Smoke and Mirrors - DC

Our host Mickey was Amazing! Suggested really great options. Timing was great when checking in. He took really good care of us! Aside from that, the Ambiance was great. Loved the fire pit! My only complaint is that the menu is limited… but will come back again!

Smoke and Mirrors is located on the 11th floor of the AC Marriott in Washington DC. We had a very good crab artichoke dip with Naan. The potstickers and Crab salad was great! My Margarita was very good as well. The view of the capitol was awsome.! Great food and helpful staff.

I went to the soft opening of Smoke & Mirrors and was blown away!!!! The views and ambiance are UNMATCHED in Navy Yard. This will most definitely be my go-to bar. The food and drinks were top tier. I had the Diver Scallops (amazing), the Macalllan cocktail and the Espresso Martini. I even love the instrumentals of 90s Hip Hop playing in the back....it just made the overall experience exquisite. David, the restaurant manager, was AMAZING as well. He is so sweet and so kind. Smoke & Mirrors - you have a regular on your hands now :)

Shawon was the best server today! She ensured that everything was delicious and ensured we were taken care of. We enjoyed our time at Smoke & Mirrors, and will definitely back!

When your wife says she coming back and ya'll just appetizers and drinks it's a keeper. Situated on the of the AC in Navy Yard with a view stunning view of the Capital that you could of watched January 6th live. The ambiance is comfortable and sophisticated feeling like an exclusive lounge for those in the know. Service is good but if you go at peak hours expect a slight wait. Appetizer are the star here. The Brussels sprouts, the wings we'll be back soon.

This restaurant is NOT a 10/10, it’s a 20/10! Smoke & Mirrors was the most hospitable restaurant I’ve been to in DC hands down! The view, the service, the decor, the food, and the ambiance is chefs kiss! It was so posh and laid back, at the same damn time! I’m here to RAVE about the service though. From the moment I walked in I was greeted & welcomed by Dan and Alexis G. They asked where I wanted to sit, and I asked for a seat that would accommodate my hips. Dan was so gracious and accommodating that he agreed to show me a few seats so that I could pick the one that was most comfortable for me. He did very well, because he got it right in the first try. As small of a gesture, it meant the world to me that he was concerned about my comfortability. Not to mention, Dan is a very handsome man! Okay, back to the review, lol. My AMAZING waitress Makeya made my entire night! From the moment she introduced herself, I knew I was going to enjoy myself. Makeya saw a spider making a web directly over my table, and asked Aaron to remove it so that I would be more comfortable. Aaron removed it, and I was able to sit comfortably with no worries - thank you Aaron! Makeya then remixed the margarita for me by having the bartender to add pineapple juice & a sugar rim, chef’s kiss - I had 5! Makeya took my order, and checked up on me throughout the night. It started raining and she had another table cleared for me so that I would be comfortable and dry. Comfortability is DEFINITELY one of their specialties. As far as I’m concerned Makeya went above and beyond for me as just another guest, and she did it with a genuine smile and light hearted & fun personality which I truly loved. Makeya is a gem and very vital part of the wait staff, and deserves every tip, raise, and review she gets! The food was great and the portions were huge! All around I truly enjoyed myself, and can’t wait to come back! When I do return you will find me sitting in Makeya’s section having a ball! Makeya, thank you so much for making my night an unforgettable one, you have no idea how much that meant to me! Dan, Alexis G, & Aaron I thank you for the genuine hospitality and concern as well. Smoke & Mirrors has a loyal customer in me. I’d recommend any & everyone to make reservations ASAP! Make sure you tip them well because they deserve every bit of it! Thank you all for making my last night in DC a blast!

The only thing bad about this olace was actually finding it!. The food was good even though my tacos were falling apart they were still good. Everything else was really delicious, and although it was the servers' 2nd day, I think the service went smooth enough.

Food was really good. You can tell this place is going to be packed on nice days. Rooftop patio is huge.

