23 Elegant Rooftop Restaurants in Washington D.C. in 2024

Spending an evening at one of the rooftop restaurants in Washington D.C. is the best way to experience this vibrant food scene and the beauty of the city. Washington D.C. is quickly making a name for itself as a foodie city. According to AXIOS, there are 25 Michelin-star-rated restaurants in Washington D.C. and the surrounding area, so there is no shortage of great places to eat. However, of the thousands of restaurants in the city, only a handful of restaurants have rooftop dining options. 

Many Washingtonians flock to rooftop restaurants in Washington D.C. for delicious meals and cocktails while enjoying a good view. Rooftops are popular, especially during the warmer months; however, some rooftops can be enclosed for guests to enjoy when it’s colder out. Whether you’re looking for craft cocktails, your next favorite meal, or want to dine with a view, we’ve rounded up the best rooftop restaurants in Washington D.C. for you to try on your next night out.

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• Best Rooftop Restaurants in Washington D.C. With a View
• Romantic Rooftop Restaurants in D.C.
• Best Rooftop Bars in Washington D.C.

Best Rooftop Restaurants in Washington D.C. With a View

1. Hi-Lawn

The Hi-Lawn sits atop Union Market. This rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. with a view of NoMa has plenty of food options from empanadas to pizza to hot dogs. This rooftop restaurant in Washington has artificial turf, which makes it great for kids and pets to run around on. 

Bring a picnic blanket or a picnic table to enjoy food and drinks from the food hall down below. Union Market often hosts events and movie nights, so it’s a great entertainment spot, as well.

2. O-Ku DC

O-Ku DC has views of NoMa and the area around Union Market as well. This multi-level restaurant has a fabulous rooftop deck. With hanging string lights, this place is a cozy place for happy hour after work or hanging out with friends. This rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. is the perfect Japanese grill and sushi place. O-Ku also has an omakase option, if you want to try the chef’s selections.

3. The Graham Georgetown

The Rooftop D.C. at The Graham Georgetown is an adults-only lounge. Elegant and classy, The Rooftop D.C. is the place to go for espresso martinis and luxurious wines by the bottle. This rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. has great views of Georgetown and a cozy space to lounge with hanging string lights that create a comfortable ambiance. You can also enjoy decadent flatbreads and charcuterie boards as you sip and talk.

4. Vue Rooftop

Vue Rooftop is located in Downtown D.C. on 15th Street NW. Aptly named, this Rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. has views of the White House, the Monuments and The Mall. If the stunning view of the city isn’t enough, the creative craft cocktails and decadent menu items sure will be. 

A cheese and charcuterie board selected by the chef, Indian spiced lamb chops and the tres leches are just a few dishes on the dinner menu that are sure to delight.

5. Top of the Gate

The historic Watergate Hotel is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Washington D.C. with a view. From the top, you can see the Potomac River, Monuments, Georgetown and the Arlington skyline. Not to mention, the sunsets from this rooftop are absolutely incredible. 

Offering small plates and craft cocktails, this rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. may be a splurge, but it’s worth it at least once.

6. Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company

Who doesn’t love a classic tiki bar for tropical drinks and fun in the sun? Tiki TNT provides all that with a rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. that overlooks the Potomac River. Plus, the Potomac Distilling Company just below makes the rum that’s used in the tropical cocktails, including classic tiki cocktails, frozen cocktails and the bar’s own creations. 

During happy hour, they serve tropical-inspired foods like Kalua pork barbecue sliders and even have brunch on the weekends. You can also rent the space out for private events, which makes it great for hosting team building activities in Washington DC with your colleagues.

7. Thompson Washington D.C

This Navy Yard Hotel has one of the most stunning rooftop bars in Washington DC.

You have views of Navy Yard, the river, the city and the baseball stadium that go unmatched. With 6,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor seating, This rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. offers plenty of space to spread out, hang out and enjoy the evening. Bring friends or a date to enjoy the sun setting over the city while snacking on small plates and sipping cocktails.

8. Whiskey Charlie’s

At the top of the Canopy by Hilton hotel, this rooftop restaurant at the D.C.Wharf offers great views of the river, Roosevelt Island and the Wharf below. This rooftop bar in Washington has delicious cocktails that run the gamut of flavors. It has an indoor-outdoor space and firepits to make it more comfortable in the evenings. It’s one of the best rooftop restaurants in Washington D.C. with a view, so bring friends or your partner here to enjoy drinks and the sunset.

Romantic Rooftop Restaurants in D.C.

9. Baby Shank

Cozy wood finishes and lush greenery hanging from the ceiling make Baby Shank one of the best rooftop bars in Washington D.C. for a date night. The warm lighting sets the perfect ambiance to enjoy an evening with your honey. 

This rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. serves French-American fare and sushi along with delicious cocktails. Plus, if you can spend the weekends here for a brunch date on Saturdays and Sundays.

10. Ciel Social Club

At the penthouse level of the AC Hotel Washington DC Convention Center is the Ciel Social Club. Located in Mount Vernon Triangle, this rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. with a view is the go-to place if you’re looking for an upscale lounge. 

The lounge serves craft cocktails you can sip and small bites you can order multiple of. With a modern interior, including a statement chandelier, large bar and outdoor balcony, the Ciel Social Club is the perfect place for a celebration or to go if you’re just feeling fancy.

11. Summit the Rooftop at Conrad

Of course, this luxury hotel in City Center is going to have an amazing rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. Open during the spring and summer, this rooftop is worth the wait. The views of the Capitol, Washington Monument and Downtown DC make you feel like you’re on top of the city. It has a relaxed atmosphere and stylish decor, which makes it perfect for a laid-back date night.

