Washington, DC is a world-class destination, with hotels, restaurants, museums and other cultural attractions to spare. The National Capital City also has a great rooftop bar and terrace scene that heats up in summertime for some establishments, and year-round for others. These rooftop bars and lounges are fabulous meeting places for friends and family and offer great views of the Nation’s Capital.
Back in the old days, Hotel Washington and the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill offered the best views of Washington, DC. Indeed, Hotel Washington had an outside terrace across the street from the White House that was the place to meet friends and colleagues for happy hour or after a show in what’s now called the Theatre District. On summer evenings, you could always count on the terrace being super packed with tourists as well as the hometown crowd. The terrace was a great place to celebrate special occasions. Never known for its fine cuisine, you could always count on Hotel Washington to offer great views and Washington, DC ambiance. Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill, on the other hand, had a fabulous rooftop lounge that promised both elegance and high style. Adjacent to the this lounge was an incredible restaurant for fine dining alongside some of Washington, DC’s top power-brokers. The Hyatt’s lounge was eventually closed and renovated for meeting space when a building was erected next door, blocking its legendary views of the US Capitol building. Nowadays, smaller, more intimate rooftop bars, terraces, restaurants and more abound in Washington, DC and, very much, await your discovery.
Ready to take in some sensational sights and classic cocktails in Washington, DC? Looking for the very best rooftop bars and terraces in Washington, DC? Check out these Top 3 Rooftop Bars in Washington, DC. Great locations, views and crowd-pleasing drinks to spare. The very best news, views and drinks Washington, DC has to offer, from the hometown and neighborhood crowd to the Washington DC tourist or newcomer.
Point of View Roof Terrace
11th Floor of W Hotel , 515 15th Street, NW
Washington , DC 20004
Telephone: (202) 661-2400
Serving: Tapas (small plates)/light fare/creative cocktails
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM; Friday 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM; Saturday 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Description: The Point of View Roof Terrace is a spectacular destination for you, your family and business colleagues. Formerly the Rooftop Sky Terrace in the historic Hotel Washington building, Point of View Roof Terrace has cornered the market on attitude, altitude and location. Point of View is decidedly an upscale casual destination today that scores high marks for creative cocktails and cuisine. Point of View offers some of the best views of the Capital City and is literally steps from the White House, Treasury building and Theatre District in downtown Washington, DC. Point of View has a great urban vibe, terrific clientele, and according to W Hotel, is “trendy and fun, comfy-chic.” What to eat? Try the samosas for something new and different. Thirsty much? Try the Pina Colada or any number of cool cocktails on the menu. Indeed, while a little crowded and 20-something for some, POV Roof Terrace still gets straight A’s in my book for its spectacular view, capital cocktails, and great conversation in wonderful, Washington, DC.
Sky Bar
Rooftop of Beacon Hotel & Corporate Quarters
1615 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Washington, DC, 20036
Telephone: (202) 872-1126
Serving: Alfresco dining/light fare/creative cocktails
Hours: Seasonal. Wednesdays through Saturdays
Description: The Sky Bar is a sensational, seasonal, and light fare drinking and eating establishment with an elegant flare. Located in the trendy Dupont Circle neighborhood, adjacent to Embassy Row, Sky Bar scores points with the neighbors as well as the tourist crowd. A decidedly upscale, casual, rooftop bar with great views, Sky Bar also offers a nice menu and creative cocktails. What to eat? I recommend the Fried Calamari Fritto Misto which sizzles with artichoke hearts, chickpeas, and tarragon-caper aioli or Sky Bar’s sensational sliders. What to drink? Happy hour shooters, of course. Get ready for Sky Bar’s unique elements, like the special elevator key that’s needed before you are whisked away to a spectacular skyline and capital views of Washington, DC.
Rooftop Terrace
Tabaq Bistro
1336 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009-4445
Telephone: (202) 265-0965
Serving: Small plates/Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare/creative cocktails
Hours: Bar 5pm-2am (Monday through Thursday) and 5pm-3am (Friday and Saturday)
Description: Tabaq Bistro gets high marks for its glass encased rooftop terrace which offers great views all year round. Tabaq Bistro has great, Mediterranean tapas-style cuisine or “small plates” and other entrees. What to eat? Try the Muhammara (roasted red pepper puree with walnuts), cheese platter with seasonal fruits, and Kibbeh (ground beef and bulgar with yogurt sauce.) Looking for more? Check out Tabaq’s menu of classic Middle Eastern fare. What to drink? Any number of creative cocktails. Tabaq’s a great meeting place for friends, family and more. Celebrate your good luck at Tabaq Bistro’s Rooftop Terrace. A great Mediterranean rooftop lounge on the U Street Corridor in Washington, DC.
RESOURCES
Bar DC – News and Reviews of DC bar scene
www.bardc.com
Best Bars in Washington, DC
www.worldsbestbars.com/city/washington-dc
Washington, DC Nightlife – Best Bars in Washington, DC
www.washingtondc.com/nightlife
