Sly Rooftop Bar

The experience was all and above, its such dining spaces that define the experience of: Hospitality/ Atmosphere/Ambiance/Taste/Presentation and above all Abstract. The attention to detail from entrance to the table, it was highly commendable. The staff was malleable and accommodative to our challenging dietary needs. SLY, you have become my top #1 of three restaurants to go to in the District. Thank-you to every staff that works at SLY, my friends and I had the superb experience and a palatable memory.

The ceviche was a true highlight—bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of heat and acidity. You can really taste the thoughtfulness and precision in each plate. The atmosphere was stylish yet welcoming, and the service was warm and attentive without being overbearing.

Some friends and I stopped by after work, it was pretty busy. The Doro Wat Empanadas, Cornbread and Ceviche are the best! We had a few Golden Spritzs, might be our summer cocktail. Great view too, we'll be back.

We went to the rooftop for drinks during Fourth of July weekend and had a great time! The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Nigel was able to recommend drinks for the whole group based on preference and the views were the icing on the cake. Would definitely return for a fun girls weekend!

We got snowed in at The Morrow so we spent a lot of time hanging out at Sly. The food is good but very pricey for the portions hence the 3 star rating. Happy Hour is your best bang for your buck. Damian was amazing, he took great care of us and was super friendly. I’ll be back soon

I came to Sly Rooftop this past sunday with a large party for a last minute venue change and this was definitely the better option. The venue was more aesthetic and the waiters were very accommodating and attentive even though we had a large party. The blue cornbread was the crowd favorite and again shout out to the waiters that made things enjoyable and run smoothly for us! A special shoutout to Lilo who met us at the front when we walked in and was SUPER friendly and made sure we had everything we could possibly need during our entire time there! Will definitely be coming back!

Saturday night walk in without a reservation and sat at bar for drinks as hostess advised all tables outside were booked. The bartender was friendly and recommended drinks with a sample of the (do not recommend) frose and good selection of red wines. After 15 minutes Emily (hostess) surprisingly came over and asked if we wanted to get a seat outside as a table came available. This was excellent customer service and showed being attentive. We had a perfect view of DC monument's. Just ordered snacks of fries and cornbread which were pretty good. Our waitress was attentive and friendly as well. Big thanks to Emily on making a random evening bar stop more memorable! Would certainly recommend and visit again.

Our host\ waiter Lilo was great! “Although our party was all over the place/disorganized.. she took her time and made sure everyone was happy and enjoyed your space so professional. Will definitely recommend others to come here.

We drove in from Virginia, and every mile was worth it. Sly Rooftop and Bar gave us one of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve had in a long time. Valet parking made it hassle-free, and though our group of six wasn’t celebrating anything in particular, the atmosphere, service, and incredible food made it feel like a special occasion. From the warm welcome at the door to our amazing server, Cesar, everything felt intentional and heartfelt. Cesar greeted us with enthusiasm, took time to explain the story behind the restaurant, and shared how each dish is crafted with a fusion of African, European and Asian flavors. He answered every question and made thoughtful recommendations without rushing us. We started with soft, flavorful cornbread and shared a few appetizers, including a standout tartare. I ordered the rockfish, and as someone who loves and often cooks fish, I can honestly say this was next-level rich, layered, and deeply satisfying. I tasted a few other dishes at the table, and each one was just as impressive. The dessert, made with Ethiopian teff, was a surprise favorite. I usually skip dessert, but this one wasn’t overly sweet, just full of rich, lingering flavor. Whether you’re celebrating something or not, we highly recommend Sly. The food, the service, the atmosphere, everything was exceptional. Your taste buds will thank you.

From the moment I stepped into Sly, I knew I had found a new favorite rooftop in D.C. The ambiance was chic yet inviting, with stunning views that set the perfect tone for a memorable evening. The blue corn cornbread and tuna tostada were absolute standouts, each bite was flavorful, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared. What made the experience even more exceptional was the incredible staff. My server Lilo was warm, attentive, and made me feel right at home. Damian, the bartender, crafted impeccable drinks with great energy, and Isaiah, the manager, checked in with genuine hospitality that didn’t go unnoticed. Everyone I encountered was not only professional but also enthusiastic and knowledgeable, especially when it came to recommending cocktails and dishes. The drinks were balanced and creative, and the food exceeded my expectations in both presentation and taste. It’s rare to find a spot that gets both right, but Sly does and they do it with style. I’ll definitely be back again. Whether you’re a local or visiting D.C., Sly is a must visit rooftop experience. Bravo to the entire team!

