Our Story

The original Top O’ the Town restaurant opened in 1966, coinciding with the completion of the Prospect House Condominium building. Operating as a landmark dining destination for decades, the space was widely celebrated in media such as The Washington Post for its panoramic views of the National Mall and the D.C. skyline. The restaurant ceased operation in 1991, and the space remained empty for years during litigation between the property owners and the restaurant's operators.

In 1996, Thomas Byrne, who owned a condominium in the Prospect House, reached out to the real estate owners. Drawn to the sweeping views from the penthouse space, Tom shared his vision of creating a premier DC skyline wedding and special event venue with his parents, his brothers John, Peter, and Dennis, and his sisters Joan and Katherine (all living in the D.C. area). He convinced them to join him in bringing new life to the remarkable property, and the purchase occurred later that year.

Over the next several years, the Byrne family invested their time, energy, and resources into transforming the former restaurant into the premier rooftop wedding and event venue couples and families know today. As part of the multi-year renovation, a 100-foot-long reception room was created with dramatic, 10-foot-wide windows replacing the original 5-foot openings, alongside a stunning open-air deck perfect for a skyline wedding ceremony or cocktail hour.

Katherine Byrne took on the role of director of sales, and her twin sister Joan joined her as the business grew. Top of the Town hosted its first event in 1999, with several family members wielding paintbrushes right up until the guests arrived! Since then, it has remained a family-owned and operated Arlington, VA event venue, welcoming thousands of guests for life’s most important milestones. It is now widely recognized as one of the best wedding venues near Washington, D.C., where memories are made against a backdrop of the country's most iconic monuments.

Today, all six Byrne siblings remain involved in the business and still use the penthouse space for family gatherings, just as they have since 1999. A new generation is now carrying that tradition forward, with Katherine’s daughter Patricia taking on the director of sales role, helping to ensure the business continues to grow while staying true to its roots.

More than twenty-five years after its opening, Top of the Town continues to bring people together to celebrate, connect, and create memories. From Northern Virginia weddings and milestone celebrations to corporate events, galas, fundraisers, and holiday parties, the Byrne family is honored to welcome guests to this special rooftop venue overlooking Washington, D.C. While much has changed since 1999, the family’s commitment to hospitality and unforgettable experiences remains unchanged.