Complete guide

Rooftop bars DC

2023 update
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Country United States
Currency US Dollar
Best time to visit April - October
Rooftop grade 8/10
DC Rooftop Bars
Rooftop Washington DC

24 best rooftop bars in Washington DC

By:The world's leading experts on rooftops
Updated:September 2, 2023

The US capital has seen a boom of new rooftop bars in recent years. And while Washington is not the nation's rooftop-capital yet, in a couple of years it just might be.

To help you find your way among the rooftop bars DC has to offer, we have put together a guide with the very best ones. Packed with all info you need about each venue: opening hours, dress code, pics, maps and much more. From new and swanky waterfront rooftop lounges, to classic and charming terraces. All of them best during summer, but quite a few offering al-fresco vibes year-round.

So, which are the best rooftop bars DC? Just scroll down and find the Washington DC rooftop bars best suited for you.

North America
DC rooftop map
Rooftop Pools DC
The list
Rooftop bars DC Top of the Gate in Washington DC
1

Top of the Gate
$$$$$ | 15th floor | Foggy Bottom
  • Highlights
  • Crafted cocktails
  • Magical 360-views
  • Luxurious

An energetic and sophisticated DC rooftop bar, perched on top of the superb Watergate Hotel Georgetown. From the 15th floor terrace you get spectacular 360-degree views over the Potomac River, historical monuments and the DC skyline. You can even wave to Virgina. Luxurious and modern in decoration, this is an ideal place for some fun, vibrant and sunny after-work drinks with colleagues and friends during summer, with a menu serving everything from handcrafted seasonal cocktails to gourmet pizzas and tapas.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Whiskey Charlie in Washington DC
2

Whiskey Charlie
$$$ | 10th floor | The Wharf
  • Highlights
  • Premium cocktail lounge
  • Waterfront views
  • Sophisticated

Whiskey Charlie is a premium rooftop cocktail lounge in The Wharf, offering nautical vibes and fantastic views. Set on top of the Canopy Washington DC, the spacious, modern and lively rooftop offers both an intimate outdoor rooftop deck, as well as a stylish indoor lounge. Sip on iconic and crafted signatures cocktails and nibble on tasty shareable small plates, all while overlooking all the action at The Wharf, as well as many of the famous DC monuments.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC The Rooftop at the Graham Georgetown in Washington DC
3

The Rooftop at the Graham Georgetown
$$$$ | 8th floor | Georgetown
  • Highlights
  • Speciality cocktails
  • Panoramic views
  • Chic & relaxed atmosphere

On top of the Graham Hotel in the heart of Georgetown you find this modern, open air DC rooftop bar and lounge, offering a great view of the Washington Monument, the Kennedy Center and the city's skyline, topped off with a beautiful sunset. Indulge in crafted specialty cocktails, bubbles by the glass and bottle service, as well as a tempting selection of contemporary bar bites. Trendy and chic in vibe, it's a great spot for relaxing sunset cocktails and lounge beats, or a more vibrant atmosphere at weekend nights.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge in Washington DC
4

Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge
$$$ | 4th floor | Mt. Vernon Triangle
  • Highlights
  • Weekday happy hour
  • Year-round
  • Unique

Set in the center of downtown’s vibrant Mt. Vernon Triangle neighborhood, The Rooftop DC is a unique rooftop. Mixing sportsbook and cocktail lounge, it is even the first establishment of its kind in the US. Open most days of the week, from afternoon to late at night, The Rooftop is a destination for many occasions. Come for wwekday happy hour in the sunshine between 4-6pm, or on any given night for breezy top-of-the-line craft cocktails with friends, catching all the action and maybe put a bet on your favorite team.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC 12 Stories in Washington DC
5

12 Stories
$$$$ | 12th floor | The Warf
  • Highlights
  • Swanky & stylish
  • Amazing views
  • Crafted cocktails

12 Stories is a swanky and stylish rooftop cocktail lounge, located on top of the InterContinental in the equally hot and trendy The Warf district. Equipped with both an industrial-chic and glamorous indoor lounge and a lovely open-air terrace, the rooftop bar serves crafted and creative cocktails and elevated bar bites, all to amazing and close to 360-degree views over The Potomac River and the Washington skyline. A luxurious DC rooftop bar for fine drinks and fine views.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC CUT Above in Washington DC
6

CUT Above
$$$$ | 6th floor | Georgetown
  • Highlights
  • Modern & stylish
  • Lovely views
  • Crafted cocktails

