Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop Bar
+1 202-984-2474+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:30 am - 3:00 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Tue
4:00 pm - 12:00 am
Wed
4:00 pm - 12:00 am
Thu
4:00 pm - 12:00 am
Fri
4:00 pm - 12:00 am
Sat
11:30 am - 3:00 pm5:00 pm - 12:00 am
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Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Contemporary
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Non-smoking restaurants
Is this restaurant good for brunch?
Details
About
Rooftop bar with birds-eye views of downtown Washington D.C including a great view of the Capitol Building. One of the best vantage points in the city complete with a range of indoor seating options, and an expansive all-weather patio featuring fireplace and fire pit heaters, a retractable rooftop canopy, and modern lounge seating. The rooftop bar & restaurant boasts an extensive cocktail menu with a focus on local spirits and an elegant offering of small bites to match
CUISINES
Contemporary
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Non-smoking restaurants
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4.5
384 reviews
Excellent
330
Very good
27
Average
16
Poor
6
Terrible
5
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement.
SHAWN R
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • friends
I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at Smoke and Mirrors while celebrating a friend's birthday. The scenic outdoor view of DC set the perfect ambiance, and our rooftop patio seating was exceptional. Our server, Tyler, went above and beyond to provide engaging and helpful service. I highly recommend Smoke and Mirrors and hope that others are fortunate enough to be served by someone as outstanding as Tyler.
Written 8 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear I4381WNshawnr,
Thank you for choosing us for this special occasion. We are thrilled that our ambiance and service added to the enjoyment of your birthday celebrations. I will surely share your compliments with Tyler. Thanks again for your kind review, and we look forward to serving you in the future.
Best,
Restaurant Management
Written 9 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Romel W
3 contributions
Oct 2022 • family
I went to Smoke & Mirrors with my sister for dinner and drinks. When we walked in, the atmosphere was gorgeous and the staff was friendly and accommodating. We were taken care of by Nicole and she made the experience absolutely amazing. Nicole was friendly, personable, attentive, and all around a joy. The drinks that we had were the perfect balance of attention to flavor profiles and the amount of liquor in them. The only problem was the pan seared chicken that I ordered, it came out over cooked a d dry. The chef apologized for that experience and provided another free of charge which made up for the experience. I would definitely recommend! Be ready to have a nice size bill as well, it’s Olin the pricier side with cocktails in the $18 range and the average entree ranging from $28 - $40.
Written 15 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ConcordHospitality
Dear RomelBern,
On behalf of our entire team, I would like to thank you for your sincere review. It's wonderful to know that your dining experience was enjoyable overall. Our staff works hard to provide a pleasant time when joining us, so we are appreciative that you took the time to review our restaurant. Your feedback, both positive and areas for improvement, allows us to monitor our customer experience. Please visit us again soon.
Best,
Restaurant Management
Written 16 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daydream39045380029
1 contribution
Jan 2024 • business
The staff at Smoke & Mirrors are true professionals, providing impeccable service without being intrusive. From the moment you're seated, the waitstaff is attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to guide you through the menu. They excel in creating a relaxed yet refined dining experience, making you feel like a valued guest.
Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear Daydream39045380029,
We are thrilled to hear that you had an enjoyable dining experience! Thank you for your kind words. Our team works hard every day to provide exceptional food and service, so your feedback is greatly appreciated. We are grateful for the opportunity to have served you and hope to see you again soon.
Best,
Restaurant Management
Written 26 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lauren W
South Cave158 contributions
Sept 2024 • friends
This was booked as an end of trip treat, on a September Saturday evening. We arrived about half an hour early but headed up, the lift operator was very welcoming. I had booked an outside table and on checking with the host it wasn’t ready but we were told we could get a drink at the bar and would be taken to our table as soon as it was available. At the bar we ordered 2 glasses of wine but were persuaded a bottle was better value 😂 Around 45 minutes later we were still waiting for our table so went and asked if it was ready as other groups were clearly being shown to the outside area. A few minutes later we were told our table was ready so we took our bottle of wine through to the table we were shown to. We had great seats with a good view of the Capitol - but not all seats had such a great view.
Having sat down we were then approached by probably the grumpiest server I have ever encountered! He very abruptly asked if we wanted him to serve us, as people don’t usually bring a drink with them! I politely replied we would finish our wine and would then like to order some food and some cocktails - he didn’t seem very impressed by this! For the rest of the evening he walked up and down between the tables with his arms folded and looking completely unapproachable, I actually would go so far as to say his manner was a bit aggressive. We were not the only customers who got this treatment, and there were more than a few raised eyebrows amongst the guests!
He never came back to our table so eventually I went to the bar out on the patio where I got great service from the bartenders.
Empty glasses weren’t taken and we weren’t offered the opportunity to order food - so rather than staying all night we left!
I’ve given it a 3 because it’s a lovely location and beautifully set out - the bar staff were great but they were really let down by their colleague!
