88 District Sq SW · 12th Floor · Washington, DC
Washington
rises above
the ordinary.
On the twelfth floor of 88 District Square, The Penthouse at La Vie offers a refined café and bar experience — where craft coffee by day transitions into curated cocktails by night, all against the backdrop of the capital skyline.
A skyward sanctuary in the heart of the District
Perched on the twelfth floor of 88 District Square Southwest, The Penthouse at La Vie was conceived as a quiet counterpoint to the energy below. We believe the best moments in Washington happen when you step away from the rush — up, where the light is softer and the view stretches to the horizon.
By day, our café corner is a destination for those who take their coffee seriously: single-origin pour-overs, house-made pastries, and a workspace atmosphere that feels both polished and unhurried. By night, the space transforms — the lighting lowers, the bar opens, and curated cocktails take center stage against a backdrop of D.C.’s illuminated skyline.
La Vie — life, in French — is more than a name. It’s a philosophy. We’ve built a place where the ritual of a good cup and the artistry of a well-made drink coexist, where every detail from the emerald tones to the linen napkins has been considered, and where you are always welcome to simply be.
Floors above
Every day
Skyline views
Single-Origin Coffee
Skyline Views
Craft Cocktails
Curated Events
Two atmospheres,
one destination
The Penthouse at La Vie is designed to evolve with the day — from the focused calm of morning to the easy elegance of evening.
The Café
Begin your morning with a single-origin pour-over, carefully crafted espresso, or a seasonal latte — each prepared with the same attention to detail you’d expect from a specialty roaster. Pair it with a house-baked pastry and settle into the natural light for an hour of unhurried focus.
- Single-origin pour-over & espresso bar
- House-made pastries & light fare
- Work-friendly atmosphere with skyline views
The Bar
As the sun sets over the Potomac, the space shifts. Lower lighting, richer tones, and a menu of cocktails that honor both classic technique and local ingredients. Whether it’s a quiet conversation or a celebration, the Penthouse bar offers a backdrop that feels effortlessly refined.
- Signature cocktails with local spirits
- Curated wine & beer selection
- Private events & skyline gatherings
A space that breathes
Every corner of The Penthouse at La Vie has been considered — from the emerald tones to the natural materials to the view that changes with the light.
Find your elevation
Address
88 District Sq SW, Fl 12
Washington, DC 20024
Phone
(571) 232-7976Hours
88 District Square
Southwest Washington, DC
Reserve your table
For parties of six or more, or to arrange a private event on the Penthouse level, please reach out and we’ll make it happen.
