What better way to enjoy Washington, D.C.’s many sights than from a rooftop of a high-rise, specialty cocktail in hand? The city has a wide variety of bars that feature stunning urban landscapes, tasty bites and well-designed atmospheres. See our picks below for the best rooftop bars in D.C. with a view.
VUE Rooftop Bar
Address: The Hotel Washington 515 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004
More info: thehotelwashington.com
Do you want panoramic views of D.C.’s monuments while enjoying a selection of signature drinks with names like “Ghost in the White House” or “The President’s Book of Secrets”? There’s no better way to relax after a day of sightseeing in the busy city.
POV, the rooftop bar at the W Hotel, offers a luxurious atmosphere and delicious food such as crab cakes and burgers. The bar also serves brunch during the day—perfect if you’re not into the nightlife cocktail scene but still want views of the Washington Monument.
Thanks to its stunning vistas and year-round comfort, provided by floor-to-ceiling retractable windows, POV is frequently named one of the best rooftop bars DC visitors and locals alike can enjoy.
NOTE: There is a dress code, so check the website before you head there. Guests under 21 are not allowed to enter the bar after 7 pm.
Wild Days
Address: 1201 K St. NW Rooftop, Washington, D.C. 20005
More info: wild-days-dc.com
On top of the Eaton Hotel overlooking K Street is Wild Days. It offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, but the real highlight is its lush, jungle-like decorations.
This bar not only serves drinks but is also home to the acclaimed D.C. chef Tim Ma, who has created an Asian-inspired menu with items like kimchi short rib tacos and puffed rice.
Eclectic live music is often another hit with bar-goers. For a special treat, check out the s’mores table service.
Skybox at the Players Club
Address: 1400 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20005
More info: playersclubdc.com
The Players Club is filled with American memorabilia from the 1970s and ’80s, while the bar area features classic arcade games, pinball machines, and claw machines with surprisingly extravagant prizes.
The Skybox, a modern rooftop bar, offers stunning 360-degree views of the city—including iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument. To access the rooftop deck, guests must request a special code for the elevator. The venue is also available for private events, making it a unique and nostalgic space for gatherings.
Perry’s
Address: 1811 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, D.C. 20009
More info: perrysam.com
Located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood, this multi-level bar and restaurant is known for its Japanese fare and extensive drink list, which includes Japanese whiskey. The rooftop terrace is adorned with romantic string lights, and a candle flickers at every table, making it the perfect date spot. With its inviting atmosphere and open-air charm, it feels like a cozy yard rooftop bar tucked away in the city.
On Sundays, Perry’s hosts a drag brunch featuring two different drag shows. Reservations are recommended and can be made via the email address listed on the website.
Red Derby
Address: 3718 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20010
More info: redderby.com
With a dive bar feel, this rooftop deck gives you the sense of hanging at a friend’s place rather than being out in the city. The drink list focuses heavily on canned beers that also come with beer-shot combos.
The overall atmosphere is one of relaxation, with board games and comfort foods like mac ‘n cheese and tacos.
Bar Deco
Address: 717 6th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
More info: bardecodc.com
This three-story bar is located in Chinatown, just across the street from Capital One Arena—making it the perfect spot to enjoy a rooftop drink while pregaming for a Capitals game or taking in views of the nearby Capitol Building.
The bar features art-deco–inspired design, and the rooftop offers sparkling lights, neighborhood views, and ample outdoor seating. Whether you’re relaxing in the outdoor seats with a frozen rosé sangria or diving into one of their hearty burritos, the vibe is both lively and laid-back.
Bar Deco also offers an extensive weekend brunch menu, featuring classics like chicken and waffles, loaded omelets, and, of course, bottomless mimosas.
Columbia Room (Permanently CLOSED)
Address: 124 Blagden Alley NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
More info: columbiaroomdc.com
This intimate, plant-filled rooftop garden bar was named the best American cocktail bar at the 2017 Spirited Awards. You’ll enjoy incredible views of the city from an open-air space adorned with hanging plants.
The bar has a tasting room experience for guests to try some of their creative cocktails and punches.
Specialty drinks are Columbia Room’s real draw: the food menu is very short and the cocktail list is quite long. You are sure to find your favorite new delicious cocktail here.
Top of the Yard
Address: 1265 First Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003
More info: hamptoninn3.hilton.com
Located on the top of the Hampton Inn & Suites D.C. Navy Yard, this rooftop bar looks directly out onto the Washington Nationals stadium. Guests can watch Nationals games from the rooftop without ever leaving the hotel—or buying a ticket. With unbeatable views and a prime Navy Yard location, what could be better than that?
The bar features ballpark-style foods such as hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, and, of course, cold beers—perfect for a laid-back night out in Washington DC.
Takoda
Address: 715 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
More info: www.takodadc.com
With a Stranger Things style lighting aesthetic inside and a garden-like atmosphere outside, Takoda uses its unique atmosphere to its advantage. It’s easy to see why this bar is a hot spot in the Shaw neighborhood.
The bar features 18 American drafts available at its beer garden and about 70 whiskeys to choose from. It also offers a very reasonably-priced brunch and happy hour in DC options.
