February 28, 2018 | Food & Drink
With March fast approaching, outdoor dining season is right around the corner. Here are six of the District’s best patios and rooftops to try as the weather warms up.
Avoid the ridiculously long lines and gather 8 to 12 of your closest friends for an intimate dinner on the restaurant’s gorgeous rooftop garden. The enclosed greenhouse-inspired roof offers cocktails starting at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at 7. Enjoy dishes such as a savory shrimp toast with house made brioche, fresno jam, and celery or stuffed gnocchi with blue cheese, cabbage, and hazelnut. 717 8th St. SE, 202-580-8889
Opening very soon for the season, Whaley’s rosé garden serves 10 different rosés, frozen drinks, high balls, and plenty of snacks perfect for munching on as you people watch in the Yard’s Park. The seating is only for 30 and first-come, first-serve, so arriving early is essential. 301 Water St. SE #115, 202-484-8800
The Watergate Hotel’s rooftop spent winter as an ice skating rink complete with igloos with cocktail service. In the warmer months, the rooftop bar and lounge serves up some of the most iconic views of the city. Sip beer, wine, champagne or seasonal signature cocktails like a Mango Moscow Mule as you take in a springtime sunset. 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, 844-617-1972
Ex-New Englanders will dig this nautical-inspired seafood restaurant near Nationals Park. The covered outdoor patio is an ideal place for sipping a cold beer and treating yourself to a decadent lobster roll or some oysters. The Salt Line also hosts a weekend brunch with a seafood twist, with an incredible lobster omelet and “Eggs in Purgatory,” made with baked eggs, clamato, middleneck clams, sausage and polenta. 79 Potomac Ave. SE, 202-506-2368
Sophisticated and chic Washingtonians flock to The Graham Hotel in Georgetown for its luxurious rooftop bar. The views are incredible and drinks are strong and tasty. It’s easy to spend hours here, as the couches are comfy and the beats are catchy. The dress code is “Georgetown chic” and at the discretion of the rooftop’s host. 1075 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, 202-337-0900
There’s nothing like a good beer garden when the weather gets warm and Wunder Garten doesn’t disappoint. With a rotating line-up of seasonal and local beer such as the Jailbreak Brewing Company’s Poor Righteous from Maryland, and eats from a CaliBurger food truck, Wunder Garten is a great place to gather for a warm and sunny weekend afternoon. Also, there is an added bonus—dogs are welcome on the patio. 1101 First St. NE
