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The bar inside the Eastern has a Mid-century Modern style — The bar inside Capitol Hill’s Eastern has a mid-century modern vibe.

18 Essential Bars in D.C.

Head here to sip the finest beers, wines, and cocktails around town

by Travis Mitchell, Tierney Plumb, and Eater Staff Updated Nov 8, 2022, 9:58am EST

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The bar inside Capitol Hill’s Eastern has a mid-century modern vibe.

| Rey Lopez/Eater DC

by Travis Mitchell, Tierney Plumb, and Eater Staff Updated Nov 8, 2022, 9:58am EST

D.C. is a drinking town through and through. A work-hard, play-hard ethic is pervasive across a city full of young professionals that can be found unwinding with craft beer, natural wine, and complicated cocktails just about every night of the week. Whether a drinker’s preference is to splurge on futuristic cocktails at Minibar, grab a rare beer at Churchkey, or indulge in a frozen, minty hard lemonade at Green Zone, there’s no shortage of standout bars around the District.

Prefer to bend the elbow at the latest “it” destination? Check out the bar heat map. For a list of D.C.’s most lovable dive bars, go here.

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Breadsoda Bar, Deli & Billiards

Glover Park is home to this chill basement hangout filled with pool tables, shuffle board, darts, good beer and a menu anchored by solid deli sandwiches and bar snacks. Happy hour drinks are $5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and its patio tables are prime real estate for neighborhood people watching (maybe with a frozen cocktail) when the weather’s nice.

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2233 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

The Green Zone

Middle Eastern ingredients go into the cocktails at this Adams Morgan bar born out of a long-running pop-up. The frozen lemonade brimming with fresh mint and vodka (or gin) is a can’t-miss. A menu of snacks like Syrian muhamarra or Lebanese falafel go well with any beverage. Lots of reggae helps foster a fun, loose atmosphere.

Open in Google Maps

2226 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Vodka and mint lemonade from Green Zone

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Jack Rose

This multi-faceted Adams Morgan bar and restaurant boasts a whiskey list with literally thousands of options. An open-air roof deck sprawls across the third floor, which serves draft beer and allows for good views of bustling 18th Street NW below. The food menu features Southern comfort fare such as deviled eggs and crispy chicken skins. Jack Rose’s beloved basement bar Dram & Grain recently resurfaced under next-door sibling spot Imperial.

2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

The wall of whiskey at Adams Morgan, with bottles and bottles stacked in rows behind the bar

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Service Bar

Service Bar was recently recognized as one of the top 50 bars in North America for its inventive cocktails and friendly, knowledgeable staff. It’s no surprise it draws a consistent crowd of regulars, visitors, and bar industry friends to U Street NW. The drink menu is arranged by spirits and makes use of seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Fried chicken remains a fan favorite, as do the $7 happy hour specials that include Old Fashioneds and classic daiquiris.

926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Service Bar DC (@servicebardc)

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McClellan's Retreat

Named after a gentle Civil War general, this dim, date night staple in Dupont Circle has amassed a loyal following for barrel-aged cocktails and an eponymous Manhattan. Bar manager Brian Nixon’s seasonal menus, also spotted at Bloomingdale sister bar Truxton Inn, include tropical tipples and D.C.’s classic Rickey.

2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

“I Painted A Picture Of A Butterfly” with Republic Restoratives Civic Vodka, cranberry honey shrub, cinnamon syrup, and prosecco.

Also featured in:

The Passenger

The Passenger is the move for a straightforward (and damn good cocktail) without the over-the-top gimmicks and tricks. Drink specials are scribbled on a chalkboard menu and the bartenders are happy to mix up just about anything from the impressive bottle selection. There’s a beer list with a handful of local picks, and Puerto Rican is available from Qui Qui upstairs.

Open in Google Maps

1539 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Trade

The popular gay bar in Logan Circle offers an “XL” happy hour daily until 8 p.m., featuring supersized mixed drinks along with $5 beers and wines. Regulars gather for weekly TV show watch parties, DJ nights, and other events.

1410 14th St NW Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TRADE (@tradebardc)

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Last Call Bar

Housed inside a graffiti-tagged brick building, Last Call is cocktail ace Gina Chersevani’s dream dive bar, complete with affordable drinks and a no judgement vibe. Drinks include party starters like $3 Jell-O shots along with an $8 draft old fashioned and fun combos like the $10 hard seltzer and Fireball pairing.

