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Kingbird’s bat-shaped pasta dish lands on the menu next week.
The Watergate Hotel

Where to Celebrate Halloween Around D.C.

Get into the spooky spirit with themed takeovers, billowing cocktails, and more

by Kalina Newman
View as Map
Kingbird’s bat-shaped pasta dish lands on the menu next week.
| The Watergate Hotel
by Kalina Newman

It’s the spookiest time of the year and across the District, bars and restaurants are pulling out all the stops for Halloween, from a wine-and-candy pairing menu to plenty of costume parties.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Opal

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Need to fuel up before trick-or-treating? Head to Opal, where chef Colin McCliman has crafted a “Zombie Za” pizza menu for Halloween from noon until 9:30 p.m. Pies include a classic cheese ($15), a white and little neck clam ($19) and a spicy lamb Mediterranean with pickled red onion and tzatziki ($20).

5534 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015
(202) 570-0289
(202) 570-0289
Zombie Za pizza pop-up at Opal
Jennifer Chase

Also featured in:

Little Blackbird

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Looking to indulge in Halloween candy and wine? Head to Cleveland Park, where newcomer Little Blackbird introduces four candy-and-wine pairings, priced from $14 to $17 for a piece of candy and a five-ounce wine pour. Pairings include Amontillado Sherry and a peanut butter cup, as well as Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine and Fun Dip.

3309 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 244-6550
(202) 244-6550
Little Blackbird’s wine-and-candy menu.
Little Blackbird

metrobar

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Head over to metrobar on Friday, October 27 for a Halloween party complete with a costume contest and a live DJ from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. If dressing up isn’t your thing, there will also be a “Witchfest” on Saturday, October 28 augmented with local artisans.

640 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 630-2185
(202) 630-2185

Also featured in:

CODE RED

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Adams Morgan’s Prohibition-era bar opens its steel vault door on Halloween to unveil a forgotten speakeasy frozen in time from 1923. The party run Tuesday, October 31 from 5 p.m. to close.

2440 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 265-0590
(202) 265-0590

Also featured in:

Baja Tap

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All “Halloweekend” long, Baja Tap’s is hosting a Wicked Jungle party, featuring $10 spiked “blood bags” and $5 “wicked apple” shooters.

2436 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 742-6100
(202) 742-6100
Halloween party at Baja Tap

Casa Kantuta

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Adams Morgan’s Bolivian bar gets into the spooky spirit with a cool cast of cocktails. The “Lou-cifer” menu by beverage director Lou Bernard includes a Black Widow with Aviation gin, Campari, Chico-cacao liqueur, and strawberry syrup; the Deadly Apple (Bulleit, apple sauce, lemon, honey, egg white, and Peychaud’s bitters); and an Alien’s Brains shooter starring industry-favorite Rumple Minze. Halloween parties are slated for Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28, with DJs both nights (and costume contest on Saturday).

Basement Level, 2309 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
The El Diablo features Don Julio, creme de cassis, lime, and ginger beer.
Casa Kantuta

Also featured in:

Whitlow's DC

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Whitlow’s DC is hosting a number of a Halloween events this month, starting with “Singo Bingo” on Tuesday, October 24. Described as “Bingo but with tunes,” the winner receives their very own pumpkin to take home. Through the rest of the week, there’s a Halloween-themed karaoke on Thursday, and a party Saturday night featuring a costume contest with a $250 cash prize and themed drink specials. Drink specials (October 23 to 31) include the Smoke Monster ($12) with Absolut vodka infused with pineapples and rasperries and finished with a dry ice garnish.

901 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 525-3276
(202) 525-3276
The “Smoke Monster” Halloween cocktail at Whitlows DC
Whitlow’s DC

SALAZAR

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Looking for a late-night party on October 31? Salazar celebrates with a party running from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. featuring $5 tacos and $9 margaritas. Winners of the bar’s best group costume contest win a free open bar for a party of 25.

