DC’s Best Outdoor Watering Holes

The downside to central air-conditioning in DC is that no one takes a break during the heat of the day in the summertime to sit under a canopy, sip a cool drink, and try to catch a slight breeze.

But Washingtonians have taken that onetime summer ritual and pushed it back a few hours: Come quitting time, they’re looking for a place to enjoy a cold beer or cocktail outside, either on a rooftop deck, patio, or porch under a sunshade or umbrella.

Washington’s bar owners have obliged, putting tables out on sidewalks and remodeling rooftops to accommodate customers. Some of the capital’s best outdoor drinking scenes:

POV [1] (Point of View): The place with the best views has indoor and outdoor seating. The covered terrace catches the breezes above Pennsylvania Avenue; in bad or cold weather, the staff drops plastic curtains and fires up the propane heaters as needed.

The waterside Sequoia [2] bar draws the beautiful crowd, but a more relaxed waterfront drinking experience can be found at Cantina Marina (600 Water St. SW). Views of the Washington Channel and marinas combined with pitchers of margaritas make for a nice end to the business day. Their policy of making customers pay for chips and salsa is odd, though.

Perry’s [3] in Adams Morgan and Marvin [4] on 14th Street both offer great views of their neighborhoods.

Johnny’s Half Shell [5] offers the best of urban sidewalk happy hour: large umbrellas, drink specials, stunning views of the Capitol and tree-lined parks, and terrific people watching.

Lauriol Plaza [6] has a huge rooftop deck and free-flowing margaritas to make Lauriol Plaza especially appealing on a steamy summer night.