The 10 Best Bars In Cathedral Heights Washington DC

Cathedral Heights is a small residential neighborhood located in the shadow of the National Cathedral, known for its historic row houses and detached cottages. Although it has a reputation as one of DC’s more peaceful areas, the neighborhood does have a number of bars for those looking to go out and have a good time. Here are some of the best.

Barcelona Wine Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Spanish, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

Opened in 2015, the brand new Barcelona Wine Bar in Cathedral Heights is a fantastic setting for a night out with friends and family. The restaurant’s decor is modern yet inviting, with handcrafted steel and walnut shelving that hold antique leather-bound books, mid-century sculptures and industrial finds. So kick back, relax and share one of the many bottles of Spanish wine and some tapas in the warm and inviting atmosphere of Barcelona Wine Bar.

Breadsoda

Bar, American, Wine, Beer, Vegetarian

‘Eat. Drink. Play.’ So goes the motto of Breadsoda, a 70’s-style billiards bar located within the shadows of the Vice President’s residence. As far as food goes, there’s a wide variety of sandwiches to choose from, from the breakfast egg and cheese to an Italian sub. To drink, more than 50 different beers are available at the bar. And for those looking to ‘play’, Breadsoda certainly has an array of games to offer, including the classics like billiards, shuffleboard and darts. On Tuesday nights, you’ll find two tables set up for ping pong.

Bourbon

Bourbon is called bourbon because (you guessed it) the bar is stocked with around 300 different varieties of bourbon. You’ll find whiskeys from all over the US here (but mostly from Kentucky and Tennessee), as well as Scotland, Ireland and even Japan. The kitchen cooks up comfort food like mac and cheese and tater tots, and the cozy booths give Bourbon a relaxed, neighborhood-bar feel.
Address and telephone number: 2348 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC, USA + 1 202 625 7770

Chef Geoff's

Bar, Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan

A graduate of DC’s Georgetown University, Geoffrey Tracy owns and operates six restaurants in the area. His first venture was Cheff Geoff’s in Cathedral Heights, which opened in 2000. This bar and restaurant serves up classic American fare and has a large patio area that’s perfect for enjoying the neighborhood sights and sounds. Make sure to take advantage of one of DC’s best Happy Hour deals, which runs all day on Mondays and Tuesdays, when all their burgers are half off.

Mason Inn

Bar, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Fast Food

Zagat ranked Mason Inn the best sports bar in DC, giving particular praise for its lively atmosphere. Since opening in 2011, recent college grads have been congregating at the Inn to enjoy a drink and root after a day of lectures. With more than a dozen big screen TVs and a 100-inch projection screen, this is the perfect place to watch NCAA and NFL football, basketball, hockey, and lacrosse. Enjoy live country or rock music on Friday and Saturday nights, or show up later and join the party on the dance floor.

Town Hall

Bar, Restaurant, American

A go-to neighborhood spot since 2005, Town Hall aims to provide its patrons with a comfortable gathering place. On the first floor, you’ll find a restaurant and bar with a relaxed vibe; a second bar and outdoor courtyard await on the second floor. Town Hall is owned and operated by five friends who had the idea of creating a neighborhood tavern with great food, outstanding service, a vibrant bar scene, and no pretense. This is the place to meet up with friends and lounge for a few hours, all while enjoying delicious food and drink.

Cactus Cantina

Bar, Restaurant, American, Mexican

Serving up delicious Tex-Mex specialties since 1990, Cactus Cantina is a Cathedral Heights institution. With a seating capacity of more than 300, the atmosphere is always buzzing. Saddle up to the bar to snack on some chips and salsa and enjoy a drink, whether you’re craving a margarita, sangria, or a Mexican beer. Combine two of the margarita flavors (strawberry, line, mango and peach) and order the legendary frozen swirl margarita – it won’t disappoint!

Slate Wine Bar + Bistro

Bistro, Restaurant, Wine Bar, American, Vegetarian, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Pub Grub

With a world-class selection of wines, a number of creative cocktails, and several craft beers on tap, Slate Wine Bar + Bistro has something to please any palate. During Happy Hour between, snack on mussels, fish tacos, egg rolls, quesadillas, or a burger. More than 100 lesser-known, sustainably produced wines provide an opportunity to try something completely new. Check out one of their wine tasting events or drop by on a Wednesday, when wine bottles are buy one get one free!

Cafe Deluxe

Cafe, American, Coffee, Tea , Dessert

Another bar with a friendly neighborhood vibe, Cafe Deluxe has been a Cathedral Heights institution for twenty years now. This is a great spot to relax and grab a bite to eat after a tour of the National Cathedral, as it’s conveniently located right across the street. The menu includes a wide variety to choose from, including flatbreads, large salads, and burgers. Grab a seat at the bar and chat with the friendly bartenders as you enjoy a house cocktail or a locally brewed beer.

Amys

Pizzeria, Restaurant, Italian, Fast Food, Vegetarian

2 Amys is a Neapolitan style pizzeria that is consistently lauded as the best pizza spot in all of DC. So why is it on a list of the best bars in Cathedral Heights? Because sometimes there is nothing better than the combination of delicious pizza and a tasty beer, and you’ll find both here. Seek out the bar in the back, browse the extensive beer list, and enjoy some of the small snacks before you order a pizza. 2 Amys abides by the Italian government’s strict requirements, using specific ingredients and methods in preparing its authentic Neapolitan pizza.

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.