D.C. is known for its politics, its historical sites, and the countless amazing (and many free!) museums, but it also has a vibrant and fun bar scene! Much like the community of D.C., the bars reflect a variety of personalities, backgrounds, and vibes.
From spots where you can sit down and chat to themed bars, speakeasies, dancing, and sports bars, D.C. has it all – and the list continues to grow, so let us know your favorites! Below, check out this list of 27 D.C. bars you need to visit at least once in your life.
1. Service Bar, U Street
Service Bar, located on the lively U Street, ranked No. 33 on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. It’s noted for its delicious cocktails (try the Italian Bubble Coat!), equally appetizing food, and casual atmosphere!
“Since 2016, thirsty patrons have made Service Bar their go-to local in The District for three great reasons: the famous fried chicken, the lively, unpretentious ambiance, and outstanding cocktails delivered at reasonable prices.”
📍926-928 U St NW
2. Allegory, Downtown
Another one of North America’s 50 Best Bars inclusions from Downtown D.C. is Allegory.
Hidden at one of D.C.’s most avant-garde hotels this speakeasy is accessed through a bookshelf in Eaton’s Radical Library.
Tell the bartenders at Allegory what your favorite flavors are and they’ll craft you the cocktail of your dreams.
Combine that with its stunning art, including civil rights activist Ruby Bridges depicted as Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass” character, and you won’t want to leave.
📍1202 K St NW #1
3. Lulu’s Wine Garden, U Street
The perfect urban oasis, Lulu’s Wine Garden off of U Street will make you feel like you’re on a tropical holiday. Whether you’re looking for an al fresco spot for day drinks or planning a date night under the stars, their lush, laid-back patio is always a good time.
Not a wine fan? No problem! Lulu’s Wine Garden also serves a variety of cocktails, drafts, cans, and zero-proof options.
📍1940 11th St NW
4. Red Derby, Columbia Heights
If you’re looking for a dive-bar atmosphere with rooftop vibes and affordable drinks, then look no further!
Nestled in Columbia Heights, Red Derby is a local favorite for its cheap bar eats (check out Tendie Tuesday!) and infamous $3.50 whiskey and tequila shots, and beer and shot combos. That’s hard to beat!
📍3718 14th St NW
5. Wet Dog Tavern, Shaw
Wet Dog Tavern is special. It’s fun, it’s social, it’s dog-friendly, and it was created for a good cause!
In loving memory of their late Golden Retriever puppy Lilly Sophia, the tavern strives to create a community and bring awareness to life-threatening diseases in dogs like the one that took Lilly. They host fundraisers and events to support the community and fund research for these illnesses.
Dogs of all ages are seen on its pup-designated front lawn (on occasion, even a leashed kitty!), as people take in beers and cocktails out front, inside, and out back! Add amazing dog decor and it’s the paw-fect bar!
📍2100 Vermont Ave NW
6. Old Ebbitt Grill, Downtown
Old Ebbitt Grill is a D.C. mainstay that is filled with history.
Founded in 1856 by innkeeper William E. Ebbitt is D.C.’s oldest saloon, having served multiple presidents (including Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Grover Cleveland, and Theodore Roosevelt), crafted from heirlooms and antiques from across D.C., and serving a variety of beers, wines, and cocktails (try the Red Manhattan)!
📍 675 15th St NW
7. Doyle Bar, Dupont Circle
Conveniently situated in the heart of Dupont Circle, Doyle is a 1950’s-inspired cocktail bar with roots as an Irish, family-owned property.
If you’re looking for an upscale atmosphere to kick back with a drink, Doyle offers a chic lounge and expansive outdoor terrace. The bar currently released a House of Bloom terrace pop-up, offering an array of floral-focused drinks for springtime.
📍1500 New Hampshire Ave NW
8. 600 T, Shaw
The speakeasy-style bar famous for having no name, 600 T, is home to high-quality craft cocktails and weekly live music shows.
With its upbeat atmosphere and thoughtful staff, this is the perfect place for a first date or an easygoing night out with friends.
📍600 T St NW
9. Ivy and Coney, Shaw
The go-to bar destination for anyone who can appreciate a no-frills good time.