I was a bit worried coming to this place given a few negative reviews, but I was completely blown away by the kindness of our server, the delicious food, and the great atmosphere!! We were outside on the patio, the view was nice, the music was good but not overwhelming, and they had heaters, so we didn't feel cold. Would highly recommend!! 🙌❤️

Very beautiful place! We enjoyed the cocktails 🍸

Smoke & Mirrors was a quick stop for us. It offered an amazing view of the Capitol building. The drinks are very good with a wide selection of spirits. The patio had heaters and several fire pit tables. Worth a stop if your looking for a nice social atmosphere.

The place was amazing nice and open , very cute and dimmed . I made a request to sit outside but because it was raining the host with the red braids (didnt catch her name made some adjustments her and I immediately knew exactly were we were going to sit inside we look at the exact spot which was very pleasing and funny . We sat and realized we had to order from our phone I wish they just had a bardcode on the side of the table or on a cute sign or something but our waitress Nicole completely made up for it ! She was very nice and checking up on us very peacefully enough to enjoy the meal and our date as well as make sure we were okay . Shout out to the bartender because the drinks were amazing , Nicole did a birthday plate for me to celebrate my bf son birthday and decorated her own . I definitely would love to visit again my boyfriend and I enjoyed the food we had the nachos to start the tuna is raw but it's great . Then our entrees were the salad with steak and jerk tacos definitely will come again just would like the food and the timing to be a little more better

Beautiful restraunt with outstanding views over DC. The crab dip tasted (and probably was) so FRESH. We didn't want to put it down. Drinks were crafted to perfection. Will definitely be making this a routine spot when in town.

Richard is the best server in the place. if you're looking for a fantastic evening with high level of service ask for him. He guides you through your evening with great food and drink recommendations. We will back!

Beautiful rooftop bar - best view of downtown DC. Outdoor heaters allow the outside patio to be enjoyable, even in 40° weather. Inside has a live DJ which is cool but can be a bit loud if youre looking to really chat. Excellent vibes! Also, the cocktails are amazing. Pisco sour is a personal favorite. I would definitely recommend a reservation!

We expected a hum-drum hotel restaurant experience but were delighted with the food and service. It was also a goid value. We shared the deviled eggs appetizer, which was delicious. The entrees of grilled salmon and a Cobb salad with chicken were well-prepared. Our server Richard was attentive and made us feel welcome.

The restaurant has a nice atmosphere with dim lighting and a relaxed vibe. I visited during the colder months, but I’d definitely recommend going in the summer to enjoy their outdoor seating—it’s much nicer than the indoor space (which isn’t bad, just not as much of a vibe). I went for a calm girls’ night and birthday dinner. The service was fine, and the food was good, but everything is very overpriced. While the dishes taste great, the portion sizes compared to the price feel a bit disconnected. One nice touch is that they offer a free drink if you’re celebrating a birthday. Overall, my experience was okay. It’s not a place I’d go to often, but if you’re looking for something semi-elevated for a friend outing or a small, intimate gathering, it could work. That said, nothing really stood out—it was just okay.

This place is located on a busy street on top of the AC Hotel but parking is a pain as they don’t have valet or a designated lot so be prepared to walk. The elevator goes to the top floor & you exit into the restaurant with nearly panoramic views of the city. The decor and aesthetic here is TOP NOTCH! Definitely grown & sophisticated vibes & the music is one of the best playlists I’ve heard! The only thing was the food which was a bit of a let down. We had lamb skewers which were barely edible but the short ribs were PHENOMENAL; it was just a really small serving. This is random but the chairs are also kind of low so it might be a bit uncomfortable if you’re taller. Overall, I would recommend!

As all the reviews note - the view from the rooftop at Smoke & Mirrors is stunning!! I doubt there’s another rooftop that will give you such a beautiful panoramic view of the Capitol Building… And that’s definitely the comparative advantage that the venue has above a lot of other rooftops. The decor is also stunning - both with the dining options inside and outside, each table has great personality and is trendy and comfortable!! Unfortunately, in my opinion the brunch menu is extremely limited. For an establishment that is as exclusive as this - there should be way more options offered at brunch, and for the menu options that they do have… In my opinion, there’s much room for improvement. For example, the chicken and waffles which I ordered came with chicken tenders and not the option for white or dark meat. Their lunch and dinner menus had options which seem much more appetising, but of course - we couldn’t order from those menus. Overall the service was good, after asking 3 times for slices of lemon for the water at the table - I walked to the bar myself to get them ☺️. Would I go back - yes, for drinks and for the view. Hopefully in time the brunch, lunch and dinner menus get a revisited and expanded!!! Aside from that, it’s overall great vibes 💫.

