Help needed with rooftop bar in DC

[tdmort]

A few years back on my trip to DC we had a light lunch at a rooftop bar/terrace. I seem to recall it was located in a historic hotel. I remember it looked down over the White House. It wasn't hip or clubby - it was more reserved and established. Can anyone help me remember the name?? Thanks!

[katecm]

If you aren't interested in the clubby feel of the W, you may want to consider lunch at Sou-Wester, at the Mandarin Oriental. It is supposed to have a lovely view of the tidal basin. It's not Obama's backyard, like with the W, but still pretty - especially if you're coming during cherry blossom season.

[tdmort]

Thank you all. I was wondering if it might be the bar at the W. It seemed like the right location but the pictures I saw online weren't matching up with what I remembered. How disappointing. Kate - thanks for the suggestion. I was trying to put together a list for some friends who are coming in the fall and as it turns out, DH and I will be coming with them. Who can pass up an invite for a trip to DC?!?

Does the Sou-Wester have outdoor seating or is it indoor with a really good view?

[bordeauxfan]

I'm pretty sure you're recalling the Hotel Washington, which has been reincarnated into the Hotel W. And reservations are required at their very hip and clubby rooftop bar.

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Hotel Washington
515 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

[hill food]

when it re-opened, one largely had to have a "name" to get in (up?) hopefully this has changed as the old policy of 2 drinks and you're snubbed until you leave (keep it moving folks) wasn't very nice either

it is a nice view.

[Giggling Gourmand]

I think that's right too, the bar is totally different from the Hotel Washington days now.

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Hotel Washington
515 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

[profjmm]

So sad. I have great memories from the old Hotel Washington bar.

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Hotel Washington
515 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004

[Giggling Gourmand]

Likewise. I wasn't wowed by the bar at the W, it just feels like it's trying to hard. But we were sitting inside.