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.
The Bier Baron Tavern
Bar
The Bier Baron Tavern
Originally called Brickskeller from 1957 until 2011, the Bier Baron Tavern is a historic beer bar that offers hundreds of beers from all over the globe as well as craft, vintage brews. This bar has a unique ambiance, with live music (and even burlesque dancing) in the upstairs area on some nights and stand-up comedy on Thursday nights, all of which draw in diverse crowds. The vintage beer decor on the brick-laden walls exudes the rustic basement atmosphere in this bar. The food is affordable and tasty, and the staff is not only friendly, but has a vast knowledge about the endless beer selection.
Price: Low to Mid-Range
Opening hours: 4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. Fridays, 12:00p.m.- 2:00 a.m. Saturdays, 3:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Sundays.
Watch out for: Vintage beer decor
Address & telephone number: 1523 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037 (202) 293-1887
Pogs at Thomas Foolery | © Andrew Wiseman/Flickr 
Thomas Foolery
Bar
Thomas Foolery
You can spend a night out on the town experiencing some childhood nostalgia at Thomas Foolery, a quirky 1980s game-themed bar. Food trucks and vendors from around the city are featured at this playground-come-bar, and you can find fun and inventive drinks that can be made into ice-cream floats. The games are never-ending and so are the drinks, with 40 types of bottled beer that are all selected by a “D.C. celebrity or awesome-person.” There is even a full candy-bar and “interactive discounts” that ask patrons to join in the fun by following a bizarre rule (like ordering in an angry voice) to earn a cheap drink.
Price: Low range
Opening hours: 4:00 p.m.- 11 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. Fridays, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. Saturdays, 12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Sundays
Watch out for: Games
Address & telephone number: 2029 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 822-6200
Trio's Fox & Hounds
Bar, Restaurant
Trio’s Fox & Hounds
Trio’s Fox & Hounds is the perfect spot for both breezy afternoon drinks on the patio and homemade comfort food from its neighboring Trio Restaurant. A totally no-frills bar, Fox & Hounds is a cozy place to meet an old friend, wind down after a long day of work with co-workers, or catch the latest sports events. With its jukebox playing classic rock tunes and affordable prices, this is a local favorite for patrons who want to chat, drink, and kick back.
Price: Low range
Opening hours: 4:00 p.m.- 2 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 12:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. Saturdays, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. Sundays
Watch out for: The jukebox
Address & telephone number: 1537 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 232-6307
Flamenco at Café Citron | © Michael Perez/Flickr
Café Citron
Bar, Cafe
Café Citron
This small bar is a gem in the heart of Dupont Circle, buzzing with interesting crowds who love to groove to Latin dance music. Café Citron’s jalapeño infused tequila drinks and buffalo wings are a great way to kick off a night out, which can include free bachata, salsa kilimbo, and other Latin dance lessons in the basement at 8 p.m. on “After Dark Mondays.” The dim lighting and walls lined with seating open up space in this small two-level bar, and invites dancers to move to the vibrant music late into the night. If looking for a lively night out in an unpretentious bar, this is the place to go.
Price: Low to Mid range
Opening hours: 4:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. Fridays-Saturdays, closed on Sundays.
Watch out for: Free dance lessons.
Address & telephone number: 1343 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 530-8844
James Hoban's Irish Bar & Restaurant
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Irish
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.
The Big Hunt
Bar, Pub
The Big Hunt
An affordable dive bar with quirky safari-inspired decor and wood-paneled everything, The Big Hunt is located just south of Dupont Circle. With over thirty beers on tap and a menu of casual American pub food, this is one of D.C.’s oldest bars. A nostalgic atmosphere with four separate bars draw in crowds from all over D.C., and when the three floors of hang-out space fill up, the upstairs balcony and funky basement are a nice change of pace. While large bars like this can feel overwhelming, the Big Hunt is known for its friendly bartenders and low-key ambiance.
Price: Low range
Opening hours: 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. Fridays, 5:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. Saturdays, 5:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Sundays.
Watch out for: Taxidermied animal heads decorating the walls
Address & telephone number:1345 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 785-2333
The Madhatter | © Bankbryan/Flickr The Madhatter
Bar
The Madhatter
Inspired by the 17th century hatters in England who went mad from the chemicals used in cleaning the hats, The Madhatter has been around for over 30 years now. The Alice in Wonderland decor and paraphernalia, complete with a funhouse mirror and an upside-down tea party table set, create a distinct and entrancing environment. This bar and grill has a wide array of food dishes and one of the most appealing happy hours in D.C., with $1 Miller Lites. In the evening, the day-drinking and brunching spot turns into a dance floor with strong drinks and Top 40 tunes that make for a great party atmosphere.
Price: Midrange
Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m. Fridays, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m. Saturdays, and 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m. Sundays
Watch out for: Upside-down tea party table set
Address & telephone number:1319 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 833-1495
Sauf Haus Bier Hall | © Joe Flood/Flickr Sauf Haus Bier Hall
Sauf Haus Bier Hall
This spacious rooftop beer garden, which opened last year, is one of Dupont Circle’s newer bars. Inspired by German beer gardens, Sauf Haus is a low-key hangout that reminds you of Oktoberfest with it’s orange metal benches that are actually imported from Germany, much like its wide beer selection. The downstairs area is inspired by cozy and rustic German taverns, complete with cuckoo clocks, candle-lit tables, and a foosball table. Be sure to arrive on the earlier side on Friday and Saturday nights – they do not take reservations – but it’s well worth it to grab a seat.
Price: Low to Mid range
Opening hours: 4 p.m.-close Mondays-Fridays, 12:00 p.m.-close Saturdays and Sundays.
Watch out for: giant pretzels
Address & telephone number: 1216 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 466-3355
Irish Whiskey Public House
Bar, Pub
Irish Whiskey Public House
Located in southern Dupont Circle, this bar is a triple-storied Irish pub with a selection of over 60 Irish whiskeys. Irish Whiskey Public House subverts the stereotype of a gloomy pub where everyone’s had a little too much – it’s a warm and welcoming space, with brick walls decorated with whiskey barrels and an upper area with couches and seats around a gas fireplace. Each floor has its own mood and character, with the second floor being the most spacious floor that’s perfect for sitting and relaxing, happy hour, or late-night dancing. Be sure to stop by this joint on Tuesdays for $2 beers until close.
Price: Low to Mid range
Opening hours: 4:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. Fridays, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m. Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 a.m. Sundays
Watch out for: Funky wall decor
Address & telephone number:1207 19th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-3010
Board Room
Bar, American
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
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