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Upscale Rooftop · Washington DC

Watr at the 1 Rooftop Menu: Dishes, Raw Bar & Brunch Guide

Full Watr at the 1 Rooftop menu guide — raw bar, Mediterranean small plates, wood-fired mains, weekend brunch, craft cocktails, and panoramic DC views. Below: what's on the menu, what to order, the raw bar breakdown, brunch highlights, cocktail guide, and FAQs for planning your visit.

Rooftop dining · Washington DCMediterranean-inspired cuisineFull raw barWeekend brunchPanoramic DC views$$$
Sample · $$$

Signature items

Raw Bar Tower (for 2)Market price
Grilled OctopusSee menu
NY Strip (12 oz)See menu
DC Sunset SpritzSee menu
Brunch Board for TwoSee menu
Jump to: Raw bar Brunch Mains Cocktails Full menu Planning tips FAQ
Quick answers

What to know before you go

The four questions people ask most about Watr at the 1 Rooftop — answered in one glance.

Must-order starter
Raw Bar Tower for 2

Oysters, shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare — the definitive shareable opener.

Best seafood main
Whole Roasted Branzino

Mediterranean-style with herb oil, capers and charred lemon. The kitchen's seafood centerpiece.

Signature cocktail
Rooftop Mule

House-infused vodka, fresh lime, ginger beer and mint. Refreshing and easy to drink on the terrace.

Best brunch item
Brunch Board for Two

Pastries, smoked salmon, eggs and seasonal sides — made for sharing with a view.

Raw bar

Watr's raw bar — oysters, towers and crudo

The raw bar is Watr's calling card. East Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare, salmon crudo and ceviche are all available a la carte. The Raw Bar Tower for two is the signature order — a shareable centerpiece of oysters, shrimp and tartare that anchors most table openings.

Raw Bar Tower for 2Market price

  • Chef-selected East Coast oysters
  • Chilled jumbo shrimp cocktail
  • Tuna tartare with avocado and ponzu
  • Seasonal accompaniments
  • House mignonette, cocktail sauce, lemon

The signature shareable for two. Market price — confirm with server.

Classic Oyster Order (dozen)Market price

  • Twelve cold-shucked East Coast oysters
  • House mignonette
  • Cocktail sauce
  • Fresh lemon

Available by the half dozen or full dozen.

Seafood Starter FlightSee menu

  • Salmon crudo
  • Tuna tartare
  • Ceviche

Order two or three crudo and tartare items together as a shared opener.

About raw bar pricing. Raw bar items including oysters and tower selections are priced at market rate and change based on availability and season. Confirm current pricing with your server or when booking your reservation.
Weekend brunch

Watr at the 1 Rooftop brunch menu guide

Watr's weekend brunch is one of the most popular brunch destinations in Washington DC, combining rooftop views with a Mediterranean-American menu. Service is typically Saturday and Sunday — confirm current hours before visiting.

Brunch signature

Brunch Board for Two

A shareable spread of pastries, seasonal fruit, smoked salmon, eggs and assorted sides — the table centerpiece for a leisurely brunch with views. Best paired with a Watermelon Frose or sparkling wine.

Savory pick

Shakshuka

Eggs poached in spiced tomato-pepper sauce with feta, za'atar and warm pita. The Mediterranean-leaning brunch dish that sets Watr apart from standard hotel brunch menus. Vegetarian.

Seafood brunch

Smoked Salmon Platter

House-cured smoked salmon with an everything bagel, cream cheese, capers, red onion and tomato. A lighter, elegant brunch choice that pairs well with Champagne or a Spritz.

Classic brunch

Eggs Benedict

Toasted English muffin with Canadian bacon, poached eggs and classic hollandaise. Reliable and well-executed — the benchmark for hotel brunch done correctly.

Sweet option

French Toast

Brioche French toast with vanilla custard, seasonal fruit, candied pecans and maple syrup. Leans indulgent — the right choice if you plan to skip dessert. Vegetarian.

