Best DC Rooftop Bars and outdoor Restaurants 2022
This article is your resource guide to DC rooftops and outdoor restaurants. Washington, DC, is home to some of the most renowned restaurants in the country. From Michelin-starred dining establishments to hole-in-the-wall joints, there’s something for everyone who loves food. And if you’re looking for a great view while you eat, Washington has no shortage of rooftop bars and restaurants. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Albi and Maxwell Park
This newly Opened Mediterranean restaurant is open from Tuesday-Sunday, from 5 PM until 9 PM (10 PM on Friday + Saturday) with Limited Indoor Dining and Summer patio. It was opened by Started by Chef Michael Rafidi, and in Navy Yard. Guests can order take out or dine in to enjoy the abundant selection of wine and delicious grilled meats, seafood, and house-made pita chips.
1346 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Chef Geoff's
Chef Geoff is an American dishes with a twist, in a classic space that’s both kid-friendly.
3201 New Mexico Ave NW, Washington, DC 20166
Ambar DC
Ambar restaurant is a DC brunch staple and one of my favorite spots! After shutting down during coronavirus, this location went through a significant renovation. The newly renovated space now has an abundance of outdoor space on the patio and terrace. The newly updated menu includes Small plates and traditional Balkan dishes. The restaurant still has the all you can eat menu small plates option.
523 8th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Ambar (Arlington Va location)
The Balkan brand’s Clarendon location is opening up 38 patio seats with reservations through OpenTable. They’re are also serving their popular bottomless brunch.
2901 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia
Bammy’s
With a location on the waterfront, this restaurant is already off to an impressive start. Founded co-chefs Chris Morgan and Gerald Addison, this Caribbean restaurant is a must-see hot spot. Sip on Pina Coladas as you enjoy the beautiful summer weather on their waterfront patio.
301 Water St SE # 115, Washington, DC 20003
Teddy & The Bully Bar
American fare like game, steak, oysters & drinks served in classy dishes is now open.
1200 19th Street NW
Kith/Kin
801 Wharf St., SW
Like many restaurants on the list, this wharf staple shut down and is now reopened. In the intercontinental hotel, this high-end Afro-Caribbean has garnered lots of positive reviews. The menu is a nexus of West African, Creole, and Caribbean roots by Top Chef alumni Kwame Onwuachi. Guests can reserve patio tables from noon to 8:30 PM.
Roofers Union Rooftop Bar
3704 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
American restaurant and craft cocktails bar with a 3-story tavern and rooftop views. Roofers Union is now open with limited capacity for dinner service by reservation on the rooftop. Wed 4-9, Thu 4-9, fri 4-10pm, sat 4-10 and sun 4-9.
Mercy Me
1143 New Hampshire Ave., NW
Mercy me is a new South American cafe by the owners of Call Your Mother and Timber Pizza. They serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays – 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, but drinks go until 4 pm. Customers can Guests can also make reservations for their back patio.
City Winery
1408 Okie St., NE 20002
After also shutting down because of coronavirus, this rooftop is now for business. This establishment is one of the few families-friendly places on the list. Serving beers, wine, hard seltzer in a picnic-style.
Public Bar Live Rooftop bar
1214 18th Street NW; 1216 18th Street NW 20036
Located in the lively Dupont neighborhood, this restaurant is now serving customers on its rooftop bar from 12pm to midnight.
Bardo
25 Potomac Ave., SE Washington DC, 20003
With an impressive acre worth of space, this Navy Yard’s waterfront beer garden is the ultimate social distancing hangout spot. You’ve got plenty of room to keep a safe distance.
Biergarten House
1355 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Biergarten is a Bavarian beer garden serving beers, food, and drinks. They pride themselves on being the largest outdoor space on H street, which is a high selling point. On weekdays they offer happy hour specials and on weekends serve brunch.
Haikan Fukushima in Shaw.
805 V Street NW 20001
This modern establishment is known for its Japanese noodle soups and cocktails. serve light meals on their communal outdoor patio.
