The Capital City offers stunning, Instagram-worthy views of the city with a cool drink and delicious bites at these DC rooftop bars and restaurants.
In DC, it’s always the right time to head out, find the nearest rooftop bar and order up your favorite cocktails or draft beer. During happy hour or any hour, feel the breeze and ease back at these District locales, which have set up shop up top for your warm weather pleasure.
Top of the Gate at The Watergate Hotel
The luxurious Watergate Hotel is a centerpiece of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Head to the sophisticated Top of the Gate and take in 360-degree rooftop views of the nation’s capital while sipping specialty cocktails and noshing on artisanal pizzas.
Top of the Yard
There’s perhaps no bar in DC that has more Natitude than Top of the Yard, which can be found on top of the Hampton Inn & Suites Washington DC – Navy Yard. You can catch a Washington Nationals game all spring and summer while noshing on ballpark-themed bites and brews at this rooftop abode that overlooks the gorgeous Nationals Park.
Brixton
This British pub has become a popular happy hour locale, situated along the nightlife hub that is U Street. Head upstairs to the roof deck for some memorable views, especially during sunset. And oh yeah, there’s some beverages and bites you’ll want to accompany your relaxation: happy hour means all draughts are $2 off and plenty of food options for under $10.
POV Rooftop Lounge and Terrace at the W Hotel
Survey the wonder of DC’s monuments from this terrace that doubles – no, triples as a bar and lounge. Saddle up to a table for a mid-day meal of crab cakes or herbed shrimp pizza. The cocktail culture kicks in at night (the space is 21 and over after 7 p.m.), sporting the perfect setting for mixing and mingling. Want to kick it like a true baller? POV features reserved bottle service after 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Perry’s
An adventure in Adams Morgan is not complete without a visit to Perry’s, a neighborhood staple that opened its doors more than 30 years ago. Enjoy the delicious Japanese fare and an extensive beverage list that includes wine, Japanese whiskey and sake while you relax at the year-round bar or on the seasonal rooftop terrace.
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Whiskey, whiskey and more whiskey. Jack Rose Dining Saloon, another gem in Adams Morgan, always leaves you coming back for more, as the restaurant/bar features a wide array of the classic liquor (as well as wine, beer and fresh takes on classic American dishes). Take it up a notch at the open air terrace, which has a retractable roof so you can kick it year-round. When the roof is open, the night sky shines above, making that glass of whiskey even tastier. Cheers!
Restaurant Marvin
Named after DC legend Marvin Gaye, this U Street hangout carries quite a reputable rooftop hangout. Scarf down its take on soul food with a Belgian twist, including country fried chicken and waffles, while you sip on a classic mimosa on the deck. Bookmark Marvin for brunch: every Saturday and Sunday afternoon you can hear DJs spin while enjoying drink and sandwich specials.
Beacon Sky Bar
The Beacon Hotel’s Sky Bar comes to life once the weather gets warm, providing a scenic and peaceful recluse in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Once you reach the rooftop, you will have a hard time leaving. Sip on a Sky’tini (try the Sky-Bar Aviator), order up some kale guacamole or shrimp spring rolls for the table and let the week’s worries drift away as you take in views of one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.
Red Derby
Get your dive bar fix at Red Derby in Columbia Heights, sporting a beer list heavy on cans to go with thoughtful beer-shot specials – who wouldn’t want to try Pabst Blue Ribbon with Fireball? The rooftop deck bumps, providing a comfortable, hanging-out-at-your-friend’s-place atmosphere. The menu helps too: bar food like mac and cheese wedges and tacos sound perfect paired with a can of Natty Boh.
BiergartenHaus
There’s nothing wrong with celebrating Oktoberfest year round, and BiergartenHaus on H Street NE lets you do just that. Sporting an all-German menu – think Kölsch and Hefe-Weizen, schnitzel and bratwurst – sure to keep you satisfied, the tavern also features three outdoor areas, including a majestic rooftop deck.
The Liaison Capitol Hill
Book a room at this elegant Capitol Hill hotel or purchase a day pass to enjoy its jaw-dropping rooftop, complete with a pool, lounge and a bar. Choose from light fare, including a Pressed PBM (peanut butter, marshmallow, honey, banana…mmm), and pair it with a canned craft beer, some rosé or an inventive cocktail. Then, it’s time to lounge above one of the most powerful neighborhoods in the world.