Elevated Experiences: Five Rooftop Restaurants in Washington D.C.
If you want to get to know Washington, D.C., visit one of the city’s rooftop bars or restaurants. Rooftop restaurants in Washington, D.C. offer a birds-eye view of the city’s marble monuments and buildings. Thanks to the “1910 Federal Height of Buildings Act,” most of D.C.’s commercial buildings can’t be taller than 130 feet high, leaving clear views of the landmarks from most rooftops.
If you enjoy your meal with a view, a rooftop restaurant in D.C is a great choice. Most of these restaurants offer weekend brunch or dinner. Late afternoon and evening “happy hour” is also especially popular in D.C. and ideal if you want to check out the sunset view and save a little money.
Regardless of your preference, be sure to try one of these popular options.
1. Vue Rooftop
Location: Hotel Washington, 515 15th St NW
Just a ten-minute walk from the Washington Mall, Vue Rooftop offers spectacular views of the Washington Monument and the White House. You can find it on top of the Hotel Washington.
The menu features craft cocktails and Mid-Atlantic cuisine with dishes like Maryland crab cakes, truffle fries, duck confit, and the signature Vue Burger.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between sophistication and approachable energy, making it equally suitable for romantic date nights and power lunches. The weekend brunch service and happy hour specials make it a staple for both locals and visitors. If you're looking for a nice backdrop for a selfie or group photo, the view from the Vue makes an excellent backdrop.
2. Smoke and Mirrors Rooftop
Location: AC Hotel, 867 New Jersey Ave SE
Smoke and Mirrors Rooftop, positioned between Capitol Hill and Navy Yard neighborhoods, is an easy ten-minute walk from the Washington Nationals’ ballpark. If you want to grab a bite or drinks before or after a baseball game, Smoke and Mirrors is ideal.
This rooftop restaurant overlooks the U.S. Capitol Building, the National Mall, and Navy Yard. The atmosphere is nearly as impressive as the view. Smoke and Mirrors has a full bar, fire pits, and you don’t have to worry about rain thanks to the retractable canopy.
Brunch, dinner, and happy hour menus feature entrees such as specialty tacos, roast mushroom and truffle flatbread, miso-glazed salmon, and catfish and grits. Bourbon, Scotch, and Rye enthusiasts can enjoy a tasting flight or their favorite pour.
3. Treehouse Rooftop
Location: Hotel Nell, 411 New York Avenue NE
Treehouse in the Union Market district is close to a variety of boutiques, cafes, galleries, and bars. After browsing, you may retreat into a lush green environment complete with plants and a rooftop view. The Mexican-fusion inspired menu includes tacos, shareable plates, and craft cocktails.
As evening unfolds, local and international DJs spin Latin, house, and electro beats, transforming the space into a club-like environment. The "Jungle Room" section offers bottle service seating if you want a taste of the city’s nightlife along with the view.
4. Rooftop at the Graham
Location: The Graham Georgetown Hotel, 1075 Thomas Jefferson Street NW
The Rooftop at the Graham overlooks one of D.C.’s oldest historic neighborhoods. In fact, Georgetown was established as an independent city forty years before the founding of D.C.
There is no better place to grab a bite while admiring the historic town and waterfront than the Rooftop at the Graham. The view also includes the skyline of Arlington, the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center, and the Washington Monument.
It’s perfect for sunset drinks and a casual bite. Think ceviche, spicy pepperoni & mozzarella flatbread, street tacos, and sliders. The Rooftop at the Graham is also upstairs from The Alex Craft Cocktail Cellar & Speakeasy if you want to make a night of it.
5. The Top of the Gate
Location: Watergate Hotel, 2650 Virginia Ave NW
The Top of the Gate is the rooftop restaurant at the Watergate Hotel. It’s located near Foggy Bottom, historic Georgetown, and the Potomac River. Guests enjoy light bites along with the panoramic views. The location makes it a great place to stop after a show at the Kennedy Center.
Controversy has followed the Watergate Hotel since its opening in the mid-1960s. At the time, some felt the avant-garde architecture didn’t fit the historic look of the area. Its association with the 1972 presidential scandal makes the hotel a popular destination for tourists. The rooftop bar and restaurant menu mainly consists of wine, beverages, and craft cocktails, along with shareable plates like charcuterie, ceviche, flatbreads, truffle fries, and avocado gem salad.
You may have noticed the rooftop restaurants in Washington D.C. are mainly on hotel rooftops, you can still enjoy the view and atmosphere while staying elsewhere. For a more homey experience, consider staying in a vacation home. Think of it as the best of both worlds!
Our partners, Lara Hawketts and Alex Fuentes Gonzales of Home Sweet City, are D.C. area experts. Whether you want to stay in a charming carriage house or a luxurious mansion, their well-appointed homes are in highly sought-after neighborhoods. Explore their collection for accommodations that will elevate your visit to Washington, D.C.