Mothers Day Brunch was fabulous. Decor is beautiful. Bathroom was clean and different. Food was really good. We had French toast, waffles, grits, bfast potatoes and those mumbo wings were amazing. We had drinks that were good as well. There is street parking and also valet parking. Our service was a little slow,, but the good tasting food made up for it. Def will be back soon.

The view is amazing! Make sure to get there early if you want outside seating even if you have a reservation. The atmosphere was chill. The food was okay, for the price I’d expect a little better. Pretty basic. Salmon was well done not medium. The drinks were good and the service was great! They did a cute birthday cake at the end as a surprise. Make sure to note it on your reservation. Overall a good experience, 4stars because food wasn’t that great.

A good restaurant on the top floor of the AC Marriott. Nice spacious set up with indoor (couch, tables and bar) and outdoor settings. Staff was floating around throughout the night and was helpful and attentive. Menu was spare but the food (appetizers and entrees) were good and filling.

A very sexy place perfect for gathering with friends on special occasions as well as date night! The internal decor is amazing and the outside view is phenomenal although we were unable to sit outside due to high winds. The food options were somewhat limited, but what they had was really good. The desserts are awesome and include red velvet cake, a brandy pecan pie and strawberry shortcake. I suggest eating a little something before arriving if you’re really hungry. The drinks, while good, left a little to be desired on the alcohol pour. Our server, while pleasant, would disappear for long periods of time and we would have to flag her down. We had a party of 12 which was an automatic 20% gratuity and understandable, but I would have expected better service, and she could have possibly received even more gratuity had she been more attentive. Still, we had a great time, I highly recommend this spot, and will definitely return.

Smoke and Mirrors in Washington, D.C., offers a unique rooftop experience that combines great views, fantastic music, and a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. The rooftop location is one of the highlights of this venue, providing stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day or kick off an evening out, this spot delivers a perfect setting for both. The vibe is just right, with a combination of chill yet lively energy that makes it ideal for an early evening visit. During my time there, I enjoyed a dirty martini, which was expertly crafted and perfectly balanced. The bartender clearly knew their way around a cocktail, and the martini had just the right blend of smoothness and bite. It was a great complement to the overall ambiance of the rooftop setting. To accompany my drink, I tried the mambo wings, and they did not disappoint. The wings were flavorful, with a delicious combination of spices and a perfectly crisp exterior. The mambo sauce had a nice kick, adding a layer of excitement to the dish. It’s the kind of food that pairs perfectly with the rooftop setting and a refreshing drink in hand. The music at Smoke and Mirrors was also on point. It added to the overall experience without being too overpowering, creating an enjoyable backdrop to the evening. Whether you’re there with friends or just relaxing solo, the atmosphere is incredibly welcoming. In short, Smoke and Mirrors is a fantastic spot for anyone looking to enjoy a beautiful rooftop setting with great food and drinks. With its perfect views, delicious menu, and lively yet relaxing vibe, I would definitely return for another visit. It’s an ideal spot for an early evening outing in D.C.

This place is definitely on track to be one of DC's happening spots! The service was just okay, the food was satisfying, and they have an extensive cocktail offering. Its located inside of the AC Hotel on New Jersey, so as a hotel guest it was disappointing to be turned away. I was able to experience the establishment only once out of a 4 night stay; hence the 4 star rating.