Friendly staff. Fast service. Great food! Cool view from patio, overlooking neighborhoods, and hotels. We had a reservation, not sure if that's required but we were seated immediately. Metro line nearby and had no issue talking.

Sly Rooftop Bar is an absolute gem! From the moment you step onto the rooftop, you’re greeted with a stunning view that perfectly sets the tone for a relaxed and stylish evening. The ambiance is vibrant yet laid-back, making it an ideal spot for both casual drinks and special occasions. The cocktail menu is creative and well-executed – I especially loved the signature mix The electric sly and the red lime remedy are my favorites . The staff were friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about making the experience memorable. Bonus points for the great music and cozy seating – it all comes together beautifully. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Sly Rooftop Bar is definitely worth a visit. I’ll be back soon!

Sly Rooftop has become one of my go-to places in DC. The vibe is just right—laid-back but still feels upscale. You walk in and immediately get hit with those skyline views, great music, and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile. The staff are super friendly and actually seem to care that you're having a good time, which is rare these days. The drinks? Solid. They’ve got a great cocktail list, but even the classics are done well. I usually go for their spicy margarita—always on point. Food-wise, it’s perfect for sharing. The truffle fries are addictive, and I still think about the short rib sliders. It’s the kind of place that works for date night, catching up with friends, or even just solo with a drink and the view. If you're looking for a rooftop that’s not all hype and actually delivers, definitely check out Sly. It’s got that cool-but-comfortable thing down.

I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant. Sly is nicely decorated and very spacious with both inside and outside seating. The bartender Jahnavi was phenomenal. She was very attentive and made such amazing drinks. She continuously kept checking up on me and my partner and also recommended the ceviche which was absolutely delicious!

Isiah & Lilo went above and beyond to ensure that my experience was stellar after a less than great start. As such they ensured that the rest of my experience went swimmingly well which it did. The food in particular the ‘Jerked Lamb’ flatbread was one of the best dishes I’ve had in quite a bit. The ‘Golden Spritz’ tasted like ambrosia! Will definitely recommend based off of the food and the service if these two individuals!

Went to the Sly bar at recommendation of Marcus DC restaurant after dinner. The space is fantastic with outstanding views of the city. The cocktails we had were outstanding and we were treated to a special chocolate dessert that was amazing. Special thanks to our waiter Thomas his 3rd day. Great job and thanks for a great ending to the night!

Went for brunch and it was a yummy time! Felt like the food was a little over (definitely not a medium steak or soft scrambled eggs and the potatoes were real brown). The chicken and waffles were a little underwhelming. It was 12 noon and there was no bartender so we couldn’t get a drink. The truffle fries were good!

I spent the weekend at The Morrow Hotel and stopped by Sly Rooftop Bar, located on the penthouse level. The space itself is intimate and relaxed, with a full liquor bar and a more laid-back rooftop vibe than the usual see-and-be-seen scene. I visited during Saturday happy hour from 4–7 pm, and the crowd was surprisingly light, around a dozen guests, which made for a calm and unhurried experience. We ordered the Angus burger, seasonal ceviche, oysters, and French fries. The burger was the standout. Juicy, well seasoned, and satisfying. The ceviche and fries were flavorful but leaned on the spicy side. The ceviche was described as a blend of three fish, including white fish and salmon, though I can’t recall the third. The oysters were fresh and served with two house sauces. While they were fine, I personally prefer a classic cocktail sauce, and the bases of the sauces weren’t immediately clear. Service was average. Attentive enough but nothing particularly memorable. Overall, Sly Rooftop Bar is a solid option if you’re staying at The Morrow Hotel or looking for a quiet rooftop setting. Happy hour offers the best value, as pricing outside of that window feels on the higher side for what’s offered.

