Welcome to Washington, D.C., the country’s capital and the headquarters for one of the most powerful governments in the world. This city is also where class and sophistication meets bohemian charm. From quaint, cozy neighborhood gastropubs to grand, classy century-old taverns, DC’s got it all. See what’s in store for you at the 20 best bars in Washington, DC.
18 Best Washington DC Bars
Old Ebbitt Grill
📍 Address: 675 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 347-4800
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 2 am Mon-Fri, 10 am – 2 am Sat & Sun
Old Ebbitt Grill is truly an icon. Established in 1856, Old Ebbitt is the oldest saloon in DC. It is said to be the favorite of Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding, and Theodore Roosevelt. The place still has its Old World charm until today – from its mahogany and velvet booths to its well-stocked bar set in marble, brass, and beveled glass.
Old Ebbitt Grill serves American Cuisine with flavors as rich as its history. Some of the bestsellers on their menu include Duroc Porkchop, Fried Oyster Platter, and Eggs Chesapeake. They also have an Oyster Bar that offers the largest selection of oysters in the city.
Private and semi-private dining rooms are available. Want to dine alfresco? Old Ebbitt has a rooftop that offers a breathtaking view of the monuments and the White House.
The Hamilton
📍 Address: 600 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 787-1000
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 2 am daily
If you are looking for the ultimate dining and live entertainment destination, then you got to stop by at The Hamilton.
The Hamilton is big enough to seat up to 500 guests. It has three dining rooms, three bars, and a sushi bar. The menu offers seasonal and regional American cuisine that pairs well with their handcrafted cocktails. Try out their Crispy Brussel Sprouts and District Wings. They are to die for!
The Hamilton Live at the lower level is also the city’s premier music destination that celebrates the talent of America’s best artists. This 300-seat music hall offers live musical entertainment from both local and international musicians every night.
Great food and great music scene, all within a stone’s throw away from the White House. What more can you ask for?
The Pig
📍 Address: 1320 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 290-2821
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 9:30 pm Mon-Thurs, 4 pm – 10:30 pm Fri, 11 am – 10:30 pm Sat & Sun
Enjoy a pork-centric dining experience in a nice, quaint setting here at The Pig. This place offers a wide variety of BBQ styles from across the United States. Each item on the menu is uniquely-crafted and carefully paired with their very own craft beers, cocktails, wines, and spirits.
While The Pig is open for dine-in and outside seating, they strongly encourage their customers to opt for their takeout and delivery service due to the pandemic. They deliver everything on their menu, including alcohol.
City Tap House Penn Quarter
📍 Address: 901 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 290-2252
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 12 am Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 1 am Fri 7 Sat, 11 am – 10 pm Sun
The City Tap House Penn Quarter is the happy place for anyone who literally wants to eat, drink, and be merry. This bar touts one of the most extensive local, national, and international beer selections in the city. City Tap also offers 40 complex and innovative drafts and bottled beers, with seasonal and rotating options, as well as a list of specialty cocktails and beer cocktails
City Tap House Penn Quarter offers its customers the typical gastropub yet comfortable dining setting where guests can savor and enjoy elevated American regional cuisine.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, City Tap House Penn Quarter is closed until further notice.
ChurchKey
📍 Address: 1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 567-2576
Here’s another place beer lovers out there will surely love.
ChurchKey is one of DC’s premier destinations that boasts a collection of 555 hand-picked labels carefully selected by Beer Director Greg Engert. This pub’s beer selection guarantees to deliver a wide array of styles, flavors, and traditions from different regions. Their kitchen whips up a menu that complements their beer offerings. Among the sure-fire hits are the Shishito, Disco, and the Fig and Prosciutto Flatbread.
ChurchKey is currently open for takeout and delivery services only.
The Gibson
📍 Address: 2009 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 629-1081
🕐 Hours: 6 pm – 12 am Mon-Thurs, 6 pm – 1 am Fri & Sat, Closed on Sun
The Gibson is a low-key, candle-lit speakeasy that offers top-caliber classic and house special cocktails. Their list of masterfully-crafted concoctions is paired with delectable shared plates of finger food.
