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The Royal

Great Bars for Those Who Just Want To Be Alone

Drinking doesn't always have to be a social activity.

by Ross Perkins Sep 17, 2015, 2:00pm EDT

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The Royal

| R. Lopez

by Ross Perkins Sep 17, 2015, 2:00pm EDT

Sometimes socializing with passive-aggressive co-workers or hearing about quasi-friends' relationship problems is just not in the cards. All some want to do is throw back a few, stare off into space and occasionally chat with the bartender because he or she understands. The bartender always understands.

Here are more than 15 bars where it's just fine to roll solo, either because they're dark, isolated or perfect for people watching. And if saddling up to the bar for a few rounds means there's a possibility of eating something delicious, then all the better.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

All Souls Bar

The quintessential bar with a never changing menu and a juke box, All Souls is where anyone can saddle up to the bar, order an All Souls (rose and whiskey) and feel like a regular.

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725 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

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Barrel

The crowds like to stay on the main level, but those who are a party of one head downstairs to have a few fingers of whiskey.

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

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Blue Duck Tavern

Tuesdays are “Magnum Tuesdays” when the tavern opens up a new magnum and sells it by the glass. A much classier alternative to drinking at Recessions.

1201 24th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

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BOURBON STEAK DC

When the Saudi king is in town, it may be hard to grab a seat at this Georgetown hot spot. But, minus Middle Eastern royalty, Bourbon Steak is ideal for unwinding after a long day at the office.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20007

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Domku Bar & Cafe

The Petworth restaurant has a large bar in the back. The drinks are affordable, the atmosphere is low-key and the place doesn’t get wild or crazy.

821 Upshur St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011

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Garrison

The newest eatery on Eastern Market, Garrison's small bar in the front has drinks made by the queen of cocktails herself— Gina Chersevani. Paired with some of the small bites, it’s a great place for a party of one.

524 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

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Hank's Oyster Bar

Upstairs, there's a small bar that’s ideal for getting to know the bartender, slurping some oysters and washing it all down with a cold beer.

1624 Q St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

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Ivy and Coney

This Shaw bar may have Detroit and Chicago loyalties, but that doesn’t mean fans of the local team can’t show up. Or maybe it does?

1523 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

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Mama Rouge

The Georgetown waterfront isn’t too far away, but the crowds disappear as you move to the back to the bar. Sip an Asian-French fusion cocktail and the hum of Georgetown fades away.

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3000 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

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Silo

In Mt. Vernon, Silo’s name is close to “solo." As soon as people enter, the first thing they encounter is a long bar.

919 5th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

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Sotto

There’s the hopping pizza joint Ghibellina upstairs and downstairs is a bar with a curvy bar. It may be on 14th Street, but imbibers will feel worlds away from the sorority set. [Photo: Facebook]

1610 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

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Also featured in:

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Stoney's Restaurant

What’s a list of bars for the lonesome without this Logan Circle haunt? Stoney’s opens early so anyone can chat it up with the bartenders and enjoy their famous grilled cheese sandwiches.

1433 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

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The Dew Drop Inn DC

This abandoned-looking building in Brookland was indeed vacant (it was the former home of Chocolate City Brewery). Now it houses Dew Drop Inn – a bar that does the whole “bar thing” very well. It’s just a little bit out of the way.

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2801 8th St NE, Washington, D.C.

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The Fainting Goat

The Fainting Goat has not just one but two bars where loners can go to avoid anyone else. The upstairs bar has more space to spread out and enjoy some of the house-made punch.

1330 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

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Also featured in:

The Pig

On lower 14th Street, there’s a respite for people who want something meaty and a strong drink to wash it all down. Plus, there will be plenty of others here enjoying it alone.

1320 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

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Also featured in:

The Royal

For breakfast, lunch and dinner, the LeDroit Park bar has vermouth on tap. The only time you’ll have to talk to anyone is when you order more arepas.

501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

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Veranda

Perhaps the best-kept secret in Logan Circle, this Greek eatery is a neighborhood institution despite being open only about eight years. True Logan Circle residents stroll in, sit on the patio, order a bottle of wine and watch the masses head to Dacha to wait in line. It’s best that this secret remains a secret (says the website telling everyone about it).

