Summertime Rooftop Bars in DC
Lifestyle
Nothing says summertime in DC quite like iconic city views savored with a beverage in hand. And let’s face it: after the year we’ve all had, we think a drink (or two) is just what the doctor ordered. Luckily, the city is soaring back to its pre-pandemic heights, offering up a slew of refreshing destinations — new and old — that serve inventive cocktails against a backdrop of elevated summertime fun. Dig into a few of our favorites here, and bottoms up!
Hi-Lawn
There are always new adventures to be had at Union Market, and Hi-Lawn is no exception. This new-ish bar opened last fall amid the pandemic, so it has plenty of space to sprawl out on the turf-covered rooftop. Multiple picnic tables with colorful umbrellas are also available, and a shipping container bar is ready to serve you draft cocktails, punches in pouches, craft beers by the bucket, and affordable wines.
Cantina Bambina
Above the hustle and bustle of The Wharf, you can find some semblance of respite while sipping on strong drinks at Cantina Bambina. An ever-rotating cast of drinks is available to folks looking to take in sunset views or overlook the water, and best of all, you can bring in your own food to enjoy.
No one does cocktails better than the award-winning Columbia Room, and the drinks available at its breezy rooftop garden only serve as further proof why. New this season is a beautiful Blagden Alley patio and themed rooftop Spritz Garden where you can knock back refreshing menu options like the frozen aperol spritz, or, for the more spirit-forward tastes, the Suit & Tie, alongside sandwiches from the bar’s pandemic-born ghost kitchen Your Only Friend or the regular food menu.
Conservatory
Although this rooftop garden bar is run by the team behind Gravitas, a swanky tasting menu spot located just downstairs, you can expect a much more approachable menu here at Conservatory. Guests can still start off with upscale seasonal bites or go for the full tasting menu, but this picturesque rooftop is an apt spot for sipping wine and cocktails and enjoying the urban garden that supplies many of the ingredients used in the restaurant’s dishes and drinks.
Cortez
As the colorful bar stools at Cortez indicate, this Shaw rooftop knows how to have a great time. And even though hour doesn’t happen nearly often enough for our liking (it runs from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday), when it does, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of discounted margaritas and beers that pair perfectly with the delicious tacos.
El Techo
The bright decor at El Techo’s rooftop space pays homage to warm weather. And a vibrant new spring and summer cocktail menu, Monday happy hour, and rooftop yoga classes with live music take that commitment a step further. The stunning rooftop space fills up early, especially on beautiful weekends, so be sure to book early and often!