Hearty pick

Brunch Burger

Wagyu beef patty with cheddar, caramelized onion, fried egg, arugula and house aioli on a brioche bun. For those who want a full meal rather than brunch-only dishes.

Mains

Dinner mains: seafood, steak & Mediterranean wood-fire

Watr's dinner mains lean Mediterranean — fresh fish, whole-roasted preparations and wood-fired technique alongside USDA prime steaks. The menu changes with the season; the branzino and filet mignon are consistent anchors.

Most popular seafood

Whole Roasted Branzino

The Mediterranean branzino is the kitchen's signature fish — whole-roasted with herb oil, capers, cherry tomatoes and grilled lemon. Light, clean and well-suited to the rooftop atmosphere.

Premium steak

8 oz Filet Mignon

Prime center-cut filet with roasted garlic compound butter, truffled mashed potato and asparagus. The most classic upscale steak order on the menu — well-executed and crowd-pleasing.

Bold steak

NY Strip (12 oz)

Dry-aged prime New York strip with au poivre sauce, crispy fingerling potatoes and haricots verts. More character than the filet — recommended if you prefer a beefier cut with more fat.

Pasta

Lobster Pasta

Hand-rolled pasta with Maine lobster, cherry tomatoes, white wine, butter, garlic and fresh tarragon. The richest and most indulgent entree on the menu — best split as a second shared course.

Vegan main

Roasted Cauliflower Steak

Whole roasted cauliflower with romesco, marcona almonds, golden raisins and herb oil. Substantial enough to be a full main for plant-based diners — one of the better vegan options at this price point in DC. Vegan, gluten-free.

Lighter seafood

Pan-Seared Salmon

Atlantic salmon with roasted fingerling potatoes, broccolini and lemon-caper beurre blanc. Gluten-free and the most accessible seafood main — familiar preparation, well-sourced fish.

Cocktails & drinks

Watr's craft cocktail program

The cocktail menu is built around fresh, seasonal ingredients that pair with the open-air rooftop setting. The program rotates seasonally — these are the signature year-round and seasonal anchors.

Year-round

Rooftop Mule

House-infused vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer and mint over crushed ice in a copper mug. The most-ordered cocktail at Watr, year-round.

Year-round

Espresso Martini

Vodka, cold brew espresso, coffee liqueur and vanilla syrup, shaken and served up. A perennial crowd-pleaser for after-dinner.

Year-round

Garden Negroni

Barrel-aged gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, cucumber and fresh basil. A botanical twist on the classic Negroni.

DC Signature

The Founding Sling

Gin, house cherry cordial, lemon juice, orange liqueur and aromatic bitters. Named as a nod to the city — lighter and more approachable than a Negroni.

Summer

Watermelon Frose

Frozen rose wine blended with fresh watermelon, strawberry and lime. The venue's warm-weather signature — best enjoyed on the terrace at golden hour.

Aperitivo

DC Sunset Spritz

Aperol, prosecco, blood orange juice, soda water and a dehydrated citrus wheel. A lower-ABV, easy-drinking choice ideal for rooftop sun-watching.

Menu at a glance

What the menu covers — category summary

A quick reference table covering each category on the Watr menu, what to expect in terms of price range, and the best pick in each section.

CategoryWhat to expectBest pick
Raw BarOysters, shrimp, tartares and crudos — all market priceRaw Bar Tower for 2
Small PlatesShareable starters, $15-25 range typical for upscale DCGrilled Octopus or Burrata
SaladsComposed salads and grain bowlsChopped Salad or Grain Bowl (vegan)
MainsSeafood and steaks, $30-55+ range typical for the price pointBranzino or NY Strip
CocktailsCraft cocktails, $16-22 typical for DC rooftop barsRooftop Mule or Frose
WineBy-the-glass and bottle service, ask for the current listChampagne Tower / Bottle Service
BrunchWeekend only — dishes $18-28 typicalBrunch Board for Two
DessertFour options including warm lava cakeChocolate Lava Cake

Price ranges are estimates based on comparable upscale rooftop restaurants in Washington DC. Watr's current menu pricing is not published online — confirm with the restaurant or check watrat1.com before visiting.

