The Rooftop brings an elevated charm to downtown Sugar Hill with handcrafted cocktails, live music and welcoming hosts.
By Alicia Carter | Photos Courtesy of The Rooftop
Perched atop Sugar Hill’s thriving downtown district, The Rooftop is quickly establishing itself as one of the area’s go-to destinations. With picturesque views and decadent drinks, the new rooftop bar perfectly marries an upscale experience with the warmth of a cherished local hangout. But perhaps most of The Rooftop’s success is due to its owners, Jeff Blanchard and Jennifer Silvestro, who have transformed the space into what feels like an extension of their own living room, where they welcome patrons with open arms and tasty drinks. It’s an environment reminiscent of the beloved TV show “Cheers,” where everyone knows your name; a place where strangers become family and lifelong friends.
Jeff and Jennifer have a charisma that lights up the room. Their shared passion for hospitality is evident at The Rooftop, a testament to their genuine love for entertainment. Jennifer affectionately refers to Jeff as the “mayor” because of his uncanny ability to make friends wherever he goes. True to her word, Jeff’s welcoming demeanor and radiant smile make everyone feel like they’ve known him for years, from the first-time visitors to the dedicated staff.
“I just love this,” Jeff says. “We love touching every table and talking to everybody and making sure that everyone is happy and comfortable. Opening The Rooftop has been more than we could have ever imagined — everyone has been amazing and welcomed us to the community.”
The Drinks
Located on the rooftop of the E Center above Central City Tavern and Indio Brewing, The Rooftop overlooks The Bowl at Sugar Hill and specializes in handcrafted cocktails paired with live music. While The Rooftop doesn’t offer food options, patrons are welcome to bring in food from outside vendors, including the many restaurants sprinkled throughout downtown Sugar Hill, and on occasion will offer charcuterie boards, popcorn, or other treats for guests to nibble on.
The focus at The Rooftop is truly on their drinks. Popular cocktails include the Cherry Smoked Old Fashioned, a blend of Bulleit Bourbon, Amaro, simple syrup, and cherry/vanilla bitters that’s smoked on the rocks with brandied cherries; the Franco Italian, featuring honeysuckle vodka, Italicus, and lemon juice; the Blood Moon, a mixture of Don Julio Reposado, Tattersall Blood Orange Liqueur, lime juice, Triple Sec, and agave; and the Cafe Espresso Martini with Tito’s, Burghetti, Liquor 43, Baileys Irish Cream and espresso beans. In addition to cocktails, The Rooftop also offers a selection of wine and beer, with a Beer Garden outside with 16 beers on tap, featuring a great selection from local breweries.
The Experience
While The Rooftop may be known for its drinks, patrons will return again and again for its rotating lineup of live music. They host live music on the evenings of Tuesday- Saturday, with diverse offerings each week. Overlooking The Bowl, guests will also be able to get a front row seat to the many bands who travel through town — such as when the Beach Boys played back in August.
And as the season shifts and the crisp embrace of fall descends upon Sugar Hill, The Rooftop is poised to offer an enchanting experience that captures the essence of the season. With the backdrop of scenic rooftop views, the upcoming months promise a symphony of colors that will paint the cityscape in beautiful fall hues. As temperatures cool, The Rooftop will shift with it, offering guests the opportunity to cozy up next to fire pits with warm blankets — just in time for football season. (Don’t worry, you’ll be able to catch your favorite game while you sip your favorite drink.)
The heart of The Rooftop, beyond the stunning views and drinks, is the palpable spirit of community it fosters. It’s a place that takes you above the daily hustle and bustle, offering an escape that’s elevated by the tunes of live music. From sharing stories under the stars to toasting the night’s adventures with delicious cocktails, The Rooftop provides a rare blend of sophistication and heartwarming familiarity. It’s a testament to Jeff and Jennifer’s vision: an upscale yet welcoming space where every visit feels like reaching new heights.
The Rooftop is located at 5019 W. Broad St N.E., Suite M307, in Sugar Hill. They are open Monday-Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m.-midnight. For more information, follow them on Instagram: @therooftopsugarhill
