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.
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3718 14th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20010; 202-291-2257
ChurchKey
ChurchKey
With more of a vintage, steampunk feel, ChurchKey is a good place to stop by for a few drinks. Not only do the bartenders know their stuff, but they’ll also let you try a drink before you get a full glass. There are a few snacks and burgers to choose from in case you get peckish while drinking some regional draft beers. It’s on the second floor of the building, so make sure you head up those stairs and find a seat.
1337 14th Street NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, D.C. 20005; 202-567-2576
Old Ebbitt Grill
Old Ebbitt Grill
If you happen to be down near the White House, word has it you should stop by the Old Ebbitt Grill. Opened in 1856, it’s the oldest saloon in Washington, D.C., and the beautiful building shows it well. They work best with seafood – crab cakes, oysters, the Orca Platter, Eggs Chesapeake. However, there are plenty of other options as well if that isn’t your thing. As for drinks, they have an extensive whiskey list, surpassed by far by the wine list, where you’ll no doubt find something to pair well with any of your food.
675 15th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005; 202-347-4800
Little Miss Whiskey's Golden Dollar
Bar, American, Beer, Wine
Board Room
Board Room
Ever been hanging out and drinking with friends and wanted to play a board game you didn’t have? Well we’re happy to tell you there’s a place you can do just that – Board Room. For just a small fee, you can play any number of games in a chill atmosphere. While you’re at it, order some drinks from the list of drafts, bottles/cans, and reds and whites. The downside is they don’t serve any food. To make up for that, however, you are able to bring in your own or order from restaurants in the area.
1737 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20009; 202-518-7666
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
Barrel
Restaurant, American
Wisdom
Wisdom
Fans of gin and absinthe – or anyone willing to try out either – should stop by Wisdom. This gin joint has a wide range of crafted cocktails and spirits for you to choose from. These include ones without gin or absinthe, if you don’t wish to partake. The food selection is small, but they make up for that by being dog-friendly.
1432 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20003; 202-543-2323
Saloon
Bar, Pub, American, Beer, Wine
The Speak
The Speak
An old-fashioned cocktail lounge, The Speak is another modern day speakeasy-style establishment. Each week there’s a new rotation of specialty drinks. This keeps things fresh for regulars and newcomers alike. If you like to stick to what you know, however, they do have a consistent menu available. Along with the specialty cocktails, there is also a small selection of beer and wine to choose from. Despite there being no food, you can still enjoy the dark, intimate atmosphere while you have a drink with some friends.
1413 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20005; 202-930-1830
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