1819 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 621-6114
(202) 621-6114
A past Halloween party at Salazar
Salazar

Also featured in:

A Haunted Soiree at The Whittemore House

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This historical home has been transformed into an free-roaming cocktail party featuring live entertainment and interactive ghosts, all interconnected by this year’s overarching murder mystery: The Vega Haunting. Tickets available through October 31.

1526 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 232-7363
(202) 232-7363

Swingers (All Locations)

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For the first time ever, the indoor mini-golf bar and restaurant is debuting a “Spooky Sunday Brunch,” where diners can indulge in a bottomless drink menu featuring three new Halloween cocktails, a Black Margarita made with raspberry and black simple syrup, a bright apple-and-melon Twilight Zone, and a N/A Blood Orange Blossom.

1330 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 968-1080
(202) 968-1080
Halloween cocktails at Swingers DC
Swingers DC

Also featured in:

Viceroy Washington DC

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Open to all ages and skill levels, hotel hotspot Dovetail throws a pumpkin-carving party on Saturday, October 28, complete with tools, tips, and tricks for creating intricate designs (3 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Refreshments and snacks are also provided; buy $25 tickets here. And on Sunday, October 29 at 6 p.m., come dressed as your favorite Clue character as you are guided through each room of the Boddy Mansion. Tickets include admission to the movie screening (starting at 7:30 p.m. on the patio), popcorn, and three cocktails.

1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 742-3100
(202) 742-3100
Viceroy’s Dovetail hosts a pumpkin-carving party this month.
Dovetail

Also featured in:

Quill at The Jefferson

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In honor of the 30th anniversary of Tim Burton’s cult flick The Nightmare Before Christmas, the bartenders at Quill created a themed “Hail To The Pumpkin King” cocktail that combines Wheatley Vodka, Cotton & Reed all-spice dram, a touch of soda, and homemade spiced pumpkin butter syrup.

1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 448-2300
(202) 448-2300
Hail to the Pumpkin King at Quill.
Quill

Also featured in:

Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown

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Fairmont’s 5-year-old “canine ambassador” Georgie hosts the hotel’s 12th annual Howl-O-Ween party on Thursday, October 26, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the Courtyard Bar (pictured). Paw-rents of the best-dressed doggies will prizes like overnight stays, dinners, and more. Dogs can enjoy peanut butter biscuits made by Fairmont’s pastry team, and humans can buy spooky canine-themed cocktails along with “puptails” for all four-legged guests. Free to attend; RSVP online. 

2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 429-2400
(202) 429-2400

Also featured in:

Morris American Bar

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The Shaw cocktail bar hosts a spook-tacular Morris Murder Mystery on Thursday, October 26, featuring a live-action, 1930s Hollywood-themed murder mystery show where guests get to play the suspects. Featuring two cocktails from its limited-time Halloween menu. The two-week cocktail tasting event starts Tuesday, October 17.

1020 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 759-2001
(202) 759-2001

Also featured in:

dLeña

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dLeña is celebrating Dia de Los Meurtos until November 5. Special menu additions include a smoky sweet potato margarita ($17) and Empanadas de Meurtos ($15) filled with chicken tinga, crema, an avocado-cilantro puree, and bonus avocado mezcal shooter.

476 K St NW Suite D, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 560-5999
(202) 560-5999

Also featured in:

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Chipotle Mexican Grill

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Chipotle brings back its annual “Boorito” tradition with $6 e-entree deals from 3 p.m. to close on Halloween. And for the first time ever, the nationwide chain extends hours to midnight across 53 top college towns (the chosen D.C. location is on George Washington University’s campus). The burrito giant will also give away a free bottle of Tabasco Scorpion Sauce for the first 100 orders placed between 10 p.m. and midnight.

