The best al fresco spots to sip cocktails against national landmarks all summer long.
Nothing says summertime quite likeswimming holesand an crank cold swallow at a rooftop prevention with wholesale urban center panoramas . as luck would have it , in DC , the district ’s building mandate tell that nothing can be taller than the Washington Monument means you ’re almost guaranteed to have fantastic views wherever you go .
And there are choices galore . From rooftop bars where mass go to political party , to quieter spots designed for savor the sunset or places where to cool out over pizza , here are the 15 best rooftop bar in Washington DC . And for more play while you ’re in town , head to the city’sbest weekend eventsandthese cool hotel lobbies .
DC rooftop bars with big city views
Moonraker
The WharfMoonraker is as close to the water as it gets in DC , making it one of summertime ’ chicest spots for a rooftop drink . Located atop the Pendry hotel , it has a sizable indoor penthouse restaurant and saloon which serves Japanese - shape cuisine , as well as a massive terrace overlooking the Wharf , Washington Channel , Potomac , Anacostia River , and Hains Point Park . genuine to its billion - dollar mark vista , cocktails here are some of the urban center ’s pricier ones and start at $ 23 . But with a large selection of Japanese whiskies and originative cocktails like the Sakesso Soirée ( sake , chocolate , espresso ) , it ’s worth any special occasion .
VUE
Penn QuarterVUE has some of the right horizon ( get it ? ) of the White House in the urban center and its popularity with politics staffers progress to this an ultimate DC summer experience . settle atop the Hotel Washington , VUE does have its average share of tourist , but it ’s that heady admixture of local anaesthetic and visitors that keep it buzzy and always full . For attracting a courting and tie-up bunch , the cocktail here are surprisingly creative . We hump the curry and lychee accent St. Germain concoction “ Let ’s Not Get curry Away , ” and their banana and allspice rum drunkenness , “ Spiced Life . ”
Smoke & Mirrors
Navy YardWith unmediated views of the Capitol Building , Smoke & Mirrors does n’t have to work hard to print . The rooftop bar , which is locate on the top of the AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard , has an impressive list of offering . We have a go at it their whisky and tequila flight , their compact vino list , and trade cocktails , especially the Monroe ’s Love Letter ( vodka - cran mixed with Italicus ) . Their small plate — the runt taco and mumbo wings are super pop — are heavy for sharing with a Quaker . For weekend brunch , there ’s bottomless mimosa ( $ 40 ) but await to hold back a bit for your table .
SUMMIT
Penn QuarterSUMMIT , the silken rooftop bar at the Conrad Hotel , had its minute in the sun last summertime when it drew crowds in to sample its Barbie - theme cocktail menu . Even without all of the Barbie - centric deglutition , this stead is still a must - try thanks to its sleek giving - city interior decoration , downtown purview , and trade name Modern summer cocktail menu . The mezcal - base Spicy Sunset and the rummy found Summer Breeze are utter for sipping while watch out the sundown with a date .
Top of the Gate
Foggy BottomIt does n’t get more iconic DC than this : summertime drinks atop the notorious Watergate hotel . As perhaps the country ’s most infamous hotel , the Watergate is also the home of the city ’s most illustrious rooftops . Top of the Gate is an expansive terrace with bird’s-eye views of the metropolis . This summer the classic rooftop bar is undergo a Greek shift . “ Tarátsa at Top of the Gate ” will feature a Mediterranean - inspired card ( think small plate of grilled halloumi and citrusy , rosemary marinated olives ) as well as cocktail set for an Aegean vacation . We ’ll be keeping coolheaded with a classic spritz .
DC rooftop bars for partying
Hedy’s Rooftop at Hotel Zena
DowntownChances are you probably hump Hotel Zena for its foyer where there ’s an IG - renowned mural of Ruth Bader Ginsburg made entirely out of tampons . And while the hotel ’s lobby restaurant and lounge is a great place to shop activist - inspired art , its rooftop — Hedy’s — is where you want to head in summer . All season long , it will feature a full showcase of springy entertainment , from DJs to immersive art initiation existence . A throwback cocktail menu ( opine lot of luscious tropical drinks ) are an added draw , along with the dip pocket billiards that ’s available with a mean solar day pass leverage .
Lucha Rosa
DowntownLucha Rosa , which shakes up Mexican - inspired cocktails atop the Moxy Hotel has stunning aspect of the Washington Monument . Despite its iconic DC opinion , the vibration here is decidedly more Oaxacan than Washingtonian . With a boldly colorful and vivacious inside , a broad , airy rooftop patio , and a retractable ceiling , this patch has the distinct vantage of being a rooftop bar for either rain or shine . A menu of small bites ( think octopus ceviche and pork belly tacos ) is double-dyed for after work nibble . And what ’s more , Lucha Rosa has one of the largest agave lists in the DMV .
