The Conservatory

Located above Gravitas in Ivy City, The Conservatory is a rooftop bar and lounge, surrounded by an urban culinary garden. The Conservatory is open for evening service for wine, cocktails, and a seasonal menu.  Closest Metro is NoMa-Gallaudet.

Anchovy Social

Anchovy Social is a rooftop bar from Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group that features floor to ceiling windows with seasonal outdoor space and views of Nationals Park, the Anacostia River, and the DC Navy Yard. Open year-round, Anchovy Social is the go-to spot for waterfront vibes, after-work drinks, and the occasional seafood tower inspired by the coastal spirit of their sister restaurant Maialino Mare downstairs. Closest Metro is Navy Yard.

Bar Deco

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Inspired by the art deco period and America’s industrial roots, Bar Deco offers simple bar food and cocktails with globally-inspired flavors. Grab drinks after work with colleagues on their rooftop, or have a bite to eat before a game or concert across the street at the Verizon Center. Closest Metro is Gallery Place-Chinatown.

Betsy

Who is Betsy?  Well, it is actually the new intimate, open-air rooftop serving American fare and a cocktail program focused on all things gin atop Belga Cafe on Barracks Row. Brought to you Chef Bart Vandaele and team, Betsy is a hidden gem that serves brunch, dinner and happy hour in a lovely summer patio setting. Inspired by the chickens in Chef Bart Vandaele’s backyard, Betsy is the name of his favorite in the flock. No reservations are accepted - just walk in (entrance located in back alley behind Belga's main entrance; follow the chicken footprints!).  Closest Metro is Eastern Market.

Marvin

Inspired by the story of Marvin Gaye's infamous two years in self-imposed exile in the small Belgian town of Ostend, the creators of Marvin have combined the cafe society of Belgium, with the proud soul of DC. This bistro and bar serves home cooked classics from Belgium to the American South. Upstairs at Marvin you'll find one of DC's best lounges and rooftop decks which is heated, partially covered, and open year round. Closest Metro is U Street – Cardozo.

Smith Commons

Last date I was here: 07/20/2011

Restaurant: Smith Commons (http://www.smithcommonsdc.com/)

Location: Atlas District

Total Rating: 3.95
Food: 4, Price: 4, Service: 3, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: "Smith Commons Dining Room & Public House is a three-story neighborhood bistro on the H St. NE corridor in the Atlas Arts District. With an international menu of approachable cuisine, and an array of craft beers, wines and cocktails at three bars, Smith Commons offers something for every palate. The well-honed interiors, outdoor patio and eclectic music welcomes Smiths of any name and friends nightly." Closest Metro is Union Station.


We ended up at Smith Commons by default as the original spot we wanted to try had over an hour wait. I was happy to check out this new establishment along the H Street corridor, with its spacious "smith" main dining room decorated top to bottom in fine woods and featuring a large bar area. The upstairs "commons" area features more laid back areas perfect for the happy hour specials that are offered all week long. We were seated at one of the two-tops and were greeted by our friendly server who poured water and took our drink order right away. The menu featured many global culinary treats highlighting seafood and beef as well as seasonal vegetables and international desserts. I started with an appetizer of the tuna tartar - tasty, refreshing with a slight wasabi kick, and needing a bit more chips to accompany the fish. Keith had oysters - 3 razor style, super fresh, with a citrus bite. For our main entree, I splurged on my favorite scallops. They were only cooked on one side and were very sweet, topped with a sweet currant puree, served on a bed of sweet creamed corn. With the sweet Riesling to add to my pallate, it was a bit overkill, but the peppery arugula salad added that bitter bite to tame some of the sugar overload. Keith ordered the Angus burger medium-rare and it came with a large portion of fries. The burger was alright, not as great as he had heard about and although he asked for ketchup with the fries, our server got distracted and did not bring it until Keith was already finished. Overall though, I enjoyed the food, I appreciated the spacious interior, and I would like to come back again to check out the upstairs "commons" area. A great spot to meet up with friends for happy hour or enjoy a nice dinner. Make easy reservations to Smith Commons on CityEats.

What I ate:

Tuna Tartar

Yellowfin tuna with mustard seel oil, tobikko, and avocado puree

Seared Scallops

top with currant puree, served on sweet cream corn and a bed of arugla dressed in aged balsamic

Plus Keith ate:

Smith Oysters

choice of 3, 6, or 12

1/2 Pound Angus Beef Burger

Grilled Portabella Mushrooms, Scallions, Miso Mayonnaise, Frites

Eventide

Last date I was here: 06/18/2009

Restaurant: Eventide (http://eventiderestaurant.com/)

Location: Clarendon, VA

Total Rating: 3.95
Food: 4, Price: 3, Service: 4, Ambience: 5, Accessibility: 5

Summary: Eventide is the new “hot spot” with a spacious roof patio and bar area that attracts the crowds more than the food. The rooftop is divided into two parts — a dining area and a bar. The dining area is comprised of tables that seat parties of 2 to 4 people only. Since they do not take reservations for the roof — these tables are seated on a first come-first served basis only and there is a two hour limit that is enforced. The rooftop serves its own distinct menu that is separate from the offerings in other parts of the restaurant. Its menu focuses on cool and chilled foods (think ceviches, chilled soups and charcuterie plates), summertime beers, refreshing outdoor cocktails and bright, crisp wine selections. The menus from the second floor and the lounge are not available on the roof. Closest Metro is Clarendon.

Keith and I stopped in this place for a bite to eat after attending a work happy hour. With its convenient location across from the Metro and rooftop patio, we were lured. We opted not to eat in the main dining room and were directed to the elevator that takes you upstairs to the roof. We were seated right away – most of the crowd was packed at the bar. The rooftop menu is limiting, but just what we were looking for. The prices were a little high and the ceviche, although fresh and full of citrus, should have come with some bread or tortilla chips. I am still interested what the main menu has to offer.

What I ate:

Peruvian-Style Ceviche
Trio of tilapia, scallops and white wine braised octopus,

dressed with aji limo chilies and lime juice.

Served on a bed of frisee with yellow cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and hearts of palm

Fregola Pasta Salad
Little balls of pasta with grilled asparagus, red pepper,

mushrooms, scallions and spinach tossed with arugula pesto

Olive Oil Cake
Huckleberry compote, vanilla-lemon anglaise

Tonic East

Last date I was here: 06/06/2009

Restaurant: Tonic East (http://www.toniceast.com/)

Location: 29th St. & 3rd Ave., New York City

Total Rating: 3.5
Food: 3, Price: 4, Service: 4, Ambience: 4, Accessibility: 5

Summary: This multi-level sports restaurant is popular for its mix of décor with marble top bar and padded leather sofas with multiple plasma tvs and sound system. Summer time gets crowded with its patio dining and roof top bar. Offering daily lunch specials, weekend brunch, late night menu along with the regular menu, Tonic East is convenient for the Murray Hill neighborhood of NYC.

We stopped by this place for drinks and appetizers after enjoying a long day in the sun at the Yankees baseball game. It was not that crowded when we arrived and were able to get prime seating at a booth by the bar. We arrived in time to watch the Belmont horse race and the staff was courteous enough to switch the music off and put the sound of the tv on for the race. Service was what was to be expected of a bar with the ladies dressed in tight low cut tops and short shorts. The food was ok – typical bar fare.

What I ate:

Chef's Tasting of Appetizers
Chicken quesadilla, calamari, chicken tenders, buffalo wings, chicken satay, beef satay and tater tots