The city lights will dazzle you at these Washington, D.C., eateries.
By Neal Learner

After the sun has set and you’ve seen every inch of the National Mall, more sights await you. No need to worry— this can also be a great opportunity to rest your feet. You can fi nd a feast for the eyes and the palate while sitting under twinkling lights. Relish the leafy banks of Teddy Roosevelt Island and the graceful arches of bridges over the Potomac River on a warm summer night. The romantically inclined can share a dinner for two with panoramic vistas of the Washington Monument, Air Force Memorial and dome of the Capitol, all illuminated against the darkened sky. Indeed, the nation’s capital is fi lled with great dining and spectacular views. Here are a few options that combine the two.

INDIGO LANDING

For the big picture, cruise south of town to Indigo Landing, adjacent to the Washington Sailing Marina on the Potomac River’s Daingerfi eld Island. While not technically an island, this spot of land near Washington National airport gives patrons a sense of being away from the capital’s bustle. The restaurant is known for its solid offerings of seafood and steaks. A large outdoor dining area and indoor/outdoor bar are the perfect vantage points from which to watch airplanes come and go, and admire the dozens of small sailboats in the foreground. Off in the distance, the Capitol dome and Washington Monument rise above the water. 1 Marina Drive, Alexandria, Va., 703-548-0001, www.indigolanding.com

SEQUOIA

EMILIE BALTZ

Overlooking the Potomac River in Georgetown, Sequoia’s wall of windows offer diners on two levels an excellent view of the river, the Kennedy Center, the bank of Teddy Roosevelt Island and bridges to the south. A multilevel outdoor patio sparkles at night under the glow of thousands of small white lights decorating the trees. Sequoia’s seasonal menu features a large variety of specialty drinks and contemporary American food. 3000 K St. N.W., 202-944-4200, www.arkrestaurants.com

TUNNICLIFF’S TAVERN

A great people-watching spot is Tunnicliff’s, located in leafy Capitol Hill. The casual neighborhood pub—serving up generous burgers and mugs of beer—is across the street from the historic Eastern Market. Grab a spot on the sidewalk patio on a sunny weekend, and take in the view as Washingtonians browse the antique flea markets or purchase fresh flowers and vegetables on display under the green-metal sheds lined up next to the 1870s structure. 222 Seventh St. S.E., 202-544-5680, www.tunnicliffstaverndc.com

WINDOWS OVER WASHINGTON AND SKYDOME LOUNGE

On the 14th floor of the Doubletree Hotel Crystal City-National Airport, Windows Over Washington certainly lives up to its name. The romantic restaurant provides one of the best panoramic views of the D.C. area that anyone could hope to fi nd. You’ll see the nearby Pentagon and silver-toned Air Force Memorial, as well as monuments and the National Cathedral in the distance. The restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine, including such favorites as prime beef tenderloin with herb-roasted mashed potatoes. Note: The restaurant is only open on Friday and Saturday for dinner. But not to worry, the upstairs Skydome Lounge is open every night. The only revolving rooftop lounge in the area, Skydome is the place to shake it on the dance floor. 300 Army Navy Dr., Arlington, Va., 703-416-4100, www.doubletreecrystalcity.com

NEW HEIGHTS RESTAURANT

For something a little closer to earth, the New Heights restaurant in D.C.’s Woodley Park neighborhood features elegant dining overlooking an expanse of Rock Creek Park, the district’s magnifi cent oasis that often goes unnoticed by out-of-town visitors. This contemporary restaurant and lounge offers diverse seasonal menus featuring American and international dishes. The restaurant also is renowned for its extensive list of gins and gin-based cocktails. 2317 Calvert St. N.W., 202-234-4110, www.newheightsrestaurant.com

SEA CATCH RESTAURANT AND RAW BAR

Sea Catch, next to the C&O Canal in Georgetown, offers a cozy, historic view. A patio surrounded by foliage and overlooking the canal’s towpath provides a perfect spot for alfresco diners to watch mules pull an 1870s barge up and down the stone-lined waterway. Inside, diners can belly up to the 31-foot, white-marble raw bar, which serves mussels, clams, oysters, shrimp cocktail and house-smoked salmon. Also consider the jumbo lump crab cakes, which melt in your mouth.
Canal Square, 1054 31st St. N.W., 202-337-8855, www.seacatchrestaurant.com

BIDDY MULLIGAN’S

If you like great views of other people, try Biddy Mulligan’s in the heart of D.C.’s diverse Dupont Circle neighborhood. Designed with dark wood and wrought iron trimmings imported from Ireland, the pub has large windows that face Dupont Circle’s classical marble fountain—and an always colorful cast of locals. Sit by the window and enjoy a hearty dish of Guinness beef stew with homemade mashed potatoes and boiled cabbage. Wash it down with a pint of Guinness for a memorable people-watching and dining experience. 1500 New Hampshire Ave. N.W., 202-483-6000, www.jurysdoyle.com/washington

PAVILION CAFÉ, NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART SCULPTURE GARDEN

ROB SHELLEY ©

If you enjoy viewing art while you dine, head to the Pavilion Café. On the National Mall in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, the cafeteria-style restaurant offers a variety of tasty soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas, as well as soft drinks, beer and wine. Both the indoor and outdoor dining areas boast views of sculptures, manicured gardens and a large circular fountain. Smithsonian museums and the National Archives building also frame the scene. Check out Jazz in the Garden every Friday from 5 to 8:30 p.m. through August.
Seventh Street and Constitution Avenue N.W., 202-289-3361, ext. 5, www.pavilioncafe.com

TABAQ BISTRO

A popular destination in the ultra-hip U-Street corridor, Tabaq boasts a unique rooftop dining area with a retractable glass roof. The darkened space glows with twinkling candlelight, so as not to obscure the D.C. skyline. The dome of the Capitol glows above the rooftop cityscape while the Washington Monument punctuates the night sky. One can even see the dramatic arching beams of the new Air Force Memorial off in the distance. A mostly younger crowd fi lls the space under the stars to nibble on Mediterranean small plates while sipping exotic martinis. Try the succulent lamb shank and puréed eggplant along with a plate of cheeses. 1336 U St. N.W., 202-265-0965, www.tabaqdc.com
MIDWEST AIRLINES offers daily flights to and from Washington, D.C. Details can be found at www.midwestairlines.com.

Shake it Up

There’s no need to stick with frozen daiquiris and frosted beers when in search of the perfect summer cocktail; Tabaq Bistro provides special martinis for the sophisticated drinker.

Berri
Bombay Sapphire, blueberry purée, lime, sugar and champagne

Fresa
Snow Queen vodka, strawberry purée, sugar and champagne

Pearis
Absolute Pears, pear purée, apple pucker and pineapple juice

Melone
Courvoisier Exclusif, melon liqueur, pineapple juice and champagne

Watermelon
Grey Goose L’Orange, watermelon purée, sour mix and lemon-lime soda