2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Lbby 15, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 706-6761
(202) 706-6761
Chipotle stays up until midnight on Halloween at its GWU location.
Chipotle

The Watergate Hotel

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The historic Watergate Hotel gets into the ghoulish spirit all month. Now through Halloween, the bar makes a “RIPresso” martini with Martell VSOP Cognac and a soil-like garnish of Oreo, chocolate, and espresso powder. The “Vampire a la Arrabbiata” dish enters the fold at Kingbird on October 23, featuring bat-shaped pasta activated with charcoal, Parmigiano-Reggiano, peppers, and cherry tomatoes. And dress to impress at the “Masquerade at The Haunted Hotel” party on Saturday, October 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
(844) 617-1972
(844) 617-1972
The Watergate’s spooky espresso martini is topped with a tombstone printed on edible paper.
The Watergate

Also featured in:

Buena Vida Gastrolounge

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Got a killer Halloween costume this year? The winner of Buena Vida’s Halloween costume party on Saturday, October 29 will receive a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant. Buena Vida will also serve a themed margarita dubbed El Beso de Dracula — aka “the kiss of Dracula” — from October 29 to 31 ($15), made with mezcal, lemon juice, angostura bitters, prickly pear puree, tart cranberry syrup, and billowing dry ice topper.

2900 Wilson Blvd Suite 103, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 888-1528
(703) 888-1528

Also featured in:

Trouble Bird

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Navy Yard’s cocktail bar Trouble Bird has transformed into a spooky Black Lagoon. Through the rest of the month, look for a variety of themed events including tarot readings, astrology, and Wednesday “emo” nights, all set to a backdrop of extra-eerie decor. A menu of 8 speciality cocktails (and three N/A drinks) includes the Book of Blood ($15) made with Montelobos mezcal, beet, lime, and absinthe.

1346 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Also featured in:

Best Buns Bread Company

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From Friday, October 13 until Halloween, load up on Halloween pastries and treats from Arlington’s Best Buns Bread Company, including spooky cupcakes, sugar cookies, and gingerbread skeletons.

4010 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 578-1500
(703) 578-1500
Halloween items at Best Buns Bread Company
Best Buns Bread Company

Also featured in:

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Opal

5534 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015

Need to fuel up before trick-or-treating? Head to Opal, where chef Colin McCliman has crafted a “Zombie Za” pizza menu for Halloween from noon until 9:30 p.m. Pies include a classic cheese ($15), a white and little neck clam ($19) and a spicy lamb Mediterranean with pickled red onion and tzatziki ($20).

5534 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015
(202) 570-0289
(202) 570-0289
Zombie Za pizza pop-up at Opal
Jennifer Chase

Little Blackbird

3309 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Looking to indulge in Halloween candy and wine? Head to Cleveland Park, where newcomer Little Blackbird introduces four candy-and-wine pairings, priced from $14 to $17 for a piece of candy and a five-ounce wine pour. Pairings include Amontillado Sherry and a peanut butter cup, as well as Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine and Fun Dip.

3309 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202) 244-6550
(202) 244-6550
Little Blackbird’s wine-and-candy menu.
Little Blackbird

metrobar

640 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002

Head over to metrobar on Friday, October 27 for a Halloween party complete with a costume contest and a live DJ from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. If dressing up isn’t your thing, there will also be a “Witchfest” on Saturday, October 28 augmented with local artisans.

640 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
(202) 630-2185
(202) 630-2185

CODE RED

2440 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Adams Morgan’s Prohibition-era bar opens its steel vault door on Halloween to unveil a forgotten speakeasy frozen in time from 1923. The party run Tuesday, October 31 from 5 p.m. to close.

2440 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 265-0590
(202) 265-0590

Baja Tap

2436 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

All “Halloweekend” long, Baja Tap’s is hosting a Wicked Jungle party, featuring $10 spiked “blood bags” and $5 “wicked apple” shooters.

