Rafters Hopes Stillwater's Newest Rooftop Patio will Open Friday

It’s been a long 18 months for Larry Cramer, but if all goes as planned downtown Stillwater’s newest rooftop patio should open Friday at Rafters.

“It has been agonizing,” Cramer told Patch on Thursday afternoon. “I’ve been at this since March (2012), but if it passes inspection Friday at 10 a.m., the rooftop patio will be open.”

An official grand opening of the rooftop patio is planned for Aug. 16-17, Cramer said.

The proposal was first brought before the city in March 2012. The City Council in August 2012 granted Cramer a special-use permit to build a 48-seat rooftop patio with several conditions.

Since then, Rafter’s rooftop patio has gone through three complete architectural design changes.

Due to location and potential conflict with residential homes on the bluffs, the hours of food and beverage service on the patio will end at 9:30 p.m., according to city documents, and all customers must leave the patio area by 10 p.m.

After one year, Stillwater Police Chief John Gannaway may revisit the hours of operation and expand them up to one hour at his discretion. Additional hours after 11 p.m. will require review and approval of the Planning Commission.

Alcohol Service

Full alcohol service is allowed on the patio, however no physical bar or alcoholic beverage station is allowed on the rooftop patio.