Written 21 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear LaurenW816,
Thank you for your business and feedback. We appreciate you mentioning where we succeeded despite your unpleasant service experience. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed our atmosphere and location. I do apologize for the lapses on our end with our service. I will surely be addressing this issue with our staff. Your comments are very beneficial to the success of our restaurant. We hope you will consider a return visit for an all-around excellent experience.
Sincerely,
Restaurant Management
Written 22 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greg N
1 contribution
July 2024 • couples
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.
Written 29 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear GregN1091,
Happy anniversary, and thank you for choosing us for your special day! Though I am glad that you were thoroughly impressed with our ambiance and service, I regret to hear that our food did not meet your expectations. I apologize that we missed the mark here, and your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your encouraging words regarding Richard. We would love another opportunity to serve you so we can provide you with a much-improved meal.
Sincerely,
Restaurant Management
Written 30 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelley S
Raeford2 contributions
Apr 2024 • family
We were told when we first arrived that they were understaffed and so we were expecting to wait for our server.
After 30 minutes of no introductions, we decided to order our drinks from the bartender directly. We waited an additional 30 minutes and then asked the hostess if we should order our food from the bartender or wait for a server. She said whatever we wanted to do was fine. A gentleman we are assuming is a manager of some sort, named Joe, said not to worry he would get us. He came and took our order and then an expediter brought our food.
No one ever came to our table to be a server or fill water and we had to ask the hostess for a check so we could leave. We were there for a couple of hours and never had any service. The view was amazing and the food tasted great. It probably would’ve been an amazing experience if we’d ever had a server. We will not be going back.
Written 29 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear KelleyS851,
I apologize for not meeting your expectations and failing to provide you with the service you deserve. Please know that we have reviewed your feedback and taken measures to ensure that we consistently deliver a great dining experience to all our customers. I would be grateful for the opportunity to regain your confidence and show you our commitment to providing great service, so I hope you will reconsider your return. Thank you for choosing to dine with us.
Sincerely,
Restaurant Managemet
Written 30 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
fillymo
Boca Raton166 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
I am shocked that trip advisor lists this as #1, this will be the last time I use this site when choosing a restaurant or a hotel. This restaurant from the moment we arrived was terrible. We walked to the host stand last night and nobody said hello, didn't even make eye contact until I stated my name and that I had a reservation. We were seated without a word. Our server who was nice enough, handed us 2 beat up menu's. The kitchen messed up the order, but our server took care of things. The food was really below average with the exception of my husband's burger, which he enjoyed until a few hours later he spent the night really sick. Ill spare the details. Besides below average and extremely expensive food, it looked like every single employee was miserable. It was a strange experience. Smoke and mirrors...thats an appropriate name.
Written 13 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear fillymo,
I appreciate your business and the fact you took the time to write a review. The last thing we want to do is disappoint our patrons, so I am sorry for your poor experience. Your dining experience is essential to us, and your comments will be reviewed with the staff to foster improvement. We hope you will reconsider a return visit as I am confident that we can do better. Once again, on behalf of our entire team, I offer our apologies.
Sincerely,
Restaurant Management
Written 15 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly R
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • couples
I recently went for my birthday and was really impressed with the drinks, food, and service. You cannot find better views of the Capitol in DC! Our drinks were incredibly well-made and the food was perfectly portioned and very delicious. Mickey was our server and he was attentive, made me feel celebrated for my birthday, and provided good recommendations! Would absolutely come here again for drinks or a nice dinner.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear F2476BZkellyr,
Thank you so much for celebrating with us and for sharing your impressions. We are happy you had a great experience! Your support is so appreciated; it was truly our pleasure serving you. We will look forward to seeing you again soon!
Best,
Restaurant Management
Written 22 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Zach B
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • couples
We came here for an anniversary. Mickey was an amazing server; he gave us complimentary champagne & dessert to help us celebrate and wished us a happy early new year’s Eve. Highly recommend spending the holidays here.
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear Zach B,
Thank you for choosing to celebrate your anniversary and New Year with us! I'm glad that you had a great experience and that you would recommend us. We appreciate your patronage and taking the time to share your feedback with us.
Best,
Restaurant Management
Written 1 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charles M
Perros-Guirec155 contributions
May 2024 • couples
Lost a point, it's not full marks I'm afraid. Service and food were excellent. But
: location looks over a highway or apartments. Capitol Hill is way in the distance, not even a good photo is possible
- after 90 mins you have to pay and are pushed aside
- bar area had used plates etc for the whole time we were in the bar area (after being moved out of restaurant), an hour without clearing up
- my wife had a issue with the toilets (not me, I thought they were very credible)
Written 20 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear Charles M,
I apologize that you felt rushed during your meal. We are happy you enjoyed our food and service overall. I have noted your comments and will take them into consideration as we continually make upgrades to our restaurant. Please visit us again so we can offer you the proper experience you deserve.