***Extensive Review*** For context, we went on a Saturday night at 715pm. From booking to arriving, I thought my experience was pleasant. Initially, I booked for 4, but asked to update to 6 — they were very accommodating and easily updated me. Then, of course, people dropped and I dropped my reservation back to 4 and they were very accommodating in that. ONE Critique for booking: In order to reach an actual S&M staff member, you have to call the AC Marriott front desk and be directed; rather than that, you’ll get an automatic message. ARRIVAL: - Parking is horrendous, but we managed to secure street parking. They did have Valet, but I didn’t want to know what the cost of that was. Lol - We arrived about 40 minutes early with hopes we could sit early or just grab a drink at the bar. The hostess was very kind and let us know she would have to seat us closer to our reservation, which was fine. Nevertheless, we spent about 15 minutes taking pictures and stuff (lol) and when we returned, she had a table ready for us. SERVICE: - Our waiter was Khaleel; he was very sweet, soft spoken and patient. - I felt like he came around enough that wasn’t hovering, but still attentive. When I ordered another drink, it did take a while so when I asked Khaleel, he apologized and said “the bar was backed up.” 5 minutes went by and he asked if I had received my drink…I hadn’t. He went to check and come to find my drink ticket disappeared…he was very apologetic and within 2 minutes, I had my drink. - Overall, he made the our experience very nice. - Management was also walking around frequently, carrying plates and checking in so that was nice to see. FOOD/DRINKS: - All of the drinks were amazing! - I had the Pear & Walnut salad which was good; maybe a little more dressing, but was satisfying. My friend had the henny strawberry cake as a dessert — she seemed to enjoy it, but would have preferred ice cream instead of the whipped cream. Another friend also bought that same dessert and agreed, ice cream would have been more appropriate. - As an entree we got the salmon and the burger. My friends enjoyed the salmon, but wished they had an option to decide how they wanted bc it was a little over cooked. My burger was cooked how I asked (medium); however, the burger came with cheddar cheese when it was supposed to be provolone. Additionally, the fries seems like they came straight from a OreIda bag…they were curly fries DEF NOT made in house. I would have preferred a fry more “authentic” considering that it’s kind of upscale. Views were AMAZING at night! We would have sat outside, but it was too cold. Overall, I look forward to returning…maybe for brunch (hopefully, it won’t disappoint). I almost didn’t book bc of the reviews, but I think it just depends on the day, time and the waiter/waitress.

Attended a day party/special event. It was a nice time with improved bar service wait time, and great aerial views.

Whiskey tasting was a pleasant surprise. The rooftop is always a great atmosphere for a late night summer outing! They do have a very limited food menu after a certain time. Just be aware if you’re looking for the full menu.

When you walk up to one of the city's newest hotels, the AC Hotel, you'll notice the hotel sign reads "AC Hotel Capitol Hill." Locals will find this funny because the hotel is south of the highway, putting in the Navy Yard neighborhood. The confusion is likely thanks to the Whole Foods across the street that opened with signs calling the neighborhood "South Capitol Hill." Let be know this neighborhood is NAVY YARD, an area full of surprisingly gems and worthy of being called its own name. Despite that, the hotel, a Marriott brand, is beautiful and the best part is on its rooftop- Smoke and Mirrors. Take the elevator to the top floor and you'll find a spacious restaurant/bar with a large open-air rooftop with views of a very close U.S. Capitol Building. With plenty of seats, tables and couches around firepits, you're bound to find space to sit and relax. It's a great spot for groups. The food menu is diverse and the bars (yes, there are multiple) can make any type of drink. My friend ordered a martini and I a more sweet cocktail with black salt on the rim. For the price point, we both found our drinks watered down, but for the view, we'll take it.

The views at Smoke & Mirrors are definitely five stars, but unfortunately, the customer service leaves much to be desired. This is the main reason I cannot rate this place five stars solely based on the view. There are many other rooftop restaurants and lounges in the DMV area with far better service. We decided to visit Smoke & Mirrors for the first time last Friday (August 22nd). The weather was perfect, and when we arrived, it wasn't too busy. We were seated quickly, but we waited quite a while before our waiter finally approached us. My boyfriend inquired about the specialty drinks, but the waiter simply told us to check the menu. When I asked which tequilas they offered, he was unaware. We also asked if he could recommend any starters, but he didn’t suggest anything. The interaction felt awkward, as if we were interrupting his break. We quickly began to regret our decision to dine here and wished we had chosen another restaurant. On a positive note, the food was delicious. We started with the crab dip and lamb skewers, both of which were so generous in portion that we ended up taking our entrees to go. The starters were fantastic, and we were glad we chose them. For our entrees, we both ordered the Mexican kale Caesar salad with added seafood and chicken, which we enjoyed later at home. While the food and ambiance were amazing, the poor service is the reason I'm hesitant to return. After dropping off the check and processing our payment, the waiter approached us twice to remind us to sign the receipt, which frustrated both of us. It seemed like he was more interested in ensuring a tip than providing good service. I left a tip of 15%, but I would have given my usual amount if the service had been better. We noticed him doing the same at another table. Smoke & Mirrors has the potential to be one of the hottest spots to enjoy when the weather is nice, but unless we’re served by someone else, we won’t be coming back.

