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Best Rooftop Bars in Washington DC
The definitive guide to rooftop bars in Washington DC — sweeping views of the Capitol, Monument, and waterfront. Updated for 2025.
54 venues · Updated weekly
1
Top of the Gate
FeaturedFoggy Bottom · $$$$ · Smart Casual
Rooftop bar at the Watergate Hotel with incredible Kennedy Center and Potomac River views.
2
Whiskey Charlie
Featured✓ VerifiedSouthwest Waterfront · $$$ · Smart Casual
Rooftop bar at The Wharf with stunning Potomac River views and signature whiskey cocktails.
3
Moonraker DC
Featured✓ VerifiedSouthwest Waterfront · $$$$ · Upscale
Atop Pendry Hotel; Japanese-inspired cuisine and whiskey menu with waterfront views.
4
Treehouse
Featured✓ VerifiedDowntown · $$$ · Smart Casual
Stunning rooftop bar with panoramic views of the DC skyline and Washington Monument.
5
Rosebar DC
Featured✓ VerifiedDupont Circle · $$$ · Upscale
DC's top hip-hop rooftop lounge with heated outdoor patio.
6
El Techo
Featured✓ VerifiedU Street · $$ · Casual
"Adult treehouse" rooftop above Rito Loco with spicy margaritas and Spanish-inspired tapas.
7
POV Rooftop
Featured✓ VerifiedDowntown · $$$ · Upscale
Atop the W Hotel; seasonal cocktails, White House views; dress code enforced at night.
8
Lost Society
Featured✓ VerifiedU Street · $$$ · Upscale Casual
Rooftop lounge above upscale dining room at 14th & U; sleek indoor-outdoor space.
9
Navy Mess & Ward Room
Downtown · $$ ·
Navy Mess & Ward Room is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 8 reviews and a 5 star rating.
10
Milken Center
Downtown · $$ ·
Milken Center is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 20 reviews and a 5 star rating.
11
Ching Ching Cha
Downtown · $$ ·
Ching Ching Cha is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 17 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
12
VIRTUAL YELP EVENT: Yelp Gets Cozy with Innerloop Coffee
Downtown · $$ ·
VIRTUAL YELP EVENT: Yelp Gets Cozy with Innerloop Coffee is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 16 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
13
Speedy Snack
Downtown · $$ ·
Speedy Snack is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 46 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
14
D Lai Ice Cream
Downtown · $$ ·
D Lai Ice Cream is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 13 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
15
Hilana Falafel
Downtown · $$ ·
Hilana Falafel is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 24 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
16
The Pie Man of DC
Downtown · $ ·
The Pie Man of DC is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 23 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
17
Sami's Hot Dog Cart
Downtown · $ ·
Sami's Hot Dog Cart is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 105 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
18
Valley Brook Tea
Downtown · $$ ·
Valley Brook Tea is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 110 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
19
Capital Jewish Museum
Downtown · $$ ·
Capital Jewish Museum is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 9 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
20
Honey Tree Deli
Downtown · $ ·
Honey Tree Deli is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 9 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
21
Syriasly Delicious
Downtown · $ ·
Syriasly Delicious is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 86 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
22
Chinese American Museum
Downtown · $$ ·
Chinese American Museum is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 8 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
23
Mary Livingston Ripley Garden
Downtown · $$ ·
Mary Livingston Ripley Garden is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 8 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
24
Lil Mack's BBQ
Downtown · $ ·
Lil Mack's BBQ is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 8 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
25
Black Lives Matter Plaza
Downtown · $$ ·
Black Lives Matter Plaza is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 20 reviews and a 4.9 star rating.
