Charlie Palmer's Roof Now Requires Reservation

Give the people a great view with free food and they will come.

And so it went at Charlie Palmer Steak's month-old Thursday rooftop happy hour. Not surprisingly, the event has been so popular that the restaurant is implementing a reservation-only policy as of this evening.

So here's the new deal to get on the roof: Starting the Monday before each happy hour, call the restaurant at 202.547.8100 and make a reservation. Walk-ins won't be admitted. And note that the attire is business casual.

Maybe it takes away the spontaneity of a last-minute happy hour plan, but look on the bright side: It shouldn't take as long to get a drink and there'll be more free food for everyone!

The happy hour takes place each Thursday from 5-9 p.m. on the roof of 101 Constitution Ave. NW. The deal is scheduled to run through Thanksgiving.