2436 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 742-6100
(202) 742-6100
Halloween party at Baja Tap

Casa Kantuta

Basement Level, 2309 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Adams Morgan’s Bolivian bar gets into the spooky spirit with a cool cast of cocktails. The “Lou-cifer” menu by beverage director Lou Bernard includes a Black Widow with Aviation gin, Campari, Chico-cacao liqueur, and strawberry syrup; the Deadly Apple (Bulleit, apple sauce, lemon, honey, egg white, and Peychaud’s bitters); and an Alien’s Brains shooter starring industry-favorite Rumple Minze. Halloween parties are slated for Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28, with DJs both nights (and costume contest on Saturday).

Basement Level, 2309 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
The El Diablo features Don Julio, creme de cassis, lime, and ginger beer.
Casa Kantuta

Whitlow's DC

901 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001

Whitlow’s DC is hosting a number of a Halloween events this month, starting with “Singo Bingo” on Tuesday, October 24. Described as “Bingo but with tunes,” the winner receives their very own pumpkin to take home. Through the rest of the week, there’s a Halloween-themed karaoke on Thursday, and a party Saturday night featuring a costume contest with a $250 cash prize and themed drink specials. Drink specials (October 23 to 31) include the Smoke Monster ($12) with Absolut vodka infused with pineapples and rasperries and finished with a dry ice garnish.

901 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 525-3276
(202) 525-3276
The “Smoke Monster” Halloween cocktail at Whitlows DC
Whitlow’s DC

SALAZAR

1819 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Looking for a late-night party on October 31? Salazar celebrates with a party running from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. featuring $5 tacos and $9 margaritas. Winners of the bar’s best group costume contest win a free open bar for a party of 25.

1819 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
(202) 621-6114
(202) 621-6114
A past Halloween party at Salazar
Salazar

A Haunted Soiree at The Whittemore House

1526 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

This historical home has been transformed into an free-roaming cocktail party featuring live entertainment and interactive ghosts, all interconnected by this year’s overarching murder mystery: The Vega Haunting. Tickets available through October 31.

1526 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 232-7363
(202) 232-7363

Swingers (All Locations)

1330 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

For the first time ever, the indoor mini-golf bar and restaurant is debuting a “Spooky Sunday Brunch,” where diners can indulge in a bottomless drink menu featuring three new Halloween cocktails, a Black Margarita made with raspberry and black simple syrup, a bright apple-and-melon Twilight Zone, and a N/A Blood Orange Blossom.

1330 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 968-1080
(202) 968-1080
Halloween cocktails at Swingers DC
Swingers DC

Viceroy Washington DC

1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005

Open to all ages and skill levels, hotel hotspot Dovetail throws a pumpkin-carving party on Saturday, October 28, complete with tools, tips, and tricks for creating intricate designs (3 p.m. to 5 p.m.). Refreshments and snacks are also provided; buy $25 tickets here. And on Sunday, October 29 at 6 p.m., come dressed as your favorite Clue character as you are guided through each room of the Boddy Mansion. Tickets include admission to the movie screening (starting at 7:30 p.m. on the patio), popcorn, and three cocktails.

1430 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 742-3100
(202) 742-3100
Viceroy’s Dovetail hosts a pumpkin-carving party this month.
Dovetail

Quill at The Jefferson

1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

In honor of the 30th anniversary of Tim Burton’s cult flick The Nightmare Before Christmas, the bartenders at Quill created a themed “Hail To The Pumpkin King” cocktail that combines Wheatley Vodka, Cotton & Reed all-spice dram, a touch of soda, and homemade spiced pumpkin butter syrup.

1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 448-2300
(202) 448-2300
Hail to the Pumpkin King at Quill.
Quill

Fairmont Washington D.C. Georgetown

2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Fairmont’s 5-year-old “canine ambassador” Georgie hosts the hotel’s 12th annual Howl-O-Ween party on Thursday, October 26, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the Courtyard Bar (pictured). Paw-rents of the best-dressed doggies will prizes like overnight stays, dinners, and more. Dogs can enjoy peanut butter biscuits made by Fairmont’s pastry team, and humans can buy spooky canine-themed cocktails along with “puptails” for all four-legged guests. Free to attend; RSVP online. 

