When you think best rooftop bars and restaurants, Washington DC may not be the first city that comes to mind. But as locals are keenly aware, the District’s balmy climate during seasonal times makes it an ideal spot for wining and dining al fresco. Happily for those living in the area, or visiting from the DMV region and beyond, a wealth of rooftop respites (e.g. Hive Bar and others) can keep you knee-deep in delicious food and drink, while also supplying a healthy dose of fresh air. Following, you’ll find an expert guide to the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Washington DC – drink up, eat up, and enjoy, and don’t forget to write in and let us know what else makes your Top 10 list.
Takoda Top of the Gate Hawthorne The Graham Hotel
| Name | Location | Description |
| POV at The W Hotel | 515 15th St. NW | Sits atop of the W Hotel, overlooks the White House… what more is there to say? Well, apart from the fact that – as the management notes – here your fashion statement will prove just as important as your political statement. With bottle service and a stunning view of one of our nation’s most iconic landmarks, it’s the perfect place to plot your Frank Underwood-like rise to the top. |
| Jack Rose Dining Saloon | 2007 18th St. NW | A certifiable Washington DC institution, ever-reliable whiskey and dinner spot Jack Rose offers no shortage of eye-catching and atmospheric spots at which to grab a drink, from its dining saloon to its cellar. But if you haven’t visited the venue’s classic rooftop escape, we recommend looking heavenward to this (surprise!) tiki bar’s rum-soaked delights – the space operates Thursday through Saturday and features its own grill for island-themed bites. |
| Takoda | 715 Florida Ave, NW | This year-round rooftop beer garden doesn’t just score points for its settings and signature brews, but also an impressive roster of American whiskies, including a hefty slate of ryes. Breeze by with a group of friends to get any evening off to a promising start. |
| Bar Deco | 717 6th St. NW | Soak up the District’s sun in style at Bar Deco, one of the few rooftop spaces to be found near the Verizon Center, and a reliable source for American-style grub alongside an extensive beer and spirits list. |
| Columbia Room | 124 Blagden Alley NW | Although the Tasting Room downstairs offers out-of-this-world craft cocktail pairings, you’ll find a light, airy vibe waiting upstairs in Columbia Room’s Punch Garden. As you might imagine, the signature drinks on offer there – a sweeter and more summery counterpart to what’s served below – will prove a hit with dates, friends, and family alike. |
| Sauf Haus Bier Hall | 1216 18th St. NW | You’ll swear you walked out of Dupont Circle and straight into downtown Munich at this temple to all things Bavarian, from beer to soft pretzels, bratwurst, sauerkraut and cheese. It’s a popular favorite with young professionals: Expect to find a lively crowd of twenty- and thirty-somethings crowding its tables. |
| Top of the Gate | 2650 Virginia Ave. NW | There’s a reason the 1972 Democratic National Party had their HQ at the Watergate Hotel: It’s smack dab in the middle of everything. Which, in plain speak, means the view from the roof is second to none. Looking for a unique date night option? Meditate on the Potomac, Kennedy Center and Washington Monument as you sip a cocktail or digestif and munch on artisanal pizza before absconding to a show and after-party. |
| 801 | 801 Florida Ave NW | Whether you’re in the mood for small bites or the full prix fixe, 801 likes to keep things simple. If you’re rolling with a crew, don’t miss their $40, multi-person “Mega-Mule” – bound to liven the mood of any night up multiple times over. |
| DNV Rooftop Lounge | 1155 14th St. NW | During the day, it’s just for people staying at the Kimpton Donovan, but in the evening DNV transforms into a bustling schmooze-or-be-schmoozed scene with incredible nighttime views. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, make sure to put in an appearance – you never know which Capitol Hill staffer you may wind up talking to. |
| 1905 | 1905 9th St. NW | Downstairs, 1905 serves up unique takes on comfort food. But here’s a pro tip for anyone hunting for the best rooftop bars and restaurants in Washington DC: Head for the rooftop, and you can enjoy the full menu in a more seasonal environment too. It’s a must for summer nights in Shaw. |
| Hawthorne | 1336 U St. NW | Hawthorne sports five (count ’em FIVE) bars across its four-story, multi-level floorplan, but trust us – the roof is where you want to head, where a retractable cover promises to keep the party going 365 days a year. With two bars located in this area alone, finding a drink – or good company to share it with – won’t be a problem. |
| El Chucho | 3313 11th St. NW | Look to the roof of this banging Mexican joint for an extensive selection of Tequila and Mezcal, along with, ahem, more colorful cocktails such as Senor Clusterf*ck and Mucha Yierba, which you sip on alongside tasty bites such as tortas, flautas and chimichangas. |
| El Centro D.F. | 1819 14th St. NW | El Centro is a bar, restaurant and club offering up modern takes on Mexican comfort food alongside an elegant cocktail menu, all in a relaxed outdoor space. Beware the basement at night though, unless you’re in the mood to be transported to a high-energy Latin dance club packed with wall-to-wall crowds, laser lights, twirling hips and all. |
| The Observatory at the Graham | 1075 Thomas Jefferson St. NW | We recommend packing both reservations and a killer wardrobe if you plan on visiting this chic liqueteria, popular with DC’s well-coiffed and more established set. Think bottle service. Think never wanting to leave. Think good times waiting to be had. |
| Red Derby | 3718 14th St. NW | Slow your roll at this unassuming bar and grill that offers up $2 Strohs alongside a long-as-your-arm list of bottles and drafts. More upscale stopovers can certainly be found, but sometimes, a mellow night of cocktails and conversation is just what the doctor ordered. |
| Marvin | 2007 14th St. NW | Taking its name from a certain legendary R&B singer who cut his teeth in Shaw, this neighborhood bistro features a relaxed and straightforward vibe along with a roof deck that opens at 5pm every day. |
| Roofers Union | 2446 18th St. NW | There are few more pleasant ways to while away a lazy evening than sharing a punchbowl with friends atop Roofers Union, tucked into the heart of bustling Adams Morgan. If it gets too hot, their signature frozen craft cocktails will cool you down pronto – or you could always pop into the venue’s critically-acclaimed restaurant below to grab a bite to eat. |
| Beacon Sky Bar | 1615 Rhode Island Ave. NW | This upscale bar and grill also sports a relaxed, open-air hang during the warm season. Although not the last play you’re likely to end an evening, it should be one of the first stops. |
| Perry’s Restaurant | 1811 Columbia Rd. NW | Year-round outdoor dining? Fantastic. Year round outdoor dining on sushi which is consistently excellent? Even better. Go Omakase or go home at this Adams Morgan favorite, well worth stopping at as you wind your way through this storied neighborhood full of eclectic restaurants and bars. |
| Rose’s Luxury | 717 8th St. SE | This jewel of a restaurant – ranked one of America’s best – doesn’t take reservations for less than 6 people. But if you go with a party of 12, you can make a reservation for its heated roof deck, which has offers just one seating per evening with all guests taking the sumptuous tasting menu. |
CHEAT SHEET
Executive Editor Scott Alexander has been writing and editing for over two decades at publications from Playboy to Popular Science. A seasoned publishing industry vet, he works up and down the East Coast and plays wherever they'll have him.
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