Most popular

Top dishes at Watr at the 1 Rooftop

The six items that consistently draw the most orders and appear most often in guest reviews of Watr.

  1. 1Grilled OctopusWhite bean puree, smoked paprika, herb salsa verde.See menu
  2. 2Raw Bar Tower for 2Oysters, shrimp, tuna tartare — the definitive opener.Market price
  3. 3Whole Roasted BranzinoMediterranean classic with capers and herb oil.See menu
  4. 4Tuna TartareAhi tuna, avocado, citrus ponzu, crispy wonton chips.See menu
  5. 5Filet Mignon (8 oz)Prime filet, truffled mash, roasted garlic butter.See menu
  6. 6Rooftop MuleThe venue's most-ordered cocktail, year-round.See menu
Browse the menu

Jump to a category

All eight categories on Watr's current menu.

Full menu

Watr at the 1 Rooftop — complete menu listing

All categories listed below. The menu changes seasonally — items shown reflect the current documented menu. Confirm availability when booking.

About prices. Watr at the 1 Rooftop does not publish its full menu pricing online in a stable, verifiable format. Per Menupedia's policy, prices are not shown here rather than showing unverified figures. For current pricing, visit watrat1.com, call the restaurant, or check your reservation confirmation. As a reference point, Watr is an upscale ($$$) rooftop venue in downtown DC — expect pricing consistent with comparably positioned hotel rooftop restaurants in the city.
Planning your visit

Tips for dining at Watr at the 1 Rooftop

Reservations

Book ahead — especially for brunch

Watr fills quickly for weekend brunch and Friday/Saturday evening service. Book via watrat1.com or OpenTable as early as possible. Walk-in availability at the bar is more common on weeknights.

Best seat

Request outdoor terrace or window

The outdoor rooftop terrace has the best views and the most atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the indoor section still frame the cityscape. Mention your preference at booking — both fill quickly.

Best timing

Arrive 30 min before sunset

Watr's rooftop views are at their most spectacular at golden hour. Arriving 30 minutes before sunset for cocktails — before transitioning to dinner — is the most popular strategy among regulars.

Best value

Happy hour at the bar

If the dining room prices feel steep, the bar area typically offers happy hour pricing on select cocktails and bites during weekday early-evening windows. Check with the restaurant for current timing.

Dress code

Smart casual minimum

Smart casual to upscale casual is the standard. Dressy jeans, collared shirts, dresses and blazers are all appropriate. Avoid athletic wear or overly casual attire — especially for dinner and weekend brunch.

Special occasions

Worth it for celebrations

Watr is well-suited to birthdays, anniversaries and proposals. The combination of views, raw bar tower and bottle service makes a natural celebration formula. Contact the events team for group arrangements.

About Watr at the 1 Rooftop

Washington DC's rooftop with panoramic views and a Mediterranean menu

Watr at the 1 Rooftop occupies the top floor of the Roost Hotel — formerly 1 Hotel Washington — at 1 15th Street NW, steps from the White House and the National Mall. The venue combines a full-service restaurant, bar and event space across indoor and outdoor rooftop areas, with unobstructed views of Washington's monumental core.

The culinary direction is Mediterranean-American: a raw bar anchored by East Coast oysters, wood-fired proteins, composed salads, craft cocktails and a dedicated weekend brunch service. The setting makes it one of Washington DC's most photographed dining destinations.

