The 10 Best Bars In Washington D.C.

A city of wide ranging tastes, Washington, D.C. has a lot to offer in the way of bars. Let us walk you through the best bars on offer.

Red Derby

If you’re on a budget and have cash handy but still want to go out for drinks or maybe enjoy some brunch on the weekend, Red Derby is for you. The dinner menu has your standard fair of bar food – fries, chicken tenders and burgers. An added plus is the few vegetarian options. For brunch, you can get items like French toast, bagels, and breakfast burritos. With that, you can either get coffee and juice, or you can get a Bloody Mary or a mimosa, if you’re feeling it. While there for a drink, don’t forget to take a look at the extensive beer menu.

3718 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20010; 202-291-2257

1. Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar

Bar, American, Beer, Wine

Little Miss Whiskeys Golden Dollar, Washington

If you’re looking for more of a party vibe, Little Miss Whiskey’s Golden Dollar is the place to be – the second floor in particular. Here, there’s a dance floor and DJ. There’s also a bar up there, so you don’t have to fight your way through the crowds twice. The main floor is a lounge and is more low-key. There are regular events as well, including a Kostume Karaoke every first and third Wednesday. Plus, during football season, you can watch all of the New Orleans Saints games. As for the drink selection, there is a wide array of bottles and cans of beer as well as ciders available.

The Gibson

The Gibson, found behind an unmarked, nondescript door, is where you go when you want a good specialty cocktail. You know the bartenders are good when they can not only describe to you the on-menu drinks, but also prepare you a cocktail on the fly when you ask. One of the drinks on menu is the Mary Traveller, which includes a cinnamon stick that has been freshly toasted on the end. If you want to try that, as well as a variety of other intriguing drinks, make sure to call in a reservation. Especially if you’re going in on the weekend – it fills up fast.

2009 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009; 202-232-2156

2. Barrel

Restaurant, American

If you’re looking for a brunch place with a wide selection of beverages of the alcohol persuasion, go no further than Barrel. If you’re not much for brunch, though, there are still plenty of other dining options. This includes some fried chicken and sticky buns. The drinks are wide ranging, from Bloody Marys and mimosas, to a full menu of whiskeys dubbed ‘Brown Water’ to an Elixir Bar with weekly specials. While you’re there, make sure to sit out on the front patio if the weather is nice and enjoy the view.

3. Saloon

Bar, Pub, American, Beer, Wine

It’s not often, if ever, that you come across a bar that is non-profit and using all the money earned to help build schools in developing countries. That is exactly what Saloon does. That makes the pub interesting enough – until you add The Rules. Touting itself as ‘A Quiet Neighborhood Pub,’ Saloon has signs that state there is to be no TV, no cell phones, no standing, no American Express, no martinis, no cigars, no shots, and no pretending. The no standing rule can be hard to follow during Happy Hour – meaning you either have to come sooner or come back later – but the others shouldn’t be too hard.