Merchant & Trade is worth visiting for the views alone, but the food definitely holds its own. The rooftop overlooking Uptown Charlotte is stunning, especially around sunset. I tried caviar for the first time... the jury's still out on that one. But the Caesar Brussels, pork belly, and jerk tacos? Chef's kiss! The only thing that kept this from being a true 10/10 experience was the arrival process. We were told they don't take reservations and to simply find a seat. After walking the entire rooftop, every available table had a "Reserved" sign on it. I finally stopped a staff member to ask how reservations worked, and he kindly walked us back to the hostess, who then added our name to the seating list. We were seated within about 10 minutes, so I wish that had been explained from the start. The other minor issue was the flooring in certain areas of the rooftop, which felt a bit unstable. With a smoother seating process and a little attention to the flooring, this place would be nearly perfect. I'd absolutely visit again for the views, the atmosphere, and those incredible bites. read more

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This such a vibey place! It's located on the 19th or 20th floor of a hotel- I walked right in and was able to sit at the bar. However, if you want a table you should make a reservation as there were many empty tables but the hostess said everything was booked. There is open seating around the bar area and on the side (you have to walk behind the area) to know it's there or you won't see it! The food was just okay, I mainly went here to get the lobster pasta and I would give it a 7/10 flavor was bland but everything was cooked well. The edamame hummus was definitely the best thing I ordered per the bartender's recommendation. I closed my tab and was waiting for my food. Once I got my food the bartender only checked on me one time which I thought was a little odd given I was there for quite a few hours. I would go here for the vibes and drinks. Count the food out. read more

Merchant and Trade - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Impeccably clean, and attentive service. Dontre took wonderful care of us and made sure we were entertained. We had the wings - extra crispy and dry rub - fantastic!!!! Y'all should consider this place for an evening uptown! Best rooftop view of uptown!! You can see Kings Mountain and the Truist field. read more

It's always a good time! One of my fave rooftop bars in uptown. The drinks are tasty and the bites are good. read more

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This was my first time experiencing the rooftop. It was a nice experience. The food was good. I wish they had more options but we made the best of it. We had wings, fries, pork belly, chicken salad. The service was okay. You had to order drinks and food from the bar that needed more bartenders. It would have been a better experience if someone could have taken orders from the tables. Couldn't give 5* because we had to stand line to order. The ambiance was nice with a baseball game going on right across from the rooftop. Its a very sexy type atmosphere. I will return. read more

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Food, service, ambience (I could have done without the horrible girlfriend), but otherwise... a fantastic night. read more

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My hubby and I recently visited Merchant and Trade for dinner, and the evening left a lasting impression. We started with the poke belly tacos and the tomato hot fries--both well-executed starters that set a high bar for the night. The flavors were clean, inventive, and comforting in all the right ways. For dessert, we shared the Chocolate Peanut Butter Whiskey Cake and the seasonal pumpkin cheesecake. The cake was rich and indulgent, a chocolatey celebration with a warm whiskey note that kept things balanced. The pumpkin cheesecake offered a seasonal contrast--creamy, slightly spiced, and irresistibly smooth. A perfect ending to a dinner that already felt special. Our cocktail journey was a highlight. Here's the lineup: 1st: M&T Espresso Martini -- delightful, with a smooth coffee bite that lingered pleasantly. 2nd: A surprise tequila-based creation recommended by our waitress. It was delicious, and I suspect it might have been the Violet Skies signature cocktail--beautifully fragrant and well-balanced. 3rd: Milepost 328 -- smoky, with good structure and balance; it stood up nicely to the evening's flavors. Final drink: Chai Hot Toddy -- a warming option that felt a touch bland on this particular night but is absolutely something you could order if you're feeling under the weather or craving something cozy. Our server Lea was magnetic and wonderful--attentive without being overbearing, and she helped guide our choices with warmth and expertise. The ambiance outside was A1, delivering pure Miami vibes right here in Charlotte: fire pits scattered at various tables, palm trees, skyline views, and the rooftop setting atop the Kimpton Hotel. Looking down, we spotted a large ice skating rink full of joyful skaters, which added to the festive energy. My hubby and I were privileged to secure a table with a fire pit integrated into it. Also, the manager, Candra, came out to ensure we were enjoying our time at this beautiful restaurant. That added the icing on top to our wonderful dining experience. The setting is unmatched in Charlotte for a date night or a stylish evening out. From the rooftop atmosphere to the chic interior and the chic, food-forward menu, Merchant and Trade nails the "romantic Charlotte scene" vibe while remaining approachable and fun for a celebratory dinner. Recommendation: Highly recommended for drinks and dinner alike. If you're looking for a place to impress with skyline views, thoughtful cocktails, and a refined but not stuffy dining experience, this is a standout. A perfect spot for a romantic evening or to showcase the Charlotte dining scene to visitors. Overall: 5/5, and we will be returning. read more

