Rooftop Summit in Washington, D.C.

Summit: a garden on the roof of the Conrad

The rooftop of CityCenterDC

The Conrad Washington DC lines New York Avenue, within the CityCenterDC complex of shops and restaurants, a few blocks from Penn Quarter and Chinatown. On the 11th floor, Summit spreads out across a planted terrace whose garden supplies herbs and garnishes to the bar and kitchen. Stepping out of the elevator, a flower wall, a neon sign and a photo booth set the tone. Outside, sofas under large umbrellas, high tables and a circular bar enjoy an open view over the rooftops of Downtown; in the distance rise the dome of the Capitol and the obelisk of the Washington Monument, especially beautiful at dusk.

Regional spirits and small plates

The cocktail list highlights distilleries from Washington and the surrounding region, at $21 to $26, along with draft cocktails by the glass or pitcher, frozen cocktails, beers from local breweries and wines from estates committed to sustainable winemaking, as well as non-alcoholic options. On the food side, small plates for sharing: crispy rice with tuna, a Maryland crab roll, chicken wings, burrata with heirloom tomatoes or onion dip.

Special events punctuate the season, such as the one for the Fourth of July.

Practical information

A seasonal rooftop, open every year from spring to fall and closed in winter; the reopening date is announced on the hotel's website. In season, it is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30pm to 10pm. Open to the public, with walk-ins welcome or by reservation; a deposit is required for groups of six or more. Gallery Place–Chinatown station (Red, Green and Yellow lines) is about 400 meters away, and Metro Center (Red, Orange, Blue and Silver) is 420 meters away.