clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Updating the Eater Drinks Map: Where to Booze NOW

View as Map

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 Estadio—this guide focuses on operations that are newer or have recently made significant revamps.

This time around, two beer-centric offerings make the cut, along with Derek Brown's anticipated third project in Shaw, a new wine bar and a new restaurant featuring one of the city's most beloved bartenders.

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

Read More
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

barmini

Copy Link

Though the cocktails here aren't cheap, Barmini proves to be a more accessible alternative to Jose Andres' minibar. The restaurant features 100 cocktails, some of which are classic drinks and others which show influence from molecular gastronomy. There are also some unique snacks available, including Thai chicharrones. Reservations are hard to come by, but can be made online (patrons must ring the doorbell five times before they're allowed to enter).

2 Birds 1 Stone

Copy Link

There's a bit of an underground feel to 2 birds 1 stone, the basement bar of the white-hot Doi Moi restaurant. The bar represents the latest playground for Adam Bernbach, who designs hand-drawn menus for the cocktail bar each week. Salt-cured fruit figures into some drinks, and there's always a punch of the day for sampling. The drinks menu changes frequently, and the bar has a civilized feel ideal for quiet conversations. Vintage glassware adds a classy touch.

Eat The Rich

Copy Link

Cocktails by the pitcher are emphasized at Eat the Rich, the oyster-centric collaboration between The Columbia Room's Derek Brown and the Rappahannock Oyster Bar team. Try one spiked with mezcal or bourbon.

Barcelona Wine Bar

Copy Link

Barcelona has already become a scene in its first few weeks of operation. On the cocktail front, try drinks like the jalapeno-spiked Hot Dahlia or the Spanish classic Gintonic. Aperitivos and sangria are also a focus.

Petworth Citizen & Reading Room

Copy Link

A new bar from the Room 11 team is bound to draw attention, and this one features a borrowing library and plenty of sake. Cocktails are designed by Firefly vet Kristi Green, who has incorporated Asian spirits into several drinks (classic cocktails are also available).

Bluejacket Brewery

Copy Link

This massive brewery and restaurant from Neighborhood Restaurant Group debuted with an impressive list of 20-some new beers. It's the playground of beer master Greg Engert and his team.

Southern Efficiency

Copy Link

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

Right Proper Brewing Company

Copy Link

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.

Iron Gate

Copy Link

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.

ENO Wine Bar

Copy Link

This classy Georgetown wine bar focuses on wine flights (and recently began offering classes). There are several flights highlighting different regions and styles, and charcuterie, cheese and chocolate are available to pair with the vino.

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.

Heavy Seas Alehouse

Copy Link

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.

Loading comments...

barmini

Though the cocktails here aren't cheap, Barmini proves to be a more accessible alternative to Jose Andres' minibar. The restaurant features 100 cocktails, some of which are classic drinks and others which show influence from molecular gastronomy. There are also some unique snacks available, including Thai chicharrones. Reservations are hard to come by, but can be made online (patrons must ring the doorbell five times before they're allowed to enter).

2 Birds 1 Stone

There's a bit of an underground feel to 2 birds 1 stone, the basement bar of the white-hot Doi Moi restaurant. The bar represents the latest playground for Adam Bernbach, who designs hand-drawn menus for the cocktail bar each week. Salt-cured fruit figures into some drinks, and there's always a punch of the day for sampling. The drinks menu changes frequently, and the bar has a civilized feel ideal for quiet conversations. Vintage glassware adds a classy touch.

Eat The Rich

Cocktails by the pitcher are emphasized at Eat the Rich, the oyster-centric collaboration between The Columbia Room's Derek Brown and the Rappahannock Oyster Bar team. Try one spiked with mezcal or bourbon.

Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona has already become a scene in its first few weeks of operation. On the cocktail front, try drinks like the jalapeno-spiked Hot Dahlia or the Spanish classic Gintonic. Aperitivos and sangria are also a focus.

Petworth Citizen & Reading Room

A new bar from the Room 11 team is bound to draw attention, and this one features a borrowing library and plenty of sake. Cocktails are designed by Firefly vet Kristi Green, who has incorporated Asian spirits into several drinks (classic cocktails are also available).

Bluejacket Brewery

This massive brewery and restaurant from Neighborhood Restaurant Group debuted with an impressive list of 20-some new beers. It's the playground of beer master Greg Engert and his team.

Southern Efficiency

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

Right Proper Brewing Company

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.

Iron Gate

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.

ENO Wine Bar

This classy Georgetown wine bar focuses on wine flights (and recently began offering classes). There are several flights highlighting different regions and styles, and charcuterie, cheese and chocolate are available to pair with the vino.

Flight

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.

Heavy Seas Alehouse

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.

Related Maps