I’m a huge fan of Marcus Samuelson so was very excited to check out Sly at the Morrow Hotel…lucky for us my friend Staci snagged a rooftop reservation which only enhanced our experience. We started the evening with Red Line Remedy cocktails, cornbread and ceviche with plantain chips. The ceviche was fresh and acidic but not spicy and they paired perfectly with the plantain chips. The cornbread portion was small for the price and the chive butter was different but it was good and I’d order them again. For my main I had the jerked lamb flatbread and split a farmer’s salad. The flatbread was good but saw pepper and thought it might be spicy…it wasn’t. The salad was really tasty and I enjoyed the vinaigrette but again I think for the price the portion was pretty small. I have to give a special shout out to our server Erika. Her bubbly and personable manner along with knowledge of the menu were the cherry on top to a fun evening out. We also appreciated her checking in after each course and round of cocktails arrived to make sure everything was to our liking. Erika’s off menu bourbon cocktail recommendation turned out to be my favorite!! Nothing beats great company, conversation, food, cocktails and a gorgeous view so if that’s your vibe I definitely recommend Sly Rooftop Bar.

We visited around 3:30 PM on a Saturday. My friend and I just wanted drinks and nibbles, and it wasn’t too busy since they were switching from brunch to dinner. We grabbed a cozy couch table, and the servers were really friendly. We started with truffle fries (so good we had seconds), and my friend got what they call the Electric Sly, a passion fruit blanco and mezcal spicy margarita that was a hit. I went for a Paper Plane first to see how they handled the classics. Later, I ordered a gimlet (not sweet, just how I like it), and two more friends joined us since they lived nearby. One of them tried the Electric Sly too, and the other had a Golden Spritz. Now, the jerk lamb flatbread I got looked great but didn’t taste like jerk at all. There was no spice, just sweet, like it was tossed in browning and honey. A bit disappointing on that front. But the Afrobeat music and the view were fantastic.

I enjoyed my time on the rooftop of the Morrow hotel. The space itself is open and inviting and the outdoor patio has cool views of Union Station and some of the other great hallmarks of DC. The Jerk Lamb Flatbread was the star of the show. The lamb was perfectly cooked and the seasoning was amazing. It certainly had some heat but the other toppings on the flatbread helped to cool it off with more amazing flavors. The oysters are only two dollars on happy hour which is a good price point but not the best oysters. I also didn't like Slys version of the mignonette, would have rather just had some cocktail sauce over their version. The Doro Wat empanadas weren't as flavorful as I thought they were gonna be but the sauce that comes with it was pretty good. The drinks were decent. I would come back solely for the flatbread and the views. The staff were very nice and helpful.

A groups of us met at Sly for a couple cocktails before dinner at St. Anslem. The drinks were pretty good. They do smoke a few of their cocktails, which usually I am a huge fan of but there's I didn't love. They were accommodating and adjusted for my second cocktail. The only negative was that the service was a bit slow.

Loved the rooftop! The rooftop has amazing views of the city. The food was ok. The service was slow, I don’t know if it was bc of a party. But, u had plenty of servers it just seemed like they were more concerned for the party that were there than the other customers.

I really enjoyed sly by Marcus Samuelson . I went to his restaurant in baha mar so I definitely wanted to try his restaurant here in dc. The food was excellent, I got the blue cornbread, shrimp cocktail, and I got the mambo chicken sandwich. The atmosphere is great and there were great views outside of the Capitol and Union market district. The decor and vibes inside were great too. There is room for improvement for the service, the food came a little slow and some of the people working there were rude. It started to storm and we asked if we could be moved inside and the response was a hesitation and that they didn’t know. Mind you it was thundering and there was heavy rain and lightning. If the servers were trained better I would have given it five stars.

Absolutely beautiful space and the service is wonderful. The mocktail was very refreshing and perfect for a hot day. The food was hit or miss though. The crab cakes were delicious, perfectly fried with great texture. Meaty, not mealy. The shrimp cocktail was beautiful and nicely seasoned. The tuna tartare was under seasoned and served on a stale tostada that detracted from the dish. The mushroom flatbread was beautiful and had great topping to crust ratio, but was so salty, I felt there was still a film on my tongue after we left. Maybe it was the sauce? I don't know. The waiter was great though, and also pointed out that gratuity is automatically added, even though there were only two of us. Service was fast and efficient.