Open in Google Maps

1301-A, 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Serenata

Beverage director Andra “AJ” Johnson is the managing partner at this pan-Latin cocktail bar at the center of La Cosecha market. The varied drink menu has a particular focus on tequila, mezcal, rum and other ingredients from around South and Central America.

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

An Amazónica cocktail from Serenata

Also featured in:

ChurchKey

After an extended pandemic closure, the more than 50 draft lines at Chuchkey are flowing again, much to the delight of beer fans across the city. The brews, which touch on all styles and regions, are curated by beer director Greg Engert, who shapes the suds menus across Neighborhood Restaurant Group projects, including Bluejacket, Shelter at the Roost, and the annual Snallygaster festival. Snacks, sandwiches and tavern-style pizzas make it easy to build a meal while sipping.

Open in Google Maps

1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Maxwell Park

This Shaw wine bar comes from sommelier Brent Kroll, whose resume includes stints at (dearly departed) Proof and Iron Gate, among other esteemed restaurants. The temperature-controlled bar features a monthly theme menu that spotlights lesser-known wines at fair price points. All told, there are around 50 wines available by the glass at a time, in addition to 500 or so bottles. A modest food menu includes truffled grilled cheese, charcuterie and other snacks to pair with the quality wines. Indoor and outdoor seating is also available at a second location in Navy Yard.

Open in Google Maps

1336 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Customers ordering wine at Maxwell Park.

Also featured in:

Copycat Co.

Copycat Co. founder Devin Gong does more than design drinks at his busy H Street cocktail bar. Gong’s bar menu schools customers in the history behind classic cocktails such as Manhattans, martinis, smashes, and mules. Chinese dumplings and grilled meat skewers are also available alongside textbook dry martinis. Astoria, Gong’s newer bar in Dupont, mimics Copycat’s drink list but serves a food menu full of Sichuan dishes.

1110 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

An apple toddy served at Copycat Co. in 2015 — CopyCat Co.

Also featured in:

Silver Lyan

Acclaimed mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, known as Mr. Lyan, chose Washington and the posh Riggs Hotel as the location for his first U.S. bar. The red plush underground lounge is fit for a luxe night out. And many of the drinks, like the fennel seed gin-infused Half-Smoke Rickey, have a local inspiration.

Open in Google Maps

900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Also featured in:

Dubliner

This family-run Irish pub near Union Station has been in business since 1974 and still serves perfect pours of Guinness. The iconic bar also boasts a proprietary Irish whiskey that goes down smooth, along with about 100 other Irish whiskeys to sample. Nightly live Irish music is back on the schedule, and traditional dishes like corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie fill out the menu.

Open in Google Maps

4 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

The wooden bar with dozens of bottles lined up in front of it at The Dubliner

Also featured in:

Barmini

There’s something dreamlike about the setting at José Andrés’s Barmini, which is outfitted in striking white with wild accents like a cactus couch. Reservations and a deposit are required to access the lengthy menu featuring more than 100 classic and experimental cocktails. There’s the option to choose a flight. Part of the fun is watching bartenders use cutting-edge technology and general wizardry to craft drinks right in front of patrons. Some change color, others arrive still smoking, and cotton candy may very well be an ingredient. A carved-out apple filled with bourbon is also a possibility. Small snacks that appeal to gourmands are also available.

501 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Eastern

The team behind Barrel (itself worth a visit for all things bourbon and whiskey) expanded in Capitol Hill in 2019 with the debut of a mid-century style wine bar showcasing a strong cross-section of European labels picked by general manager and sommelier Robert Morin. Cocktails make an appearance, too, including classics like the Sazerac and New York sour. Barrel chef Walfer Hernandez is also manning the menu at the Eastern, pairing drinks with an assortment of charcuterie, cheese, dips, salads, seafood, and sandwiches.

360 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

The mid-century modern bar at the Eastern — The Eastern doesn’t take itself too seriously, with a big bottle of Miller High Life denoted as “Champagne service.”

Also featured in:

Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company

Nationally recognized mixologist Todd Thrasher’s massive endeavor on the Southwest Waterfront attracts tourists, locals, and service industry types alike. The multi-level tiki bar and happy hour spot offers cheeky, frozen rum and Coke in a can, classics like a Zombie or Mai Tai, and an extremely potent T.N.T. Problem Forgetter (bourbon and Thrasher’s spiced and overproof rum, apricot liqueur, coconut cream rum, honey, and lime).

