Looking for a breezy perch where you can 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.)
Amuse at Le Méridien Hotel
This restaurant’s skyline view of Washington, D.C. makes it a popular spot for a chill happy hour. Amuse offers simple cuisine inspired by Italian home cooking on its 4,800 square foot terrace. The menu features a variety of pizzas and pastas, a roasted half chicken, saffron seafood risotto and a rib eye steak. Seasonal ingredients keep the menu fresh and new. Take the street-level elevator straight up to the restaurant without having to enter the hotel. 1121 19th St. N., Arlington, VA (Rosslyn)
BOE’s Tiki Bar
Tropical meets country on a covered, tiki-themed patio atop a country-Nashville sports bar with a mechanical bull. BOE (short for Bodacious Experience) opened in September, 2025 with lines around the block. Saddle up and take a ride on its centerpiece attraction, the only mechanical bull within a 40-mile radius, Then head upstairs to enjoy country-themed happy hour bites on the 3,800 square-foot rooftop space. Small plates include chicken or steak egg rolls, hot honey butter chicken bites and loaded tots. During happy hour rail drinks and some cocktails and wines are on special for $5 and beers are $3. 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Wren
This Japanese-American fusion restaurant led by chef Yo Matsuzaki is located on the 11th floor of the Watermark Hotel. Enjoy izakaya (small plates) outside under an umbrella as the sun sets. Sample an array of Japanese foods such as sushi and skewers served family-style for the entire table. Or order individual nigiri, sashimi or maki rolls, such as the Wren Roll, filled with shrimp tempura, snow crab, avocado, macadamia nuts and chili garlic miso. Select your drink pairing from a curated library of Japanese whiskies, craft sakes, and cocktails. Or sip a seasonal cocktail such as the kiru (tequila, ginger, turmeric, eucalyptus cordial and lime) or the Velvet Colada (Genepy, dark rum, matcha, chocolate and hazelnut tea and coconut). 1825 Capital One Dr., Tysons, VA
The Perch at Capital One Center
Sharing a rooftop with Wren is The Perch, a sky park atop Capital One Hall and connected to the Watermark Hotel. Play 18 holes of mini golf at Perch Putt, then head over to Starr Hill Biergarten for drinks and snacks with a vantage point 10 stories above the streets of Tysons. Order up a plate of sliders with house sauce, cheddar and pickles, or a fried chicken or buffalo chicken wrap. The biergarten features more than 5,000 square feet of dining and lounge space and an adjacent amphitheater with live music or sports on a massive screen. Check the schedule to see who’s playing next. The Perch opens at 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. 1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons, VA
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 Buena Vida Spritz (tequila, Aperol, lemon juice, sparkling wine) and the Big Jefe (rum anejo, dry vermouth, cherry liqueur, angostura bitters.). Snack on crab queso, classic or chicken nachos, or Mussels ala Diabla for something more filling. 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Skybar at 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 late night munchables such as Philly Spring Rolls with shaved ribeye and American cheese, Heaping Nachos or jambalaya. 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
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 discounted draft beer ($2 off), or an $8 margarita, old fashioned or Moscow Mule during weekday happy hour from 3-6 p.m. 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 Og Orange Crush (Bowman vodka, fresh orange juice, triple sec and lemon-lime soda). 2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington)
The Deck at Clarendon Ballroom
Immerse yourself in a tropical atmosphere at the Tiki-inspired rooftop in Clarendon. Sip on island-style cocktails and frozen drinks during summer happy hours Thursday and Friday from 5-7 p.m. Reserve a private area in a colorful cabana with comfy couches and a surround of summery colors. This getaway above the city includes peaceful greenery, music, and a relaxed but lively atmosphere. Head down to the multi-level nightclub and bar for a high-energy experience with DJs and dancing. 3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA
In the Works:
Rooftop Recess permanently closed in December after just seven months in business. The property will soon welcome a new restaurant and private event space, Willow, in the same Courthouse location.
Wilson Hardware closed in January to make way for The Boulevard, a new concept slated to open this spring with a patio and rooftop deck. The website describes it as a modern American restaurant that draws from global cuisines. Chefs Homero Gonzalez and Bayron Navarro are creating the menu. Dishes will include loaded crispy potatoes, king salmon tiradito and cavatelli with king mushrooms.