Topside crowns Hotel Revival on the 14th floor in Mount Vernon, a rooftop bar and kitchen with some of the city's widest views over the Washington Monument.
Tip: Go at golden hour for the Mount Vernon and harbour views; reserve a window table.
The Elk Room in Harbor East is a hidden cocktail bar behind Italian Disco, pouring spirit-forward classics in a dim, vintage Atlas Restaurant Group room.
Tip: Enter through Italian Disco; the list runs spirit-forward and classic.
The Drinkery in Mount Vernon is a long-standing LGBTQ dive bar, a no-frills neighbourhood room open nightly with strong, cheap pours and a loyal crowd.
Tip: It is a true dive, open late and cash-friendly; a Mount Vernon mainstay for decades.