The 10 Best Bars In Logan Circle Washington DC

One of Washington DC’s most lively neighborhoods, Logan Circle offers up some of the best bars in the city. And there are all types, too, from upscale, craft cocktail lounges to casual happy hour spots. Explore the top 10 Logan Circle bars.
Logan Circle, summer | © Ted Eytan/Flickr

ChurchKey

Famed among beer lovers all over DC, ChurchKey has become a Logan Circle mainstay for pours of brews from far and wide. With 500 bottles, 50 brews on tap and five more cask ales, ChurchKey’s 555-beer-strong program is a hard one to match. The beer selection is constantly rotating, so no two trips to are the same. Customers can expect to discover some extremely rare beers they won’t find elsewhere, too.

Black Jack

Bar, Pub Grub, American

The super skilled mixologists at Black Jack are always ready to whip up something tasty to drink. Order your favorite stand-by or go with one of the house specialties, such as the DC 75, which is made with DC-based Green Hat gin, Hum botanical spirit, lemon and sparking Brut. Served in a wine glass on the rocks, it’s a DC-themed treat that hits the spot. Craving some competition? Challenge a friend to a game of bocce at the bar’s bocce court.

Red Light

Looking for a spot with great drinks and dessert after a night out? Red Light fits the bill. Head chef Alina Bothen designs the delicious drinks and tasty desserts to compliment one another. The Peep Show cocktail is quite refreshing, with bourbon, Pimm’s, lemon juice and ginger beer. The desserts, like the drinks, pose a difficult choice, everything sounds downright amazing! But hey, who could go wrong with a chocolate lava cake with chili jam?

Stoney's

Bar, Pub Grub, American

A neighborhood joint that’s been open since 1968, Stoney’s is a fun bar to visit during happy hour. From 5 to 7pm each weekday, there are food and different drink specials, so you can grab a burger and a brew on the cheap. Stoney’s bills itself as the Denver Broncos bar in DC, so expect fans to be congregated in the upstairs area to root on their home team.

Number Nine

Bar, Gay Bar, Pub Grub, American

Number Nine, a gay-friendly bar located in the heart of Logan Circle, is a recently renovated space that features two levels with ample seating, marble bars and state-of-the-art sound and lighting. The brand new second floor (called 9 1/2) is especially comfortable and has multiple TVs, where patrons can sit and watch a game or show. While the bartenders serve up all the classic cocktails you can think of, customers can also order custom drinks made with a variety of ingredients.

Cork Wine Bar

Bar, Wine Bar, Pub Grub, American

Created by Logan Circle residents Diane Gross and Khalid Pitts, Cork Wine Bar is a place to both enjoy and learn about great food and wine. Customers ordering a flight of wine can expect to be educated about the different types they are about to try. Cork also hosts bi-monthly wine tastings, featuring a selection from the extensive wine list, as well as a couple of surprises. Don’t forget to order a small plate to share alongside that glass of goodness.

Bar Pilar

Restaurant, American

Named after Ernest Hemingway’s boat, Bar Pilar has been a 14th Street staple for the last decade, serving up handcrafted cocktails conceived by bar manager Ben Wiley. The drinks range from standbys like the classic Old Fashioned to signature concoctions created with house made tonics and elixirs. Not to be ignored is the fantastic food, which focuses on farm fresh produce and seasonal ingredients.

Slipstream

The concept at Slipstream is quite unique, one in which coffee and cocktails go hand-in-hand. The husband and wife team of Ryan Fleming and Miranda Mirabella emphasize high quality service, guaranteeing that patrons receive exactly what they ask for. The space is shared with an art gallery, so there interesting pieces to mull over while sipping that exquisite libation. Check out the colorful mural on the back wall, it’s certainly one of the highlights.

Logan Tavern

Restaurant, American

Known as a great pre-theater dining spot, Logan Tavern is a casual restaurant that can easily accommodate a large group. The drink menu features a few interesting options, such as the District Sour, a local spin on the traditional Pisco Sour. As far as the eats go, there’s an array of choices, from burgers and fries to grilled salmon.

Drafting Table

Bar, American, Pub Grub, Beer

This informal spot north of Logan Circle offers customers a no-frills setting to eat, drink and be merry in. Drafting Table has an ample beer and wine selection to go along with a few cocktails. For a refreshing summer drink, try a Moscow Mule, it’s made with vodka, lime and ginger beer and is typically served in a traditional tin cup. It’s the perfect spot to kick back and relax at after a long day in the office.

About the author

Jonathan Stern

A native of Washington, DC, Jonathan has lived in Capitol Hill going on eight years. After studying psychology and Italian as an undergraduate at the University of Richmond, he spent several years working at an ophthalmology practice in DC. An interest in all things Italian led him to return to school to pursue an MA in Italian Studies at Georgetown University. Jonathan has had the opportunity to study in the beautiful towns of Perugia and Ferrara and travel extensively throughout Italy, from the Dolomites to Sicily. He hopes to return again very soon.