Feel The Breeze at These Rooftop Bars

Arlington Rooftop Bar & Grill

Take in the view of the Courthouse skyline and beyond at this nearly 13-year-old hangout serving pineapple-forward Electric Sharks, frozen Mango Tangos and a dozen beers on draft. While you’re sipping, consider nibbling on shrimp ceviche, spinach and artichoke dip, or buffalo sliders with blue cheese. // 2424 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Courthouse) 

Enjoy a lush experience in Clarendon at Buena Vida’s rooftop bar. (Photo by Rey Lopez)

Buena Vida

The rooftop bar at Buena Vida got a fresh look in 2022 and is a rather verdant experience. Visitors are immersed in a greenery-filled world that evokes the jungle of Tulum, Mexico. On the drink menu, find the Paloma Lava (Espolon Reposado tequila, habanero-agave syrup), rose sangria, and pear and peppermint gin and tonic. // 2900 Wilson Blvd., #103, Arlington (Clarendon)

Dogwood Tavern’s sky bar in Falls Church City serves hearty helpings of nachos and craft cocktails. (Photo courtesy of Dogwood Tavern)

Dogwood Tavern

This homey spot in Falls Church City sports the charm of a ski chalet inside but also has a rollicking sky bar out back. Find flash-fried calamari, heaping nachos and tuna poke bowls on the food menu, and wash those dishes down with a draft beer or craft cocktail, such as the Loaded Lady (lavender-infused gin, triple sec). // 132 W. Broad St., Falls Church City 

Don Tito

For more than eight years, this Clarendon destination for “tacos, tequila and beer” has entertained scores of patrons with its three floors of bars—including a 3,000-square-foot rooftop space. Pair your El Paso cheese dip and guac with a variety of beverages, including the Papi Fuego (Altos Reposado tequila, Angostura bitters) or a “skinny” marg. // 3165 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)

Soak up the sun—and watch the game—at Dudley’s in Shirlington. (Courtesy photo)

Dudley’s Sport & Ale

In addition to its cavernous interior and patio, this Shirlington sports bar also boasts a spacious rooftop bar. While away the afternoon with Old Bay wings and a Pink Whitney (with pink lemonade vodka) or creamsicle crush. Have FOMO about missing the big game? Don’t worry—the rooftop has flat screen TVs. // 2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington)

Parc de Ville at Mosaic offers a rooftop menu of brasserie favorites and refreshing quaffs. (Photo by Mykl Wu)

Parc de Ville

The rooftop at this Mosaic brasserie opened in 2020 and remains a must-visit in the summer and early fall. Snacks include oysters, steak tartare, asparagus tartine and escargot. If you’ve tired of rose, try a frozen Aperol spritz or Bittered Bee’s Knees (Citadelle gin, Cynar, honey and lemon). // 8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax (Mosaic)

Throw your next party with a panoramic view of D.C. Sfoglina’s Rosslyn rooftop can be booked for private events. (Photo courtesy of Monday Properties)

Sfoglina

The Rosslyn location of this upscale Italian eatery added a rooftop terrace in 2020. While you can’t pop by for a casual drink, you can book it for your next party. Here’s how to reserve the space for a future gathering. // 1100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)

Skydome

OK, so it may technically be indoors, but this recently reopened restaurant in Crystal City definitely qualifies as a bar in the sky. Pair stunning views of Arlington and the District with a cheese and charcuterie board or grilled octopus with potato-chorizo corn hash. And have a religious experience with the Nectar of the Gods (Absolut pear vodka, pear nectar, lemon, agave and 24-karat gold flakes). // 300 Army Navy Drive, Arlington (Crystal City)

Party with live music, putt putt and plenty of beer at Starr Hill Biergarten in Tysons. (Photo courtesy of Starr Hill Biergarten)

Starr Hill Biergarten

Situated 11 stories up, atop the Capital One Hall complex at Tysons, the sprawling sky park known as The Perch opened in 2021. The rooftop park is home to a well-stocked bar with Starr Hill brews and hard seltzers, as well as a food menu with beer garden vibes (think bratwurst and giant pretzels). While you imbibe, enjoy some putt putt and life-size chess, catch live music (there’s an amphitheater beside the bar) or watch sports on the big outdoor screen. Bring the kids and your dog, too. // The Perch, 1805 Capital One Center Drive, Tysons 

The rooftop bar at Wilson Hardware was significantly expanded in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Albert Ting)

Wilson Hardware

This Clarendon bar got a makeover in 2022 that nearly doubled the size of its rooftop (and we haven’t even mentioned the restaurant’s lovely covered terrace). Take in some rays with a spiked lavender lemonade, grapefruit rose spritz or frozen espresso martini. Feeling peckish? Order a plate of tuna poke nachos or short rib sliders. // 2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)