Take your entertaining game to the next level—specifically, D.C.’s buzziest rooftops.
At the new Pod DC Hotel in Chinatown, the Hilton Brothers, Eric and Ian, have unveiled a first-floor diner, basement whiskey bar and rooftop gem. Your View: Penn Quarter in the foreground; Washington Monument in the background. In Your Glass: Old- Fashioneds made with everything from smoky mezcal to barrel-aged gin, and a murderer’s row of martinis—all the better to go with the local oysters. 627 H St. NW, crimson-dc.com
Crowning the Canopy Hotel, this indooroutdoor, 10th-floor perch lords over all it surveys at The Wharf. Your View: Rows of yachts and sailboats at the Southwest marina. In Your Glass: Mules, Negronis and margaritas. If with a group, order them up in largeformat “tankards.” 975 Seventh St. SW, whiskeycharliewharf.com
Another boutique hotel for D.C., this hipster haven opened last year and quickly drew crowds for the after work scene. Your View: The Kennedy Center straight down Foggy Bottom to the Lincoln Memorial. In Your Glass: Simple cocktails made chiefly with local spirits. For happy hour nosh, &pizza will dispatch pies to your table. 2224 F St. NW, hotelhive.com
No, D.C. didn’t sprout fields of vineyards while you weren’t looking. But you can get locally-made wine sourced from a smorgasbord of grapes that have been subjected to boozy alchemy. The rooftop is reserved for special events. Your View: Kayakers on the water by day, National Park lights by night. In Your Glass: Everything from riesling to malbec to chardonnay. 385 Water St. SE, districtwinery.com
Rule the Georgetown roost at this ideally situated and highly sophisticated lounge where after-work wine or cocktails with cheese, charcuterie and oysters make the perfect pairings. Or take a nightcap after dinner at The Grill Room. Your View: Panoramas include the always classic Washington Monument. In Your Glass: The summery La Paison or Berry Night cocktails. 1050 31st St. NW, rosewoodhotels.com
It doesn’t get anymore Washington than sipping cocktails atop of one of the city’s most iconic establishments, The Watergate Hotel. Your View: Take in the sunlit greenery of Theodore Roosevelt Island or the enchanting evening illumination of the Rosslyn skyline and iconic Key Bridge. In Your Glass: Strawberry Negronis, Chamomile Juleps and the Chili-infused, Don Julio-based Furiosa. 2650 Virginia Ave. NW, thewatergatehotel.com
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