Set on top of the Rosewood Washington, D.C, along the scenic C&O Canal in Georgetown, CUT Above is a stylish and modern rooftop bar and lounge, offering some fantastic views over the DC skyline and the Potomac River. An elevated extension of the restaurant CUT D.C by Wolfgang Puck downstairs, the rooftop is open to all during the warmer months, serving crafted cocktails and a nice selection of wines, as well as elevated bar fare, all in a sophisticated vibe.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Summit the Rooftop at Conrad in Washington DC
7

Summit the Rooftop at Conrad
$$$$ | 11th floor | Downtown
  • Highlights
  • Upscale
  • Amazing views
  • Eco-conscious

Perched on top of the Conrad Washington DC in the heart of downtown, Summit the Rooftop offers one of the most stylish and elevated DC rooftop bar experiences you can find. With a a futuristic and streamlined setting, the airy and elegant terrace opens up to some fantastic views over the central parts of DC, including the Capitol building. Focusing on an eco-conscious menu, the Summit serves food sourced from the Mid-Atlantic region, along with drink offerings from local and regional distillers, brewers and female winemakers.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC TAKODA DC in Washington DC
8

TAKODA DC
$$$ | 3rd floor | Shaw
  • Highlights
  • Vibrant
  • Rooftop beer garden
  • Bottomless brunch

Found in the hip Shaw neighborhood, the eclectic two-story TAKODA Restaurant & Beer Garden offers both Americana cuisine and an impressive drink menu. With a striking first floor interior bar and dining area, the prime spot is still the lush and vibrant rooftop beer garden, equipped with a canopy system and removable windows for a year-round experience. Up here you can enjoy a new twist on Americana cuisine, 18 craft beers on tap, draft & specialty cocktails, as well as 70+ whiskeys and bourbons.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Crimson View in Washington DC
9

Crimson View
$$$ | 12th floor | Chinatown
  • Highlights
  • Casual & relaxed
  • Great views
  • Indoor / Outdoor

Crimson View is found on top of the Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center, and this is the place to go for some Southern hospitality and fantastic views over Chinatown. Part of the Crimson-family, which also includes a diner and a whiskey bar, the top floor venue is a spacious indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge and terrace. Casual and relaxing in atmosphere, this is a great Washington DC rooftop bar for both some fun drinks with friends, or a casual date-night with views.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC VUE Rooftop in Washington DC
10

VUE Rooftop
$$$$ | 11th floor | Downtown
  • Highlights
  • Elegant & sophisticated
  • White House views
  • Kitchen + bar

The elegant VUE Rooftop in downtown DC offers prime views over the city skyline, with the Washington Monument and the White House as the main attractions. Set on top of the Hotel Washington, the rooftop kitchen serves tempting surf & turf and juicy burgers, while the rooftop bar offers unique and tasty cocktails that take inspiration from political history and presidential quotes. Stylish and trendy in setting and crowd, you can visit for early night lounge vibes and a more sophisticated vibrant atmosphere later on.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Hi-Lawn in Washington DC
11

Hi-Lawn
$$$ | 3rd floor | Union Market
  • Highlights
  • Laid-back
  • 360-views
  • Green picnic rooftop

Covering the Union Market rooftop, Hi-Lawn is a fun, laid-back and welcoming green space, and pretty close to the perfect picnic spot in DC. Opened during 2020, the impressive venue is one the most expansive rooftop bars DC has to offer, outfitted with picnic tables, colorful patio umbrellas, designated picnic spaces on the artificial turf and an artfully-designed shipping container working as a bar. Here you can order draft cocktails, boozy punch pouches, craft beers, well-curated wines and a few bites.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Bar Deco in Washington DC
12

Bar Deco
$$$ | 4th floor | Penn Quarter
  • Highlights
  • Art deco-isnpired
  • Charming rooftop
  • Weekend brunch

Housed in an historical building in the heart of DC's Penn Quarter, opposite the Capital One Arena, Bar Deco is an art deco-inspired bar and restaurant, topped off with a lovely rooftop terrace. Spacious and industrial chic throughout, the charming rooftop is open and airy for summer sessions, and covered when the weather is colder. Aiming to bring simple food and drinks to the next level, Bar Deco offers crafted cocktails, seasonal drafts, wines, and a filling menu of New American dishes.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Officina in Washington DC
13

