Sad that the 4th has come and gone? We have just the recipe to fight those post-holiday blues away: a summer cocktail sipped on a scenic rooftop.

Keep reading for our favorite places to grab a lofty drink and take your sunny scenery to new heights!

#1 El Techo: Packed with dangling flowers, neon-lit palm trees, and a tequila bottle-lined DJ booth, this (retractable) rooftop hangout in Shaw feels like a mini Tulum vacation. Friendly bartenders efficiently send out spicy mezcal margaritas, Tecate cans, and shots, with Mexican fare from its Rito Loco kitchen downstairs. Taco Tuesday calls for a trifecta of tacos and margarita or beer for $20.

➤ Learn more about El Techo here.

#2 Hi-Lawn: The roof of Union Market sets the stage for this artificial turf-lined bar serving pouched pina coladas, draft cocktails, and all kinds of hot dogs. Hi-Lawn comes from restaurateurs Greg Algie and Nathan Beauchamp (Tiger Fork, Calico, Fainting Goat, Hei Hei Tiger) and Paul Carlson (The Royal, Lulu’s Winegarden).

➤ Discover more about Hi-Lawn here.

#3 O-Ku DC: Take in the stellar view of the area around Union Market from the roof of this sushi spot and Japanese grill. The upper deck is one of many seating areas in the multi-level restaurant, and it fills up fast during happy hour.

➤ See more about O-Ku DC here.

#4 Officina: This stylish trattoria’s beautiful terrazza offers some amazing views of the Wharf and the Potomac River. A venture by Michelin-starred chef Nicholas Stefanelli, the rooftop serves a wide variety of seasonal cocktails, plenty of champagne options, and some small Italian bites.

➤ Learn more about Officina right here.

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➤ Are you looking for more places to visit in DC? You might also enjoy:

• The Best Cocktail Bars in DC
• The Best Spots for Seafood in DC
• Your Guide to the Best Wineries Near DC

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#5 Top Of The Yard: Craving some ballgame vibes and awesome skyline views? You’ve come to the right place. Located just above Nationals Park, this rooftop is perfect for enjoying some low-key baseball cocktails and munching on hotdogs, burgers, and pretzels.

➤ Visit Top Of The Yard online here.

#6 Betsy: From the team that brought you the beloved Belga Cafe comes Betsy, a charming rooftop oasis that was basically curated just for Instagram. This summer, indulge in spritzy cocktails that emphasize gin (which serves as the house spirit of choice and makes up the bulk of the menu), or head over for hot beverages and well-placed heaters come winter.

➤ Learn more about Betsy here.

#7 Crimson View: Whiskey drinkers, unite. Crimson may be home to three floors and three different concepts, but Crimson View, the rooftop bar that features both an indoor and outdoor space, is most worthy of a visit. Located on the penthouse level of Motto hotel, you can delight in views of the Washington Monument while sipping on seasonal craft cocktails, beers, and wines.

➤ Check out Crimson View here.

#8 Ivy And Coney: This friendly neighborhood bar dedicated to all things Chicago and Detroit offers cheap eats and drinks — with a view that’s anything but budget. The roof deck is a great place to catch the game, and meanwhile, you can’t go wrong with a Detroit-style pizza and plenty of local beer. Not to mention all the food and drink specials that last from Sunday to Wednesday!

➤ Learn more about Ivy And Coney here.

Looking to browse the latest listings in between stops? Check out our lineup of the hottest homes live on the market today!