Sincerely,
Restaurant Management
Written 20 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Liza
Washington DC2 contributions
July 2023 • solo
Good service. Got a the seasonal marg, the prawns, the salmon, and the strawberry shortcake dessert. Though, I returned the dessert because the dish did not accurately depict the menu (no compote, noooo henny, and the cake looked store bought). Also, the strawberry shortcake dish pricing on the menu is $2 less than what was on my check. All in all, Mickey was great and I’ll be back for his great service.
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear Roam29449855058,
We take pride in providing the best food and service; your feedback, which highlights success and areas for improvement, is appreciated. I'm happy to learn you enjoyed your meal overall, and I have noted your feedback regarding the strawberry shortcake dessert. Thank you for your time in reviewing your dining experience, and we look forward to your return.
Best,
Restaurant Management
Written 28 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kellee J
Aldie6 contributions
Nov 2022 • friends
Service
Let me start off by giving kudos to our server, Birtrell, for being a wonderful host to our table of 8. We were celebrating a girlfriend’s milestone birthday, and he helped to make the occasion special. Some of our guests had dietary restrictions, and Birtrell was gracious to accommodate and communicate with the chef. Other staff helped to keep the mimosas flowing and the vibes positive. Present staff can make or break a restaurant. Great job, Smoke & Mirrors staff!
Food
The food had FLAVOR and was beautiful in presentation! We came for Sunday brunch and Smoke & Mirrors did not disappoint. The portions were sizable and each plate was insta worthy. I had the fried chicken, poached eggs (that were artistic in presentation) potatoes and garlic aioli. YUM! I’m dairy-free, so skipped the Hollandaise sauce, but my meal was scrumptious.
Friends had the Half Smoke, eggs & potatoes dish, the French Toast, the Banana pancakes, the Pork Belly Biscuit… now that I think about it, our party sampled just about everything on the menu. All great.
Oh, and watch out for those mimosas. They are tasty and strong.
Atmosphere
O.M.G! Every angle of this rooftop restaurant is great! We sat indoors, due to the 20 degree windchill outside, but it didn’t matter. Still had great amazing views of the Capitol and the skyline. The seating is upscale but comfy. Even the restrooms had flare! We did walk out on the patio just to take in additional sights, and wow! The decor, the multiple fireplaces, everything just worked. If it was this gorgeous during the day time, I could only imagine an evening date here.
We had a ladies brunch but will definitely return for a date with the hubby. Smoke & Mirrors is a gem. Worth every penny!
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ConcordHospitality
Dear KelleeTravels,
Thank you for your thoughtful review. I appreciate you choosing to join us for brunch. Our goal is to provide every customer with an exceptional experience. It is reflections like yours that give us the valuable information we need to achieve this goal. We look forward to your return!
Best,
Restaurant Management
Written 21 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mabel P
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • friends
Beautiful views and ambience. Our waiter, in particular, was outstanding. Whitney was attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, and he made our dining experience truly enjoyable.
From the moment we arrived, our waiter was welcoming and accommodating. Amazing experience and perfect place for a girls night!
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear 956mabelp,
Whenever customers use the word "perfect" regarding their dining experience at Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop, we are all ears! Thank you so much for your business and for taking time out of your day to let the team know how much you enjoyed your time with us. Please come back soon.
Best,
Restaurant Management
Written 14 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnneCe70
Paris1642 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
Terrace of a hotel overlooking the Capitol from afar. A lot of people, music, loud conversations, you can’t expect to talk a lot, you don’t really get along. Good cocktails. Mountain of nachos covered with tuna cheese (large cubes of very good raw tuna), crab cassolette with artichokes with dips, and what we liked the least: shrimp nachos (lacked sauce, not enough character).
Automatically translated
Written 5 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear AnneCe70,
Thank you for dining with us. Your business and feedback mean a ton to us. We appreciate your time in reviewing our restaurant and hope to provide you with a fantastic experience upon your return to the area.
Sincerely,
Restaurant Management
Written 6 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie W
1 contribution
July 2023 • friends
The place looks and feels luxurious. The staff welcomed us with warm smiles, and our waiter, Birtrell, only added to our positive experience! We were seated outdoors with a fabulous view, excellent drink recommendations, and our food came out per order. Even when a slight mistake was made about our burgers, it was quickly and politely taken back, fixed, and brought out with extra fries! My girls and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, took lots of fabulous pictures with the Capitol building in the background, and had an awesome dinner. I would highly recommend and return for another experience!
Written 13 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
General Manager
Dear stephaniewU1540IZ,
Thank you for choosing us for your girls night out. I'm glad that our service, atmosphere, and food made for a fun experience. We appreciate your kind recommendation and look forward to serving you again.
Best,
Restaurant Management
Written 14 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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