D.C.'s a great place to sip a Manhattan, martini or negroni. But it's also an excellent place to see bartenders get creative with unique spirits and interesting techniques. New bars featuring mixed drinks pop-up around town all the time. But these ones stand out as the city's key places to go for cocktails.
From high-end drinking destinations like the new Columbia Room and José Andrés' Barmini to great neighborhood cocktail destinations like Hank's on the Hill, Copycat Co. and Room 11, there's something for every price range and atmospheric desire. Find additions this time around like the city's top tiki bar and the triumphant return of The Passenger. And while neither really has a bar meant for casual drinking, it's worth noting that the addition of the talented Jeff Faile to the Rose's Luxury/Pineapple & Pearls team makes both of those restaurants worth a visit for serious cocktail aficionados. Not a cocktail drinker? Here's Eater's overall picks for top D.C. bars.
Here's a list of 18 essential cocktail bars to try today.
— Updated by Tierney Plumb
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