26
Jaliyaa Coffee
Downtown · $$ ·
Jaliyaa Coffee is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 19 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
27
Vietnam Women's Memorial
Downtown · $$ ·
Vietnam Women's Memorial is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 25 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
28
Java Cruiser
Downtown · $$ ·
Java Cruiser is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 18 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
29
Granny's Kitchen
Downtown · $$ ·
Granny's Kitchen is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 6 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
30
Yafa Kabob
Downtown · $$ ·
Yafa Kabob is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 6 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
31
Lincoln Memorial
Downtown · $$ ·
Lincoln Memorial is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 1285 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
32
Smithsonian Kite Festival
Downtown · $$ ·
Smithsonian Kite Festival is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 11 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
33
CitySwing
Downtown · $$ ·
CitySwing is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 11 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
34
Warka Coffee
Downtown · $$ ·
Warka Coffee is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 16 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
35
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Downtown · $$ ·
Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 363 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
36
AmLux Cafe, Beer Wine & Spirits
Downtown · $$ ·
AmLux Cafe, Beer Wine & Spirits is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 5 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
37
Chinatown Gate
Downtown · $$ ·
Chinatown Gate is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 5 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
38
Spicy Grill Food Truck
Downtown · $$ ·
Spicy Grill Food Truck is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 5 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
39
Tango at Freedom Plaza
Downtown · $$ ·
Tango at Freedom Plaza is a popular rooftop in Downtown with 5 reviews and a 4.8 star rating.
40
Takoda
✓ VerifiedU Street · $$$ · Smart Casual
Native American-inspired rooftop bar with fire pits, smoked meats, and stunning city views.
41
Estuary Rooftop
Downtown · $$$$ · Smart Casual
Chic rooftop at the Conrad hotel with panoramic DC views and upscale bites.
42
Ciel Social Club
Downtown · $$$ · Smart Casual
Penthouse lounge at AC Hotel with nearly 360° views of Capitol, Monument, and downtown DC.
43
Black Jack DC
Downtown · $$ · Casual
Best-in-class music per Yelp—hip-hop all night with a great rooftop atmosphere.
44
The Commodore
Navy Yard · $$$ · Casual
Nautical-themed rooftop at Navy Yard with Nationals Park views and seafood bites.
45
Hi-Lawn
Downtown · $$ · Casual
Expansive green rooftop above Union Market with picnic tables and colorful umbrellas.
46
La Vie The Wharf
Southwest Waterfront · $$$ · Smart Casual
French Riviera-inspired rooftop at The Wharf with Mediterranean cocktails and waterfront views.
47
Smoke & Mirrors
Navy Yard · $$ · Smart Casual
Rooftop near Capitol with views of the Capitol Building, Navy Yard, and Riverfront.
48
TAKODA Navy Yard
Navy Yard · $$ · Casual
Largest rooftop in Navy Yard; dual-level with open-air terrace and great stadium views.
49
801 Restaurant & Bar
U Street · $$ · Casual
Rooftop bar at U & Shaw border with "Good Vibes Only" neon motto and DJ nights.
50
Skybox at The Players Club
Logan Circle · $$ · Smart Casual
70s sports-themed rooftop; take the elevator from the gaming basement for city views.
51
Jojo Restaurant & Bar
Adams Morgan · $$ · Casual
Lively rooftop bar overlooking Adams Morgan with frozen cocktails and weekend brunch.
52
Ellipse Rooftop Bar
Downtown · $$ · Casual
Atop Hyatt Place near White House with fire pits, retractable canopy, and panoramic views.
53
Crimson Rooftop
Downtown · $$ · Casual
Atop Motto by Hilton; Southern-hospitality themed indoor-outdoor rooftop with city views.
54
Ozio Rooftop
Dupont Circle · $$$ · Smart Casual
Upscale rooftop hookah lounge with craft cocktails and Mediterranean small plates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best rooftop bar in DC?
VUE Rooftop at Hotel Washington has iconic White House and Monument views. POV at the W Hotel and Whiskey Charlie at The Wharf are also top picks.
When do DC rooftop bars open for the season?
Most DC rooftops open from April through October. Many have heated spaces that extend the season into March and November.
Do DC rooftop bars require reservations?
Popular rooftops like VUE and POV strongly recommend reservations, especially on weekends. Walk-ins are possible on weeknights.
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