Summer in Washington, DC is rooftop season—where cocktails meet skyline views and the city’s heat gives way to breezy, elevated escapes. While VUE at Hotel Washington continues to draw the crowds, there’s a world of stylish alternatives that deserve the spotlight. At the top of our list? Casamara, Dupont Circle’s new Mediterranean stunner.
Casamara – Dupont Circle’s New Coastal Retreat
Casamara, located on the ground floor of the new Sixty DC hotel, blends Mediterranean charm with refined mid-century glamour. Think marble checkerboard floors, an eye-catching 54-foot Spanish tapestry, and a statement bar that anchors the space.
Executive Chef Zachary Albertsen crafts Mediterranean flavors with DC-savvy flair—octopus casarecce with nduja and harissa, a double-boned Iberico pork chop, citrusy branzino crudo, and a sardine toast that’s far more luxurious than its name implies. Desserts, from lemon tart to olive oil cake with vanilla cream anglaise, are light and elegant.
Cocktails match the menu’s creativity. Try the Pepperoncini-tini—Grey Goose vodka, pepperoncini brine, and a feta-stuffed olive—for a savory, playful twist.
Open now, Casamara’s rooftop will be one of Dupont Circle’s rare al fresco dining destinations, offering sweeping city views and a breezy, transportive vibe that channels Saint-Tropez.
1337 Connecticut Avenue NW, Dupont Circle, Washington, DC. Enter on 18th Street for quicker access.
More Rooftops to Put on Your Radar
Whiskey Charlie – The Wharf Nautical elegance meets panoramic waterfront views atop the Canopy Hotel, with refined small plates and cocktails perfect for sunset.
Smoke & Mirrors – Navy Yard / Capitol Hill A sleek, indoor-outdoor rooftop at the AC Hotel with striking Capitol views, elevated bar fare, and imaginative cocktails.
Art DC – Downtown Perched atop the Arlo hotel, this modern rooftop serves Japanese-inspired bites and sake cocktails, with DJ and art nights to keep things fresh.
La’ Shukran – Union Market A garden rooftop hideaway with French-Middle Eastern small plates, za’atar-infused cocktails, and a romantic, intimate setting. LA’ SHUKRAN
Sly – NoMa From Marcus Samuelsson, this rooftop boasts 360° skyline views, a global menu, and inventive sips like the “Electric Sly.” SLY Rooftop Bar – Marcus Samuelsson at The Morrow Hotel
Good Fortune – Old Town Alexandria A boutique rooftop with Potomac views, morning yoga, evening DJs, and Miami Vice slushies alongside mini crab rolls. Rooftop Bar Alexandria, VA | Good Fortune | Alexandria Bar
TAKODA – Shaw & Navy Yard A casual, 360° beer garden with mules on draft, tots, sliders, and a lively, group-friendly vibe. BHG | Bar & Restaurant Group | Washington, D.C.
Colada Shop – 14th Street NW Bright, tropical, and Instagram-ready, serving Cuban-inspired cocktails, coffee, and small bites. Colada Shop | Cuban Café & Bar
More Elevated Favorites
Top of the Gate (Watergate Hotel) – Foggy Bottom Sleek, panoramic views over the Potomac and Georgetown, with craft cocktails and shareable bites at The Watergate Hotel.
12 Stories (InterContinental) – The Wharf Glamorous indoor-outdoor design, nearly 360° views, and a refined menu perfect for date night at the InterContinental DC – The Wharf.
Moonraker (Pendry Hotel) – The Wharf Japanese-inspired dining with sweeping Channel views, ideal for a sunset toast at the Pendry Washington DC.
El Techo – Shaw Mexican-inspired rooftop with lush decor, tacos, and margaritas under a retractable roof. El Techo
Wild Days (Eaton Hotel) – Downtown/NW A jungle-themed rooftop with tacos, creative cocktails, and fire pits for cooler nights at WILD DAYS.
Lucha Rosa – Downtown/Chinatown Perched atop the Moxy Hotel, Lucha Rosa is a vibrant indoor/outdoor rooftop bar with a retractable roof, serving upscale tacos and agave spirits.
Summit Rooftop – Downtown/CityCenter The rooftop at the Conrad Washington DC offers unparalleled views of downtown and the Washington Monument, with a menu of light bites and sophisticated cocktails.
Whitlow’s on U Street – U Street A beloved neighborhood spot, Whitlow’s on U Street offers a lively rooftop tiki bar, perfect for a casual drink or weekend brunch.
Hive Rooftop – Foggy Bottom Found atop Hotel Hive, this year-round rooftop bar is known for its “sweet views” of Foggy Bottom and a buzzing social scene.
Ciel Social Club – Convention Center AND NEW! Capitol Hill Named for the French word for “the heavens,” Ciel Social Club is a luxurious penthouse lounge atop two Marriott properties, offering spectacular views and a sophisticated menu of sips and bites.
The Roof Terrace Restaurant – Foggy Bottom At the Kennedy Center, this fine-dining rooftop offers a spectacular panorama of the DC skyline with an elegant menu of global and French-inspired dishes.
Perry’s – Adams Morgan A neighborhood staple in Adams Morgan, Perry’s has a multi-level space with a year-round rooftop bar and a seasonal terrace, known for its Japanese fare and drag brunch.
Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge – Downtown/Mt. Vernon A unique blend of a sports bar and a rooftop, Over Under Sportsbook Rooftop Lounge offers a retractable roof, multiple TVs, craft cocktails, and a lively downtown atmosphere.
Salazar – 14th Street NW A popular destination for happy hour and brunch, Salazar is a lively DC rooftop bar known for its tacos, cocktails, and energetic vibe.
The Imperial – Adams Morgan This three-floor establishment in Adams Morgan features a two-tiered, open-air rooftop garden perfect for al fresco dining and drinks.
CityBarDC – SW Waterfront Located above the Hyatt Place DC National Mall, CityBarDC is a hidden gem offering sweeping views of the DC skyline, including the National Mall.
Top of the Yard – Navy Yard Perched atop the Hampton Inn & Suites, Top of the Yard offers an unbeatable view directly into Nationals Park, making it a prime spot for game days.
Crimson rooftop – Chinatown Located at the Motto by Hilton, Crimson View is a year-round indoor/outdoor rooftop bar with stunning views of the Washington Monument.
CasaMara leads the pack this summer, but DC’s rooftop scene is brimming with destinations worth exploring. From breezy beer gardens to glam riverfront lounges, these elevated escapes prove there’s life—and cocktails—beyond VUE.
