Where to Drink (and Escape the In-Laws) on Christmas Day

It’s no easy task finding a bar that’s open on Christmas Day. That’s especially true this year when Christmas falls on a Monday — a day when some bars and restaurants traditionally close for service.

Fortunately, there are a few D.C. watering holes that will welcome restless souls who’ve had their fill of Christmas feasting and family.

If your bar is not listed and is planning to operate on Christmas Day, add your service hours and drink deals in the comment thread below.

Appioo Bar and Grill

1924 Ninth Street NW

Got a hankering for Ghanaian food and drinks? On Christmas Day, $35 at this African eatery covers an aperitif and bottomless mimosas, plus red or white wine along with unlimited trips to Appioo’s buffet. Featured offerings include chicken stew, corn beef stew, and spicy pepper soup with goat or chicken. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and late night happy hour follows (think: $5 rum punch).

Bar Pilar

1833 14th Street NW

The kitchen may be closed but Bar Pilar will be slinging drinks all night long. The bar opens at 8 p.m. on Christmas Day. The seasonal beverage on draft is a matcha green tea cocktail combining cucumber lime shrub and gin.

Five to One

903 U Street NW

Bartender and owner Trevor Frye will be manning the bar solo at music-themed Five to One on Christmas Day. Join him for a nightcap, an $8 beer-and-shot combo, or a $6 digestif cocktail.

Flavio

1073 31st Street NW

In Georgetown, a bartender named “Red” makes everyone feel right at home at this Italian eatery and bar. The drink of choice here is in keeping with the old country: a classic Negroni.

The Pug

1234 H Street NE

It’s to be expected that Atlas District mainstay the Pug will leave the light on for those in desperate need of some me-time during the long holiday weekend. This no-frills bar won’t have any holiday specials, but it will be open at 8 p.m. with dependable service and plenty of PBR tallboys.

Quill

1200 16th Street NW

For a winter escape, head to Quill, the swanky cocktail bar located inside downtown’s Jefferson hotel. The bar has tropical-themed Christmas cocktails, like the “Gramma In Paradise” served with coconut-infused gin, apple pie-flavored syrup, cream sherry, and lime. Or try the “Maharaja Gold” featuring rum, Golden Falernum, turmeric, and apple cider.

Showtime

113 Rhode Island Ave NW

A beer-and-a-shot combo at Showtime is available 365 days a year. This basement-like bar is also a great place for meeting friends and dancing to some jukebox tunes.

St. Regis Hotel

923 16th Street NW

Bartenders here will be serving seasonal winter cocktails on Christmas Day including a Vieux Carre with Rittenhouse Rye, Hennessy VSOP, Carpano Antica, Benedictine, Angostura, and Peychaud's bitters. Or try the St. Regis Eggnog made with tequila, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, and Trickling Springs eggnog.

Tiger Fork

922 N Street NW

Those who consider Chinese food an integral part of any holiday celebration should head to Tiger Fork on Christmas Day. The Blagden Alley eatery is serving dinner from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on December 25, offering up favorites such as pork ribs with soy, ginger and Happy Lady Spice. Wash it down with one of their signature cocktails, like the “8 O’Clock Light Show,” a rum drink with mandarin and yuzu, as well as a mix of herbs and spices.

Ventor Sports Cafe

2411 18th Street NW

Christmas Day also means plenty of sports on TV, including NFL, NBA and NHL action. This Adams Morgan drinking den is on it, opening from 2:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on December 25 to ensure that anyone in need of cold beers, warm cider, or wall-to-wall game day coverage gets their Christmas wish.

• Where to Eat on Christmas Day in D.C. [EDC]
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• Where to Eat on New Year’s Eve Around D.C. [EDC]