Summer is in full swing, and D.C. has officially entered peak rooftop bar season. Needless to say, we’re loving it — especially when it comes with a side of gorgeous city views and the perfect excuse to grab a drink with some friends!
From dive bar classics to 360-degree views, these D.C. rooftops have it all:
1. 12 Stories – The Wharf
Located at the top of the InterContinental Hotel, 12 Stories is a chic rooftop that offers stunning 360-degree views of the Potomac and the D.C. skyline.
Add to these views with its upscale cocktails and bar bites, and 12 Stories is definitely the place to go!
Location: 12th floor of 75 District Square SW
2. Summit at Conrad – Downtown
Boasting unmatched views of the Capitol, Washington Monument, and the Downtown D.C. skyline, Summit at Conrad is certainly worth a visit.
Situated at the top of the Conrad Hotel, the rooftop bar serves up various specialty cocktails, as well as wine, beer, and hard cider. It’s the perfect elevated bar experience!
Location: 950 New York Ave NW
3. Red Derby – Columbia Heights
If you’re looking for a dive-bar atmosphere with rooftop vibes and affordable drinks, then look no further!
Nestled in Columbia Heights, Red Derby is a local favorite for its cheap bar eats and infamous $3.50 whiskey and tequila shots. Name something better!
Location: 3718 14th Street NW
4. Crimson Rooftop – Chinatown
Crimson Rooftop is a spacious rooftop located atop Motto D.C. Hotel in Chinatown, serving amazing craft cocktails with a side of Southern Hospitality.
This rooftop whiskey bar offers a variety of cocktails including the aptly D.C.-named H-Street Peach Sangria, and their Devils Breath Margarita with spicy watermelon and fresh basil.
Location: 627 H Street NW
5. ART DC – Judiciary Square
ART DC, tucked inside the newly opened Arlo Hotel, is worth a visit this summer for rooftop views and a cocktail menu full of seasonal flavors. Visitors can expect refreshing drinks like their Cucumber & Thyme Highball, Hibiscus Cobbler, or Lychee Martini Jello Shot for the adventurous.
Location: 333 G St NW
6. Officina – The Wharf
This stylish trattoria’s beautiful ‘terrazza’ offers some amazing views of the Wharf and the Potomac River.
A venture by Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli, the rooftop at Officina serves a wide variety of seasonal cocktails, plenty of champagne, and some small Italian bites. Buonissimo!
Location: 1120 Maine Avenue SW
7. Perry’s – Adams Morgan
This charming rooftop is an Adams Morgan staple.
At Perry’s, you’ll be able to enjoy some excellent Japanese cuisine paired with a wide variety of Japanese wines, whiskeys, and sake while relaxing on its lit-up rooftop terrace.
Location: 1811 Columbia Rd NW
8. Colada Shop 14th Street – U Street Corridor
Though Colada Shop has multiple locations in the DMV, its flagship right off bustling 14th Street NW is the one to visit if you’re seeking cocktails with a view.
Its quaint rooftop offers a beautiful mural, comfy seating, delicious cocktails, and Cuban fare.
Location: 1405 T Street NW
9. Rooftop at The Graham Hotel – Georgetown
The Graham Hotel elevates the traditional rooftop bar vibe with flashes of modern decor and beautiful views of the Washington Monument, the Kennedy Center, and the city skyline.
The Rooftop is perfect for enjoying craft cocktails while watching the sunset over D.C.
Location: 1075 Thomas Jefferson St NW
10. Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel – Foggy Bottom
This rooftop, the legendary Watergate Hotel’s Top of the Gate is a must-experience.
In the summer, you can enjoy its 360-degree views over D.C. and Virginia while sipping on refreshing cocktails and taking in its storied history!
Location: 2650 Virginia Ave NW
11. Top of the Yard – Navy Yard
Are you a fan of the Nationals and awesome skyline views?
Then Top of the Yard is the place to go!
Situated with a phenomenal view just above Nationals Park, it’s perfect for enjoying some low-key pre- or post-baseball cocktails and munching on hot dogs, burgers, and pretzels—whether you can make the actual game or not!
Location: 1265 First St SE
12. Takoda – Navy Yard
Chances are you already know about the original Takoda in Shaw — it’s a bar-hop staple!
More recently, the popular bar opened up a secondary location in Navy Yard.
Now, you can enjoy the vibes, drinks, and rooftop views from two different quadrants (for when you just can’t live through another Uber ride with no AC)!
Shaw Location: 715 Florida Ave NW
Navy Yard Location: 1299 1st Street SE
13. Hi-Lawn – Union Market
Situated above Union Market, Hi-Lawn offers a laid-back vibe and plenty of green space for lawn games, live music, or simply relaxing.
During the rooftop bar’s happy hours, Washingtonians can enjoy sweet deals like $8 Coronas and Pacificos, $9 rosé, and more!
Location: 1309 5th St NE
14. Sly at Morrow Hotel
Sly Rooftop, owned by Iron Chef Marcus Samuelsson, sits atop the Morrow Hotel.
Their cocktail menu is carefully crafted, with Mexican-inspired cocktails featuring ingredients like passionfruit and fire tincture, blood orange, thyme, and mezcal.
Don’t forget about their happy hour every weekday from 3 pm to 6 pm, where specialty cocktails are only $12.
Location: 222 M Street NE
15. The Sky Dome
This 360-degree restaurant on top of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington, D.C. in Crystal City is D.C. area’s only rotating rooftop!
The restaurant has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that offer some of the most stunning views of the skyline and Potomac that you can find.
We’ll warn you, though, this place does come at a cost, but its views can’t be replicated anywhere else! Save this one for a special occasion.
Location: 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, ViA
