Nothing says summer quite like swimming holes and an ice cold drink at a rooftop bar with sweeping city panoramas. Luckily, in DC, the district’s building mandate stating 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 people go to party, to quieter spots designed for savoring the sunset or places where to chill out over pizza, here are the 15 best rooftop bars in Washington DC. And for more fun while you’re in town, head to the city’s best weekend events and these cool hotel lobbies.
DC rooftop bars with big city views
The Wharf
Moonraker is as close to the water as it gets in DC, making it one of summer’ chicest spots for a rooftop drink. Located atop the Pendry hotel, it has a sizable indoor penthouse restaurant and bar which serves Japanese-influenced cuisine, as well as a massive patio overlooking the Wharf, Washington Channel, Potomac, Anacostia River, and Hains Point Park. True to its billion-dollar views, co*cktails here are some of the city’s pricier ones and start at $23. But with a large selection of Japanese whiskies and creative co*cktails like the Sakesso Soirée (sake, chocolate, espresso), it's worth any special occasion.
Penn Quarter
VUE has some of the best views (get it?) of the White House in the city and its popularity with government staffers makes this an ultimate DC summer experience. Located atop the Hotel Washington, VUE does have its fair share of tourists, but it’s that heady mix of locals and visitors that keep it buzzy and always full. For attracting a suit and tie crowd, the co*cktails here are surprisingly creative. We love the curry and lychee accented St. Germain concoction “Let’s Not Get Curried Away,” and their banana and allspice rum drink, “Spiced Life.”
Navy Yard
With direct views of the Capitol Building, Smoke & Mirrors doesn’t have to work hard to impress. The rooftop bar, which is located on the top of the AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard, has an impressive list of offerings. We love their whiskey and tequila flights, their compact wine list, and craft co*cktails, especially the Monroe’s Love Letter (vodka-cran mixed with Italicus). Their small plates—the shrimp taco and mumbo wings are super popular—are great for sharing with a friend. For weekend brunch, there's bottomless mimosa ($40) but expect to wait a bit for your table.
Penn Quarter
SUMMIT, the sleek rooftop bar at the Conrad Hotel, had its moment in the sun last summer when it drew crowds in to sample its Barbie-themed co*cktail menu. Even without all of the Barbie-centric drinks, this place is still a must-try thanks to its sleek big-city decor, downtown views, and brand new summer co*cktail menu. The mezcal-based Spicy Sunset and the rum based Summer Breeze are perfect for sipping while watching the sunset with a date.
Foggy Bottom
It doesn’t get more iconic DC than this: summer drinks atop the infamous Watergate hotel. As perhaps the country’s most notorious hotel, the Watergate is also the home of the city’s most famous rooftops. Top of the Gate is an expansive terrace with panoramic views of the city. This summer the classic rooftop bar is undergoing a Greek transformation. “Tarátsa at Top of the Gate” will feature a Mediterranean-inspired menu (think small plates of grilled halloumi and citrusy, rosemary marinated olives) as well as co*cktails fit for an Aegean vacation. We’ll be keeping cool with a classic spritz.
DC rooftop bars for partying
Downtown
Chances are you probably know Hotel Zena for its lobby where there’s an IG-famous mural of Ruth Bader Ginsburg made entirely out of tampons. And while the hotel’s lobby restaurant and lounge is a great place to browse activist-inspired art, its rooftop—Hedy’s—is where you need to head in summer. All season long, it will feature a full showcase of live entertainment, from DJs to immersive art installation creation. A throwback co*cktail menu (think lots of juicy tropical drinks) are an added draw, along with the plunge pool that’s available with a day pass purchase.
Downtown
Lucha Rosa, which shakes up Mexican-inspired co*cktails atop the Moxy Hotel has stunning views of the Washington Monument. Despite its iconic DC views, the vibe here is decidedly more Oaxacan than Washingtonian. With a boldly colorful and vibrant interior, a spacious, airy rooftop patio, and a retractable roof, this spot has the distinct advantage of being a rooftop bar for either rain or shine. A menu of small bites (think octopus ceviche and pork belly tacos) is perfect for after work nibbles. And what’s more, Lucha Rosa has one of the largest agave lists in the DMV.
