The best rooftop bars in Washington, DC, have ‘capital’ views

Thanks to a 1910 Act of Congress, the height of buildings in Washington, DC, is heavily regulated. As a result, the district’s skyline is low and sprawling, with broad avenues, green open spaces and public squares – all thanks to the baroque city design adopted by George Washington’s prized urban planner, Pierre L’Enfant. 

From the right rooftop, expect sweeping views of the Washington Monument, the Potomac River, the US Capitol and, yes, even the White House. Here are eight of the best rooftop bars in Washington, DC, for a bird’s-eye view of the city below.

Terrazza

Washington, DC’s southwestern Wharf development offers many Instagrammable views, and the rooftop at Officina is no exception. Part of the three-level Italian culinary venue from Michelin-starred Masseria chef Nicholas Stefanelli, Terrazza presents a series of picture-perfect moments: planes landing and taking off in the skies above Reagan National Airport, and yachts sailing along the Washington Channel.

In the winter, the rooftop transforms into a cozy, enclosed winter wonderland with flannel blankets, fire pits, and creative hot cocktails like A Toddy A Day, made with bourbon, Amaro, honey-ginger, lemon, and alpine whipped cream.

Colada Shop 

Transport yourself directly to the charming streets of old-town Havana with a visit to Colada Shop, the Cuban hotspot situated just off DC’s bustling 14th St corridor. Vibrant interiors match the menu’s flavorful offerings of strong coffees and light snacks such as empanadas, pastelitos (pastries), croquetas (croquettes), and Cuban sandwiches.

Its main draw, however, is the year-round rooftop garden with colorful seating and flower-filled planters hanging off its pastel green accent wall. Listen to Caribbean beats while indulging on $6 house cocktails at Havana Nights, the shop's all-night happy hour every Thursday from 4:00pm until close.

Wild Days

Located atop the Eaton DC, one of The District's most progressive hotels, Wild Days is one of the few rooftop bars offering uninhibited views of K St in Downtown DC. Throughout the week, the space plays host to a variety of musical events – from DJ sets to jazz performances to live music shows – and stand-up comedy shows. Turn up on a Friday or Saturday night and find the indoor area transformed into a large dance floor with a chicly dressed crowd dancing the night away.

There are handcrafted cocktails, like an apple margarita with an ancho celery salt rim, or the No Man's Woman, a take on a Manhattan using Slane Irish whiskey, Falernum, and chai. A beer list featuring local brews, plus inventive tacos from chef Tim Ma's first-floor restaurant, American Son, are also on offer.

POV 

Overlooking the White House, this sleek rooftop lounge located at the W Washington, DC is one of the best rooftop bars for its proximity to the presidential building. As part of the hotel’s $55 million renovations, the POV debuted a new look in 2019, complete with DC Metro–inspired ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling retractable windows for perfect shots of the Washington Monument.

The revamped drinks menu is full of cheeky political references such as the Cold Brew Covfefe, made with Leopold Bros French press coffee liqueur, rum, tonic, limoncello, and espresso. The Bi-Partisan, a signature $20 cocktail of Don Ciccio Ambrosia, crème de violette, gin, lemon, bitters, and bubbles, is served in two glasses – one a red liquid, the other blue – on opposite ends of a metal scale.

Top of the Yard

For a free bird’s-eye view of a live Washington Nationals baseball game, head to Top of the Yard, the casual Navy Yard bar on the rooftop of the Hampton Inn & Suites. There are baseball-themed cocktails like a Triple Play margarita or a Ball Park Palmer with Jack Daniels Tennessee honey whiskey, honey, lemonade, iced tea, and mint. And that’s not all. Fans of ballpark food will be thrilled with the snacks: choose from burgers, soft pretzels, nachos, cheese sticks, Old Bay wings, and hot dogs.

Summit

One of the latest rooftop bars to open in The District, Summit sits on the 11th floor of the sophisticated Conrad Washington, DC. This swanky outdoor bar offers monumental views of the US Capitol building and Downtown DC, making it one of the best vantage points in the city for Fourth of July fireworks. Sip on drinks ranging from a classic old-fashioned or margarita to a Parisian party – an elixir of absinthe, La Colombe Cold Brew, vermouth, demerara sugar, and soda – or a peach caipirinha. Or choose from an Aperol spritz, a vodka Collins, or a frozé, which are all available on tap. 

Whiskey Charlie

The first rooftop bar to open on the 10th floor of the Wharf's Canopy by Hilton, the Whiskey Charlie gets its name from the call sign “WC” that’s given to boat captains entering the Washington Channel. The most impressive views from the outdoor deck occur at night when the US Capitol Dome shines brightly in the unobstructed distance, or in the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom across the water in East Potomac Park. Get there early in the evening to grab a front-row seat of the enviable nightly sunsets while sipping on nautical-themed cocktails like the refreshing Waterfront Queen, made with gin, strawberry syrup, lime and brut, or the Anne Bonny, a whiskey-based drink named after the famed 18th century Irish female pirate.

Top of the Gate

Located alongside the Potomac River, Top of the Gate offers excellent panoramic views of the Georgetown waterfront and the Washington Monument, as well as the Pentagon across the river. Perched atop the infamous Watergate Hotel, the bar closes during the winter months before reopening in the spring for dining and drinks.

A collection of colorful seasonal cocktails take their inspiration from the epic daily sunset hues over the Potomac – which just so happens to be the best time to stop by one of The District’s most luxe rooftop bars.

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