Warm summer evenings call for drinks with a view. Across Northern Virginia and DC, there are quite a few places that will satisfy your craving for sweet cocktails and spectacular sunsets. At any of these bars and restaurants, take to the roof for gorgeous views of city centers, iconic landmarks, and the scenic Potomac River.
Virginia
Buena Vida Gastrolounge
Rain or shine, you can count on a good time at Buena Vida Gastrolounge’s rooftop bar. A retractable awning ensures that the weather won’t ruin your plans. Buena Viada serves up Mexican cuisine alongside its handcrafted cocktails. 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Don Tito
Thiswarehouse-style taco and tequila restaurant has a 3,000-square-foot rooftop bar that’s perfect for a girls’ night out or date night. Enjoy a touch of Mexican food with your seasonal cocktail in Clarendon. 3165 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Parc de Ville
Parc de Ville brings the taste of metropolitan France to NoVA. The rooftop lounge is open six days a week (all except Monday), but is not open if it is raining or very windy. The rooftop overlooks the bustling Mosaic District and offers a menu of exclusive cocktails and tasty snacks. 8196 Glass Alley, Ste. 110, Fairfax
The Perch
High above Tysons, there’s a lush green space at the top of Capital One Hall. The Perch is aptly called the park in the sky, and it includes plenty of open green space, a performance venue, a games plaza, and Starr Hill Biergarten, where you can enjoy a brew while you check out the expansive views of NoVA. 1600 Capital One Dr. N., Tysons
Wilson Hardware
This hip spot in the heart of Clarendon has it all — tasty food, creative cocktails, and a dazzling rooftop bar. The recently expanded rooftop is one of its most popular spaces, and that’s saying something sinceWilson’s also has a spacious main dining room, beautiful garden lounge, and intimate mezzanine. A new garden terrace in the rooftop area adds a little glam to the patio experience. There is no need to worry about the weather because Wilson’s has a retractable rooftop system. 2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington
Washington, DC
12 Stories
This modern cocktail bar at the top of the InterContinental Hotel at The Wharf offers a nearly 360-degree view of the Potomac River and DC skyline through 13-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace. The dress code is smart casual, so leave the flip flops, sportswear, and torn clothing at home. 75 District Sq. SW, Washington, DC
Top of the Gate
At this rooftop bar atop the Watergate Hotel, you can enjoy expansive views of the Kennedy Center, the Potomac River, and the Washington Monument. Top of the Gate highly recommends reservations. 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, Washington, DC
VUE Rooftop
This upscale bar above Hotel Washington boasts classic District views that include the White House and the Washington Monument. Seasonal cocktails and delightful small bites, like truffle fries and Maryland crab cakes, will satisfy any craving while you enjoy the sunset.. Note: The VUE describes its dress code as “casual sophisitication.” That means collared shirts, no sportswear, baseball caps, flip flops, tank tops, sneakers, or torn clothing. 515 15th St. NW, Washington, DC
Feature photo by Alyssa Langer
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