Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina and an up-and-coming tourism destination. Columbia has always been a “foodie” city, but its growth and beverage scene are putting it on the map. Recently, Columbia has grown its dining scene with the addition of rooftop bars.
The rooftop bars in Columbia are perfect for a date night out, happy hour with coworkers or a nightcap after dinner. With its warm weather year-round, beautiful sunsets, and walkable downtown districts, Columbia is the place to be for an evening out!
Here’s our quick guide to the 5 best rooftop bars in Columbia, SC!
Best Rooftop Bars in Columbia, SC
There are a handful of rooftops to dine and imbibe from at local Columbia restaurants and breweries.
Below is a quick guide with the top 5 rooftop bars in Columbia, SC for you to check out!
| Rooftop Bar | About | Location | Website |
| Hendrix | -Upscale, chef-inspired -House-made cocktails -Great date night atmosphere -$$-$$$ | 1649 Main St., Columbia SC 29201 | Click Here |
| Black Rooster | -French-inspired cuisine -Full bar w/wine, beer, cocktails -Date night or happy hour spot -$$-$$$ | 201 Meeting St, West Columbia, SC 29169 | Click Here |
| Savage Craft Ale Works | -Brewery -Local beer, wine list and cocktails -Casual atmosphere, live music -$-$$ | 430 Center St, West Columbia, SC 29169 | Click Here |
| Sheraton Downtown Rooftop Bar and Lounge | -Hotel bar -Best rooftop bar views in Columbia -Happy hour spot -$-$$ | 1400 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201 | Click Here |
| River Rat Brewery | -Brewery -Local beer, wine list, frozen cocktails, cocktail list -Happy hour, trivia, live music and more -$-$$ | 1231 Shop Rd, Columbia, SC 29201 | Click Here |
1. Hendrix
Hendrix is an upscale restaurant and bar in Downtown Columbia. The rooftop bar sits atop the dining room and offers a great view of the lively Main Street district.
Hendrix is a great place to go for a quality, chef-inspired meal and house-made cocktails. On the rooftop, you’ll find a smaller menu, but the bites are just as tasty as dishes off the full menu!
Some go-to quick bites include deviled eggs, oysters and the cheese board. You can enjoy these at the full rooftop bar or one of the cozy couches and tables surrounding the bar.
And of course, you have to get a hand-crafted cocktail! The cocktail menu features drinks full of fresh ingredients and unique flavor profiles. It rotates often, so there’s something fun to try each time you come back!
Here are a few of the cocktails you might find on the menu:
- Espresso Old Fashioned
- The “Hometown Honey” with vodka, honeysuckle syrup and lemon
- A boozy Brazilian “limonade” (rum, condensed milk, limeade)
The rooftop seating is first-come, first-served. Make reservations on the Hendrix website.
Location: 1649 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
Website: Click Here
2. Black Rooster
Black Rooster is a French-inspired restaurant and bar located over the bridge in West Columbia. It has a large dining room and rooftop bar area.
The ambiance on the rooftop bar is great for a date night! There are string lights, heaters, and a fire pit.
The view from up top is also beautiful! Pro tip: check out this rooftop bar once it’s dark out to soak in the cityscape at night.
The full dinner menu is available on Black Rooster’s rooftop. You’ll find delicious French-inspired dishes like steak frites and smokehouse mussels.
Of course, you’ll find a full bar with a great selection of local beer, wine, and cocktails. They offer some nice wine pairings for the French dishes, but also make a delicious espresso martini!
Location: 201 Meeting St, West Columbia, SC 29169
Website: Click Here
3. Savage Craft Ale Works
Savage Craft Ale Works is a brewery in Columbia’s West Columbia/Cayce River District. The taproom sits in a historic building that used to be part of the Columbia Fire Department.
At Savage Craft, you’ll find a rooftop bar overlooking Downtown Columbia.
Here are some of the things you’ll find on the rooftop:
- A small bar area with a full-service bar
- A couch with a fire pit
- Long tables with insulated cup holders
- Two-seater tables overlooking the city
Savage Craft is best known for its beer. They offer a nice variety of IPAs, sours, wheat beers, and more. They also have a wine list and cocktail options.
Pro tip: They often have live music on the rooftop! Check out their website and social media pages to see what kind of entertainment they’ll have when you visit.
Location: 430 Center St, West Columbia, SC 29169
Website: Click Here
4. Sheraton Downtown Rooftop Bar and Lounge
The Sheraton Downtown Rooftop Bar and Lounge sits atop the Sheraton Hotel on the 16th floor. The Sheraton of Columbia, SC’s rooftop is an excellent place to grab a refreshing drink in downtown.
Fun fact: This Sheraton Hotel is the oldest high-rise in Columbia! It’s also the tallest rooftop bar in the city.
You don’t have to be a guest at the hotel to visit the rooftop bar and lounge.
The bar is open every day of the week except Sunday for guests and visitors alike to enjoy a drink while overlooking the city. You’re sure to catch some amazing sunsets from up here!
The dress code here is casual, and there’s a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktail offerings.
I suggest stopping here for happy hour before grabbing dinner at another great Downtown Columbia spot!
Location: 1400 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
Website: Click Here
5. River Rat Brewery
River Rat Brewery is a staple brewery in the Rosewood area of Columbia.
The brewery has an indoor dining room, a large outdoor seating area, and a small rooftop bar. The rooftop offers some extra seating when the brewery is busy!
River Rat is best known for their beer, all made in Columbia, SC. They have a variety on tap, from IPAs to red ales, seasonal beers, and more.
River Rat usually has a frozen cocktail available, as well as wine and other cocktail options. They have a delicious food menu with wings, tacos, sandwiches, and more!
This rooftop is perfect for daytime drinks, watching sports, or spending time out with a group of friends.
Location: 1231 Shop Rd, Columbia, SC 29201
Website: Click Here
Why Visit Columbia, SC? Other Reasons Beside Rooftop Bars
Columbia, SC is a city center surrounded by growing suburban counties and towns. It has a local and small city feel but also has dining options you’d find in a bigger city.
The food and beverage scene in Columbia is diverse, with different types of cuisine for any taste bud!
From amazing breakfast and brunch to Southern seafood and more, there’s something for everyone.
On top of the great food and drink spots, there are tons of options for entertainment in Downtown Columbia. For some ideas on how to spend your time in Columbia, check out the video below!
Final Thoughts on Rooftop Bars in Columbia, SC
As you can see, there are some awesome rooftop bars in Columbia, SC! These bars are great for a full date night out or just for a casual drink.
Looking for other bars and dining outside of Columbia? Check out some of our guides to rooftop bars in surrounding areas.
