The food scene in downtown Lancaster is unique, with its diversity in cuisines as well as its local heritage. During these hot summer nights, the rooftop bars in Lancaster, PA are worth a visit. My sister-in-law, a Lancaster native, introduced me to 3 of them the other day, and they are all worth checking out this season. The views are gorgeous from all of the rooftop bars, and the food is delicious.
On East King Street in the heart of the city, you'll find all 3, basically neighboring each other, but all with their own style and vibe.
Urban farmstyle
For a casual hangout with friends, while munching on street food, the rooftop at Tellus360 is your go-to. This spot feels urban, but with a personal twist of Lancaster county to it. The county is well known for its farming culture and its extraordinary soil, and this spot has included a ton of greens on its roof. Along the edges and throughout the roof, there are garden beds with everything from mint and basil to tomatoes growing.
In addition to a bar, there are a handful of food vendors on the roof, serving a variety of cuisines.
I ordered a mojito from the bar and Smoke & Roll, house-smoked pulled pork on mini pretzel rolls drizzled with bourdon BBQ sauce from Psychedeli. This spot is the newest addition to the Tellus 360’s green-roof restaurant team. Their concept is to work with what's local.
Tellus360 is located at 24 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602.
Modern and classy
At Altana Rooftop Lounge it truly feels like you're in the heart of the city. And you are. Surrounded by historical buildings and churches, this spot is beautiful and a perfect place to spend with family, friends, or a date night out.
The style at Altana Rooftop Lounge is modern and classy, but it still feels relaxing being here. You'll be welcomed just as you are, and the staff is great.
The menu serves a wide array of food items. For main courses, you can get everything from crispy duck to short rib burgundy. They also have several vegan and vegetarian dishes, and their small plates include Shrimp Cocktail and avocado fries. The cocktail menu is amazing. This is a spot where you'll be happy whether you come for a full dinner or just for fun cocktails with a view.
Altana Rooftop Lounge is located at 26 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602.
The tallest of them all
If you're all about the views, don't miss out on The Exchange. Located on the 12th floor of Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, this spot offers phenomenal panoramic scenery of Lancaster city and beyond. You can't beat this view. The Exchange features all-weather and open-air lounge areas nearly 180 feet in the air, making it an amazing spot for a night out.
Here, you'll get everything seasonally-rotating comfort food to award-winning craft cocktails. All made by Executive Chef Ryan McQuillan and his team. In the kitchen, they're all about seasonal freshness and serving locally sourced American cuisine.
I ordered a white sangria and a pizza margarita, both of them flavorful and tasty.
The Exchange is located at 25 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603.
If you're not sure about which one of them to go to, why not check them all out? These summer nights are perfect for a drink or meal with a view, and you'll get to see the best of Lancaster city at the same time. Seeing the architecture of the city from above is beautiful.