Finding a revolving restaurant in 2026 feels a little bit like spotting a unicorn. These kitschy, spinning icons of the 1970s have largely disappeared from American skylines, replaced by static rooftop bars that don't require a mechanical engineer to maintain the floor. Yet, perched atop the DoubleTree by Hilton in Crystal City, Skydome Restaurant Washington DC remains the area’s only rotating lounge. It’s a survivor.
Most people think it’s actually in DC. Technically, it’s in Arlington, but when you’re 15 stories up and staring directly at the Washington Monument, those municipal borders don't really matter. You’ve got the Pentagon to your left and the planes at Reagan National Airport (DCA) practically landing in your lap to the right. It is, quite honestly, one of the most polarizing dining spots in the DMV. People either love the nostalgia or find the whole "spinning floor" thing a bit dizzying.
The Logistics of the Spin
Let’s get the technical stuff out of the way first. The restaurant does a full 360-degree rotation roughly every 45 to 60 minutes. It’s subtle. You won't feel like you’re on a carnival ride. You’ll just look up from your crab dip and realize the Capitol Building has moved twenty feet to the left.
Getting there is sort of a mission. You have to take two different elevators. You park or enter the lobby, take one lift to the 14th floor, and then look for the specific elevator with the Skydome logo to reach the 15th. It’s a bit of a maze, but it adds to the "secret club" vibe they’ve tried to maintain since the 1972 opening.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
For years, Skydome had a reputation for being a place where you paid for the view and tolerated the food. That changed a bit after the 2023 reopening following a long pandemic-era renovation. Executive Chef Chris Murry has shifted the focus toward "contemporary American with a Mediterranean flair."
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The menu isn't massive, but it hits the high notes you’d expect for a "special occasion" spot.
- The Apps: The Grilled Octopus is the standout. It’s served with a chorizo and corn hash that’s surprisingly smoky and tender. People also swear by the Crab Dip, which uses local sourdough from Lyon Bakery.
- The Mains: You’re looking at price points between $28 for a Black Angus Burger and $64 for an 8oz Filet Mignon. The Shrimp Paccheri Pasta with lemon-basil gremolata is a solid middle-ground choice at $32.
- The Drinks: This is where they really lean into the "lounge" aspect. The "Arlington 75" (a riff on the French 75 with Hendrick’s and bergamot) is a popular sunset companion.
Is it expensive? Yeah, kinda. You’re looking at $50–$100 per person easily. But you have to remember that you aren't just paying for the calories; you’re paying for the machinery that keeps you moving past the Potomac.
The 2026 Experience: What to Expect
If you’re planning a visit this year, there are a few things that catch tourists off guard. First, it’s not open every day. They usually stay closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Sunday, they open at 5:00 PM and run until 10:00 PM.
On Saturday nights, the vibe shifts. From mid-January through March 2026, they’ve been running "After Hours" sessions with live DJs starting later in the evening. It turns into a 21+ scene that feels a lot less like a family dinner and more like a South Beach lounge, albeit one with a view of the Lincoln Memorial.
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Parking is a big one. If you’re a diner, the hotel usually validates parking in the underground garage, which can save you about $25. Just make sure you bring your ticket up to the host stand.
Is the View Still the Best in DC?
This is where the debate gets spicy. Some argue that the newer rooftop bars in The Wharf or Navy Yard offer a "closer" look at the city. But those are static. At Skydome, you see the scale of the region. You see the geometric precision of the Pentagon, the sheer busyness of the airport, and the glittering expanse of the National Mall all without leaving your chair.
One minor caveat: the windows. Because it’s an older building, the glass can sometimes have a bit of a glare or a smudge. If you’re a serious photographer, the blue-hour light (just after sunset) is your best friend here.
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Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Book the "Window" Side: When you make a reservation on OpenTable, put a note in asking for a window seat. There is a second tier of seating further in that doesn't feel nearly as immersive.
- Time Your Arrival: Try to get a table 30 minutes before sunset. You’ll get the daytime clarity, the "Golden Hour" glow, and the nighttime city lights all in one rotation.
- Dress the Part: While they don't have a strict "black tie" code, it’s definitely a "business casual" or "date night" spot. You’ll feel weird in flip-flops.
- Check the Weather: If it’s a total washout or extremely foggy, you’re basically sitting in a spinning grey cloud. Save it for a clear night.
If you’re looking for a quick bite, this isn't it. Expect to spend at least two hours here to get the full experience and see the city from every possible angle. It’s a slow-burn kind of evening.
For the most up-to-date availability, checking the official Hilton dining page or OpenTable is mandatory, as they frequently close for private corporate events given their proximity to Amazon’s HQ2 and the Pentagon.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the sunset time for your desired date to coordinate your reservation.
- Verify if any "After Hours" DJ events are scheduled for your visit if you prefer a quieter meal.
- Ensure you have the OpenTable app ready for real-time booking updates.