Dacha shaw and navy yard locations
1600 Seventh St 20001
NW; 79 Potomac Ave., SE 20009
Dacha is an Outdoor beer garden serving German brews at picnic tables year-round, plus wine & cocktails. They have two locations that are currently accepting customers. Dacha is open daily and also on weekends for brunch. They only accept walk-in guests.
Spider Kelly’s Arlington
Located in the center of Clarendon, spider kelly serves a variety of cocktails, beer with bar snacks. As a regular at this spot, I can recommend this spot. The beer garden is located in the back and perfect for social distancing.
Wunder Garten
1101 First St., NE
I first discovered Wunder Garden during the Christmas holidays. I was invited for the press preview back in December, and I love the space! Located in NoMa, this beer garden is spacious and equipped with an outdoor beer garden with picnic tables and garden cabanas for reservations. The reservation price minimum depends on the number of guests and sitting location. Be sure to call them for more price information.
2007 18th St., NW
Adam morgans are one of my go-to areas, especially in the summer. This neighborhood is known for its abundant options of ethnic cuisine and trendy bars. Jack Rose has been a neighborhood staple for years now. I am thrilled to see this restaurant survived the coronavirus economy crisis. It is currently officially open! To adhere to safety guidelines and ensure social distancing, Jack Rose has now limited their capacity down to 38.
Nina May
1337 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Located in the trendy Logan Circle, Nina may is a seasonal American restaurant with a rooftop and patio. The menu dishes are locally sourced and created by Chef Co-owner Colin McClimans. They’re open daily dinner except for Mondays and weekends for brunch and dinner. Try one of their unique crafted cocktails with your meal.
Officina
1120 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Officina is a modern Italian inspired a specialty market & a rooftop bar by chef Nick Stefanelli of Michelin-star Masseria. With a location such as the wharf, you do not need much convincing.
El Techo
606 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Nestled in Shaw’s hip neighborhood, El Techo is a rooftop restaurant serving Latin tapas and cocktails above Rito Loco. Brunch at El Techo is available on Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 4 PM. A bottomless brunch option is available for parties of two.
Le Diplomate
1601 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Le Diplomate is one of DC’s hottest restaurants giving us a taste of authentic French culture. This restaurant has an extensive menu of mouth-watering French dishes & crafted drinks and wine. They’re open for lunch or brunch and dinner daily.
The Salt Line
79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
The Salt Line is a New England-style inspired seafood restaurant serving New England classics such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and fish-based dishes. Their riverside patio is serving customers.
Fiola Mare
3100 K St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Fiola Mare is upscale Italian seafood located in the beautiful Georgetown waterfront neighborhood. What is better than enjoying a view of the river as you enjoy a delicious dinner or sip on some good wine? After dining, walk along the waterfront or shop on M street. This neighborhood has so much going on.
Seven Reasons
2208 14th St., NW
Seven Reasons is a garden rooftop by chef Enrique Limardo. Located in the trendy 14th Street neighborhood, they’re open for dinner and lunch on weekends.
St. Anselm
1250 Fifth St., NE
Located near Union Market, this newly reopened restaurant is now serving dinner and brunch. Premium steaks & sides, plus cocktails & brunch, are served amid a warm, hunting-lodge atmosphere.
Billy Sud
1039 31st St., NW
If the name doesn’t give it away, Chez Billy Sud is a French Bistro located in the heart of Georgetown with outdoor patio dining. Their patio dining is open every Wednesday – Sunday from 5 pm to 9pm.
Anafre
Anafre is a Mexican restaurant by Chef Alfredo Solis’ located in Columbia heights. They’re currently accepting takeout orders and open for patio seating.
651 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Halfsmoke is a restaurant my friends and I religiously go-to for brunch before the lockdown. Their recently launched patio pop-up stand serves summer crafted cocktails. They’re open opened from Friday to Sunday.
Lucky Buns
2000 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Lucky bun is a restaurant by Alex McCoy offering mouth-watering Burgers and chicken sandwiches with live music.
Be sure to check my Arlington article, https://www.themetropolitangirl.com/arlington-restaurants-with-outdoor-seating-open/
