Looking for a breezy perch where you can lazily sip craft cocktails and local suds while snacking on bar munchies, small plates or a proper dinner? We got you. (By the way, if you prefer a patio for al fresco lounging, there are plenty of those around, too.)
Buena Vida
Immerse yourself in a lush, sun-soaked setting reminiscent of Tulum at this Mexican rooftop lounge, where the vacation-invoking beverages include a boozy Horchata (vodka, chocolate liquor and horchata) and El Jefe (rum, vermouth, old-fashioned bitters and cherry liquor). Snack on crab queso or get three pork belly tacos for something more filling. // 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Dogwood Tavern
Open daily until 2 a.m., this casual Little City haunt sports the charm of a ski chalet inside but also has a rollicking Sky Bar out back. It’s now open for the summer season with munchables such as yucca croquettes, which director of operations Logan Skidmore describes as “reminiscent of a pollo à la brasa meal stuffed into a croquette.” Other popular picks include grilled or fried wings, heaping nachos and burgers (including a veggie version). Cap off a tough week with a draft brew or a Loaded Lady (lavender-infused gin sweetened with triple sec). Check the events calendar to see when local musicians will be performing live. // 132 W. Broad St., Falls Church
View this post on Instagram
Don Tito
Part dance club and part sports pub, this Clarendon “tacos, tequila and beer” destination has bars on three floors, including a 3,000-square-foot rooftop. Pair your Korean bulgogi taco or shrimp fajitas with the quencher of your choice. The options include plenty of beers on draft, frozen margs and an Old Fashioned made with bourbon, agave, orange bitters and chocolate mole bitters. // 3165 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Dudley’s Sport & Ale
This sprawling Shirlington sports bar has a spacious rooftop in addition to its massive interior space. Enjoy $15 pitchers and $10 pizzas and smashburgers during weekday happy hours from 3-6 p.m., or snack any time on a flash-fried vidalia onion or pulled-pork sandwich with melted cheddar. The drink menu includes five types of crushes, including the Creamsicle (whipped cream vodka, orange juice, triple sec and Sprite), plus craft cocktails such as the Pink Whitney (pink lemonade vodka, cranberry, lemon and soda). // 2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington)
Rooftop Recess
Occupying the former Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill space, this Courthouse newcomer—it opened May 8—makes good use of the building’s beloved roof deck, a prime spot for killer sunsets and 360 views. Inspired by everyone’s fav part of the day, the outdoorsy eatery “offers a light, airy atmosphere designed for escaping life’s stresses with expertly hand-crafted cocktails and outstanding contemporary American cuisine,” according to its website. Sip signature drinks such as a Bee’s Knees (gin, honey lavender syrup and lemon) or four types of mules while noshing on brown butter gnocchi or a summery beet & peach salad. // 2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse)
The Perch
Take in sweeping views of Northern Virginia from 11 stories up at The Perch, a 2.5-acre rooftop sky park atop Capital One Hall in Tysons. The open air Starr Hill Biergarten hits the spot with craft brews, hard seltzers and cocktails (try the Mele Kalikimaka Mai Tai) and grub such as chili-cheese nachos and black bean burgers, plus live music (there’s an outdoor amphitheater beside the bar) and sports on a big outdoor screen. Treat the kiddos to a round of mini golf at neighboring Perch Putt, play a game of life-size chess or bring your pooch for a romp in the dog park. Rhum Roost, a tiki bar next to the mini golf course, serves frozen slushies, coladas and daiquiris, along with street tacos and Korean bap bowls from food trucks. Feeling fancy? Grab a table on the adjoining rooftop patio of Wren, an upscale izakaya turning out sushi, Japanese-style mains and sophisticated cocktails, including martini service. // 1805 Capital One Center Drive, Tysons
Wilson Hardware
This multilevel Clarendon bar—which includes a fanciful covered terrace—is a great spot to sip a Wilson’s Mistake (dry gin, passionfruit, lemon, honey and angostura bitters) or Screw Him (vodka, lychee, hibiscus, lemon and champagne) while enjoying the breeze. Feeling peckish? Linger over quinoa salad with shrimp or a plate of steak frites. // 2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)