12. Treehouse Rooftop at the Union Market Hotel

You won’t believe this jungle island oasis is in the middle of the city. The Treehouse Rooftop at the Union Market Hotel is a picturesque escape, making it one of the most romantic rooftop restaurants in D.C. The rooftop space wraps around, allowing for views all over the city. 

The lush and cozy interior is the perfect place to cuddle up with a date during happy hour or on the weekend. This rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. is perfect for a romantic celebration.

13. Moonraker

If you’re looking for a romantic place to grab sushi, this rooftop restaurant at the D.C. Wharf is the perfect location. Moonraker is located at the top of the Pendry Hotel, allowing for views of the water alongside your delicious meal. This rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. has some of the most unique cocktails in the city using Japanese spirits.

It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for date ideas in Washington DC. Grab a spot by the fire pit with your date and spend the night cozying up with each other and enjoying good food at this rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C.

14. BETSY

This cozy rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. will feel like sitting in your own garden. With trellis walls, comfy booths and greenery walls, BETSY is a stylish spot. However, it’s the hidden location on Capitol Hill–thanks to being behind its sister cafe–that makes it such a popular choice. 

It feels like you’re walking into a secret garden to enjoy gin cocktails and small bites. This rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. offers happy hour pricing as well as brunch on the weekends. If you’re looking for first date ideas, BETSY’s casual atmosphere is ideal.

15. Officina

Bright and vibrant with pops of green, Officina is a fabulous rooftop restaurant in Washington at the Wharf. Nicholas Steganelli is a Michelin-starred chef, so you can guarantee that no matter what you order here, it’s going to be good. 

This rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. offers stunning views of the river all year as well as fire pits you can enjoy in the colder months. You’ll have a hard time deciding between the selection of Italian dishes because they all sound that good. A dinner at Officina is the perfect anniversary date idea to celebrate a special occasion.

16. Lucha Rosa

Vibrant colors and flavors find their home at this romantic rooftop restaurant in D.C. Lucha Rosa puts the culture and flavor of Mexico at the forefront, offering upscale tacos and over 130 varieties of tequila and mezcal. 

And if that doesn’t sway you to try this rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. at the top of the Moxy Washington, DC Downtown, the views of the city and Monuments from this penthouse level certainly will.

Best Rooftop Bars in Washington D.C.

17. Jack Rose Dining Saloon

This rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. is a favorite whiskey bar in Adams Morgan. Views of the sunset from this roof terrace are unmatched. With cozy wood finishes and lights strung above, it’s a great place to meet with friends for a weeknight happy hour or a weekend date night. It has a retractable roof, so it’s open year-round and features a seasonal cocktail menu, late-night food and live music from  DJ on Saturdays.

18. TAKODA

TAKODA is a beloved rooftop bar in Washington D.C. that has two locations around the city in Shaw and Navy Yard. It’s a laid-back space that’s perfect for a casual date night or a meetup with friends. 

Their menu consists of draft beers and especially cocktails as well as new American fare you can enjoy alongside your drinks. TAKODA is one of the top rooftop restaurants in Washington D.C. for post-work happy hours.

19. Colada Shop

If you’re looking for a cute and casual rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C., Colada Shop is an ideal option. Located just off of 14th Street NW in Logan Circle, this Cuban cafe is as picturesque as it is delicious. The rooftop bar is a pretty blue color with a vibrant hand-painted mural. 

Here, you can enjoy classic Cuban dishes, including cafe con leche and croquetas alongside handcrafted rum cocktails. If you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in Washington D.C. to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Colada Shop is for you.

20. El Techo

There might not be a rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. that is as beautiful as El Techo. Located on Florida Avenue NW in Shaw, this restaurant has flowers dangling from the ceiling and illuminated palm trees. 

The retractable roof allows guests to enjoy the rooftop spot all year round. The restaurant serves some of the best Mexican fare in town alongside mezcal margaritas. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate Taco Tuesday with your friends, head to El Techo.

21. Salazar

Looking for a rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. that feels like a party spot? Salazar on 14th Street NW will be your new go-to. This multi-level spot has a dance floor, large bar and retractable roof that makes for an all-year, all-weather fun destination. Salazar serves 50 types of tequila, so whether you’re looking for shots or cocktails, you’ll have plenty of options. Enjoy Mexican fare like quesadillas, carne y queso con papas and decadent tacos.

22. Sauf Haus Bier Hall

A classic Bavarian beer hall in Dupont Circle is the rooftop bar in Washington D.C. that’s perfect for a Saturday spent with friends. Serving up 16 German beers on top and oversized pretzels, you’ll feel transported across the Atlantic. This bar has large communal tables, so bring your entire friend group for a weekend spent sipping on some of the finest brews and eating German comforts.

23. La Vie

If there’s one rooftop restaurant in Washington D.C. that is immaculately designed, it’s La Vie at The Wharf. With hanging flowers and greenery, bright blue chairs and a sleek contemporary style, La Vie is a beautiful and sophisticated place to grab a drink and a bite. 

The rooftop terrace has water views that you can admire as you enjoy your weeknight dinner or weekend brunch. La Vie also has a happy hour if you’re looking for a luxurious place to spend your evenings after work.

Washington D.C. has a vibrant food scene consisting of casual eateries and luxury restaurants, but it’s the rooftop restaurants in Washington D.C. that often spark peoples’ interests. These outdoor options offer stunning views of the city skyline, waterfront and local neighborhoods, so taking a few photography classes in Washington D.C. might help to capture the beauty of the city. Plus, you get to try the offerings of some of the city’s best chefs and craft cocktails to sip along with them. Put a few of these rooftop restaurants in Washington D.C. on your must-try list for your next night out. 

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