Beautiful views. Food was very good. Cocktails were wonderful but the service was terrible. Long wait for a drink. We were told seating was limited to the bar. Reserved signs on tables that remained empty. Very over priced.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
Mark Blessing
A short time ago, my wife and I celebrated a successful college drop off of our daughter With a late evening, drink on the terrace. The views over Washington were spectacular, the champagne, perfectly chilled, but what really made the evening was our host. Boudewijn (Bo)is a well mannered Dutch hospitality student who not only made us feel welcomed, but his attention to detail made our evening perfect. Further, his interesting banter with us was very entertaining. My wife and I will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Niloufar Balous
I decided to visit this bar after seeing photos of its incredible view, and while the river and sunset were truly spectacular, unfortunately everything else about the experience fell short.
The service was poor, with only a few staff on hand and bartenders who seemed inexperienced. The drinks were overpriced and of low quality, served in scratchy, old glasses that did not match the premium prices. To make matters worse, when seated at a regular table you can’t even enjoy the view—blurry glass panels block it completely, so you have to stand or sit at the high tops to see anything.
The atmosphere also lacked energy; with no good music or DJ, the place felt flat despite the setting. Overall, this bar has so much potential given its location and stunning view, but it is very poorly managed. With better service, quality drinks, and a focus on creating a vibrant atmosphere, it could easily become a top destination.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
Rheem Dabbousi Sawaf
The most beautiful sunset I have seen in DC, but the service is way too slow! I wish they would do something to fix the service and this place would get a five star rating from me!
Mamoun
Gorgeous views and setting. Horrible service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 1
Alan Calfee
For such a historic and iconic property, the setting felt tired and neglected. Construction blocked the main entrance, the Watergate sign was taped off, and the elevator to the rooftop hardly inspired confidence. Upstairs, LED light strips dangled from the railings, cushions were missing from the wicker chairs (likely pulled after rain), and the bar looked barren—devoid of bottles, character, or charm. The overall effect was less “luxury rooftop” and more “corner-cutting in decline.”
The view, of course, is spectacular, and the history behind the Watergate is undeniable. But ambience matters, especially when cocktails are $25 apiece, and the details here didn’t come close to matching the price point or prestige.
This rooftop has immense potential, with its unmatched view and legacy. I truly hope management invests in restoring it to the standard its name deserves.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 2
P A
Go for the view ! Sunset was beautiful.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Olav Hagtvedt
Great view, poor food and very slow service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Benjamin Augustine
What an amazing place! My daughter and I stumbled upon the historic Watergate Hotel and learned there was a rooftop restaurant and bar. We went up and knew this is where we wanted to go for my other daughter’s birthday. They made her feel like a Princess! Everyone was so nice. Just spectacular views, affordable prices for shared appetizers and drinks. And for anyone who loves history this place is a must go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Meghan Mesojedec
Top of the Gate was the perfect rooftop to kick off a DC weekend. Tom was the most wonderful waiter. I highly recommend for an evening in DC!
Half the bar area was taken over by an exercise class with yelling instructor and pumping music. Class itself ran until 7.30pm, and the music continued all evening.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 5
Jennifer Oliva
The Watergate Hotel is the perfect place for a sunset dinner. The views are amazing, the drinks are great and the service is exceptional. First time visiting, will return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Dave P
Fantastic views, but service was non-existent and furniture was tired. It could be so much better and we ended up leaving after 20 mins when the drinks we’d ordered failed to materialise while the bar tender started slicing limes for service later rather than pouring our drinks. Bar staff outnumbered clients, but the service was still this poor
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Derek Kane
Great views, cool place. Add it to your DC bucket list
Beautiful views. Food was very good. Cocktails were wonderful but the service was terrible. Long wait for a drink. We were told seating was limited to the bar. Reserved signs on tables that remained empty. Very over priced.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
A short time ago, my wife and I celebrated a successful college drop off of our daughter With a late evening, drink on the terrace. The views over Washington were spectacular, the champagne, perfectly chilled, but what really made the evening was our host. Boudewijn (Bo)is a well mannered Dutch hospitality student who not only made us feel welcomed, but his attention to detail made our evening perfect. Further, his interesting banter with us was very entertaining. My wife and I will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I decided to visit this bar after seeing photos of its incredible view, and while the river and sunset were truly spectacular, unfortunately everything else about the experience fell short.
The service was poor, with only a few staff on hand and bartenders who seemed inexperienced. The drinks were overpriced and of low quality, served in scratchy, old glasses that did not match the premium prices. To make matters worse, when seated at a regular table you can’t even enjoy the view—blurry glass panels block it completely, so you have to stand or sit at the high tops to see anything.
The atmosphere also lacked energy; with no good music or DJ, the place felt flat despite the setting. Overall, this bar has so much potential given its location and stunning view, but it is very poorly managed. With better service, quality drinks, and a focus on creating a vibrant atmosphere, it could easily become a top destination.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
The most beautiful sunset I have seen in DC, but the service is way too slow! I wish they would do something to fix the service and this place would get a five star rating from me!
Gorgeous views and setting. Horrible service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 1
For such a historic and iconic property, the setting felt tired and neglected. Construction blocked the main entrance, the Watergate sign was taped off, and the elevator to the rooftop hardly inspired confidence. Upstairs, LED light strips dangled from the railings, cushions were missing from the wicker chairs (likely pulled after rain), and the bar looked barren—devoid of bottles, character, or charm. The overall effect was less “luxury rooftop” and more “corner-cutting in decline.”
The view, of course, is spectacular, and the history behind the Watergate is undeniable. But ambience matters, especially when cocktails are $25 apiece, and the details here didn’t come close to matching the price point or prestige.
This rooftop has immense potential, with its unmatched view and legacy. I truly hope management invests in restoring it to the standard its name deserves.
Atmosphere: 4
Service: 2
Go for the view ! Sunset was beautiful.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Great view, poor food and very slow service.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
What an amazing place! My daughter and I stumbled upon the historic Watergate Hotel and learned there was a rooftop restaurant and bar. We went up and knew this is where we wanted to go for my other daughter’s birthday. They made her feel like a Princess! Everyone was so nice. Just spectacular views, affordable prices for shared appetizers and drinks. And for anyone who loves history this place is a must go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Top of the Gate was the perfect rooftop to kick off a DC weekend. Tom was the most wonderful waiter. I highly recommend for an evening in DC!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Half the bar area was taken over by an exercise class with yelling instructor and pumping music. Class itself ran until 7.30pm, and the music continued all evening.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 2
Service: 5
The Watergate Hotel is the perfect place for a sunset dinner. The views are amazing, the drinks are great and the service is exceptional. First time visiting, will return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Fantastic views, but service was non-existent and furniture was tired. It could be so much better and we ended up leaving after 20 mins when the drinks we’d ordered failed to materialise while the bar tender started slicing limes for service later rather than pouring our drinks. Bar staff outnumbered clients, but the service was still this poor
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 1
Great views, cool place. Add it to your DC bucket list
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Tom was great server
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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