Our Favorite Outdoor Drinks and Dining Spots All Over Town
We’ve got stars in our eyes over outdoor dining season — especially with so many new spots opening and favorite places returning to satiate our al fresco appetites.
Here are just some of our favorite rooftop and patio places to dine — en plein air — all around DC:
NoMa: The Marriott on Capitol Hill has a new scene-y seafood spot. This recently opened rooftop restaurant, Yara, features exceptional Japanese and Peruvian flavors (ceviches, maki rolls, mojitos) from former Ocopa chef Yuki Nakandakari.
CityCenter: Conrad DC’s rooftop bar, Summit, is the spot for frozés with friends or to impress with elegant city-sweeping views, but it’s also the place for light bites, daily specials, and a unique selection of dishes prepared in a solar oven!
Downtown: Delicious drinks, Latin/Mexican fusion cuisine, and monumental views from a downtown DC rooftop — without any pretense? That’s what you’ll find at the new Lucha Rosa, a bright and airy wonderland atop K Street’s Moxy Hotel.
Georgetown: The Four Seasons’ Bourbon Steak patio is back as the perfect spot for Prime Steak Burgers, cocktail conversations, and fire pit rendezvous. Power players won’t want to miss it!
Logan Circle: Hush! (But don’t actually – tell everyone!) This new rooftop gathering spot above the Viceroy really gets going as the day winds down. Soak in the capital skyline at sunset while savoring specialty drinks and light bites.
Chinatown: Named — in French — for sky or heaven, Ciel Social Club is the height of sophistication with a creative menu, delicious drinks, and a panoramic point of view that keeps guests (like us!) coming back time and again. It’s also the only rooftop lounge we know offering a Drag Brunch party!
Dupont: The Doyle Bar patio is a European-inspired terrace known for its pop-up experiences, and the latest is a study of color from one of our favorite local artists Maggie O’Neill, paired with Lillet cocktails, flowers from Brightly Ever After, and a mission to transform lives through art education.
Union Market: The bustling Destino patio is back in business at La Cosheca, and ready for sunshine. And you will be too with Mayahuel (mezcal margarita) specials at the 4-6 pm daily Happy Hours!
Wharf: Make your reservations faster than you can say waterfront patio at the new Lucky Buns at The Wharf, and plan to dive into the famous fried chicken sandwich, fruit crushes, and other nostalgic foodie fun as you take in sunset views from the patio lounge seats.
Navy Yard: Want year-round waterfront vibes? The Rooftop at the Thompson is a go-to spot for waterfront vibes on the next level — that is, 10 floors up. And it doesn’t hurt that you can get great food, handcrafted cocktails, and frequent live music to go with all of the sunshine and winds off the water.
Reston: Yes, sometimes we like to patio perch outside of DC, too, so we love the ease and convenience of Davio’s (steps from the Reston metro!) for homemade pastas, fresh salads, and prime steaks while people-watching in the bustling plaza. It’s a smart spot for a three-course weekday power lunch under $35 or an after-work cocktail with the coworkers.
These are just some of our favorite outdoor drinking and dining spots. Share yours with us at editor@kstreetmagazine.com