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The bar at Dirty Habit.
The bar at Dirty Habit.
Dirty Habit

14 Hot Spots For a Proper Girls Night Out

Where to step out with the ladies

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The bar at Dirty Habit.
| Dirty Habit

In this crazy world, a simple ladies night out can really work wonders for the soul. D.C.'s "work hard, play hard" mentality means there's no shortage of places to eat and drink in this city. But when looking for a place that combines the class, sass and fun of a true ladies night out — where's a modern woman expected to go?

This list is complete with pro-grrrl-power players (drinks at D.C.'s women-owned distillery Republic Restoratives), dance-the-night-away options (Eighteenth Street Lounge), let's-focus-on-the-food hangouts (Himitsu), a few classic cocktail havens (Columbia Room) and more.


So gather the squad and enjoy these happening spots for an unforgettable girls night out.

Know of another incredibly fun place to party? Sound off in the comments or shoot tips over to dc@eater.com.

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The Columbia Room

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The trendy Columbia Room’s outdoor Punch Garden is a great place to grab drinks on a sunny day, and the new spring menu is inspired by Parisian living. Trés jolie.

Denizens Brewing Co.

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Celebrate all things beer with hops-loving ladies at this women-owned brewery located in neighboring Silver Spring.

Dirty Habit

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Feeling sophisticated? Lounge in the bar of this Penn Quarter retreat. There’s an outdoor terrace, too — the perfect place to unwind beneath the stars.

Eighteenth Street Lounge

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Every night is dancing night at this converted Dupont Circle townhouse turned large, rambling bar. Pick out the perfect shoes and grab a partner.

The Gibson

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This tony bar offers speakeasy vibes without being too much of a hassle to secure a table.

The best girlfriends are the girlfriends who like ramen. Haikan’s carefully composed menu means cocktails and a variety of appetizers are also available. Pair a meal here with a movie next door at the stylish Atlantic Plumbing cinema.

Himitsu

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Pick three food-loving lady friends and spend an evening at the Japanese-inspired Himitsu in Petworth.

La Jambe

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When it’s wine Wednesday (or any other day of the week, for that matter) with the girls, head to La Jambe to indulge in a variety of intoxicating pours and assorted charcuterie.

Masseria

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This attractive Union Market spot was a favorite of former first lady Michelle Obama, which makes it a perfect place to grab creative cocktails and bar snacks — or, if time and budget allow, tuck into a tasting menu.

Momofuku CCDC

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Momofuku’s sleek interior mirrors the chic vibe cultivated by surrounding CityCenterDC. Head here for a bao-centric brunch with the girls.

Go back in time to the golden age of cocktailing at PX in Old Town Alexandria. The hidden-away bar also offers private cocktail-making classes for those who’d like to splurge on an educational experience.

PX VA bartender PX

Republic Restoratives

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What better way to celebrate girl power than with a drink at this women-owned distillery and bar? Relax in the airy tasting room, or visit during weekends to take a full tour.

Choose from a healthy drink menu then sit outside and watch the world go by at this Ledroit Park spot. Need a snack? Grab an arepa.

State Theatre

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Go see a live show with the girls at Northern Virginia’s classic movie-theater-turned-music-venue, The State Theatre.

The Columbia Room

The trendy Columbia Room’s outdoor Punch Garden is a great place to grab drinks on a sunny day, and the new spring menu is inspired by Parisian living. Trés jolie.

Denizens Brewing Co.

Celebrate all things beer with hops-loving ladies at this women-owned brewery located in neighboring Silver Spring.

Dirty Habit

Feeling sophisticated? Lounge in the bar of this Penn Quarter retreat. There’s an outdoor terrace, too — the perfect place to unwind beneath the stars.

Eighteenth Street Lounge

Every night is dancing night at this converted Dupont Circle townhouse turned large, rambling bar. Pick out the perfect shoes and grab a partner.

The Gibson

This tony bar offers speakeasy vibes without being too much of a hassle to secure a table.

Haikan

The best girlfriends are the girlfriends who like ramen. Haikan’s carefully composed menu means cocktails and a variety of appetizers are also available. Pair a meal here with a movie next door at the stylish Atlantic Plumbing cinema.

Himitsu

Pick three food-loving lady friends and spend an evening at the Japanese-inspired Himitsu in Petworth.

La Jambe

When it’s wine Wednesday (or any other day of the week, for that matter) with the girls, head to La Jambe to indulge in a variety of intoxicating pours and assorted charcuterie.

Masseria

This attractive Union Market spot was a favorite of former first lady Michelle Obama, which makes it a perfect place to grab creative cocktails and bar snacks — or, if time and budget allow, tuck into a tasting menu.

Momofuku CCDC

Momofuku’s sleek interior mirrors the chic vibe cultivated by surrounding CityCenterDC. Head here for a bao-centric brunch with the girls.

PX

Go back in time to the golden age of cocktailing at PX in Old Town Alexandria. The hidden-away bar also offers private cocktail-making classes for those who’d like to splurge on an educational experience.

PX VA bartender PX

Republic Restoratives

What better way to celebrate girl power than with a drink at this women-owned distillery and bar? Relax in the airy tasting room, or visit during weekends to take a full tour.

Royal

Choose from a healthy drink menu then sit outside and watch the world go by at this Ledroit Park spot. Need a snack? Grab an arepa.

State Theatre

Go see a live show with the girls at Northern Virginia’s classic movie-theater-turned-music-venue, The State Theatre.

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