You’re sitting at a table, nursing a cocktail called "Evening Thyme" that literally arrives in a cloud of cherrywood smoke. You look out the window and see the Pentagon. You take a bite of grilled octopus, look up again, and suddenly you’re staring at the Washington Monument.
No, you didn't have too many drinks. The floor is moving.
Skydome restaurant in Crystal City is one of those places that people in the D.C. area either talk about with intense nostalgia or complete confusion. Is it a tourist trap? A 1970s relic? An upscale date night spot? Honestly, it’s a weird, charming mix of all three. Located 15 stories up in the DoubleTree by Hilton, it is officially the only revolving rooftop lounge left in the D.C. metro area.
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The Spin: How it actually works
Let’s clear up the biggest misconception first: you won't get motion sickness. The restaurant takes about 45 to 60 minutes to make one full 360-degree rotation. It’s subtle. You don’t feel like you’re on a carnival ride; you just notice that the Reagan National Airport runway you were watching has been replaced by the glow of the Lincoln Memorial.
The mechanism itself is a bit of a throwback. It was built in 1972 back when the hotel was a Quality Inn. Since then, it’s been everything from a rowdy nightclub to a comedy spot. These days, it’s leaned back into its roots as a "destination" restaurant.
What’s on the plate (and is it actually good?)
For years, the knock on Skydome was that you paid for the view and tolerated the food. It was basic bar fare—think wings and lukewarm sliders. But when they reopened in early 2023 after a long pandemic hiatus, they brought in Executive Chef Klaus Happel to overhaul the whole vibe.
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The current menu is "American with a Mediterranean flair." It’s a lot more ambitious than it used to be.
- The Tapas Style: They really want you to share. The grilled octopus with chorizo and aji amarillo aioli is the standout.
- The Mains: If you’re hungry, the ribeye with truffled mashed potatoes is the heavy hitter, though the shrimp paccheri pasta is a bit lighter if you’re trying to save room for the view.
- The Local Touch: They have an actual apiary (beehives) on the hotel roof. They use that honey in their "Evening Thyme" Old Fashioned and the honey-garlic glaze on the pork chops.
Navigating the "DoubleTree Maze"
Getting there is the part everyone messes up. You can't just walk into any elevator. You have to find the North Tower. If you end up in the South Tower, you’ll just be staring at a hallway of guest rooms. Look for the signs near the lobby bar—or just ask the front desk, they’re used to lost diners.
The 2026 Reality Check
If you're planning a visit this year, specifically for the 2026 Cherry Blossom season, they’ve already rolled out a $70 prix-fixe menu. It includes stuff like beef bulgogi dumplings and a cherry gochujang braised short rib. It’s pricey, but considering it’s the best seat in the house for the blossoms without fighting the crowds at the Tidal Basin, it sells out fast.
Is it worth it?
If you want a quick burger and a cheap beer, no. Go to a dive bar in Pentagon City.
If you want to impress someone on a second date or show your parents the D.C. skyline without walking five miles, absolutely. It’s one of the few places where the "gimmick" actually delivers on the atmosphere.
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Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Book 2 weeks out: Especially for Friday or Saturday nights. The window seats are the first to go.
- Time it for "The Transition": Make your reservation for 30 minutes before sunset. You get the golden hour, the sunset, and the city lights all in one meal.
- Check the elevator: Again, North Tower. Don’t be the person wandering the 14th floor of the wrong wing.
- Validation: If you’re driving, get your parking ticket validated at the host stand. Crystal City parking is a nightmare otherwise.
- Dress Code: It’s "smart casual." You don’t need a tuxedo, but maybe leave the gym shorts in the car.
The Skydome is a survivor. In a city that’s constantly tearing down the old to build glass boxes, there’s something genuinely cool about a restaurant that just keeps spinning.