✨ Smoke & Mirrors: A Rooftop Gem with One Quirk This spot nails the ambiance—elevated views, sleek vibes, and flavors that impress. But here’s the catch: if you arrive for happy hour without a reservation, you’ll likely be seated along the perimeter of the rooftop terrace, where waiter service doesn’t extend. That means trekking indoors to order, which slightly dampens the mood for an otherwise upscale experience. That said, the drinks I tried from the HH menu were absolute standouts: 🍹 Rum for the Sun – Bacardi, RumHaven, lime, pineapple, ube syrup ($12) 🍸 Monroe’s Love Letter – Smoke Lab Vodka, Italicus Liqueur, spiced cranberry, lime ($11) The space is clean, safe, and fun, with a respectful and professional staff. I’d love to see them extend table service to all guests—banana seats included—for a truly seamless rooftop experience.

The food was somewhat pricey but it tasted okay. However, the cocktails were disappointing and didn't meet our expectations. Additionally, our orders were not served all at once, which was inconvenient. The best aspect of this place, though, is definitely the view, which is truly spectacular.

We went here for a friend’s birthday. I will admit you’re mostly paying for the view. The menu is extremely limited and so is their drink menu. Once you’re upstairs it’s extremely disorganized. Our server was Nicole, she was super nice, but very overwhelmed. So we honestly saw her very few times. We were constantly flagging her down or trying to get someone to grab her. One of the other servers/staff members named Justice ended up being our go to. She saw we needed assistance and she began just grabbing our drinks and stuff. She also kept checking to see if we were good. Like I said ppl come here for the aesthetic and to take pics. There was no sign on the door or anything. but this short female would literally RUN from across the restaurant and rudely stand in front of the door and not let anyone outside to take pics. I think her name is was Danica or something like that. She was so rude. I was amazed at how awful she was acting. There was a couple that had just got engaged and she wouldn’t let them outside. She didn’t give an explanation, just rudely stood in front of the door. I swear she she had Superman’s vision because she would literally run from across the restaurant, just to make sure no one went outside. Here’s the kicker, the manager and other servers had no idea why this female was doing this, because they were telling everyone that they could take pics outside. Which is why they were going there. It was super weird (and we were blessed with a table by the door lol, so we saw the shenanigans all night). Anyway, the limited menu was good. I ordered a burger and the kale Caesar salad was literally one of the most amazing things I’ve ever eaten. My friend ordered the wings, they were scrawny. She also ordered the potatoes WITHOUT hemp seeds and each time Nicole brought it, they had hole seeds (literally 3x). Nicole forgot to order the birthday girl’s steak. And since we had all been sharing food, we didn’t notice until we wanted to try hers. So then Nicole says “oh let me check on that” aka let me put it in really quick. The steak was over cooked, so we sent it back. The drinks are small and overpriced… not worth it. After we eat, we flagged down Nicole almost 3 different times for the bill. She kept “forgetting”. So, we just sat there waiting for her. We were trying to go somewhere else that night and she was taking forever. About 10 mins later the security from downstairs starts kicking people out talking about they’re closing… we had to tell him on more than 1 occasion we were waiting on the bill. The way they operate here is unprofessional and is extremely lacking. My rating is based off of how amazing Justice was, my kale salad and the aesthetic (when lil Ms. Danica or whatever her name is wasn’t in the way).

We only got drinks here so I can't judge the food. The place was very busy (understandable given the pretty insane view). The layout and decor were fine. The staff seemed friendly but they were BUSY and I don't think there were enough on a Friday night to keep up so be ready to wait a bit for drink. However, once we got those drinks they were very good. So, if you like good views with patiently awarded drinks, this is a spot for you.

