The Ultimate Summer Hangout in the North Loop
Situated atop a beautifully restored, historic Maytag Company building, The Rooftop Bar at Nolo’s has solidified itself as one of the premier open-air destinations in the Minneapolis North Loop. Operating as the sun-drenched crown jewel above Nolo’s Kitchen & Bar and its subterranean Basement Bar, this venue captures the neighborhood’s youthful, high-fashion energy. Access is a seamless adventure: guests slip to the back of the ground floor and ride a massive industrial elevator to a dedicated security checkpoint before emerging onto the expansive deck. It serves as a magnetic gathering point for fashionable locals under 35, social groups seeking day-drinking patio fun, and night owls hitting the neighborhood bar scene as evening DJs spin tunes.
The Culinary Map: Chilled Shareables and Refreshing Sips
Because the space functions primarily as a high-volume outdoor social lounge, the culinary team at Nolo’s curates a tightly focused, highly executable menu that skips heavy entrées in favor of light, refreshing appetizers.
Chilled Starters & Dips: The menu is packed with social shareables, including a velvety whipped feta hit with hot honey and pistachios, fresh burrata, rich crab dip, and classic hummus served with crisp pita chips.
Vibrant Seafood & Greens: Guests seeking clean, crisp bites can opt for tuna poke, chilled poached shrimp, or fresh melon wrapped in salty prosciutto. The kitchen also turns out fantastic, light options like a fiery Thai shrimp salad, street corn salad, and a signature kale Caesar.
Speedy Execution: Because the food menu is restricted to one page, dishes are prepped and run to tables with incredible, lightning-fast efficiency, keeping the focus entirely on socializing.
The beverage program is highly tailored to hot summer afternoons and late-night dancing. The central bar turns out a fast-moving roster of signature cocktails, hard seltzers, and ice-cold draft beers. The wine menu is deliberately concise, offering a refreshing lineup of prosecco, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, and rosé, along with a smooth pinot noir to satisfy red wine drinkers looking for a lighter option under the sun.
Cabana Luxury and Skyline Backdrops
Architecturally, The Rooftop Bar is a striking playground overlooking the hustle of Washington Avenue. The layout masterfully balances open standing-room spaces near the massive perimeter bar with casual high-tops and tables. For those looking to elevate their experience, the venue features premium private cabanas that can be reserved online for big celebrations or upscale group hangouts.
Outfitted with smart entertainment systems broadcasting sports, heavy-duty outdoor heaters for unpredictable Minnesota nights, and high-quality sound systems that pump out excellent house tracks, Nolo’s Rooftop maintains an energetic and boisterous buzz from noon until midnight. It successfully encapsulates the care-free, stylish, and highly social heartbeat of modern Minneapolis patio culture.