Open in Google Maps

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Visit Website

The upstairs bar at Tiki TNT

Also featured in:

Solace Outpost Navy Yard

Fresh brews and waterfront views (with plenty of outdoor seating) make Solace Outpost an ideal stop while exploring Navy Yard, game day or not. Born out of Northern Virginia, the beer menu is heavy on IPAs, with a couple lagers and seasonal picks sprinkled throughout. There are even a few “beer-tails” on the menu, including a fruity, fizzy twist on the Hurricane. The kitchen’s menu features typical pub fare like burgers, brats, and tots, alongside some healthier options.

Open in Google Maps

71 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Solace Outpost (@solaceoutpost)

Also featured in:

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Breadsoda Bar, Deli & Billiards

2233 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Glover Park is home to this chill basement hangout filled with pool tables, shuffle board, darts, good beer and a menu anchored by solid deli sandwiches and bar snacks. Happy hour drinks are $5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily, and its patio tables are prime real estate for neighborhood people watching (maybe with a frozen cocktail) when the weather’s nice.

Open in Google Maps

2233 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007

Visit Website

The Green Zone

2226 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Middle Eastern ingredients go into the cocktails at this Adams Morgan bar born out of a long-running pop-up. The frozen lemonade brimming with fresh mint and vodka (or gin) is a can’t-miss. A menu of snacks like Syrian muhamarra or Lebanese falafel go well with any beverage. Lots of reggae helps foster a fun, loose atmosphere.

Open in Google Maps

2226 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

Vodka and mint lemonade from Green Zone

Jack Rose

2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

This multi-faceted Adams Morgan bar and restaurant boasts a whiskey list with literally thousands of options. An open-air roof deck sprawls across the third floor, which serves draft beer and allows for good views of bustling 18th Street NW below. The food menu features Southern comfort fare such as deviled eggs and crispy chicken skins. Jack Rose’s beloved basement bar Dram & Grain recently resurfaced under next-door sibling spot Imperial.

2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

The wall of whiskey at Adams Morgan, with bottles and bottles stacked in rows behind the bar

Service Bar

926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Service Bar was recently recognized as one of the top 50 bars in North America for its inventive cocktails and friendly, knowledgeable staff. It’s no surprise it draws a consistent crowd of regulars, visitors, and bar industry friends to U Street NW. The drink menu is arranged by spirits and makes use of seasonal ingredients wherever possible. Fried chicken remains a fan favorite, as do the $7 happy hour specials that include Old Fashioneds and classic daiquiris.

926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Service Bar DC (@servicebardc)

McClellan's Retreat

2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Named after a gentle Civil War general, this dim, date night staple in Dupont Circle has amassed a loyal following for barrel-aged cocktails and an eponymous Manhattan. Bar manager Brian Nixon’s seasonal menus, also spotted at Bloomingdale sister bar Truxton Inn, include tropical tipples and D.C.’s classic Rickey.

2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009

Visit Website

“I Painted A Picture Of A Butterfly” with Republic Restoratives Civic Vodka, cranberry honey shrub, cinnamon syrup, and prosecco.

The Passenger

1539 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The Passenger is the move for a straightforward (and damn good cocktail) without the over-the-top gimmicks and tricks. Drink specials are scribbled on a chalkboard menu and the bartenders are happy to mix up just about anything from the impressive bottle selection. There’s a beer list with a handful of local picks, and Puerto Rican is available from Qui Qui upstairs.

Open in Google Maps

1539 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Trade

1410 14th St NW Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20005

The popular gay bar in Logan Circle offers an “XL” happy hour daily until 8 p.m., featuring supersized mixed drinks along with $5 beers and wines. Regulars gather for weekly TV show watch parties, DJ nights, and other events.

1410 14th St NW Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TRADE (@tradebardc)

Last Call Bar

1301-A, 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Housed inside a graffiti-tagged brick building, Last Call is cocktail ace Gina Chersevani’s dream dive bar, complete with affordable drinks and a no judgement vibe. Drinks include party starters like $3 Jell-O shots along with an $8 draft old fashioned and fun combos like the $10 hard seltzer and Fireball pairing.

Open in Google Maps

1301-A, 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

Serenata

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Beverage director Andra “AJ” Johnson is the managing partner at this pan-Latin cocktail bar at the center of La Cosecha market. The varied drink menu has a particular focus on tequila, mezcal, rum and other ingredients from around South and Central America.

1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

An Amazónica cocktail from Serenata

ChurchKey

1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

After an extended pandemic closure, the more than 50 draft lines at Chuchkey are flowing again, much to the delight of beer fans across the city. The brews, which touch on all styles and regions, are curated by beer director Greg Engert, who shapes the suds menus across Neighborhood Restaurant Group projects, including Bluejacket, Shelter at the Roost, and the annual Snallygaster festival. Snacks, sandwiches and tavern-style pizzas make it easy to build a meal while sipping.

