Rooftop Smoke & Mirrors in Washington, D.C.

Smoke & Mirrors: the Capitol right across the way

A rooftop facing the dome

On New Jersey Avenue, halfway between Capitol Hill and the Navy Yard waterfront, the AC Hotel has set up a rooftop bar on the 11th floor. The indoor lounge combines teal banquettes, mustard cushions and potted olive trees around a bar lit in blue. Outside, the terrace offers a counter facing the city, stools around long fire pits and a section sheltered beneath a wooden canopy. Straight ahead rise the white dome of the Capitol and the buildings of Congress, especially photogenic at dusk.

Seasonal cocktails and sharing plates

The cocktail list changes with the seasons: signature creations at $14 to $20, made with rum and ube syrup, with vodka and Italicus liqueur, or with espresso to round off the evening, as well as reworked classics (aviation, pisco sour, bee's knees) at $16. Part of the price of one of them is donated to a charity. From the kitchen come sharing plates for dinner, a reduced late-night menu and weekend brunch, including an unlimited option. Beer, wine, spirits tastings and happy hour complete the offering.

The spaces can be booked privately for events, and catering is available.

Practical information

Dinner Tuesday through Friday from 4pm to midnight, Saturday from 5pm to midnight and Sunday from 5pm to 10pm; brunch Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm. Reservations are recommended, especially for the terrace in spring and summer; tables are limited to two hours. Guests must be 21 and over, except minors accompanied by their parents. “Modern casual” attire is appreciated. Paid valet parking is available at the hotel entrance. Navy Yard–Ballpark station (Green Line) is about 450 meters away, and Capitol South station (Orange, Blue and Silver lines) is 550 meters away.