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Great for the views, just the drinks are watery and the mixing isn't that intricate, leaving the cocktails feeling opposite of complex and not satisfying unfortunately. Good ambiance. Staff was fair and neutral, nothing special, but I understand since it can be stressful. Got: Jasmine and Rex, The Greenway read more

Merchant and Trade - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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My favorite rooftop bar. This place is such a good vibe, cute for dates for grabbing drinks with the girls. It is always a vibe on the weekend as well. read more

Rooftop igloo experience at Merchant & Trade (Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel) was a whole vibe. Warm, cozy setup with stunning city views. Food was good, drinks were on point, and service didn't miss. We celebrated birthdays and had a great time--lighting, ambiance, everything hit. I had wings and fries, others tried different items, and it all delivered. Definitely a 10/10. Would absolutely do it again. read more

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Great drinks and atmosphere! Our server was Allie--she is the best!! And Eric the bartender makes the best drinks! Great rooftop views too! read more

Merchant and Trade - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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One of my favorite rooftops. The weather was amazing so I decided to take full advantage. My friends and I had a M&T Cosmopolitans and grabbed little bites. I think this space is perfect for a small gathering or birthday party. Looking forward to visit more during happy hour! read more

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Came back! Their margaritas were so good and strong! Had the pork belly and truffle fries this time and would get it over and over again. The DJ had an awesome mix and truly appreciated for someone who loves a variety of music! We did have to ask for napkin/cutlery but we sat at an open table and didn't get servers. read more

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I have been here many times over the years. And in the last several years I can no longer have alcohol and going get drinks with friends was a struggle. I really have enjoyed all the zero-proof drinks here. You can tell they still put the same effort into the nonalcoholic drinks unlike some places that basically give you fruit juice with seltzer water. Great atmosphere and fun spot to take friends. read more

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Merchant and Trade - New Year's Eve We paid $500 per person (Tier 2) for the New Year's Eve event at Merchant and Trade inside the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, and it was easily the worst New Year's Eve experience I've had--especially at this price point. This event was advertised as a luxury, exclusive NYE experience. We arrived at 8:00 PM, and it became clear very quickly that the reality didn't match the marketing. Food: The food was bad. The featured "tomahawk" carving station tasted like overcooked, under-seasoned prime rib and felt like a bait-and-switch for something far cheaper. Nothing about the food felt premium or thoughtfully prepared. Entertainment: The DJ plus live saxophone sounded interesting on paper but was completely unbearable in practice. The saxophone was loud, chaotic, and clashed horribly with the music. It got so bad that we actually left the event and went back to our room just to escape the noise. Crowd & Atmosphere: For New Year's Eve in Charlotte, the turnout was shockingly low maybe 35 people total. Instead of feeling exclusive, it felt empty and awkward, with no celebratory energy at all. Midnight Experience: When we returned near midnight, conditions didn't improve. There wasn't enough seating inside, and not enough heaters outside to keep guests comfortable. Standing around in the cold after paying $500 per person is unacceptable. Tier 2 / "VIP" Upgrade: We paid extra for Tier 2 and received no real benefit. The alcohol selection wasn't noticeably better, and there was zero VIP treatment. The espresso martini station was efficient, but the old fashioned station was slow and oddly the only station with a tip jar, which felt inappropriate given the ticket price. Extras & Management: The gift bag consisted of cheap promotional alcohol-branded items that felt like throwaway swag. The wait staff worked hard and were doing their best, but there was no visible management presence, and the overall execution felt rushed and poorly managed. Other guests independently expressed the same disappointment to us, confirming this wasn't an isolated experience. Bottom line: This event felt like a complete rip-off. Poor food, unbearable entertainment, minimal crowd, uncomfortable conditions, and no value from the Tier 2 upgrade. New Year's Eve should feel exciting and celebratory not like you paid a premium to be disappointed. I would not recommend this event to anyone. read more

