Updating the Eater Drinks Map: Where to Booze NOW

by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Jun 11, 2014, 9:30am EDT

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by Missy Frederick@bylinemjf Jun 11, 2014, 9:30am EDT

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 foodie crowds are flocking to at the moment, neither of these properly cover the bars and restaurants where cocktail aficionados and beer nerds are getting their drink on right now.

And so the time has come to update the Drinks Heat Map. Rather than feature the perennial favorites—we will assume you already know how to get to the Passenger and American Ice —this guide focuses on operations that are newer or have recently made significant revamps. Since it's been awhile since this map has been updated, Eater made a major reset this time around, adding seven new drinking destinations to the list.

Have any suggestions? Any vital omissions? Leave 'em in the comments.

May 2013: Added Barmini, The Rye Bar, Daikaya Izakaya
September 2013: Added Bar Charley, Thomas Foolery, Bardo, Mockingbird Hill
October 2013: Added Eat the Rich, 2 Birds 1 Stone, Barcelona Wine Bar, Petworth Citizen
January 2014: Added Bluejacket, Right Proper Brewing Company, Iron Gate, Southern Efficiency, Eno
March 2014: Added Flight Wine Bar, Heavy Seas Alehouse
June 2014: Added Rebellion, Dino's Grotto, Barrel, Lyman's Tavern, Dram and Grain, Handsome Cock, Dignitary

Southern Efficiency

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Derek Brown now has three bars on one block. The latest is this tribute to Southern snacks and American whiskey.

1841 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

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Right Proper Brewing Company

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Shaw has a new neighborhood bar and brewery now that Right Proper is on the scene. The space has an interesting design, with a Japanese influence present in the decor. Try out one of the brewery's new offerings, like the Raised by Wolves pale ale. It's all overseen by beer scene mainstay Thor Cheston.

624 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001

(202) 607-2337

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Iron Gate

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The romantic Iron Gate has a secret weapon: Jeff Faile. One of the city's best bartenders (a Fiola veteran) is now mixing up well-made cocktails at this scenic Dupont Circle location.

1734 N St NW, Washington, DC 20036

(202) 737-1371

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Flight

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Owners Swati Bose & Kabir Amir have put together a neighborhood wine bar with a European influence to the drinks. Chef Bradley Curtis is handling the more-ambitious-than-expected menu, and there's a modern design to the slightly underground space, courtesy of Edit Lab at Streetsense.

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777 6th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

(202) 864-6445

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Heavy Seas Alehouse

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Rosslyn was desperate for a decent place to drink, if early crowds at this new offering are any indication. The Baltimore brewery has opened its second brewpub on Wilson Blvd. The menu is a mix of bar snacks, seafood and entrees, and there's plenty of Heavy Seas beer to wash it all down, along with a few selections from other local breweries.

1501 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209

(703) 879-4388

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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 DC, D.C. 20019

l (202) 299-0399

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Dino's Grotto

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The basement bar at Dino may not be the most atmospheric setting in the city, but they do serve up solid Negronis and Manhattans. They also have a killer happy hour with deals on burgers, mussels wine and — wait for it — free meatballs.

1914 9th St NW, Washington DC, D.C. 20001

202.686.2966

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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 DC, D.C. 20003

(202) 543-3622

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Lyman's Tavern

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Pinball fans have a home at this new, chill bar in Columbia Heights. The bar is having fun trying out new things in its first few weeks of service, like a piano man during happy hour.

3720 14th St NW, Washington DC, 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 is reservations-only (via Text).

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

(202) 607-1572

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Handsome Cock

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The dive bar with an awesome name (the landlord was not a fan) gets visitors constantly taking pictures under its indoor signage. The bar itself has cheap beer and air hockey.