The weather is warming up, and we’re officially nearing 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 wonderful waterfront enclaves to leafy paradises, these 11 D.C. rooftops have it all:
1. 12 Stories, The Wharf
Located at the top of the InterContinental Hotel, this chic rooftop 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. Red Derby
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
3. Crimson View, Chinatown
This beautiful rooftop located atop Motto D.C. Hotel in Chinatown serves amazing craft cocktails with a side of Southern Hospitality. This rooftop whiskey bar serves a bevy of traditional cocktails, like their Old Fashioned ($12),alongside specialty cocktails, like the aptly D.C.-named “H Street Jungle” (El Dorado White Rum, Maggie’s Farms Falernum, pineapple juice, aperol, fresh lime) and excellent light bar bites.
Location: 627 H Street NW
4. El Techo, Shaw
Spice up your evenings at Shaw’s El Techo. With its stunning colorful ambience, the rooftop serves amazing Latin American food and offers happy hours with $4 beers and $8 cocktails every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Location: 606 Florida Avenue NW
5. 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 serves a wide variety of seasonal cocktails, plenty of champagne, and some small Italian bites. Buonissimo!
Location: 1120 Maine Avenue SW
6. 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 beautiful rooftop terrace.
Location: 1811 Columbia Rd NW
7. Colada Shop 14th Street
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, and delicious cocktails and Cuban fare. What more could you ask for?!
Location: 1405 T Street NW
8. 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 sun set over D.C.
Location: 1075 Thomas Jefferson St NW
9. Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel, Foggy Bottom
This rooftop of the legendary Watergate Hotel 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
10. Top of the Yard, Navy Yard
Are you a fan of the Nationals and awesome skyline views? Then the 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 hotdogs, burgers and pretzels—whether you can make the actual game or not!
Location: 1265 First St SE
11. Takoda
If you’re a true Washingtonian, chances are you already know about the original Takoda in Shaw—it’s a bar-hop staple! Thankfully, last year 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
Written by Mª del Rosario Castro Díaz and Jenna Romaine.