Officina
$$$$ | 3rd floor | The Wharf
  • Highlights
  • Italian inspired
  • River views
  • Year-round

Officina is a stylish multi-level and multi-venue spot, where you find both a specialty market and a modern trattoria. But the real gem is the top floor Terrazza, inspired by the rooftops in Rome. Open year-round, this lush and charming indoor/outdoor space is equipped with cozy fire-pits and heaters, and offers amazing views over the Wharf and the river. Created by Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli, the rooftop serves a menu of crafted seasonal cocktails, an expansive selection of champagne, beer and some small Italian bites.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Hush Rooftop Bar in Washington DC
14

Hush Rooftop Bar
$$$$ | 11th floor | Logan Circle
  • Highlights
  • Panoramic views
  • Modern
  • Rooftop pool

Found just a short walk from Logan Circle, the modern Viceroy Washington DC offers a true urban rooftop oasis. Up here, guests staying at the hotel can enjoy exclusive sessions by the lovely rooftop swimming pool during daytime, while nights during spring and summer means everyone are welcome to the Hush Rooftop Bar. With amazing panoramics over the city skyline, this is a lovely spot to wind down after a hectic day, enjoying specialty tropical cocktails and some Mediterranean-inspired light bites.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC TAKODA Navy Yard in Washington DC
15

TAKODA Navy Yard
$$$ | 3rd floor | Navy Yard
  • Highlights
  • Modern & spacious
  • Stadium views
  • Weekend brunch

Located roughly a 30 seconds walk from National Park, TAKODA Navy Yard is a modern and dual-level venue, holding the largest rooftop in Navy Yard. Here you find a second floor interior lounge and a third floor open-air terrace, where an impressive bar is complemented with equally impressive views over Navy Yard and the stadium next door. Open nightly for casual-vibrant drinks and bites, as well as for weekend brunch, the rooftop serves a wide selection of drinks and American dishes.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Lost Society in Washington DC
16

Lost Society
$$$ | 3rd floor | U Street Corridor
  • Highlights
  • Vibrant rooftop
  • Intimate dining room
  • DJ sessions

Set over two levels of an unassuming building on the corner of 14th & U Street, Lost Society comes with both a plush indoor dining room, leading up to a sleek and modern modern lounge and rooftop terrace. Downstairs you can indulge in market fresh produce and regional seafood as intimate dinners, while the top floor rooftop and lounge is made for more laid back and vibrant outings. With bar both inside and outside, serving a full selection of wine, beer and cocktail options, here you can enjoy daily happy hour and energetic DJ sessions.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Tortuga DC in Washington DC
17

Tortuga DC
$$$ | 2nd floor | Capitol Hill
  • Highlights
  • Caribbean
  • Year-round
  • Colorful

Tortuga DC is a Caribbean bar & grill, bringing a large slice of tropical island vibes to the heart of Capitol Hill. This colorful venue comes with a spacious and lofty ground floor dining room and streetside patio, complemented with a lush, charming and airy rooftop terrace. In a vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by island music, here you can enjoy evenings with Tiki-inspired frozen cocktails, tropical buckets and dishes packed with Caribbean flavors, as well as weekend brunches with bottomless Mimosas.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Brixton in Washington DC
18

Brixton
$$$ | 3rd floor | Westminster
  • Highlights
  • Beer cocktails
  • Good view
  • Live DJs & music

British Pub, restaurant and rooftop beer garden located in the U-Street area of Washington DC. The cherry on the cake at this multi-level venue is definitely the roof terrace. Quite simple in decor and the views over the DC rooftops are not breathtaking, but the ambience is fun and usually buzzing, and it is a great spot for sunny and relaxing drinks. The rooftop bar serves draught beer from rotating taps, some exciting beer cocktails and classic pub fare. And best of all, it is available year-round.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Skybox at the Player’s Club in Washington DC
19

Skybox at the Player’s Club
$$$ | 7th floor | Logan Circle
  • Highlights
  • Relaxed
  • Colorful & charming
  • Gamer's paradise

The Players’ Club started as a gamer's paradise in a basement, but since 2019 it is also a DC rooftop paradise, thanks to the ‘70s sports themed rooftop venue called Skybox. While the basement is still the place to visit for pool tables, foosball and old-school arcade games, an elevator ride lets you swap games with smashing views over the surrounding Logan Circle and Thomas Circle. Colorful and charming, the rooftop bar serves playful cocktails and a fine selection of crafted brews.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Ellipse Rooftop Bar in Washington DC
20

