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.
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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 is 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 feel along with delicious food items such as crab cakes and burgers. The bar also has brunch during the day if the nightlife cocktail scene isn’t for you, but you still want views of the Washington Monument.
If the winter winds have you shying away from rooftop bars, have no fear. POV Rooftop Bar and Restaurant has floor to ceiling retractable windows, so you can enjoy that view all year round.
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 7pm.
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 club has classic arcade games, pinball machines and claw machines with shockingly extravagant prizes.
The Skybox is the Club’s rooftop bar, and offers a complete 360-degree view of the city. In order to get to the roof deck you’ll have to ask for the number to gain access to the elevator.
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 famous for its Japanese fare and extensive drink list which includes Japanese whiskey. The rooftop is filled with romantic sparkling lights, and a candle flickers at every table, making this the perfect date spot.
On Sundays, Perry’s hosts a drag brunch with two different drag shows. Reservations are recommended and can be made through an 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, so it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a rooftop drink while pregaming for a Capitals game.
The bar is art-deco inspired and the rooftop has sparkling lights and views of the Chinatown neighborhood. The menu includes hits like frozen rose sangria and burritos. Bar Deco also offers an extensive brunch menu that features 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 bar all without having to buy a ticket or leaving the hotel. What could be better than that?
The bar features ballpark-style foods such as hot dogs, burgers, pretzels and, of course, cold beers.
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 happy hour and brunch 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 a Michelin-starred chef (Nicholas Stefanelli) and then head up to the roof to end the night with some seasonal drinks.
Officina’s drink menu has an expansive selection of bubblies and cocktails. Its design was inspired by Roman architecture, but the bar is very uniquely D.C. as it looks out onto the Potomac river.
The rooftop bar is open year-round, even in winter when you can cozy up 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 to 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 wraparound terrace. The hotel is walking distance to Georgetown, the National Mall and Embassy Row, 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, 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. 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. 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 most places, especially if you fly into DCA, you may want a rental car to get out and explore. Find the best priced 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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Looking for a Washington DC Hotel?
- Hotel Hive – Affordable, trendy, pet-friendly hotel
- Eaton Hotel – Stay in the heart of DC
- Four Seasons Hotel Washington DC – DC luxury at it’s best
- Kimpton Hotel George – Great for families and pets
- Willard InterContinental Washington – Historic hotel right near the White House
