At least to those on the ground, a rooftop bar is like a secret room that opens to the sky.

In Asheville, a city known for its sweeping vistas, it's a wonder every building in town doesn't have some sort of rooftop venue. Yet, they've been few and far between for years.

Hotels have been a contentious subject lately, but they have brought to the city a literally elevated bar scene. Of course, not all rooftop bars can be found in hotels; there's even a brewery where you can take a gander at the mountains, and a three-story bar right downtown.

Since last year, there's also a group tour allowing you to see quite a few of them: Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours, which has less to do with drinking than the name implies. "We share the history of the city from the rooftops," said tour owner and lead guide Kaye Bentley.

Of course you can drink if you want to, but the tour guides also bring along historic photos showing late 19th- and early 20th-century Asheville, reflecting the very views tour-goers experience.

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The history is central to the experience, which offers a brand new look at Asheville in more ways than one.

"Once you see the city from the rooftops, it really changes your perspective," Bentley said.

Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours cover many of the rooftops mentioned on these pages, plus one that's only recently been open to the public: The Capital Club of Asheville, a private event venue that's also been opening to the public for various sports-viewing events, and even dance parties.

Learn more about upcoming events on The Capital Club of Asheville Facebook page.

Book a tour with Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours at ashevillerooftopbartours.com or 828-774-7785.

Antidote

This newly opened bar has a big-city vibe, and feels like it's stood in downtown Asheville for dozens of years. The roomy exterior is kept uncrowded by the staff, who only allow a certain number of guests in the door at once, assigning seats to eliminate the need for fighting over a stool. The cocktail list is excellent and interesting — try the Curiosity, with Sotol Siempre, Batavia-Arrack and Pasubio Vermouth — and even the short wine list is perfectly curated. The rooftop bar offers a fireplace and plenty of cozy seating, plus a view of the South Slope. 151 Coxe Ave.

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More:Inside dish: Take a look inside new South Slope craft cocktail bar, Antidote

Capella on 9

The sleek and stylish 9th-floor rooftop bar at the AC Hotel features Mediterranean-inspired tapas, cocktails, wine and beer. The view is gorgeous, and the cocktails seem perfect for warmer-weather rooftop sipping, including two takes on a classic gin and tonic. It's windy up there, so bring a jacket, though the fire pits do help to knock down the chill. 10 Broadway St.

More:Dining review: Capella on 9

The Hemingway

This rooftop bar in the Cambria Hotel is meant to evoke the flavor of Cuba more than 2,000 feet above sea level, with a mural depicting a Havana bar called the Floridita, once a Hemingway haunt.

The space offers beautiful views of the arcade and downtown Asheville, with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, all of which can be seen in the restaurant proper, as well as on the fire pit-equipped 4,000-square-foot patio. Try the Hemingway Daiquiri, with Luxardo, lime, rum and grapefruit, to accompany a rather extensive menu of Cuban food, including three different kinds of paellas and a classic Cuban sandwich. 15 Page Ave., 4th floor.

More:Dining review: Hemingway's Cuba at the Cambria Hotel

Highland Brewing Co.

Asheville's oldest brewery has come a long way since it lived in the basement of Barley's Taprooom and Pizzeria. Now Highland occupies a sprawling complex in East Asheville, complete with indoor and outdoor concert venues and a rotating cast of food trucks. There's also a gorgeous rooftop spot with a beer bar set in a recycled shipping container and a surrounding patio with plenty of picnic table seating with views of the mountains, so you can sip your local beer while drinking in the pretty, pretty scenery. 12 Old Charlotte Highway.

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The Montford

The Hyatt Place Asheville, on the corner of Montford Avenue and Haywood Street, secured a piece of property with a view. The hotel has capitalized on that asset with The Montford, accessible by an express elevator that shuttles customers straight up and right back out without stopping for hotel guests. There's also free valet parking, which makes a trip here extra easy.

On the roof, a smartly designed and window-bedecked barroom and restaurant opens to a tiled veranda with couches and communal high-top tables. There's a small but smart cocktail list, an interesting selection of local brews and a well-chosen and well-edited wine list. Expect locally focused dips and snacks, including an American Pig charcuterie board and a local cheese plate. Hyatt Place Asheville, 199 Haywood St.

Pillar Bar

The Hilton's Pillar Bar boasts gorgeous southward views and affords a nice gander at the First Baptist Church on Oak Street from a patio as well as a good look at the Beaucatcher Tunnel from expansive windows on the other end of the bar. Besides a killer view, the Pillar also has fire pits and retractable garage doors which, weather permitting, can bring the outside into a comfortably modern bar. Expect small bites like pimento cheese and hummus, plus burgers, wings and flatbreads. Have an aperol spritz and enjoy the view. 309 College St.

The Social Lounge

This bar adjoins, and is part of, Strada in downtown Asheville. A longtime star of this space is the venue's excellent rooftop bar. Check out the rooftop Sunday brunch for al fresco mimosas and a revamped menu featuring omelets, salads and vegan breakfast bowls. The views are not long-range, but it's fun to watch the city go by on Broadway Street below. There's also plenty to eat from a menu of small bites, bar snacks and mains to go with the wine, beer and craft cocktails. Try the pineapple and basil-infused Thalia, a cocktail that's been on the menu since the beginning. 29 Broadway St.

Skybar

The decade-old Skybar came with somewhat of a speakeasy vibe, well before that was even popular in Asheville. To approach the top-floor bar, make your way through the Flatiron's lobby, climb into the elevator and tell the operator where you're headed.

On the eighth floor, it's a small jaunt down a hallway to what looks essentially like a revamped closet. Your reward awaits on the balcony: a stellar view, a fine breeze and a stiff drink. 18 Battery Park Ave.

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Top of the Monk

Top of the Monk is a speakeasy style bar above downtown Asheville's Thirsty Monk with a noteworthy whiskey list and craft cocktails. This elevated patio over downtown Asheville's Thirsty Monk offers a stellar view toward South Asheville. To usher in spring, try The Leonid with Applejack, gin, Harlequin Orange Liqueur, grapefruit and bitters. 92 Patton Ave.