1100 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

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Also featured in:

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All Souls Bar

725 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

The quintessential bar with a never changing menu and a juke box, All Souls is where anyone can saddle up to the bar, order an All Souls (rose and whiskey) and feel like a regular.

Open in Google Maps

725 T St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Barrel

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

The crowds like to stay on the main level, but those who are a party of one head downstairs to have a few fingers of whiskey.

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Visit Website

Blue Duck Tavern

1201 24th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

Tuesdays are “Magnum Tuesdays” when the tavern opens up a new magnum and sells it by the glass. A much classier alternative to drinking at Recessions.

1201 24th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20037

Visit Website

BOURBON STEAK DC

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20007

When the Saudi king is in town, it may be hard to grab a seat at this Georgetown hot spot. But, minus Middle Eastern royalty, Bourbon Steak is ideal for unwinding after a long day at the office.

2800 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

Domku Bar & Cafe

821 Upshur St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011

The Petworth restaurant has a large bar in the back. The drinks are affordable, the atmosphere is low-key and the place doesn’t get wild or crazy.

821 Upshur St NW, Washington, D.C. 20011

Visit Website

Garrison

524 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

The newest eatery on Eastern Market, Garrison's small bar in the front has drinks made by the queen of cocktails herself— Gina Chersevani. Paired with some of the small bites, it’s a great place for a party of one.

524 8th St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Visit Website

Hank's Oyster Bar

1624 Q St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Upstairs, there's a small bar that’s ideal for getting to know the bartender, slurping some oysters and washing it all down with a cold beer.

1624 Q St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Visit Website

Ivy and Coney

1523 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

This Shaw bar may have Detroit and Chicago loyalties, but that doesn’t mean fans of the local team can’t show up. Or maybe it does?

1523 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Mama Rouge

3000 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

The Georgetown waterfront isn’t too far away, but the crowds disappear as you move to the back to the bar. Sip an Asian-French fusion cocktail and the hum of Georgetown fades away.

Open in Google Maps

3000 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Visit Website

Silo

919 5th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

In Mt. Vernon, Silo’s name is close to “solo." As soon as people enter, the first thing they encounter is a long bar.

919 5th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Sotto

1610 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

There’s the hopping pizza joint Ghibellina upstairs and downstairs is a bar with a curvy bar. It may be on 14th Street, but imbibers will feel worlds away from the sorority set. [Photo: Facebook]

1610 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Visit Website

Stoney's Restaurant

1433 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

What’s a list of bars for the lonesome without this Logan Circle haunt? Stoney’s opens early so anyone can chat it up with the bartenders and enjoy their famous grilled cheese sandwiches.

1433 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

Visit Website

The Dew Drop Inn DC

2801 8th St NE, Washington, D.C.

This abandoned-looking building in Brookland was indeed vacant (it was the former home of Chocolate City Brewery). Now it houses Dew Drop Inn – a bar that does the whole “bar thing” very well. It’s just a little bit out of the way.

Open in Google Maps

2801 8th St NE, Washington, D.C.

Visit Website

The Fainting Goat

1330 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

The Fainting Goat has not just one but two bars where loners can go to avoid anyone else. The upstairs bar has more space to spread out and enjoy some of the house-made punch.

1330 U St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Visit Website

The Pig

1320 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

On lower 14th Street, there’s a respite for people who want something meaty and a strong drink to wash it all down. Plus, there will be plenty of others here enjoying it alone.

1320 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

Visit Website

Related Maps

The Royal

501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

For breakfast, lunch and dinner, the LeDroit Park bar has vermouth on tap. The only time you’ll have to talk to anyone is when you order more arepas.

501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Visit Website

Veranda

1100 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

Perhaps the best-kept secret in Logan Circle, this Greek eatery is a neighborhood institution despite being open only about eight years. True Logan Circle residents stroll in, sit on the patio, order a bottle of wine and watch the masses head to Dacha to wait in line. It’s best that this secret remains a secret (says the website telling everyone about it).

1100 P St NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

Visit Website

Related Maps