My Favorite Bars in DC

Find a Bar for Any Occasion

I went to college right outside Washington, DC, I moved into the city right after I graduated, and I’ve stayed here into my late twenties.  I’ve found a bar for every mood, whether it’s wanting to get a Natty Boh & a shot of whiskey for $5 or to cozy up in a speak easy.  There are so many neighborhoods catering to different groups of people and different types of nights, you can find anything you’re looking for.  Something I love about DC is that it’s small, and everything is relatively close and easy to get to (except during rush hour, of course).  If you enjoy this list, check out my favorite brunches, which is laid out the same way.

If you’re just catching up with friends:

1. Play trivia at Clarendon Grille.  On Wednesdays, the hilarious hosts of Trivia Kings set up at Clarendon Grille.  Bring some of your smart friends so you can win some prizes!  There are drink specials until 8pm, so you can ball on a budget.
2. Grab any beer you can think of at RFD in Chinatown.  Seriously, pretty much any beer you’d ever want is at this bar.  This spot is particularly popping on nights when there’s a home basketball or hockey game at the Capitol One Arena.
3. Join Karaoke Night at Hill Country in Chinatown.  Go to the basement of Hill Country on a Wednesday to experience both amazing singers and hilarious drunk people trying to sing.  Grab a Shiner Bock served in a mason jar and watch the show.
4. Listen to Irish Music at Murphy’s in Alexandria.  I know, this is ~15 minutes south of DC, but the music and atmosphere is fantastic. It’s also a welcome change from the city!  Check out the live music schedule to try and pick a night when there’s traditional Irish music playing.

If you’re going on a date:

1. Get a cocktail at The Gibson at 14th & U.  Check out this unique ‘speak easy’ type bar with uber delicious cocktails and a very cozy ambiance.
2. Act like a local and find Left Door on S St.  There’s a dry cleaner on the bottom floor, and if you go in the ‘left door’ of the cleaners, you’ll find yourself on your way to one of the coolest bars in the neighborhood. You can also impress your date with your secret local bar knowledge.
3. Cozy up at Two Birds One Stone at 14th & S.  I’m realizing now that I’m impartial to speak easys for dates, but here’s another one.  Two Birds One Stone doesn’t have any signs or advertisements, and the main door is down some stairs and through a door with no indication that there’s a bar there – but alas, the best Dark & Stormy is made here.
4. Get a Hawaiian themed cocktail at Bar Charley.  Okay, here we go, not a speak easy.  There’s plenty of space, funky drinks, and a cool patio here.

If you’re trying to save some money:

1. Drink at Dan’s Cafe in Adams Morgan.  Most bars in DC that are cheap are cash only, so come with some dough.  Dan’s is the epitome of a dive bar – no sign outside, drink menu on cardboard, cash only, smells like pee, you know the kind.  One time I asked one of the guys working there who Dan was, and he just said “Dan’s been dead for years!”…so it’s still a mystery who Dan is.  Order a squeegee bottle basically full of liquor and a splash of coke for around $20, served with shot glasses.  Super fun joint!
2. Go to Mug Night at Whitlows on Wilson.  It’s been a few years since I’ve been here, but I think the principal is still the same – bring your Whitlow’s mug and get $2 refills on Thursdays.  Reminiscent of college, anyone?
3. Take in a strange movie at Showtime & play board games.  Another cash only dive bar with a strange scent, my favorite.  Showtime is very rarely crowded, has a Stranger Things-esque decorating scheme, and you can get a $5 shot & beer combo, what’s not to love?
4. Party with the Capitol Hill Staffers at Hamilton’s on Friday for $1 beers.  My friends and I do this when we’re feeling really low on cash.  Grab a few buckets of Mich Ultra and inevitably some fried food to celebrate the end of the week in this bar situated in an alley right next to the Capitol.

If you’re trying to turn up:

1. Check out some music at Flash.  This bar is only open on Fridays and Saturdays, and also select nights during the week.  If you walk past on a day that they aren’t open, it’s hard to tell there’s a bar there.  The downstairs has a cool bar area, and the upstairs is for dancing and listening to house music.  Super neat experience!
2. Go to Rocket Bar.  Oh man, this one holds some stories.  Located in a basement in Chinatown, this place is a mess, but I love it.  On the weekends the space expands and offers darts, pool tables, shuffleboard, and arcade games.  
3. Get your dance on at Dodge City on U St, Town Tavern or Bourbon in Adams Morgan, or Public in Dupont Circle.  After a few drinks, who doesn’t feel like their dance moves have suddenly improved drastically? As I get older I realize I like the bars where I can dance in my own space (Town Tavern or Bourbon), but sometimes I want to bump and grind on strangers (Dodge City or Public).
4. Get a michelada at El Rey.  This place has become more popular and crowded every time I go, but it’s still good.  Super cool ambiance with a retractable ceiling, making an outdoor space when it’s nice out.  The bar is constructed of conex boxes and has a very chill vibe – except when it is filled to the brim with humans, which is still fun.

If you’re going with your parents:

1. Enjoy at beer at The Fainting Goat.  In reality, The Fainting Goat could be in any list, I just love this bar.  Right in the heart of 14th & U, cheap, clean, and never really that crowded.
2. Bounce around at Union Market.  There are a few different restaurants and food places in the market, all delicious, all local, parents love that!  My favorite here are Buffalo & Bergen and Rappahannock Oyster Bar.
3. Enjoy a cocktail at Hazel.  Hazel is right by a few new restaurants right next to the 930 club, so you have options around you as well.  Hazel has a beautiful terrace, delicious snacks, and a cool atmosphere.
4. Take them to a Beer Garden.  There are quite a few great beer gardens in DC, my favorite is Dacha in Shaw.  They’re perfect for enjoying outside space, while really just drinking large beers and eating soft pretzels.

These are the bars that I frequent often, but there are so many others! If you have any questions and are in need of other suggestions, comment below!