Ellipse Rooftop Bar
$$$ | 12th floor | Downtown
  • Highlights
  • Chic & stylish
  • Welcoming & vibrant
  • Monday Live Music

Found just a few blocks from the White House, Elipse Rooftop Bar is a chic, welcoming and vibrant DC rooftop, that apart from great location also offers panoramic views over the US capital. Looking and feeling very much like a classic rooftop lounge, the terrace is equipped with plush lounge sofas, fire pits and a retractable canopy. It also serves a menu with all the 'rooftop-necessities', including well-made signature cocktails, local crafts, fine wine and tasty bar bites.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC The Rooftop at The Ven at Embassy Row in Washington DC
21

The Rooftop at The Ven at Embassy Row
$$$$ | 9th floor | Dupont Circle
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop pool
  • Urban oasis
  • Skyline views

Located right by Dupont Circle, the 9th floor rooftop terrace at The Ven at Embassy Row is an urban oasis in the heart of DC. Equipped with a sparkling rooftop pool, as well as brightly colored couches and cabanas, this is a great spot for for hours of comfy relaxation. For daytime leisure by the pool you either need to be a guest at the hotel, or purchase a daily pool pass. After 5pm however, The Rooftop is a summer night al-fresco destination open to all.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Top of the Yard in Washington DC
22

Top of the Yard
$$$ | 14th floor | Navy Yard
  • Highlights
  • Nationals Park view
  • Ballpark inspired menu
  • Relaxing

Top of the Yard Rooftop Bar & Bites comes with one relly unique selling point: the fantastic and exclusive views directly into Nationals Park. True to its views and location, the rooftop bar serves a ballpark inspired menu, and here you can munch on hot-dogs, burgers & pretzels, and sip baseball-themed cocktails or share a bucket of cold brews. Open daily from late afternoons for anyone looking to enjoy some relaxing drinks and views, and on Nationals game day 2 hours prior to the game.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington DC
23

Jack Rose Dining Saloon
$$$ | 3rd floor | Adams Morgan
  • Highlights
  • Whiskey bar
  • Great ambience
  • Crafted cocktails

A rooftop bar in DC with an infinitely of different whiskeys. With the largest whiskey collection in the Western Hemisphere, it is clearly heaven for any fan of the pourable gold. But not only for whiskey-lovers, as the rooftop bar also serves well-made cocktails, wine and beer along with a food menu with rustic dishes. The open-air terrace is decorated in a classic bar/saloon style, and while the vews are not panoramic, it is lovely and friendly in ambience and vibe.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bars DC H St Country Club in Washington DC
24

H St Country Club
$$$ | 3rd floor | H Street Corridor
  • Highlights
  • Sunday brunch
  • Sunset views
  • Playful

Playful indoor venue with mini-golf, table tennis and shuffleboard, that is complemented with the biggest roof deck on H Street. The 2 000+ square feet rooftop terrace is more of a lounge spot, perfect for sunny cocktails, good vibes and cool views over the city. Urban industrial in decor and laid-back sophisticated in vibe, the rooftop bar serves house Margaritas, beer, a few wines, Mexican inspired food along with a Sunday brunch. Perfect spot for a fun night out with friends.

Everything you need to know
The Rooftop Guide
About the author

This guide was made by The Rooftop Guide, the world's leading experts on rooftop bars. With over 800 rooftops visited over the last five years, we keep you up to date in the ever growing universe of rooftop venues.

Washington DC Rooftop Map
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City info

Rooftop bar Washington DC

Rooftop-grade: 8/10

Prime season: April-Oct

Residents: 5 millions

Climate: temperate

Which are the best rooftop bars DC has to offer? This complete guide will help you find the best rooftop bars in Washington DC. When it comes to elevated venues, there are a lot of good ones to visit in Washington DC. Most roof terraces here are quite luxuriously decorated.

The bar and lounge-culture in Washington is very inveterate which means that the city has a plethora of great bars, lounges and rooftops.

Most of the terrace bars in Washington are located at hotels, night clubs or fancy restaurants.

About Washington

US capital and political center. The city is located in the District of Columbia and therefore does not belong to any state. There are plenty of wide avenues, parks and beautiful monuments. With the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the White House among the most famous. The city's street system is built on a grid - in a similar way as New York - which makes it very easy to find your way along the streets and avenues. Washington is also known for its many historic colleges and universities, and that sports is a big part of interest.