Roofers Union — Restaurant in Washington

Roofers Union is truly 3 different experiences in 1. And perhaps not for the better...

Each bar/restaurant is broken up by a long, clunky set of stairs with security waiting for you at the front door, asking to ID you, at every level.

Level 1 Cocktail Lab is the bar on the first floor and it leaves quite a bit to be desired. The ideas are there and they have neat cocktails with liquid nitrogen but the bar itself is mostly just bare bones; a bar with a few tables & chairs with no other exciting decor. Which I found to be a running theme throughout...

The dining room and main floor was the most comfortable set-up of the three although the set-up of the main dining room did not feel like a restaurant but more like a ballroom with a bar, where they added tables and chairs. You can sit along the windows and have a nice view of the city which is nice.

The rooftop bar was the busiest of the 3, was incredibly crammed, though not necessarily with people, but you always felt squished in. It made getting a drink difficult and time-consuming and pointed out the vast difference in experiences among the 3 levels. Jean-Luc made my drink, made it with the wrong liquor and had to remake it. You could tell others around me were growing impatient so when I eventually got my drink, I went down to the main dining room because there was nowhere to sit.

I asked the hostess, Holly, a few questions on my way out about the reopening & plans for the future, but she was rather short and seemed like she didn't like being asked any questions.

Overall, I don't think I'd return to Roofers Union until they put more thought into what they're selling...atmosphere, drinks, service....there are just SO many better bars in DC....so many better bars in Adams Morgan, that provide better service and a better experience than a bar that is clearly spreading itself too thin.

They also deleted my authentic review of...

My experience at this establishment started out alright, but went downhill real fast. I am not going to give only 1 star because one of my complaints is regarding the volume, but that is not really the bar's fault, it just means the night was busy. It started off well because we all got right in, and the bouncer was polite. Because it was so loud, I needed some air and to take a walk so I asked the bouncer if I would be able to come back. I understand it's possible to reach max capacity, which is why I had him clarify to me that I would be allowed right back in. I was with friends, so it was a bit important that I had this information. The bouncer even said if someone else is here, show them your ID and you will be good. I came back after my walk and yeah you guessed it, two other people were there and refused to let me in. I explained the situation above in how I made sure I would be allowed back before leaving, and they both said I was just lying. It was a he said she said at this point, so the argument was pointless. I should have been informed by the staff when I clarified what I was doing that if I did leave, there would be a chance that I could not get back in right away because of max capacity. I begin to walk away and the bouncer is like “hey sir you want to wait in line”? I said no thanks as I did not want to be there anymore. I informed my friends of what happened and we all just ended up leaving. Unfortunate for a tourist as this was very unwelcoming and hostile. I would like to be treated with respect, and not to be lied to. This is why people at bars often go nuts screaming and causing a scene. Lucky for them, I was polite and let it go but I could absolutely see a drunk person going off because of this. Next time that happens, remember this..... A little respect and uhhh not lying could...

I have experienced their rooftop happy hour and now a dinner at their second floor seating area and I was pleasantly surprised both times. The happy hour offered some interesting cocktail deals and also a nice beer selection. During the warmer months this is one of the best roof top views in Admo besides Perry's. As far as dinner on the second floor, I would definitely recommend this whether it be for a date or a group of friends.

The service was great throughout the meal. The waiter was very friendly, personable and attentive. The beer orders were delivered by the bartender himself who even told us a little about each of the brews. They offer beer flights which I highly recommend if you enjoy tasting new brews (probably about 20 on tap) - porters, stouts, sours, barley wines - a very diverse range.The food itself was very tasty. Recommend the brussel sprout appetizer which was phenomenal.

The second floor offers an expansive view of Admo and my only recommendation would be to bring a jacket in the winter as it was kinda chilly near them. The space was not crowded but not super intimate either. There are a ton of TVs around so you can watch your favorite teams play while dining. The waiter was even nice enough to put the Caps...