Mt. Vernon Square
At this flex-worthy spot that’s one of the buzziest places for summertime drinking, think massive, ever-changing floral installations atop the AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center. There’s plenty of tables, plush lounge furniture and panoramic views, including spectacular ones of the Capitol Building and the Washington monument. Ciel Social Club’s Monday through Friday (5 pm– 7 pm) happy hours regularly draws crowds of office workers who come for the discounted wines, beers, and co*cktails, as well as $20 specials on Veuve Clicquot.
Downtown
You’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 party. The high energy spot rooftop bar is open every night of the week and more often than not will be featuring either a DJs or live music performance. Small plates and s’mores (yes, those things from your camping days) and some co*cktails made for partying, like the WAKE UP! which blends vodka with cold brew coffee. This spot gets crowded on the weekend but you’ll find a slightly more chill vibe during the week.
DC rooftop bars for casual chilling
Logan Circle
As its name implies, HUSH—the rooftop bar at Viceroy DC—is all about embracing the quieter, more chill vibes of summer. While some might know the rooftop for its pool (day passes are always available), it’s their nighttime programming we’re seeking out right now. This season, the rooftop is launching a series of events with local artists who embody relaxed, sultry summer evenings. “HUSH After Dark” will take place every Thursday evening and will spotlight a diverse lineup of live (and unexpected) performing artists, from poets to vocalists to painters to dancers. The co*cktail menu here is an equally serene streamlined set of mojitos, martinis, and margaritas.
Union Market
Casual is the name of the game at Hi-Lawn, the rooftop bar and hangout space atop Union Market. Hi-Lawn’s giant turf lawn (one of the city’s largest) gives school day recess vibes. Add in some colorful picnic tables, lawn games, and a shipping container turned bar, and this is decidedly a grown-up version of carefree co-ed days. co*cktail pouches, spiked seltzers, juice box co*cktails, and mercifully affordable wines and beers makes Hi-Lawn one of the chilliest rooftops in the city. Throughout the summer, Hi-Lawn will be hosting DJs, dance parties, and some fun pop-up shops so stop by throughout the season and there’s always bound to be something new going on.
McLean Gardens
A newcomer to the rooftop scene is the aptly named Rooftop Kitchen in the City Ridge development in McLean Gardens. The family-friendly space has an all-day menu that ranges from light with dishes like Maryland Lump Crab Lettuce Wraps and Ahi Tuna Tostadas, to fuller entrees and pizzas. There’s also a kid’s menu with milkshakes, hamburgers, and hot dogs so consider this a good spot for groups of all ages. For those above drinking age, the blood-orange Santorini Spritz and a rum, lime, and elderflower co*cktail called the Yacht Thief, seem perfectly designed for DC’s hot summer afternoons.
Logan Circle
Yes, there are a few Colada Shops around the DMV, but the Cuban bar and restaurant’s location near 14th Street is where we’re heading this summer. The Logan Circle location has a petite rooftop that’s open just Wednesdays through Sundays, and with a mural backdrop and blue toned décor, it’s one of the coziest places to enjoy one of Colada’s signature Cuban sandwiches. Their Cuban co*cktails (who can say no to a guava negroni?) as well as fruity smoothies and extensive Cuban coffee menu makes this a spot as enjoyable for a morning pick-me-up as it is a chill place to close out the night.
Ivy City
Industrial chic Ivy City is home to one of the best restaurants in the city: Gravitas. The Michelin Starred spot should definitely be on your radar, however, if you want to experience the vibe, drinks, and bites without the Michelin Star prices, you’re in luck because the restaurant’s rooftop is a little world of its own. Known as the Conservatory, thanks to its glass house, the rooftop is open every Thursday through Sunday and offers views of Ivy City’s iconic Hecht building, fresh small plates, and seasonal co*cktails. The signature White Lotus with oolong tea, vodka, rosemary, and elderflower, is bound to be a summer favorite, along with their summer gin tasting flights for $28.
South of the National Mall
Suchi by Bou’s DC location certainly offers sushi with a view. This unique spot blends the sophistication of a sushi restaurant with the buzz of a co*cktail bar and the views of a DC rooftop. Yes, it’s location is a bit strange, but consider them a trailblazer in bringing a scene-y spot to the area around L’Enfant Plaza. We love their citrus and ginger forward highballs co*cktails that pair perfectly with their 12-piece omakase menu.
Madeline writes about all things Washington DC for Thrillist. Originally from New York City, she’s called DC home since the start of the pandemic. When she’s not at home in the district, you can find her chasing stories all over the world. Her bylines include The Washington Post, Condé Nast Traveler, and Travel + Leisure. Follow her on IG.
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