Rooftop Roundup: Cocktails Without the Crowd
What better way to enjoy the season than by heading to a rooftop bar for a drink, a bite to eat, and a late afternoon bask in the sun? Savor it while you can, since it's likely that a month from now, heat and humidity may prompt some metro commuters to carry work clothes to the office rather than sweat through a dress shirt. Though you may already have a table with your name on it at your regular rooftop haunt, here are a few suggestions in the District to entice you to branch out.
Cleveland Park Bar and Grill
It’s a perfect 80 degrees after work and you’re certain that every roof and patio will be jammed by the time you get there. Even though the remodeled rooftop of CP’s isn’t dramatically different from the old Brick’s, a spruced-up deck and a few hanging geraniums are certainly an improvement. A nice thing about CP’s is that it’s rarely crowded. Even if the tables are filled, there are usually seats at the bar or spaces on the rail. And on a good night, their pizza rivals Vace's. Between great pie, Blue Moon Ale, and the charming Uptown sign as a backdrop, CP’s might become your favorite neighborhood rooftop, even if it’s not in your neighborhood. 3421 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Ardeo
Speaking of Cleveland Park, if you’re looking for a rooftop perch that’s less sports bar and more stylish, head to Ardeo. The relatively new Executive Chef, Chris Bradley, suggests the key lime martini, made with Stoli Vanilla, Liquor 43, and a splash of fresh squeezed lime juice, served in a martini glass rimmed with crushed graham crackers. Though it’s a lovely spot to grab a drink, you may also want to try the jumbo lump crab salad with bloody Mary sorbet and micro celery as an appetizer or the grilled mahi-mahi with mint apricot couscous, roasted pepper and pea shoot salad, with the vanilla-almond foam as an entrée. 3311 Connecticut Avenue NW.
Straits of Malaya/Larry’s Lounge
This spot is a great option for one of the most crowded corners in D.C. during nice weather or otherwise. If you’re hoping to grab a drink on the roof, however, plan on ordering something to eat too, since the rooftop is reserved for dinner guests during peak hours. Later on, the roof turns over to Larry, the bar side of the two establishments. In his last review, Sietsema enjoyed his Malaysian, family-style dinner, which included five spice rolls as an appetizer and spicy shrimp and scallops. Others enjoy the “signature” Chinese eggplant with tofu. And, while the service and food is often said to be inconsistent since Sietsema’s 2004 review, Don Rockwell guesses “it’s a winner five nights out of seven.” 1836 18th Street NW.
Bourbon
Though the inside of Bourbon is bright and welcoming, the deck out back is more charming and seductive. Framed by the brick from surrounding buildings, Bourbon’s deck is an ideal place to take your friends or your date for a glass of wine or premium whiskey on the rocks. When we’ve been there, it has been surprisingly low key, rather than packed with people like the Reef or the other bars on the strip. Flowers and candles on the tables round out the ambience. 2321 18th Street NW.
Tabaq Bistro
DCist wrote about Tabaq when it first opened and still stop by the roof on a sunny evening. Though champagne cocktails and pomegranate cocktails are refreshing, steer toward the extensive wine list, which includes wines from Turkey and Greece. For something to nibble on, try the fig and cheese plate or the su borek for a light bite. 1336 U Street NW.
These are just a few recommendations. Care to share yours? What are your favorite rooftops in D.C. and what nights do you recommend stopping by?