On top of the quality cheap beer, you can also enjoy some of Ivy and Coney’s iconic dishes including their famous hot dogs, Detroit-style pizza, or even classic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches.
This is a great space to watch some live sports and have a few drinks with some friends, but it doesn’t take reservations for groups under 20, so be sure that you get there early if you want a table.
📍1537 7th St NW
10. Royal Sands Social Club, Navy Yard
One of the newer additions to the D.C. bar scene, Royal Sands Social Club opened in late 2022!
Royal Sands Social Club draws on Florida’s sun, sand, beaches, and pools to bring a Floridian flare to D.C. year-round.
With a stunning “swimming pool”-themed bar at the entrance, complete with a DJ booth “lifeguard station,” the space is adorned with faux palm trees and swinging chairs and offers additional entertainment, such as arcade games and a photo booth.
But if the aesthetics draw you in, the cocktails will make you stay with tropical favorites like the Frozen Pina Colada alongside new concoctions, such as the Sunny Place For Shady People (Tito’s Vodka, key lime juice, pink coconut foam, Pratt & Standard Pomegranate Grenadine).
📍26 N St SE
11. The BackRoom at Capo Deli, Shaw
If you’re into speakeasies, The BackRoom should be right up your alley and possibly one of the most fun to get to!
Located inside Capo Deli, the real part is in the back.
Enter the walk-in freezer (Don’t worry, you won’t be pushing through slabs of meat!) and into a dark, glamorous speakeasy!
With crystal chandeliers, leather booths, and a small, intimate vibe.. the only thing that makes it even better? You can grab a late-night sub on your way out!
📍 715 Florida Ave NW
12. DAIKAYA, Chinatown
A beloved walk-in ramen shop in D.C.’s Chinatown, DAIKAYA is reminiscent of an authentic shop you’d find in Japan—quaint and vibrant.
Though it’s a ramen shop first, it’s a unique and beloved place to have a drink—with a friend or alone!
Sit at the bar, watching the chefs cook while you sip on imported Japanese beers, whiskeys, and sake. Then treat yourself to some mouth-watering Sapporo-style ramen to close out your night!
📍 705 6th St NW
13. The Pug, H Street
As simple as it gets. The Pug is truly the quintessential dive bar of DC with cheap simple drinks in a classic dive ambiance.
This local gem right in the heart of the Atlas District perfectly captures some of the local spirit of the city, it’s a rite of passage for all DC residents to stop in for at least a drink.
📍1234 H St NE
14. Lyman’s Tavern, 16th Street Heights
With jukeboxes, pinball machines, and a piano there isn’t many bar experience around DC that can compare with Lyman’s Tavern.
This place offers an authentic old-school bar experience complete with a quality food menu and a long list of beers to choose from, definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something a bit outside your typical dive bar experience.
📍3720 14th St NW
15. The Dew Drop Inn, Edgewood
With great deals on drinks and quality barbecue, if you’re looking for a unique bar experience that won’t break the bankThe Dew Drop Inn is the place for you.
We highly suggest trying their famous “Wonder Drop Lager”, a beer created in partnership with Wonderland Ballroom (another bar from the same ownership group as The Dew Drop Inn) and DC Brau Brewing Co.
📍2801 8th St NE
16. Metrobar, Edgewood
Built around a decommissioned metro car that has been refurbished into a fully functioning bar, Metrobar is a massive outdoor cocktail-centered bar space that focuses on supporting local causes and acting as a gathering place for the community.
While Metrobar itself doesn’t have a food menu, there is always a rotating cast of local food trucks at the venue and if they don’t have what you’re looking for you can always check out the Bryant Street Market food hall, which is right next door!
📍640 Rhode Island Ave NE
17. The Gibson, U Street
One step into The Gibson and you instantly feel that you’ve been transported back into the Roaring Twenties when you notice this bar’s vintage charm and classy ambiance.
The perfect intimate ambiance for those seeking a meticulously crafted cocktail from one of their skilled mixologists, this place is certain to leave you with a lasting memory.