The service was great but the food was overpriced and overdone. The mushroom flatbread was overwhelmed with hummus, the cornbread dry, the rice pudding tasteless, however the chicken sandwich was delicious. Might try the restaurant.

For those of you who have dietary restrictions, know that the menu posted online *is not accurate.* Among other items, they have removed the miso cauliflower steak, their only vegan (or vegetarian) entree. We’d made a reservation and were excited to try a new restaurant by one of our favorite food personalities, but Sly has unfortunately not only boxed out vegan/vegetarian diners but also failed to notify anyone. All that said, our server was lovely (and also surprised by the news). Top marks for service, but unfortunately a disappointing experience that left us without appropriate time to find another restaurant.

If I was Marcus Samuelson, I would be ashamed to have my name attached to this. I got the ceviche-mid at best. The burger is overpriced, overcooked and lacking flavor for a dry aged beef. The bun fell apart, the fries were saturated in grease. What a shame. We were really excited. The cornbread and cocktails were very good. At 26/burger you can do much better. Also even though we were guests at the hotel there was an issue trying to room charge and it kept us there an additional 1hr. Skip this place.

Disappointing overall. Service was slow and inattentive, even with few customers. The website shows cocktails on the happy hour menu, but none were available—and happy hour is limited to a tiny bar area. Drinks were overpriced, and the appetizer was underwhelming. Beautiful views, but that’s about it. Also worth noting: management only seems to respond to glowing reviews, ignoring the many valid complaints. That speaks volumes.

The Mac and cheese and corn bread were delicious. The service, however, was subpar. We waited about 20 minutes to be greeted and then about 20 more minutes for drinks. When the bill came it was well over what we expected. Turns out they added some food and a drink to the bill that we did not order or receive. It took another 20 minutes to get the bill corrected. For spending $300 at a place (2 orders of crab cake sandwiches, 2 Mac and cheese, corn bread, fries, and 2 rounds of drinks for 4 people) - the service was lackluster. For that money, I expect the service to be better.

I am quite disappointed with this place. They charge An avocado toast with a small piece of salmon or an Omelette (not to mention that I asked for Eggwhite omelette) for 50 dollars. Although the price is 25 dollars, on top of it they charge four different kind of fees for takes out and even ask for additional tips-50 is without tips.

The highlight of our visit was the hostess (long ponytail, braces), who was attentive, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. Unfortunately, the rest of the experience fell short. We sat at the bar and waited over five minutes before anyone acknowledged us—my girlfriend eventually had to ask for menus. The happy hour drink selection was extremely limited, offering no cocktails, and the food was overpriced for what we received. We tried the mac and cheese, which tasted no better than something microwaved at home. Adding to the discomfort, a manager was openly reprimanding a bartender on the floor, creating an awkward and unprofessional atmosphere. While the rooftop views were impressive, the overall vibe was lacking. There are certainly better rooftop options in the city with more affordable and enjoyable happy hours

One thing they forget to mention is you’re overlooking the rail yard not the capital. Secondly, they forget to mention their kitchen closes from 2-4pm. I also believe they didn’t clean whatsoever, we were sitting on a couch with ketchup splatters and potatoes on the ground. Umbrellas were broken so we were burning in the sun and the service sucked. Our waitress came over once in an hour. Also, not usually an issue but not a single waitress or waiter speaks english. ALSO NOT TO MENTION… each cocktail is about $25 (no pricing on the menu) plus an automatic 20% gratuity that they don’t mention. Which is just another reason they do not care how they treat you.

I dined with my friend at Sly Rooftop on a friday evening, expecting a nice happy hour on a beautiful day, but when it rains it pours. We read the reviews and had low expectations, naturally, yet, we came in with open minds hoping for the best. My hopes were in vein because Sly is one of the most memorable dining experiences I have ever had, but not for good reasons. To begin, it violently stormed outside, which is not their fault, however they were woefully unprepared to deal with the onslaught of people that rushed inside when the rain started coming down. Not to mention, my friend and I ordered Oysters and a burger. Tell me why the burger came out first within two minutes of us putting in the order and we had to wait an additional 15 minutes for our appetizers, the Oysters. Once we found a seat inside at the bar due to the rain, we were ignored by the bartenders for our remaining 45 minutes in the establishment. The food was underwhelming, the drinks were unbalanced, and the vibes were off. Once a bartender deigned to pay us any mind, we were able to ask for our check. Once the check arrived, we were stunned to see that the total was 166 dollars as everything we ordered was on Happy Hour. We confronted the bartender with our concerns, his response was “I didn’t ring you up.” Naturally, my friend and I had “dont mess with me” looks on our faces, so he jumped to action and attempted to fix the check. But to no ones surprise, the check was wrong and we were overcharged, YET AGAIN. At this point, it became comical. After three tries, we finally got the correct check in the amount of 80 dollars and paid it and went on our way. Our recommendation would be to only come here if you’re looking to make your bad mood worse. Otherwise, seek elsewhere. Listen to the reviews, friends. PS. There was much more to it than this. I’m still waiting for my cocktail sauce (which they charged me for).

