Grab your sunnies and sunblock and stake out a spot at an Arlington-area rooftop bar, where you can cool off with frozen concoctions or lazily sip craft cocktails. If you get hungry, these gastropubs have you covered with bar food favs like giant pretzels and even fine-dining staples such as escargot.
Enjoy a lush experience in Clarendon at Buena Vida’s rooftop bar. (Photo by Rey Lopez)
Buena Vida
Immerse yourself in a sun-soaked, greenery-filled world reminiscent of Mexico’s Tulum jungle at this Best of Arlington 2024 winner. Craft cocktails include the Passion Fruit Martini (citrus vodka, passion puree, hibiscus syrup and egg white foam) and the Margarita Al Pastor (bacon- and serrano-infused tequila, pineapple, lime and agave with smoked jalapeño salt). Snack on guac or get a crab and shrimp enchilada for something more filling. // 2900 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Coco B’s
An oasis of tropical and pink in Clarendon, this restaurant and bar has a must-see rooftop complete with a mural of a sunglasses-clad flamingo. Sit at the tiki hut-style bar or plop down at a high-top table under a pink-and-white checkered umbrella and peruse the special rooftop menu. Sip on a Frozilla, a frozen blend of rose and dragonfruit, or the aptly named Pretty in Pink, made with vodka, cranberry, lemon and soda. Food items are also on theme with beachy eats such as a coconut shrimp basket and sushi such as the Beach Roll (tuna, mango and cream cheese topped with avocado and masago). // 2854 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Dogwood Tavern
Open daily until 2 a.m., this homey spot in the Little City sports the charm of a ski chalet inside but also has a rollicking sky bar out back. Find flash-fried calamari, heaping nachos (that’s literally the name) and burgers (including veggie versions) on the food menu, an wash those dishes down with a draft beer or craft cocktail, such as the Loaded Lady (lavender-infused gin sweetened with triple sec). Check the events calendar to stay up to date on live music performances by local musicians. // 132 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Don Tito
Part dance club and part sports bar, this Clarendon “tacos, tequila and beer” destination has three floors of bars—including a 3,000-square-foot rooftop. Pair your fried avocado or beer-battered fish taco with a variety of beverages, including the Mexican Mule (tequila, ginger beer, lime and angostura bitters) or a “skinny” marg. // 3165 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Dudley’s Sport & Ale
The self-described “largest sports bar in Northern Virginia” has a spacious rooftop bar in addition to its massive interior space. Enjoy $15 pitchers and $10 pizzas and wings during weekday happy hours from 3-6 p.m., or snack any time on Old Bay shrimp tacos or a two-patty smashburger with cheese. The drink menu includes five types of crushes, including the “OG” with orange vodka, fresh orange juice, triple sec and Sprite, plus craft cocktails such as the Cinnamon Peach Old Fashioned (bourbon, peach bitters, light brown sugar syrup and cinnamon). // 2766 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington)
Elli’s Island
Here’s an easy way to unwind on the way home from work. This pop-up tiki bar above the Rosslyn metro features a temping list of summer quenchers designed by local mixologist Elli Benchimol, owner of Michelin-recognized Apéro in Georgetown. Cool your heels with an Apero in Paradise (aperol, grapefruit syrup, grapefruit juice, rose), a purple ube colada with coconut and pineapple rum, or a Metro Mai Tai (dark rum, curacao, passionfruit, lime, orgeat and mint). //1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Parc de Ville
The rooftop at this Mosaic District brasserie hosts trivia every Wednesday (while live jazz plays downstairs) and other events on weekends, such as DJs spinning hits every third Saturday from 7-10 p.m. (Monitor the events calendar to see what’s next.) The special rooftop menu includes oysters, steak tartare, escargot and a grilled ham and gruyere sandwich. Keep cool with a frozen Aperol spritz or French martini (vodka, crème de cassis and pineapple). // 8296 Glass Alley, Fairfax
Starr Hill Biergarten
Take in sweeping views of Northern Virginia from 11 stories up at this sky-high beer garden anchoring the sprawling sky park known as The Perch atop Capital One Hall in Tysons. Sample Starr Hill craft brews and hard seltzers, or cocktails such as the Pina Colada Sangria and Frozen Rocket Pop Lemonade, while munching bar food goodies like giant pretzels, bratwurst and chicken wraps. While you’re at it, engage in some friendly competition playing mini golf at neighboring Perch Putt, or life-size chess. You can also catch live music (there’s an amphitheater beside the bar), or watch sports on the big outdoor screen. Bring the kids and your dog, too. // 1805 Capital One Center Drive, Tysons
Wilson Hardware
This multilevel Clarendon bar got a makeover in 2022 that nearly doubled the size of its rooftop (and we haven’t even mentioned the restaurant’s lovely covered terrace). Sip a frozen espresso martini or blueberry bourbon lemonade while enjoying the breeze. Feeling peckish? Linger over sautéed mussels or the restaurant’s signature short rib mash (shredded beef short rib topped with fried onions over mashed potatoes and seasonal veggies). // 2915 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)