The ambiance in The Gibson is sultry and elegant – perfect for date nights and intimate gatherings. Sadly, many will miss this amazing nightspot as The Gibson had decided to permanently close its doors due to the pandemic.
The Smith
📍 Address:901 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 868-4900
🕐 Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 11 pm Fri, 9:30 am – 11 pm Sat, 9:30 am – 10 pm Sun
The Smith is an all-American gastropub with one simple mission: make people happy! The people behind this establishment are passionate about taking great care of their employees and guests.
The Smith’s menu features bistro classics, seasonal offerings, and craft cocktails with ingredients sourced from local farmers. They also got a well-stocked bar that serves craft beers, wines, and spirits.
Whether you are out for a family dinner, drinks on the town, got something to celebrate, or just don’t feel like cooking at home, The Smith’s got you covered. You’ll leave with a smile on your face and a happy tummy.
Barrel
📍 Address: 613 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 543-3623
🕐 Hours: 4 pm – 12 am Mon-Thurs, 4 pm – 1 am Fri, 11 am – 1 am Sat, 11 am – 9 pm Sun
Barrel, formerly known as the 18th Amendment, was established in April 2014. Located on Capitol Hill, this sophisticated all-American bar focuses its offerings on American whiskies, craft spirits, bourbons, and beers.
As for their menu, Barrel offers Southern-inspired cuisine served in small plates from a scratch kitchen. You’ll never go wrong with their Andouille and Smoked Brisket.
Barrel is providing patio service and indoor dining up to 50% capacity. Reservations are required.
Compass Rose
📍 Address: 1346 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 506-4765
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 11 pm Tue-Thurs, 5 pm – 12 am Fri & Sat, 11 am – 10 pm Sun, Closed on Mon
Compass Rose is a favorite among locals in DC. This tavern lets its guests savor international street food paired alongside handcrafted cocktails, quirky beers, and exotic wines from around the world.
Compass Rose offers a cozy, rustic, middle eastern ambiance that’s as tasteful as its food and beverage offerings. Open only for takeout service, Compass Rose lets you enjoy a feast of flavors wherever you are.
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Right Proper Brewing Company
📍 Address: 624 T St NW, Washington, DC 20001 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 607-2337
🕐 Hours: 12 pm – 10 pm Mon-Thurs, 12 pm – 11 pm Fri & Sat, 12 pm – 9 pm Sun
Here’s a gastropub born out of love for beer. Right Proper Brewing Company brews one of the best craft beers in the city and complements it with a menu that features classic gastropub fare and a cheese platter selection.
Right Proper Brewing Company’s tavern looks quite simple – no fuss or frills. It’s a place where you can hang out and chill with your friends after a hard day’s work while enjoying a bottle of ice-cold beer. When you order food, be sure to try out their Hour Lamb. It’s bursting with flavors and goes well with any of their craft brews.
Right Proper Brewing Company is open for dine-in, takeout, deliveries, and curbside pick up.
The Fainting Goat
📍 Address: 1330 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 735-0344
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 11 pm Wed & Thurs, 11 am – 12 am Fri & Sat, 11 am – 11 pm Sun, Closed on Mon & Tue
The Fainting Goat is 14th & U Street’s go-to spot. Exposed brick walls, earthy tones, and laid-back interiors offer their guests a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Swoon to their New American tavern fare and exquisitely crafted cocktails. All of their menu offerings are prepared fresh and made from the choicest ingredients locally sourced from farms such as the Wagon Wheel Ranch in Mount Airy, Maryland.
Among their best sellers include Goat Cheese Fondue, Duck Wings, Crispy Pork, and Drunken Noodles.
The Fainting Goat is open daily from 12 pm to 9 pm. Dine-in, takeout, and delivery services are available.
Copycat Co.
📍 Address: 1110 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 241-1952
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 2 am Sun-Mon & Wed-Thurs, 5 pm – 3 am Fri & Sat, Closed on Tue
Craving for some authentic and flavorful Chinese cuisine to match some great tasting cocktails? Copycat Company is the place to be.