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Unfortunately I can't grade the food because we didn't eat here however the DRINKS!!!OMG I ASKED THE waitress to get creative and OMG, she hit that perfectly. The prices was AMAZING. Our waitress was super cool too. I love a waitress to comes with a smile and gives the feeling like she loves what she does. The decor was really fly. Perfect for unwinding and relaxing. Love this place. Will return and such a beautiful establishment read more

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This was an amazing experience! I would totally come back during the day for the great vibes. The servers were very friendly and knowledgeable. The food was "chefs kiss" We came here for Valentine's Day, and had the special dinner. It was our first time having caviar, it was pretty good. This is a must try! read more

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Came in for the view and a drink prior to getting Korean BBQ downtown. It did not disappoint. The view was amazing. The drinks were great. Would go back. read more

Service is great. Always checked if we were satisfied and drinks came fast. Ambience is absolutely amazing the rooftop has a gorgeous view of Charlotte. All I got were drinks but from what I remembered the cocktails seem a tad overprice but over all still a really enjoyable place and I will be going back read more

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While I sit at this restaurant the ambiance amazing I can't help but feel horrible. Me and my company have yet to be asked for service. We arrived at 910 and it's 958 still no on has asked can I get you something? When we walked in the women told us we can't at the bar or at on the sofas on side which is full service. We choose the bar. However there were no seats. We went back and stayed to the host we will take the seats. Since then we countless waiters have walked past us. Not one hello, not one can I help you, would you like water, so we got up and walked to the bar to get a drink. While other around us received service. This man in the picture walked past us over 10x and not once asked could he help. I have never revived such poor service. This was horrible and the feeling of being ignored really sucks read more

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Rating the igloo experience - so adorable and perfect temp! Food and drinks were great - had the truffle fries, the deluxe burger w side of caviar, lobster pasta, cheese curds and charcuterie. read more

Merchant and Trade - Igloo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Love the ambiance for date night, friends night out, or a small group dinner. Beautiful view above Romare Bearden park and the Knights baseball stadium. Interesting looking cocktails, but I'm an IPA girl. I think you have to go to the bar to order for most seating. We sat at the bar and appreciated the recommendation of the fried chicken sliders. They were perfectly cooked and paired well with truffle fries before a Charlotte FC game. read more

Came on a weeknight to catch up with a friend. Beautiful view, great service, good cocktails and tasty food. We were seated right away at a high top table in doors, but still had a clear view of outside. I tried: - Pork & Brussels: the brussel sprouts were perfectly crispy and the whiskey cane syrup balanced out the saltiness of the pork belly. I also love cheese in all forms so the parmesan was a nice touch - Crab Cake Sliders: these were fine, decent amount of lump crab in each cake, could've used a bit more of aioli - Sweet Corn Hush Puppies: Literally the best hush puppies I have ever had in my entire life. No exaggeration. I don't know what magic yall are working in that kitchen but keep it up. I was pissed I had to share them. Would've eaten a second bowl. All of our cocktails were also well made! No complaints there. Would certainly come back if I were in the area again! read more

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Great rooftop bar atmosphere! I definitely enjoyed the vibes on Friday evening (10-24-25). The ambiance was classy and relaxing with an amazing view of the city skyline at night. We ordered the Espresso Martini and the M&T Old Fashioned -- both drinks were excellent. This is a perfect spot to unwind, enjoy good company, and take in the beautiful Charlotte cityscape. I'll definitely be back! read more

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The vibe here is always great!! It's trendy and their outdoor space is so nice!! I love that it oversees the baseball stadium and you can see a view of the city as well. Drinks are always top notch and the bartenders are always willing to make you anything off menu! This place is also great for hosting events for parties or corporate!! read more

Merchant and Trade - East side Ricky - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

