4 Best Rooftop Bars at The Wharf in Washington DC
Who doesn’t love a good rooftop bar with a waterfront view? Especially during the summer, I love hanging out high above the city, sipping a handmade cocktail. If that’s your vibe too, then check out these best rooftop bars at The Wharf in Washington DC.
The Wharf is one of DC’s most popular dining and nightlife scenes, so it’s no surprise that this district is my go-to spot for rooftop bars! And The Wharf has some of the best rooftop bars in DC. If you’re looking to catch an incredible sunset, you won’t want to miss these spots!
Best Rooftop Bars at The Wharf
1. Whiskey Charlie
Sophisticated Rooftop Bar
Whiskey Charlie is a rooftop bar on the 10th floor of the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf. I loved watching the sunset from up here, with the planes taking off from the airport making for a pretty picture.
They have a sophisticated indoor lounge plus an large outdoor deck with waterfront views. They have a menu of small bites and premium cocktails, so this is a great place for pre-dinner drinks.
I recommend getting the Purser’s Bane, the Coastal Vibes, or the Captain’s Choice. The Purser’s Bane matched the sunset perfectly when we visited.
975 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
2. Tiki TNT
Tropical Rooftop Bar
Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company is a Hawaiian-themed tiki bar with a small menu of snacks and meals, a couple levels of outdoor seating overlooking the water, and tropical drinks.
They even have their own rum distillery, Thrasher’s Rum, which the bar is connected to. That’s how you know they have great rum drinks and cocktails!
You can choose from two levels out outdoor seating, but I definitely recommend the upper level for the private tiki atmosphere. Go for the TNT Problem Forgetter or a classic Mai Tai.
1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
3. The Anthem Marquee Bar
Rockin’ Rooftop Bar
The Anthem Marquee Bar is open during every show, so you can take in the views of the Washington Channel when you need a breath of fresh air.
This unique rooftop bar is located on the upper level of The Anthem music venue right behind their lighted marquee. You can come early for a show and enjoy the view from the balcony!
They have a limited selection of drinks and snacks, and you can choose from a few cocktails and beers. I definitely recommend their Sunset on The Wharf cocktail rather than their When Doves Fly one; it’s the much tastier option.
901 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
4. H Bar at Hyatt House
Hidden Rooftop Bar
This is my little secret, but I don’t like keeping secrets, so I’m going to tell you all about it!
So the H Bar is the hotel bar at the Hyatt House Washington DC/The Wharf. And the bar isn’t a secret, but the rooftop part is.
And that’s because, while the bar is open to anyone, the outdoor patio is supposedly only for hotel guests. But here’s the secret: there’s a door that’s always unlocked, so you can still get out there even if you aren’t a guest (one of the managers told us this and said they really didn’t care if non-guest went out there, so that’s why I don’t feel bad telling you).
To get to H Bar, you’ll just need to go to the Hyatt House hotel lobby and walk past the check-in counter. The door by the bar is locked and says you’ll need to use your room key to access it. For the secret unlocked door, just head back to the elevators and find the door hidden on the side. And voila, you’re rooftop!
This huge outdoor patio overlooks the Washington Channel on one side and bustling Pearl Street on the other. The rooftop bar is complete with umbrellas, comfy seating, grills, and fire pits. I’ve never seen this bar crowded, either.
725 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024
What is The Wharf?
The Wharf is a waterfront district in Washington DC on the Washington Channel with tons of shops, restaurants, entertainment, hotels, and apartments. They even have the country’s oldest continually operating open-air fish market.
At The Wharf, you can eat fresh seafood on the waterfront and shop from local boutique stores.
It’s a very lively scene, so you know they have good rooftop bars with great views!
Rooftop Bars at The Wharf Map
Want to easily plan your night out at The Wharf in DC? Check out the map below for all the rooftop bar locations listed in this post.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best rooftop bars at The Wharf in Washington DC! Have a great time sipping craft cocktails high above the city!
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Where to Stay in Washington DC
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Washington DC, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.
- Where We Stayed: Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center or the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf
- Top Hotel: The Hay-Adams
- Great Value: Phoenix Park Hotel
- Unique Stay: Unique DC Row House Near Historic H Street
Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center
We enjoyed our stay at the Hampton Inn Washington-Downtown-Convention Center when attending an event at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
This hotel has a great location. It’s just on the edge of Chinatown and is within easy walking distance to the National Mall and all the tourist hot spots. There are plenty of restaurant options and nightlife nearby.
Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf
We love the location of the Canopy by Hilton Washington DC The Wharf, though the hotel’s customer service could use some work.
The Wharf is a great spot to be for beautiful waterfront views and lots of dining and nightlife. It’s also only a 10-15 minute walk from two different Metro stations, and it’s really easy to get to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
More Things to Do in Washington DC
Explore even more of the nation’s capital! Check out these other top tips for visiting Washington DC.
- 29 Best Things to Do in Washington DC
- 22 Free Things to Do in Washington DC
- 14 Best Restaurants in Washington DC
- Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
- Visiting Smithsonian Castle in DC: Everything You Need to Know
- Where to Eat in Chinatown, Washington DC
- One Day in Alexandria, Virginia: Day Trip from Washington DC
- One Day in Baltimore, Maryland: Day Trip from Washington DC
Ready to visit The Wharf in Washington D.C.? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels at The Wharf using Hotels.com.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Cheers!
Paige
What are your favorite rooftop bars at The Wharf in Washington DC? Let me know in the comments!
Hi Paige,
Good article, and the Wharf is a great place. Now that Phase 2 has opened and there’s a few more around, perhaps it warrants a revisit?
I definitely need to revisit! I think I’ll have the opportunity to go back to D.C. soon!