The Best New Restaurant Rooftops and Patios in D.C.

Mélange DC

Talented chef Elias Taddesse combines two of his most celebrated culinary projects — Doro Soul Food and Mélange DC — in one location with the debut of Mélange Foods Inc. Located in the former Roy Boys space, its sidewalk patio is not only a welcome for Shaw residents, but also a cross-cultural merger of American soul food and Ethiopian cuisine. Snack on alfresco burgers and fried chicken full of berbere spices starting Monday, May 12.

The Fountain Inn DC

First come, first served, the Fountain Inn is framed with a quaint outdoor patio for up to 12 guests and pours up unique cocktails featuring high-end spirits. Newly named executive chef Greg Heitzig just unleashed its first bonafide food menu full of peak seasonal ingredients.

La’ Shukran

Award-winning chef Michael Rafidi’s trendy Levantine hot spot in the Union Market district just debuted its 40-seat terrace for the season. Walk-ins can look forward to vibrant cocktails, anise-flavored arak, or wine alongside a menu featuring everything from hummus to sweet treats.

Bar Angie

Reminiscent of The Polo Bar in New York City, the team behind Balos in Dupont bring this martini-focused lounge to West End. Must-try plates on its inviting patio framed in green include steak tartare, shrimp Caesar salad, blue crab Rangoon, and lobster frites.

Sly

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson’s inaugural venture in the nation’s capital is a scenic new rooftop atop the Morrow Hotel. Head to the top to find rum-raspberry cocktails and doro wat empanadas that celebrate his Ethiopian roots. Weekday happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and includes $2 oysters and $11 bubbles.

Ciel Capitol Hill

The popular Mt. Vernon Triangle party venue just opened its second location atop the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, and be prepared to be equally as dazzled. There are day parties, tables available for reservations, and inventive cocktails to wash down its shareable brunch bites and other snacks.

Canal House of Georgetown

Georgetown’s newest hotel exudes vibes of summertime cozy, thanks in part to the mini fire pit in the patio of its signature restaurant, C&O Lounge. Opt for either some sharable crudités or beef skewers atop a crispy bed of fried onions for an outdoor snack. Make it a true indulgent evening with arancini balls that arrive swimming in marinara sauce or crab cakes, sliders, and fries. Drinks are served crisp, bursting with fruity flavors and delightful combinations.

Conrad Washington DC

Summit, the rooftop of this luxe City Center hotel, boasts picturesque views beyond what the eye can see — from the U.S. Capitol to (if you squint hard enough) Georgetown. They’ve just unveiled a new tropical lineup for summer showcasing ceviche, frosé, and Tajin-rimmed margaritas. Panda-shaped glassware pays homage to the Smithsonian Zoo’s newest residents.

“Side Piece” at Cynthia Bar and Bistro

Tucked inside Cynthia Bar and Bistro is a small new second-story space that’s perched in-between buildings — and naturally called “Side Piece.” Images of A-list Cynthias like Cynthia Erivo and Cindy Crawford are on full display to go along with spreads of snacks, cocktails, and a great wine list.

Art DC

The new Arlo hotel’s signature restaurant is Spanish hot spot Arrels and features a co-working space for those remaining remote employees. Once you sign off for the day, head upstairs for the indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and lounge, Art. Japanese-influenced treats of hand rolls, yakitori, dumplings, and mochi make up the menu. This summer, expect day parties, DJ sets, and late-night happy hour specials.

The Grill

Enjoy waterfront views with rosé in hand at The Grill’s new Rose Garden. The patio is refreshed for warmer weather with a new floral backdrop perfect for people-watching and boat observing. They offer 5-, 7-, and 8-ounce pours, as well as spirit-free spritzes.

JINYA Ramen Bar - Union Market

There are plenty of Jinya spots across the city, but the new Union Market location promises charming views of the Washington skyline. In addition to ramen, beverage options include the Lycheetini and matcha cocktails.

Whiskey Charlie

Whiskey Charlie’s revamped rooftop terrace above Canopy by Hilton at the Wharf is officially open with a sleek new look. There are Instagrammable, uninterrupted panoramic views of the waterfront, marina, and D.C. monuments, complete with a retractable roof system. Reservations are now available on OpenTable but walk-ins are welcome.

El Rey

Sprawled on the banks of the Anacostia River, Navy Yard’s new 300-seat El Rey marks the showiest project yet for D.C. hospitality brothers Ian and Eric Hilton. Unlike the other two landlocked locations, El Rey 3.0 embraces a “coastal taqueria” vibe with a dominant outdoor dining situation that’s even bigger than the interior (166 vs. 134 seats). Happy hour (weekdays 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.) includes $7 margs and frozen cocktails in rotating flavors; $4 Estrella beers; two tacos for $10 all day on Tuesday; and (happy hour-only) loaded nachos for $10.

Good Fortune

In the heart of Old Town Alexandria sits Hotel Heron, a boutique spot perfect for a staycation or for those looking to avoid the D.C. hotel market. There’s a fun speakeasy on the ground floor, but the showstopper is the rooftop space called Good Fortune. Highlights include group-friendly punches, boozy slushies, and for the wellness crowd, yoga. They also recently unveiled a summer concert series lineup.