Want to get a bird’s-eye view of Bethesda? There’s a rooftop bar atop the new 12-story Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ, and it bills itself as the first and only high-rise bar in the neighborhood. Boasting retractable floor-to-ceiling windows and a terrace to soak up that view, Hip Flask whips up hummus tapenade and speakeasy-style cocktails — including a deep blue French 75 that matches Hip Flask’s blue interiors.

The owners of mod Italian-American restaurant I’m Eddie Cano just debuted a seat-free, European-style bar next door where customers can down a quick digestif and Lavazza coffee. Italian Bar models itself after Roman businesses where people congregate and chat over cappuccinos, light pastries, gelato, and Italian snacks. Draft cocktails include an Aperol spritz and “Negroni Sbagliato” (made with sparkling wine instead of gin), along with Italian beers, wines, Italian finger sandwiches, and stuffed focaccia breads. The slim setup sports a small patio out front.

Pizza and piña coladas are a big draw at Lucy, a relaxed new bar from hospitality group Tin Shop off of U Street. Lucy shares a kitchen with Tin Shop’s new pizza shop Slice & Pie, so pizzas topped with mushroom and truffle are at the ready. Room 11 alum Gavin Pierce is responsible for the drink list, which offers frozen patio sippers, Aperol spritz on draft, and glasses or bottles of natural wine.

Logan Circle got an Eyes Wide Shut edge in April with the debut of Alias on 14th, a flashy drinking den from Clarendon party starters B Social Hospitality. Located in the depths of Mediterranean restaurant Dolce Vita, Alias’ drinks menu showcases bubbles, fire, and billowing smoke, all set to an equally theatrical backdrop. The 100-seat space that formerly housed jazz club Sotto also offers a dizzying count of Champagne options, out-of-the-box bottle service, and a one-page meze menu from Dolce Vita chef Elier Rodriguez upstairs.

The Michelin-rated tasting room from Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos finally pressed play on its sleek bar at La Cosecha this spring. Situated in the leafy dining room, the eight-seat bar relies on lots Colombian fruits and Latin American spirits to build a gorgeous crop of colorful cocktails. Bar hours follow restaurant hours (Wednesday through Friday starting at 6 p.m.; Saturdays at noon; and Sundays at 7 p.m.). 

Curiously tucked within a West End hotel along the bustling Pennsylvania Avenue NW corridor, Bottles Wine Garden sauntered into town in May with a tight but thoughtful opening list of six by-the-glass options and devotion to women-owned wineries. The 120-seat city oasis with an enchanting private patio out back sits past a mirrored set of doors in the lobby.

Sea Suite Cruises came up with the genius idea to set a tiki bar afloat on the Potomac River cruising past D.C.’s monuments. Potomac Tiki Club sails out of Georgetown Harbor, with room for 18 passengers and amenities like a semi-circular bar with seating and a bathroom on board.

Capitol Hill’s fast-casual counter for experimental mix-in burgers expanded to Chinatown in May with a huge focus on booze. Eat Brgz’s new bar manager Devlin Barry-Hoke (Pearl Dive, Maydan, Momofuku) sends out a rotating list of draft cocktails ($12) like an Old Fashioned, rum punch, and elderflower spritz. Weekday deals at the 25-foot bar include $6 frozen margaritas on Wednesdays and $5 martinis on Fridays from noon to 6 p.m.

Restaurateur Ivan Iricanin switched his Clarendon restaurant TTT around, debuting Buena Vida Gastrolounge this spring with a new bottomless Mexican menu and a Tulum-themed remodel — including a redo of the restaurant’s popular rooftop with 360-degree views. Opt for sangria or a margarita in flavors like strawberry or mango, or get more adventurous with cocktails like a ginger-lemongrass mezcalita or a rhubarb caipirinha.

Claredon’s former Bracket Room is now a rabbit-themed pub. Brass Rabbit Public House serves up fancier-than-usual pub fare like lobster lettuce wraps. Besides beer and wine, there’s a long list of martinis and cocktails like the “El Conejo” (Spanish for rabbit) with Casamigos Blanco, carrot juice, lime, ginger, and cilantro.

Capitol Hill resident Pete Buttigieg swung by this new LGBTQ-owned Barracks Row bar during its first night of service, so don’t be surprised to catch a sighting of the high-profile regular and his husband here. As You Are offers everything from workday espressos to rice noodle bowls for dinner, with a DJ-fueled dance floor and a plan for events like monthly “Drag King” shows. Find pours from D.C.’s women-owned Republic Restoratives at the bar, along with local brews from DC Brau, Atlas, Right Proper, and Anxo.