Watr is owned and operated by the team behind the 1 Hotel / Roost Hotel property. For reservations and current event programming, visit watrat1.com.

$$$Price range
360°Rooftop views
DCWashington
8Menu categories
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Common questions

Watr at the 1 Rooftop — frequently asked questions

Planning a visit? These are the nine questions people ask most about Watr's menu, reservations, dress code and what to expect.

What is Watr at the 1 Rooftop in Washington DC?

Watr at the 1 Rooftop is an upscale rooftop bar and restaurant located atop the Roost Hotel (formerly 1 Hotel Washington) at 1 15th Street NW in Washington, DC. The venue offers sweeping panoramic views of the National Mall, the Washington Monument and the Potomac River. The menu is Mediterranean-American in style, featuring a raw bar, wood-fired entrees, craft cocktails, and a popular weekend brunch service.

Does Watr at the 1 Rooftop require reservations?

Reservations are strongly recommended for the dining room, especially for weekend brunch and dinner. Walk-ins may be accommodated at the bar or lounge area depending on availability. Visit watrat1.com or call the restaurant directly to book a table. During peak seasons (spring, summer, major events) the venue fills quickly.

What is on the brunch menu at Watr at the 1 Rooftop?

The weekend brunch menu features Mediterranean-American fare alongside brunch classics. Expect items like avocado toast, eggs Benedict, smoked salmon platters, brunch burgers, shakshuka, French toast and a shareable brunch board for two. Brunch is typically served on Saturdays and Sundays — confirm current hours directly with the restaurant, as service windows can change seasonally.

Is there a dress code at Watr at the 1 Rooftop?

Watr maintains a smart casual to upscale casual dress code. The venue is a rooftop bar and restaurant in a hotel setting — athletic wear, flip-flops and overly casual attire are generally not appropriate. For evening dining or weekend brunch, smart casual (collared shirts, dresses, dressy jeans) is a safe choice. Confirm any specific requirements with the restaurant directly, as policy can change for private events.

Does Watr at the 1 Rooftop have a raw bar?

Yes. The raw bar is one of Watr's signature features, offering East Coast oysters by the half dozen or full dozen, chilled jumbo shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare, salmon crudo, ceviche and a full Raw Bar Tower for two. The raw bar selection rotates with seasonality and market availability. It's especially popular for happy hour and cocktail-hour seating before dinner.

What are the views like from Watr at the 1 Rooftop?

Watr at the 1 Rooftop sits atop one of the taller buildings in downtown DC and offers some of the most striking panoramic views in the city — spanning the National Mall, the Washington Monument, the White House area and the Potomac River on a clear day. The rooftop layout is designed to maximize sightlines, and the outdoor terrace is popular for sunset and evening drinks. Indoor seating with floor-to-ceiling glass also frames the views.

What cocktails is Watr at the 1 Rooftop known for?

Watr's cocktail program emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. Standouts include the Rooftop Mule (house-infused vodka, ginger beer, mint), the DC Sunset Spritz (Aperol, prosecco, blood orange), the Watermelon Frose (frozen rose and fresh watermelon), and the Panorama Paloma (tequila, fresh grapefruit, elderflower). The list rotates seasonally, with an emphasis on light, rooftop-friendly drinks.

Is Watr at the 1 Rooftop good for special occasions?

Yes — Watr is a popular choice for birthdays, anniversaries, proposals and corporate dinners in Washington DC because of its combination of panoramic views, upscale service and a menu suited to celebration dining. The raw bar tower and bottle-service wine list both lend themselves to group celebrations. For private events, the venue can accommodate buyouts or semi-private seating — contact the events team via watrat1.com.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options at Watr at the 1 Rooftop?

Yes. The menu includes several vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Vegetarian highlights include burrata, wood-fired flatbread, truffle fries, rooftop hummus (vegan), grain bowl (vegan), roasted cauliflower steak (vegan), shakshuka (brunch), and a variety of salads. The kitchen can often accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice — it is worth mentioning preferences when booking or when ordering.

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