1940 Ninth Street, NW

DC9′s rooftop deck opened in mid-September, only a few weeks before the club was shuttered by the police. But you can again enjoy the roof, which has space for 50 people, a small bar and tables that can fold out of the way when crowds grow. The view’s not that impressive — the glowing lights of Howard University Hospital are the biggest visible landmark — but it’s nice to be able to enjoy fresh air after checking out a band or DJ in the packed club downstairs. Caveat: If there’s a cover charge for entertainment, you’ll have to pay it in order to access the roof. But there’s no charge for happy hour — doors open at 5 p.m. — when you can enjoy $3 rail drinks and a $3 “Beer of the Week.”