We recently visited this restaurant for our anniversary dinner at around 6:30 PM. Initially, finding the restaurant was a bit confusing due to unclear signage at the entrance. However, once inside, we found the atmosphere quite pleasant. The views, while not ocean or mountain vistas, offered a charming glimpse of some capital hill buildings, adding to the urban charm. Our service was exceptional, thanks to Richard, who was attentive, friendly, and considerate. Unfortunately, the food did not meet our expectations. We started with the pork belly and deviled eggs. The pork belly was well-cooked and portioned generously. However, the deviled eggs were disappointing. The whites were overcooked and stiff, with a noticeable snap, and the filling was flavorless and discolored, indicating it had been made well in advance. The Fresno chili on top was limp and lacked the expected crunch. Next, we tried the short rib. While it was cooked well, it lacked seasoning. The accompanying cauliflower puree was good, and the vegetables, though sparse, were well-prepared. The lamb skewers were the most disappointing dish. They were tough, overly salty, and seemed to have been reheated rather than freshly cooked. The tzatziki sauce did little to improve the dish and had an off taste. The cucumber and tomato salad was the best part of this plate. We rarely send food back, but this dish was an exception. The pretzel bites were, alongside the pork belly, the best items we had, which is quite disappointing for a restaurant of this caliber. For dessert, we had the bourbon pecan pie. It was either undercooked or overheated before serving, as it lacked structure and spread out when we tried to take a bite. The flavor was good, but the portion size was small for $16. Given the cost of the short ribs ($40) and lamb skewers ($33), we expected much better execution. The same goes for the dessert. Overall, while the service was great and the drinks, ambiance, and views were enjoyable, the food left much to be desired. For the price, the value just wasn't there, and we are unlikely to return.

I've seen a lot of reviews about Smoke and Mirrors and was really excited to try it for after dinner cocktails and a small snack. We were able to get sat down with a walk in but they were fairly busy. I was a little disappointed with how long drinks took, we ordered a glass of wine and a beer and it took about 20 minutes. The table across from us ordered cocktails but their drinks came in 5 minutes or so. We ordered the Blackened Prawns and you got 4 large prawns for $30. The dish was good but really salty. While I didn't love the service and we didn't try the cocktails or other food, I loved the ambiance and the decor. I might go back to try more of the menu.

The atmosphere here is fantastic however food is mediocre at best. The price of the food is inflated and was served luke warm. The female DJ at Brunch on Sunday 9/21 was top tier. Beautiful rooftop atmosphere and great music but eat before you come. Maybe order the wings they were good.

Spent quite a bit of time here on a trip. The food is ok, nothing remeberable. They were out of stock on my favorite whiskey which was on the menu. Service was also ok. We did not have to wait for a table, that was a positive point.

I really wanted to enjoy this place because the view is genuinely amazing, but the overall experience was honestly terrible. When I first walked in, I only ordered a single shot at the bar since I was waiting for my party to arrive. After I closed my tab, the bartender made a snide comment to another bartender about people “just walking in to buy one shot and leave.” Even if it was meant jokingly, it felt unprofessional and unnecessarily belittling. Once my group arrived, we waited quite a while before anyone took our order. The menu itself felt pretty limited, but we ordered anyway since we were already hungry. When our food finally came out, the server with long dreads accidentally let one of her dreads fall directly into my fry basket. By that point I was starving, so I just avoided the fries entirely. The burger I ordered was just okay nothing special and honestly pretty lackluster. My friend had it worse: their chicken dish arrived somewhat undercooked, and they ended up having to send it back and order something else entirely. Between the questionable service, the disappointing food, and the overall lack of care in the dining experience, the view was the only good thing about this place. Unfortunately, the view alone isn’t enough to make me want to return.

I’m honestly surprised that Smoke & Mirrors has so many good reviews on some websites because my experience was absolutely terrible. As a rooftop bar, you’d expect great service to match the ambiance, but that was far from the case. The bartender completely forgot to make my drink, and when I politely reminded him, he responded with an attitude and outright refused to serve me—which is absolutely unacceptable. I have dined at hundreds of restaurants around the world, and I have never experienced this level of disrespect. It was such a shocking experience that I actually took a photo of him. I would never recommend this place to anyone looking for quality service. Save yourself the disappointment and go elsewhere!