Local 16 Lounge / Restaurant / Rooftop Bar

U Street Corridor, Washington, DC –

A large rooftop bar and an emphasis on locally-grown products have made Local 16 a popular hangout for a mix of foodies, preppies, and hipsters alike.

A casual weeknight vibe quickly turns to a rowdy, overly-packed scene on weekends when swarms of college students take over the large tiki-styled rooftop deck to flirt with coeds at the bar while a DJ spins a soundtrack of Top 40.

Couples and young professionals looking for a mellower scene can check out the downstairs restaurant and bar, whose red and dark wood décor and warm fringed lanterns create a more intimate and laid-back atmosphere.

Simple bistro-style wooden tables, chairs, and leather booths are snuggled against the walls of the main dining area and face the bar through a half-wall made of stacked liquor bottles. The bar itself has a distinctive pub feel, with a mixture of simple wooden stools and scattered tables, and a large street side window overlooking U Street provides patrons with a perfect people-watching perch.

Once recharged by the downstairs vibe, patrons at Local 16 can easily head back up to the rooftop via a narrow stairway in the rear of the bar, where the scene often changes so quickly it’s like a slap in the face.