit-or-miss with a limited menu often centered around burgers and flatbreads. Parking can be challenging and some mention inconsistent service delays during busy times, but overall, the rooftop ambiance and drink quality keep the experience welcoming.
Last updated on
December 9th, 2025

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What You'll Find

Craft Cocktails; Hard Liquor; Wine; Beer; Rooftop Seating; Outdoor Seating; Private Dining Room; Dancing; Table Service; Fast Service; Wi-Fi; Valet Parking; Paid Parking Lot; Paid Street Parking; Reservations Recommended

📆 Best Times to Visit

Visit after 4 PM to catch rooftop views; Fridays peak from 7 PM–11 PM; Sundays calm by 5 PM; reservations advised on weekends.
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