The Eater Drinks Map: Updated February 2015

Where to drink right now.

by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Feb 18, 2015, 10:00am EST

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The Big Stick

| R. Lopez

by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Feb 18, 2015, 10:00am EST

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I drink right now? While the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essential restaurants across the city and the Eater Heat Map highlights where the restaurant loving crowds are flocking to at the moment, neither of these properly cover the bars and restaurants where cocktail aficionados and beer nerds are drinking right now.

And so the time has come to update the Drinks Heat Map. Rather than feature the perennial favorites, this guide focuses on operations that are newer or have recently made significant revamps. New to the list this time around: H Street's CopyCat Co., Dupont's McClellan's Retreat, steampunk-themed The Alex, the classy Denson Liquor Bar and Navy Yard drinking spot The Big Stick.

Rebellion DC

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This new Adams Morgan bar, a tribute to D.C.'s cocktail history, has more than 50 whiskeys to sample.

1836 18th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20019

202) 299-0399

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Barrel

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Barrels are everywhere throughout this Capitol Hill Bar, which serves up craft cocktails, whiskey and food from Garret Fleming.

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

(202) 543-3622

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Lyman's Tavern

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Pinball fans have a home at this chill bar in Columbia Heights.

3720 14th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

(202) 723-0502

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Dram and Grain

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This speakeasy of sorts in Jack Rose's basement has experimental cocktails, limited seating and requires reservations via text (though they've recently opened up some tables for walk-ins).

2007 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

202-607-1572

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B-Side

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This is Neighborhood Restaurant Group's latest addition in Virginia. It's adjacent to Red Apron in the Mosaic District. All the cocktails are named for famous B-Side records, and there is a huge beer and wine list, too. Expect similar offerings to D.C.'s The Partisan.

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8298 Glass Alley, Mosaic District, Fairfax, VA 22031

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The Sheppard

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Spike Mendelsohn designed the food menu for this newest entry to the speakeasy scene. It's located above Kabin (the owner of that lounge partnered with Mendelsohn on this new venture).

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1337 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

(202) 744-4253

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P.O.V. Rooftop Lounge and Terrace

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You can't beat the view at this bar on top of the W Washington DC. The interior of the space just got a major renovation, plus an opening cocktail menu designed by Owen Thomson.

515 15th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 661-2400

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Denson Liquor Bar

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Ari Gejdenson's (Acqua al 2, Ghibellina) latest project is a 20s influenced bar in Chinatown. The drink menu emphasizes whiskey.

600 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

(202) 499-5018

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The Big Stick

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This new bar from Justin Cafe owner Justin Ross is sure to be a major destination for baseball fans come springtime, due to its proximity to the ballpark. For now, enjoy European beers, sausages and a ski chalet-themed design.

20 M St SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

(202) 750-7724

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McClellan's Retreat

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The decor in this bar is influenced by the city's Southern history. Beyond that, it's a chill destination for carefully made drinks with old school flair.

2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

(202) 265-6270

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