Ciel Social Club
Mt. Vernon SquareAt this flex - worthy position that ’s one of the buzziest places for summertime drinking , think monolithic , ever - changing flowered installations atop the AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center . There ’s plenty of board , plush couch furniture and panoramic survey , including spectacular ones of the Capitol Building and the Washington repository . Ciel Social Club ’s Monday through Friday ( 5 pm – 7 promethium ) glad hours regularly quarter crowds of office workers who hail for the discounted vino , beer , and cocktails , as well as $ 20 specials on Veuve Clicquot .
Wild Days
DowntownYou’ve probably been to Eaton DC ’s speak - easy style bar , Allegory , but have you been to the hotel ’s rooftop ? Wild Days is , as its name implies , is always a bit of a political party . The in high spirits energy spot rooftop ginmill is open every Nox of the week and more often than not will be have either a disc jockey or live euphony carrying into action . Small plates and s’mores ( yes , those matter from your camping days ) and some cocktail made for partying , like the WAKE UP ! which blends vodka with cold brew coffee . This touch gets crowd on the weekend but you ’ll find a slightly more shivering vibration during the week .
DC rooftop bars for casual chilling
HUSH
Logan CircleAs its name implies , HUSH — the rooftop streak at Viceroy DC — is all about embracing the quieter , more frisson vibraphone of summertime . While some might experience the rooftop for its pool ( twenty-four hour period pass are always uncommitted ) , it ’s their nighttime scheduling we ’re seeking out right now . This season , the rooftop is plunge a series of event with local artist who substantiate relaxed , sultry summertime evenings . “ hush up After Dark ” will take place every Thursday evening and will spotlight a diverse card of lively ( and unexpected ) execute artists , from poets to vocalizer to mountain lion to dancers . The cocktail computer menu here is an equally serene streamlined curing of mojitos , martinis , and margaritas .
Hi-Lawn
Union MarketCasual is the name of the game at Hi - Lawn , the rooftop barroom and hangout infinite atop Union Market . Hi - Lawn ’s jumbo sward lawn ( one of the metropolis ’s heavy ) gives school day recess vibes . Add in some colourful picnic tables , lawn games , and a shipping container turned bar , and this is decidedly a grown - up variant of carefree co - ed days . Cocktail pocket , spiked seltzer , juice box cocktails , and mercifully low-priced wine-colored and beer makes Hi - Lawn one of the parky rooftops in the urban center . Throughout the summer , Hi - Lawn will be hosting dj , saltation party , and some fun pour down - up shop so discontinue by throughout the season and there ’s always bound to be something Modern going on .
Rooftop Kitchen
McLean GardensA fledgling to the rooftop scene is the aptly named Rooftop Kitchen in the City Ridge development in McLean Gardens . The kinfolk - friendly quad has an all - day card that ranges from light with dishes like Maryland Lump Crab Lettuce Wraps and Ahi Tuna Tostadas , to broad entrees and pizza pie . There ’s also a kid ’s menu with milkshakes , hamburgers , and hot cad so believe this a good smear for groups of all years . For those above drinking old age , the blood - orange Santorini Spritz and a rum , lime tree , and elderflower cocktail call the Yacht Thief , seem perfectly plan for DC ’s hot summer afternoons .
Colada Shop
Logan CircleYes , there are a few Colada Shops around the DMV , but the Cuban bar and restaurant ’s location near 14th Street is where we ’re head this summer . The Logan Circle location has a midget rooftop that ’s clear just Wednesdays through Sundays , and with a mural backdrop and puritanical intone décor , it ’s one of the coziest places to savour one of Colada ’s touch Cuban sandwiches . Their Cuban cocktail ( who can say no to a Psidium guajava negroni ? ) as well as fruity smoothies and extensive Cuban deep brown menu makes this a spot as gratifying for a daybreak pick - me - up as it is a chill place to close out the Nox .
The Conservatory
Ivy CityIndustrial chic Ivy City is home to one of the near restaurants in the city : Gravitas . The Michelin Starred spotlight should definitely be on your radar , however , if you want to have the vibe , drinks , and sharpness without the Michelin Star prices , you ’re in circumstances because the restaurant ’s rooftop is a little public of its own . Known as the Conservatory , thanks to its methamphetamine mansion , the rooftop is undefended every Thursday through Sunday and offers views of Ivy City ’s iconic Hecht building , saucy small plates , and seasonal cocktail . The signature White Lotus with oolong tea , vodka , rosemary , and elderflower , is bound to be a summer favourite , along with their summer gin sample flights for $ 28 .
Sushi by Bou
South of the National MallSuchi by Bou ’s DC localisation certainly offers sushi with a view . This unequalled topographic point go the sophism of a sushi eating place with the buzz of a cocktail legal community and the views of a DC rooftop . Yes , it ’s localisation is a bit strange , but consider them a pioneer in bringing a scene - y spot to the surface area around L’Enfant Plaza . We love their citrus fruit and ginger forward highballs cocktails that pair off perfectly with their 12 - piece omakase bill of fare .
VUE atop the Hotel Washington.|Photo courtesy of VUE
Top of the Gate at The Watergate Hotel.|Photo courtesy of Top of the Gate
Lucha Rosa at the Moxy Hotel.|Photo courtesy of Lucha Rosa
HUSH at the Viceroy DC.|Photo courtesy of HUSH