This past weekend, I had the chance to attend an event at Merchant & Trade, thanks to some friends who frequently go to Yelp events. I had heard a lot about the spot, but experiencing it firsthand was something else. First Impressions: A Grand Entrance From the moment I arrived, I was amazed by the entrance. The sleek, modern elevators set the tone for something special, and as soon as I stepped into the restaurant, I was captivated. The lush greenery, the chic ambiance, and the open layout all created an inviting and upscale atmosphere. The bar is wide and open, making it a great spot for socializing and grabbing a drink. Merchant & Trade definitely knows how to make an entrance feel like an experience. Service: Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff The staff was attentive, friendly, and well-versed in the menu. I appreciated their suggestions and the way they engaged with guests, making the experience feel personal and welcoming. No complaints on the service front at all. Food & Drinks: A Major Letdown Now, when it came to the food, my opinion completely shifted. The menu descriptions sounded phenomenal--so much so that most of us at the table were excited to try multiple dishes. However, when the food arrived, we were instantly underwhelmed. The portion sizes were disappointing, and the flavors did not live up to the hype. Everything felt lackluster, and for the prices they charge, we expected much more in terms of portion size and overall satisfaction. The drinks were solid, but again, for the price, I wanted something that stood out a bit more. The water cups were small, so I found myself constantly refilling my glass. While they did offer tap, bottled, or sparkling options, I would have preferred larger glasses to avoid the frequent refills. The View & Outdoor Experience Sitting outside was a highlight because the view was spectacular. However, given the time of year, it was freezing. I noticed a lot of tables getting up and moving inside because of the chill. While there were some heaters, there weren't enough to make the space comfortable for those who wanted to enjoy the view. More fires or heaters would have made the experience far better. Final Thoughts Would I return? For the ambiance, absolutely. For the food? Probably not. Merchant & Trade nails the vibe, the aesthetics, and the service, but when it comes to the food, there's a disconnect between expectation and reality. If you're going for drinks and a view, you'll likely have a great time. But if you're expecting a memorable meal that matches the upscale setting, you might leave disappointed. read more

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The vibe was elevated but still fun -- perfect mix of glam and good energy. The food and the drinks were great! Between the rooftop views and well-crafted drinks, it was the perfect girls' night spot. Definitely one of my favorite Charlotte rooftops read more

This rooftop is a treasure on top of the Kimpton! It is a must see if you are staying in Uptown, I highly recommend you add this to your afternoon or evening plans! It is absolutely beautiful with views of the city, and there are so many gorgeous details from the lighting to the design of the inside bar to the outside deck and patio to the furniture to the fire pits, the seating and even the restrooms - everything is done perfectly. The cocktails are worth every penny to be enjoyed in this unique and special place! Go here. read more

Merchant and Trade - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Beautiful city views! I went on a Thursday evening so it wasn't crowded. I had the southern traditions grazing charcuterie boards. If you like pickled things, you'll love this one. read more

Merchant and Trade - Southern traditions grazing board and blue crab dip - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

This place is a vibe! We came here after visiting a more disappointing rooftop. This was all-around a better experience. The view was stellar, the interior was beautiful, our drinks were great and it was lively on a Friday evening despite some light showers. We did have to wait a few minutes for the elevator ride up. We saw a couple get turned away for bringing their child so beware! read more

Merchant and Trade - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Always a favorite and a CharLitt staple! Rooft top is amazing with the views, food was on point ... cocktails could use some uplifting but overall great ambiance, music (DJ comes later) and vibes! They don't do reservations so get there early! We arrived at 7pm! read more

Loved my experience here! Late to review but went a couple of weeks ago with two friends. Did not have a reservation but we went pretty early so lucked out. Our server was super attentive and always knew when to check in and ask if we needed another drink. We got a bottle of Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc and shared their charcuterie board. Obviously, the view was perfect and the mixture of service, yummy food and drink, and a good view made for a wonderful evening. read more

Merchant and Trade - Charcuterie Board - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

Hosted an event on the rooftop bar. The views were amazing and it was the perfect ambiance for our vision. The food was great and bar lovely really quickly and smoothly . read more