Steer clear of this place! The wait times are ridiculous and even while waiting you MIGHT get a menu or even silverware. The waiter, Jose, needs to be trained how to take orders and how to empathize when guest arent happy. We had a reservation yet waited over 45 mins for just a glass of water (yes, just the water). It cost $12 for a fountain drink and fyi there are NO free refills! The place wasn't packed at all but there was still long wait times for everything. The bathroom was disgusting as well. The root-top view is about the only thing good about this place. I definitely wouldn't recommend.

I recently visited Sly for happy hour. However, the experience was completely lackluster. My boyfriend and I sat at the bar. There were 7 others already seated. Both bartenders walked by us several times without saying a word (5 minutes). I finally had to ask for service. When we finally got our drinks they were good, but the service alone told me I wouldn't be coming back. Other highlights: a male manager berating a bartender in front of customers, no soap in the some of the bathrooms despite letting a manager know, and overpriced "happy hour". Go at your own risk.

Welll… the lady next to me had spoiled crab and the guy in front of me said he had hair on his meal… for the second week in a row. Not a great vibe when you are inspecting every part of your meal. I’d just avoid this place if you can.

The service here is ridiculous. I came in at 4 when there was maybe 2 small parties in the establishment and my service was extremely slow. It took over 30 minutes to simply receive an order of fries. When the fries finally came out they were wrong and had to wait a substantial amount of time for the corrected order of cold fries. There was a larger party that came after me that got served before me although I was a party of one. They said I could sit anywhere then I had to move for a larger party. Although there was an umbrella right next to my table and I was in the sun, the server didn’t open it. The service of this restaurant is that of a chipotle. I’m not coming back.

Booked a party of four for dinner on the rooftop patio since the weather was really nice. Two friends arrived early and were there for about 20 minutes before the reservation time. They weren’t waited on at all, and when the rest of us arrived, we were asked about water preferences. No drink order (we all wanted one) and then we just sat there while the one waitress for what seemed like the whole outdoor area was overwhelmed. Multiple employees that may have been servers walked past, nobody even looked at us. They seemed to have allowed a huge group (with children) to smoke weed which stunk up the place and was completely unappetizing. We waited another 20+ minutes and nobody came to take an order so we got up and walked out. I approached the host desk to tell them how dissatisfied we were and that we were leaving and they didn’t seem to care at all. On top of this, they seem to have marked my OpenTable reservation as cancelled, most likely so I couldn’t leave a bad review for them. Really unfortunate that they seemed to have a relatively interesting menu for “bar food” and we didn’t get to try a single thing except a glass of tap water. Marcus Samuelson is known for warm hospitality and I would be ashamed to have my name on this place if I was him. They need to get it together. What an embarrassment.

Unfortunately, my experience at Sly Rooftop DC was disappointing from start to finish. The service was honestly one of the worst I’ve encountered in a long time. From the moment we arrived, it felt like we were being ignored. Despite trying several times to get someone’s attention, the staff showed little interest in acknowledging us. It was frustrating and completely took away from what should’ve been a fun night out. The bartenders, in particular, were extremely rude and dismissive. Instead of providing even basic courtesy, they acted like we were bothering them just by ordering drinks. No one seemed willing to help or even listen, and it really left a bad impression. The space itself has potential, but the poor service overshadows everything. I truly hope the management addresses these issues, because guests deserve to be treated with respect—especially when they’re paying premium prices for the atmosphere. I won’t be returning, and I wouldn’t recommend it until some major changes are made.