Sky Terrace

High atop the Washington Hotel, this aptly named open-air bar (open only during the summer months) serves up the best cocktail-hour views in town: the Washington Monument, the Mall, and the White House next door all punctuate the prettiest part of D.C.'s skyline. Just don't expect high style with the high altitude; frumpy print cushions on heavy wrought-metal chairs crowd into ticky-tacky metal tables, and TV screens by the bar are a distraction. Best bet?Keep your gaze turned outward.