Washingtonians were relieved to have Gina Chersevani behind a bar again with the debut of Capitol Hill's new Hank's Oyster Bar — and its bar-inside-a-restaurant The Eddy. This 20-seat white marble bar is home to Chersevani's cocktail creativity with options like the Forgetfully Fernet, a frozen coupe combining Jameson and Fernet Branca. The bar also features a built-in ice block for ice chipping, so you know they're serious.

It isn't just the Mexican street food menu that has people freaking out Columbia Heights newcomer El Chucho. For many Washingtonians, the restaurant has also been an introduction to the genius of the folks who run Silver Spring's Sidebar. El Chucho has an impressive beverage menu for such a small place, complete with a variety of margaritas, spike-able sodas and a cocktail list that includes the Senor Clusterf*ck and a brilliant Blue Hawaiian.

Beyond being an ideal neighborhood bar — with friendly bartenders, a great jukebox and a solid menu — Boundary Stone also has an ideal whiskey list. There are plenty of Irish whiskies, but also bourbon, rye, scotch and a selection that goes beyond your usual Jim Beam or Jameson. There's also a solid rotating draft list and barrel-aged cocktails.

Fiola has been cited time and time again since it opened last year for the talents of chef Fabio Trabocchi, but perhaps just as frequently for the talents of bar manager Jeff Faile. There are some small bites available at the bar that'll pair well with your classic choices or whatever Faile dreams up for you.

Hogo, Tom Brown's triubute to rum, has more than 75 varieties of the spirit. They can be found straight or in tiki-inspired cocktails. Food at Hogo changes depending on what chef is in the kitchen. Right now, the bar is serving up Hawaiian cuisine in a diner setting in the back of the bar.

Satellite Room, the newest of the Hilton Bros. projects, serves up drinks in a chic diner atmosphere. Sip on boozy milkshakes, or grab a beer on tap.

Harold Black is a bar operated by the Aqua Al Due team. The bar has abandoned its text message only reservation system, but still has a speakeasy vibe. Inside, find a variety of classic cocktails in a civilized atmosphere.

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).

Japanese whiskey is a major focus of this bar, located upstairs from the ramen portion of the restaurant. But it's also a place to take in unique, Japanese-influenced decor, or try a unique cocktail from Eddie Kim, such as the smoky Hearth is Home. Japanese bar bites such as okonomiyaki skewers and grilled avocado with ponzu sauce are available. And don't forget to try a spherified sake bomb, a nod to chef Katsuya Fukushima's time at Minibar.