Best Bets
Best Patios and Rooftop Bars
Fritz Hahn | Updated 04/23/2009
In warm weather, there's nothing like relaxing outdoors with a cold drink. These bars offer something above and beyond your usual sidewalk cafe.
Austin Grill - Centreville
Centreville, VA
A bucolic lakeside deck is the perfect setting for margaritas and Shiner Bock.
Bourbon
Washington, DC
One of the coziest outdoor spaces in Adams Morgan is Bourbon's relatively secluded back patio.
Cantina Marina
Washington, DC
Perched right on top of the Washington Channel, the Cantina Marina's laidback covered patio feels like a one-way ticket to Margaritaville.
Clarendon Ballroom
Arlington, VA
The rooftop bar is bigger than most indoor spaces in Arlington, making it the perfect place for a group happy hour -- as long as you arrive early. It's also singles-central on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Cleveland Park Bar and Grill
Washington, DC
At most sports bars, enjoying the weather and watching the game are mutually exclusive. Not here, where four large TVs hang on the rooftop deck.
Galaxy Hut
Arlington, VA
A narrow alley between two buildings has been reclaimed as a summer garden, with awning-covered tables and chairs and a large silo that once sat at Dr. Dremo's.
Local 16
Washington, DC
U Street's best rooftop bar is a prime gathering spot for singles, and a great place to relax on a weekend afternoon.
Mango Mike's
Alexandria, VA
Palm trees, tropical greenery, Adirondack chairs and strong island rum drinks allow you to take a vacation without leaving Alexandria.
Poste Moderne Brasserie
Washington, DC
The Hotel Monaco's large historic courtyard has all-weather lounge furniture and its own cocktail bar.
Pusser's Landing
Annapolis, MD
Tie up your boat at this lovely bar, which looks out over Annapolis' City Dock, and enjoy one of the house rum drinks.
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