Officina
Address: 1120 Maine Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
More info: officinadc.com
This three-story market/restaurant/bar is a great place to enjoy a satisfying Italian dinner from Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli, and then head up to the roof to end the night with some seasonal cocktails
Officina’s drink menu features an expansive selection of bubbly, specialty cocktails, and craft cocktails. Known for its ingenious craft cocktails, the bar’s design is inspired by Roman architecture, yet it remains distinctly D.C. with its stunning views of the Potomac River.
The rooftop bar is open year-round—even in winter, when you can cozy up next to the outdoor fire pits.
More Rooftop Bars in DC We Love
- O-Ku
- 12 Stories
- El Techo
- Anchovy Social
- Brixton
- Cortez
- Nellie’s Sports Bar
- Fiola
- Hi-Lawn at Union Market
- Ivy & Coney
- Victura Park at the Kennedy Center
- The Ellipse Rooftop Bar
- La Vie
- 801 Restaurant and Bar
- Decades
- DC9
- Brixto
- Marvin
- CUT Above
- Imperial
- Summit at the Conrad Washington
- Pitchers
- Rooftop at Riggs
- Whiskey Charlies
- Crimson View
- El Chucho
- Roofers Union
- Tiki TNT
- Colada Shop (14th Street)
- City Winery
- Nooshi
- Jack Rose Dining Saloon
- The Embassy Row Hotel
- Sauf Haus Bier Hall
- Red Rocks H Street
- H Street Country Club
- DNV Rooftop
- CityBar
- Kimpton Mason & Rook Hotel
- The Liason Capital Hill DC
- The Graham Rooftop
- Rosewood Washington DC
PIN IT FOR LATER!
Washington, D.C. Travel Resources
Your Washington, D.C. vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve got the resources you need to plan your trip and make the most out of your time in the city and surrounding area. If this is your first time in the capital region, check out our Washington, D.C. trip planner and itineraries.
For transportation, check out our D.C. driving guide and our guide on how to ride the metro. For those flying in, you’ll want to read our guides to BWI, DCA and IAD airports.
Dive into our things to do in D.C., which is always being updated and evolving to make sure you have the latest and greatest activities to fill your checklist of things to do. Don’t forget about food, the real reason we all travel, right? Our Washington, D.C. restaurant guide will get you started and lead you into neighborhoods full of delicious treats.
For more resources, check out our pages on Baltimore, Frederick, Richmond, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Shenandoah National Park, and beyond.
Where to Stay in Washington, D.C.
Budget: When it comes to Washington, D.C. budget hotels, prices vary depending on the season. In the middle of October, a four-star hotel could be under $150, while in December it may be over $400. At any given time of year, though, Hotel Hive is a safe bet for value when it comes to resting your head. If you are looking for a hostel, Hi Washington D.C. Downtown is well-located for exploring all of the D.C. museums, restaurants, and bars at the fraction of the price of a hotel. Check rates and availability here.
Mid-range: Every USA hotel chain can be found in Washington, D.C., but stay at the St. Gregory Hotel when you want a local touch. The modern, light-filled rooms will welcome you to the city, whether you are in a studio or suite with a wraparound terrace. The hotel is within walking distance of Georgetown, the National Mall, Embassy Row, and is near some of the national parks in Washington DC, making it easy to explore without a rental car. Check rates and availability here.
Luxury: You are spoiled for choice when it comes to luxury hotels in Washington, D.C. We love cozying up at the Graham Georgetown, a sweet little boutique hotel in one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city. Check rates and availability here. Major hotel brands like The Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C., and St. Regis Washington D.C. all have outposts here as well. If you want something a bit more historic, we recommend The Jefferson, Washington D.C. Ninety-nine rooms in this luxury boutique hotel bring together an attentive staff, a petite spa, and the Michelin-starred Plume restaurant with all of the history you could hope for when you are in the nation’s capital. Check rates and availability here.
Family-friendly: We always gravitate towards the Kimpton hotels whenever we are traveling with kids. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington D.C., once the General Post Office building, is located in the Penn Quarter neighborhood just four blocks off the National Mall near the National Gallery of Art. The price point is mid-range, depending on the time of year you visit. Parents will love the nightly wine events and evening nightcap perks as well as complimentary coffee and a tea bar each morning. Kids will love that they can borrow a fish friend for their stay, and that there is always a treat on hand that they can enjoy, and the robes are just their size. Kimpton also has adult and child-size bikes to borrow so you can cruise around town during your stay. It’s a great choice for families exploring Washington DC with teens. Check rates and availability here.
Looking for Washington DC Rentals? Check HERE for the best location, size, and rates.
Washington DC Rental Car
If you just flew in, you probably need a rental car. Although you can certainly take the Metro to most places, especially if you fly into DCA, you may want a rental car to get out and explore. Find the best price and availability HERE.
Planning a Trip to Washington, D.C.? Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
Whether you are traveling domestically or coming from an international destination, travel insurance is a must for anyone coming to Washington, D.C. You will be exploring both inside and outdoors; hiking may even happen if you get adventurous. You could find yourself on a Segway or bike tour. The city is highly populated and accidents and crime do happen. This is not to scare you but to prepare you for what could occur when you are checking out the free museums, exploring neighborhoods, finding the best food, and learning about the local street art. Should something happen, travel insurance has you covered.
We recommend and use Allianz Travel insurance. Our family is covered under a household plan, but their individual plans are just as robust if you are a solo traveler or a couple looking to get away. I’ve been a customer for more than five years and have always been in good hands with the Allianz team.
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