2401 M St NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 429-2400
(202) 429-2400

Morris American Bar

1020 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001

The Shaw cocktail bar hosts a spook-tacular Morris Murder Mystery on Thursday, October 26, featuring a live-action, 1930s Hollywood-themed murder mystery show where guests get to play the suspects. Featuring two cocktails from its limited-time Halloween menu. The two-week cocktail tasting event starts Tuesday, October 17.

1020 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 759-2001
(202) 759-2001

dLeña

476 K St NW Suite D, Washington, DC 20001

dLeña is celebrating Dia de Los Meurtos until November 5. Special menu additions include a smoky sweet potato margarita ($17) and Empanadas de Meurtos ($15) filled with chicken tinga, crema, an avocado-cilantro puree, and bonus avocado mezcal shooter.

476 K St NW Suite D, Washington, DC 20001
(202) 560-5999
(202) 560-5999

Related Maps

Chipotle Mexican Grill

2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Lbby 15, Washington, DC 20006

Chipotle brings back its annual “Boorito” tradition with $6 e-entree deals from 3 p.m. to close on Halloween. And for the first time ever, the nationwide chain extends hours to midnight across 53 top college towns (the chosen D.C. location is on George Washington University’s campus). The burrito giant will also give away a free bottle of Tabasco Scorpion Sauce for the first 100 orders placed between 10 p.m. and midnight.

2000 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Lbby 15, Washington, DC 20006
(202) 706-6761
(202) 706-6761
Chipotle stays up until midnight on Halloween at its GWU location.
Chipotle

The Watergate Hotel

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037

The historic Watergate Hotel gets into the ghoulish spirit all month. Now through Halloween, the bar makes a “RIPresso” martini with Martell VSOP Cognac and a soil-like garnish of Oreo, chocolate, and espresso powder. The “Vampire a la Arrabbiata” dish enters the fold at Kingbird on October 23, featuring bat-shaped pasta activated with charcoal, Parmigiano-Reggiano, peppers, and cherry tomatoes. And dress to impress at the “Masquerade at The Haunted Hotel” party on Saturday, October 28 from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.

2650 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037
(844) 617-1972
(844) 617-1972
The Watergate’s spooky espresso martini is topped with a tombstone printed on edible paper.
The Watergate

Buena Vida Gastrolounge

2900 Wilson Blvd Suite 103, Arlington, VA 22201

Got a killer Halloween costume this year? The winner of Buena Vida’s Halloween costume party on Saturday, October 29 will receive a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant. Buena Vida will also serve a themed margarita dubbed El Beso de Dracula — aka “the kiss of Dracula” — from October 29 to 31 ($15), made with mezcal, lemon juice, angostura bitters, prickly pear puree, tart cranberry syrup, and billowing dry ice topper.

2900 Wilson Blvd Suite 103, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 888-1528
(703) 888-1528

Trouble Bird

1346 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Navy Yard’s cocktail bar Trouble Bird has transformed into a spooky Black Lagoon. Through the rest of the month, look for a variety of themed events including tarot readings, astrology, and Wednesday “emo” nights, all set to a backdrop of extra-eerie decor. A menu of 8 speciality cocktails (and three N/A drinks) includes the Book of Blood ($15) made with Montelobos mezcal, beet, lime, and absinthe.

1346 4th St SE, Washington, DC 20003

Best Buns Bread Company

4010 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206

From Friday, October 13 until Halloween, load up on Halloween pastries and treats from Arlington’s Best Buns Bread Company, including spooky cupcakes, sugar cookies, and gingerbread skeletons.

4010 Campbell Ave, Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 578-1500
(703) 578-1500
Halloween items at Best Buns Bread Company
Best Buns Bread Company

Related Maps