Open in Google Maps

1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005

Visit Website

Maxwell Park

1336 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

This Shaw wine bar comes from sommelier Brent Kroll, whose resume includes stints at (dearly departed) Proof and Iron Gate, among other esteemed restaurants. The temperature-controlled bar features a monthly theme menu that spotlights lesser-known wines at fair price points. All told, there are around 50 wines available by the glass at a time, in addition to 500 or so bottles. A modest food menu includes truffled grilled cheese, charcuterie and other snacks to pair with the quality wines. Indoor and outdoor seating is also available at a second location in Navy Yard.

Open in Google Maps

1336 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

Customers ordering wine at Maxwell Park.

Copycat Co.

1110 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Copycat Co. founder Devin Gong does more than design drinks at his busy H Street cocktail bar. Gong’s bar menu schools customers in the history behind classic cocktails such as Manhattans, martinis, smashes, and mules. Chinese dumplings and grilled meat skewers are also available alongside textbook dry martinis. Astoria, Gong’s newer bar in Dupont, mimics Copycat’s drink list but serves a food menu full of Sichuan dishes.

1110 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Visit Website

An apple toddy served at Copycat Co. in 2015 — CopyCat Co.

Silver Lyan

900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Acclaimed mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana, known as Mr. Lyan, chose Washington and the posh Riggs Hotel as the location for his first U.S. bar. The red plush underground lounge is fit for a luxe night out. And many of the drinks, like the fennel seed gin-infused Half-Smoke Rickey, have a local inspiration.

Open in Google Maps

900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Dubliner

4 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001

This family-run Irish pub near Union Station has been in business since 1974 and still serves perfect pours of Guinness. The iconic bar also boasts a proprietary Irish whiskey that goes down smooth, along with about 100 other Irish whiskeys to sample. Nightly live Irish music is back on the schedule, and traditional dishes like corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie fill out the menu.

Open in Google Maps

4 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Visit Website

The wooden bar with dozens of bottles lined up in front of it at The Dubliner

Barmini

501 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

There’s something dreamlike about the setting at José Andrés’s Barmini, which is outfitted in striking white with wild accents like a cactus couch. Reservations and a deposit are required to access the lengthy menu featuring more than 100 classic and experimental cocktails. There’s the option to choose a flight. Part of the fun is watching bartenders use cutting-edge technology and general wizardry to craft drinks right in front of patrons. Some change color, others arrive still smoking, and cotton candy may very well be an ingredient. A carved-out apple filled with bourbon is also a possibility. Small snacks that appeal to gourmands are also available.

501 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20004

Visit Website

Related Maps

The Eastern

360 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

The team behind Barrel (itself worth a visit for all things bourbon and whiskey) expanded in Capitol Hill in 2019 with the debut of a mid-century style wine bar showcasing a strong cross-section of European labels picked by general manager and sommelier Robert Morin. Cocktails make an appearance, too, including classics like the Sazerac and New York sour. Barrel chef Walfer Hernandez is also manning the menu at the Eastern, pairing drinks with an assortment of charcuterie, cheese, dips, salads, seafood, and sandwiches.

360 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

The mid-century modern bar at the Eastern — The Eastern doesn’t take itself too seriously, with a big bottle of Miller High Life denoted as “Champagne service.”

Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Nationally recognized mixologist Todd Thrasher’s massive endeavor on the Southwest Waterfront attracts tourists, locals, and service industry types alike. The multi-level tiki bar and happy hour spot offers cheeky, frozen rum and Coke in a can, classics like a Zombie or Mai Tai, and an extremely potent T.N.T. Problem Forgetter (bourbon and Thrasher’s spiced and overproof rum, apricot liqueur, coconut cream rum, honey, and lime).

Open in Google Maps

1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024

Visit Website

The upstairs bar at Tiki TNT

Solace Outpost Navy Yard

71 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Fresh brews and waterfront views (with plenty of outdoor seating) make Solace Outpost an ideal stop while exploring Navy Yard, game day or not. Born out of Northern Virginia, the beer menu is heavy on IPAs, with a couple lagers and seasonal picks sprinkled throughout. There are even a few “beer-tails” on the menu, including a fruity, fizzy twist on the Hurricane. The kitchen’s menu features typical pub fare like burgers, brats, and tots, alongside some healthier options.

Open in Google Maps

71 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003

Visit Website

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Solace Outpost (@solaceoutpost)

Related Maps