Raise a glass at D.C.'s hottest rooftop bars
Raise a glass at D.C.'s hottest rooftop bars
With its noisy buzz of titillating political intrigue, Washington, D.C., isn't known for sitting still and dishing up boring. This appetite for creating showy attention-grabbing news has produced a delightfully positive trend: a jaw-dropping spike in bars with a view.The number of rooftop bars across the city is booming, with more than 30 new or renovated locations opening since 2020. What's all the fuss about? In D.C., the sheer exhilaration of being at a rooftop bar is fed by the city's height restrictions, capped at 130 feet since 1910. This unique feature for an American city has fostered the rooftop boom, since scenic views are available from nearly all of them.With scores of great bars offering views of some of the world's most iconic landmarks, it can be paralyzing to know how to whittle your must-visit list. Here are five standout venues to experience this city's passion for elevated socializing:
CUT Above
Rosewood Washington D.C.Nestled on the banks of Georgetown's historic C&O Canal Towpath, this elegant rooftop features Wolfgang Puck's elevated culinary program along with an elevated view. It showcases an indulgent interpretation of his full-service restaurant CUT, located on Rosewood's ground floor.Savor refined bar bites while sipping artistic cocktails such as Georgetown Gem, with freshly juiced watermelon, and High Society, with fresh guava and lime. Enjoy enchanting views of the historic area with its spires, the winding Potomac River, Francis Scott Key Bridge and the Kennedy Center.
ART DC
Arlo Washington DCNear the National Building Museum, National Mall and Union Station, ART DC opened in late 2024. This is your go-to for Japanese and Pan-American themed food and drink — such as edamame hummus, miso salmon rolls and yakitori. Try the Shogun Old Fashioned or the signature Kitsune's Elixir with spiced rum, pear and sake. Note: They offer a "reverse happy hour" from 8:30 p.m. to close. Its convenient central location is mere blocks from two major Metro subway stations, and the view of the U.S. Capitol is bewitching.
VUE Rooftop DC
Hotel WashingtonThis see-and-be-seen rooftop bar and restaurant is so close to the White House you can peek into the grounds, sweeping the imagination into the dramatic happenings of America's most famous address. Shift in your seat for glimpses of the stately Washington Monument, just two long city blocks away.Drinks at VUE are humorously named with nods to D.C. politics such as Power to the Peaches and Scandal of Kernal Nature. The venue serves dinner with a dedicated children's menu and offers weekend brunch featuring Tres Leches French toast and steak and eggs.
Moonraker
Pendry Washington DC – The WharfDripping with refinement, this haven sits atop the Pendry hotel in the Wharf District, a lively live-work-play area on D.C.'s waterfront. Find yourself either indoors at the cozy dark wooden circular bar or on the open terrace. By day the space projects a casual lounge personality, whereas the evening scene is energized with boozy gatherings.The culinary focus is Japanese-inspired, with unique cocktails and a bountiful sake and Japanese whisky list. Views include the lively Wharf, Washington Channel, the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial.
Top of the Gate
The Watergate HotelAt this seasonal open-air rooftop oasis, you'll rise well above past crimes and misdemeanors to enjoy a 360-degree view over the city. Plane-spotters will love being on the Potomac River flight path.Feast on Mediterranean-inspired fare like seafood towers and truffle fries paired with seasonal cocktails while reveling in sweeping views of the river, The Kennedy Center, Washington Monument, Theodore Roosevelt Island and the crisscross network of bridges connecting the district to Virginia.
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