Merchant and Trade - Networking at its finest - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Pretty rooftop. I like the seating arrangements. Good for a group. Drinks are good and normal price

I've only been to Merchant and Trade at night and view is absolutely beautiful. On both occasions, getting in was hassle free and completely free to get in. I'm unsure if there was a strict dress code, but outfits ranged from casual to upscale. For guys, I would recommend dressy to business casual attire and girls were wearing heels for the most part. My only points off would be for the drinks and the musical selection. The average price of a drink is around $15. I ordered a Mexican Mule and I don't think the drink was made correctly because it tasted like seltzer water. I didn't taste any ginger beer and there was a COPIOUS amount of ice in the drink. The DJ played a wide variety of music to cater to a diverse crowd, however, the music was outdated. This place is very chill and a nice place to relax and wind down with friends. I would certainly recommend this place for a good first date or to bring friends/family from out of town. read more

Merchant and Trade - Entrance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Merchant and Trade was giving vibes on vibes. My cousin used to work here so she hit up one of her colleagues to get us a table. On Friday & Saturday nights, in order to get up to M&T, you have to walk in through the hotel, head to the elevator and get in line. We bypassed the line because we had a table so this is just an FYI. When we got up there, we checked in with the host, who then walked us to our table. The waitress came over, took our drinks and we just caught the vibe. The DJ was playing a very impressive mix of music from all genres. While it was crowded, it didn't feel like anyone was on top of you and there was enough space outside, and inside. There are two bars as well so that reduces the volume of folks trying to get a drink. If you're looking for nice views, good drinks, great music and a blended crowd, this is the place to be!! read more

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Company had their annual Christmas party at the location. The location cater to what the company wanted as far as color theme, matching pillows and food to go with the ambience. All all the staff was friendly and willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone was having a great time during their holiday party. read more

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We visited on Sunday the 22nd in the evening. Relatively slow night at the bar as it was Sunday. As we sat at the bar with empty drinks for several minutes, Dontre was busy chatting with some folks at the end of the bar rather than tending to the rest of his guests. One in our party asked Dontre questions about different cocktails he could prepare when he finally came over. Dontre seemed very annoyed by the questions and responded in a condescending tone. Not the best experience. read more

Gorgeous views with an amazing vibe! My mom, cousin, and I hung out here on Sunday night and had a time! Yes, it was Sunday night, but it did not feel like a Sunday night as tons of people were out enjoying the view, weather, and the music. The DJ was phenomenal as he was spinning a great mix of new and old school rnb, pop, and disco. Our waitress was very nice and informative. She recommended the Flatbread, steak sliders, and Brussel Sprouts. All were super good! The flat bread was stuffed full of mushrooms, peppers, cheese, and a nice drizzle of sweetness. My mom and cousin devoured their steak sandwiches and their Brussel Sprouts. I am not a fan of this veggie, so I took a bite and passed. Minus one star for the lack of fire pits outside. As the weather gets colder, they need to have more areas to warm up. I think more people would've been outside if there had been more heat. One of the areas that has heat was reserved, but the people never showed, and it was super large, too. read more

This is a nice spot to go to for Nightcap, Happy Hour or Date Night Uptown Charlotte. The rooftop bar has beautiful skyline views, extensive cocktail menu and cozy ambiance and gorgeous aesthetics. We stopped in shortly after 9pm on a Wednesday night and walked right in. There wasn't a crowd so we didn't need reservations. They do accept walk-ins for the bar and lounge areas. We sat at the bar and the mixologist Tay was very helpful in helping us select a few cocktails. I wanted something sweet and fruity and my friend just wanted something strong! We ordered the Rob's Zombie and Long Island Ice Tea. The cocktails were pretty strong and refreshing but too much ice in my opinion. When the glass is filled with tons of ice it's hard to drink because you have to keep rearranging your straw to get to the liquid. I was a bit disappointed by that because I asked for drink without ice. Next time I will try the espresso martini. The fire pits and views were definitely the selling point of this visit. We could see the ice skaters at Truist field and pedestrians walking along Uptown. With the weather starting to cool off having a nice heated rooftop is a plus. The igloos won't be coming back this winter but there is now additional lounge space. I'll be checking back for events happening here. read more

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