Top Ten Bars In Washington D.C.'s Dupont Circle

Explore Washington D.C.’s Dupont Circle with our list of the best bars in this chic, exciting neighborhood. Ranging from quirky game-themed bars to more traditional pubs with unconventional twists, the nation’s capital has a wide range of nightlife experiences to offer.

1. James Hoban's Irish Bar & Restaurant

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Irish

Reflecting a mixture of D.C.’s patriotic character and Ireland’s culture, this bar slash restaurant is named after the Irish architect who beat Thomas Jefferson in an architectural competition to design the White House! James Hoban’s Irish Bar is the kind of intimate, friendly place where the staff are likely to remember your name if you’ve stopped by a couple of times. This is a great place to watch the World Cup or your favorite sporting event, catch up over a beer with an old friend, or enjoy live music gigs on Wednesdays, when wine and cheese are half-off.

Price: Low to Mid range

Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Watch out for: half-off wine and cheese night on Wednesdays.

2. Board Room

Bar, American

Located just north of Dupont Circle is the game-night bar Board Room, where you can find games from Uno to Taboo in a 20-page game “menu”. Though food is sparse and you’re better off bringing your own take-out, this is the kind of joint where lasting friendships are made or kept. Checking out a game from the bar ranges between $2 to $5, but covers the cost of a visit and is sure to occupy you and a group of friends or co-workers over a glass of their 22 drafts.

Price: Low range

Opening hours: 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. Fridays, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. Saturdays, 12:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Sundays.

Watch out for: Extensive game menu