Copycat Co. offers Chinese street food fares that are quite tasty as they are satisfying. The bartenders also concoct classic as well as house special cocktails that guests will surely enjoy.
Currently, they are only offering delivery, takeout, and curbside pickup. Order online or give them a call and get a true taste of China today!
Tiger Fork
📍 Address: 922 N St. NW, Blagden Alley NW, Washington, DC 20001 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 733-1152
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 10 pm Tue-Thurs & Sun, 5 pm – 11 pm Fri & Sat, Closed on Mon
Tiger Fork is a Hong Kong-style bar and restaurant that offers its guest a quirky menu of Hong Kong street food, traditional dim sum, and classic Chinese dishes with a modern twist and a global influence. They also have a beverage program that showcases a distinct and diverse selection of cocktails using Chinese spirits and traditional herbs designed for wellness as well as to please the palate.
The interior of Tiger Fork is specifically designed to give its customers a communal dining experience, Hong Kong-style.
Tiger Fork is open for reservation dining only.
Red Derby
📍 Address: 3718 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 291-5000
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 2 am Tue-Thurs, 5 pm – 3 am Fri & Sat, Closed on Sun & Mon
Red Derby is an American dive bar that features an all-weather, heated roof deck and patio overlooking 14th St. The menu showcases traditional gastropub fare with breakfast and brunch options as well as beer-match finger food.
Red Derby’s bar offers a great selection of over 100 canned beers and their bartenders can concoct some of the best-tasting cocktails in DC. All these at a really affordable price!
Red Derby is open for takeout from Tuesday to Saturday, 3 pm – 9 pm.
The Partisan
📍 Address: 709 D St NW, Washington, DC 20004 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 524-5322
Whatever your political inclination is, you will certainly agree that The Partisan is one of the best pubs in DC.
The Partisan offers Modern American cuisine blended with old-world techniques, creating unique and palate-pleasing masterpieces. They also offer a select list of draft beers and cocktails best enjoyed with friends in the comforts of The Partisan’s classy interior.
The Partisan is currently offering takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup services.
Slipstream
📍 Address: 1333 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 450-2216
🕐 Hours: 7 am – 2 pm Mon-Thurs, 8 am – 5 pm Fri-Sun
Nestled in the heart of Logan Circle is Slipstream, an innovative coffee and cocktail bar. It’s muted interior offers a warm and comforting space that’s perfect for letting yourself explore your palate and define your very own coffee brew or cocktail mix.
Slipstream serves a menu for breakfast, lunch, and sweet pastries. They also offer bar food that complements their handcrafted concoctions well.
Following health safety protocols, Slipstream is open only for takeout and delivery.
Proper 21
📍 Address: 1319 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 847-3674
🕐 Hours: 11:30 am – 11:30 pm daily
Classy, sultry, and sophisticated. That’s Proper 21, a social club set right in the heart of Downtown, Washington DC.
Proper 21 offers a menu featuring New American cuisine as well as a full bar that serves specialty cocktails and a vast selection of beer and wines. The restaurant also provides state-of-the-art audio & visual provisions perfect for corporate functions and other events. Whether you’re out for lunch or spending an intimate dinner with your special someone, Proper 21 will surely offer sensory delights that leave you satisfied.
Madam’s Organ
📍 Address: 2461 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009 (Google Maps)
📞 Phone: (202) 667-5370
🕐 Hours: 5 pm – 2 am Sun-Thurs, 5 pm – 3 am Fri & Sat
If you’re in search of a one-of-a-kind place where you can enjoy succulent food, delightful drinks, and fantastic music, Madam’s Organ has it all for you.
Known for its small-town homey atmosphere, Madam’s Organ offers live music every night. Listen to soul, blues, bluegrass, reggae, funk, and salsa while satisfying your palate with food choices that will both fill you up and comfort you. Madam’s Organ is a favorite among locals and you will surely love it, too!
Madam’s Organ is closed until further notice due to the pandemic.
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