With summer officially upon the UK, rooftop bars are back on the menu. There are fewer cities better for a rooftop drink than Washington, DC – as the US capital’s unmistakable and unobstructed views of monuments and memorials is an act of legislation. The Height of The Buildings Act of 1910 guarantees Washington, DC will forever have open skies and sweeping views, allowing for the perfect city for a rooftop cocktail.
Discover five of the best rooftop bars in Washington, from old favourites to new openings.
Yara at the Washington Marriot Capitol Hill
Now open, Yara at the Washington Marriot Capitol Hill offers guests the chance to treat themselves to authentic Latin American cuisine and drink on a rooftop bar. An oasis in the sky, Yara is a sexy indoor-outdoor venue that includes a chef-driven restaurant, buzzing bar and lively outdoor space that celebrates the cuisine and spirit of Latin cultures with a DC twist. Helmed by Michelin-recognized Chef Yuki Nakandaraki, a powerhouse of creativity influenced by his home country of Peru, Yara delivers a robust and vibrant flavour of Latin cuisine combined with the dynamic mixology NoMa is renowned for.
Upstairs at the Morrow
In the heart of trendy NoMa (the neighbourhood north of Massachusetts Avenue), this recently opened chic, indoor-outdoor space features firepits, a wrap-around bar, French-inspired fare and playful cocktails and shooters. Chef Nicholas Stefanelli’s menu plays with classic French flavours and flips them into clever, new preparations: taquitos filled with duck confit, ‘lynonnaise’ devilled eggs and a French onion burger. Expertly crafted, fun shots such as the Southside Pickleback, Gummy Bear and Yellow Submarine accompany refreshing cocktails such as blood orange margaritas, a rum-and-cognac punch with espresso martinis on tap.
VUE at Hotel Washington
Aptly named VUE at Hotel Washington boasts perhaps the best vantage point in the entire city overlooking both the White House and the Washington Monument. The closest the public can get to seeing inside the White House, VUE is designed to transition from casual daytime brunches overlooking DC’s monuments to a nightlife and cocktail hub. Bottle service is available at this hot spot and guests will want to dress to impress.
Perry’s Rooftop Bar
A Washington, DC staple for nearly 40 years, Perry’s is a Japanese restaurant with a vibrant rooftop deck and popular drag brunch. Named for Commodore Matthew Perry who helped open Japan to the west, the rooftop offers views of the eclectic and historic Adams Morgan neighbourhood. New chef Masako Morishita, the first Japanese woman to run the kitchen, is a native of Kobe in central Japan and has been cooking since the age of 2. Her steamed edamame dumplings, clams and okonomiyaki are more than enough to draw diners, and Japanese inspired cocktails such as Azuki, Sakura Maru and Hibaya High Ball are icing on the cake.
Smoke and Mirrors at the AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard
Nestled atop the AC Hotel Washington DC Capitol Hill Navy Yard, Smoke & Mirrors overlooks the U.S Capitol Building and offers stylist, sleek and comfortable dining in DC’s most powerful neighbourhood. With a charmingly decorated indoor bar and lounge with some of the city’s best views, Smoke & Mirrors offers guests an extensive list of ingenious craft cocktails and shareable dishes like mumbo wings, pork belly devilled eggs, crab cake salad and squash risotto.