📍2009 14th St NW
18. Walter’s Sports Bar and Restaurant, Navy Yard
A premier sports bar named after Walter Perry Johnson, pitcher for the Washington Senators, Walt’s Sports Bar is a perfect game day destination.
With over 20 self-pour taps, tons of space, and over 30 HD TVs, it’s a perfect spot to get your sports filled with your friends.
📍10 N St SE
19. Tom’s Watch Bar, Navy Yard
With far more TVs than you could focus on at once, a dizzying catalog of drinks, and a menu built to facilitate the perfect game day experience, Tom’s Watch Bar may be one of the best sports bars out there.
📍1250 Half St SE
20. Franklin Hall, U Street Corridor
With one of the most immersive sports bar experiences in the U Street Corridor, Franklin Hall is the perfect game day location for larger groups that don’t feel like venturing out to Navy Yard.
It has everything you need to have a spectacular game day experience including a large menu of draft beers, interactive games to play with your friends, and a walk-up kitchen that offers all the classics and more.
📍1348 Flordia Ave NW
21. Ambar Capitol Hill, Capitol Hill
Offering a unique brunch experience, Ambar Capitol Hill serves up a long list of traditional Balkan flavors reimagined into the classic brunch dishes we all know and love.
With the options for bottomless mimosas, sangria, or bloody marries this place is a unique brunch experience centered around the best of Bulkan cuisine in a fun atmosphere with great service.
📍523 8th St SE
22. Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar, Downtown
Looking to break the mold from the typical bottomless brunch without breaking the bank?
Pisco y Nazca offers elevated takes on classic Peruvian cuisine, while also paying homage to local ingredients throughout its menu.
With a wide variety of classic brunch options inspired by Peruvian dishes to choose from and the option for bottomless drinks, this is a must-try brunch spot.
📍1823 L St NW
23. Le Diplomate, Logan Circle
If you’re hoping to class up your brunch plans this weekend then Le Diplomate in Logan Circle is the perfect place to go.
This classic Parisian-style French bistro nails every iconic brunch dish you could think of and offers all the best hits of Frances’s culinary offerings.
While this place doesn’t offer bottomless brunch, the quality of the food and upscale setting more than makeup for it by making it a memorable dining experience.
📍1601 14th St NW
24. Shaw’s Tavern, Shaw
Whether you’re craving classic brunch favorites or innovative twists on traditional fare, Shaw’s Tavern has something for everyone.
On top of its quality food options, Shaw’s also offers an expansive selection of brunch cocktails and shots, which means that this place takes the phrase “boozy brunch” very literally.
📍520 Florida Ave NW
25. The Midlands Beer Garden, Park View
While not a brewery itself, The Midlands Beer Garden offers the unique opportunity to sample a wide variety of DC’s best local brews without hopping around town.
Being one of the best open-air bar experiences you can get in the DC area, complete with fire pits and heaters outside as well as a heated indoor space, you can enjoy a wide range of beers on tap, plenty of TVs playing live sports, and of course a handful of lawn games for you and your friends to have some fun while you wait for your food.
📍3333 Georgia Ave NW
26. Other Half Brewing, Ivy City
Opened nearly a decade ago in 2014, Other Half Brewing has been churning out some notable Hazy IPAs and Pastry Stouts that have garnered national attention.
With a massive modern space to enjoy your drinks with friends, they encourage you to either bring your own food or order delivery, but if you aren’t in the mood for a meal you can choose from a selection of rotating snacks that Other Half Brewing offers to complement its beer menu.
📍1401 Okie St NE
27. Nellie’s Sports Bar, U Street
Named after the owner’s two grandmothers, both named Nellie, they wanted to honor their warm hospitality by recreating the positive environment these women made at their homes to this bar.
In addition to being a gay-friendly sports bar with a renowned drag brunch, while you’re at Nellie’s Sports Bar watching the game, you can snack from their extensive menu and fun cocktail selection.
Their “Funsies” items include cheaper drinks like $1 Jell-O shots, $6 ice pops, and $10 slushies.
Have a delicious sweet beverage, and enjoy the vibrant ambiance of this lively bar!
📍 900 U St NW