50 Best Bars in Washington

“I had an amazing experience hosting a large party at El Techo. The owner and team were great! As were the food, drinks, ambiance and service. 10/10, I would recommend this place to anyone“

“From the cocktails to the service…our experience was top notch all around! Highly recommend!“

“This my first time here and it was probably one of the best experience I’ve ever had at a bar in DC . I’ll definitely be back for my birthday next week. Love the atmosphere“

“Toro Bar is honestly one of my favorite spots to chill. The bartender is awesome — super friendly and really makes you feel welcome as soon as you walk in. Drinks are great, and having a pool table there just adds to the vibe. Perfect place to hang out with friends and kick back.“

“Massive selection of beers on tap including cask ales and the friendliest bar staff! Thanks 😊“

“it's about time! Mocktails are my jam these days. Thanks so much for opening a cool bar I don't have to worry about a drunk fight or gun shots breaking out.“

“Great vibes and music here!!!😎“

“I've been here 3 times and this place is probably my current favorite bar in the city. The drinks, the food, the vibes, and the service are all impeccable. I keep bringing out of towners and everyone loves it.

I've had pretty much every drink and food item on the menu and they're each unique and worth trying. I particularly like the elevated papusas and michelada feels fancy yet somehow still authentic. However, the Ni de Aqui Ni de Alla drink perfectly summarizes the place and fits well with their current Top 50 Latin playlist in the background. You don't often hear Bad Bunny, Ozuna, and the latest Shakira in high-end cocktail bars. While anyone can feel at home here, it's a particular joy to those who've lived in Latin America.

Note that it's generally reservation only and quite intimate with just a bar area downstairs and about 3 small tables upstairs.“

“Food drinks were good. Hospitality was great“

“The food is wonderful. We always eat here when we come up from Richmond, VA. The staff is great as well.“

“Press Club (1506 19th Street)**

From the moment you walk into Press Club, you’re greeted by a super stylish vibe. The decor is sleek with neutral, natural woods that give off a warm yet modern feel—so inviting and perfect for hanging out.

Their cocktails? Absolutely on point—beautifully crafted and totally delicious—plus the small bites are such savory surprises, fresh yummy. .

The music? Eclectic and cool—something for everyone and keeps the vibe lively. The crowd is diverse and friendly .

And I have to say—**Will, the bartender, is too gorgeous for words**—he makes every drink look as good as it tastes. The staff are quick and super friendly, always making you feel at home.

Bravo !
Elizabeth Faiella. Winter Park Florida“

“The burger was excellent—definitely the highlight of the meal. Everything else was solid and okay overall. The biggest issue was the service. Only one staff member was handling both the tables and the bar for the entire restaurant, so things moved really slowly. Despite that, they were friendly and doing their best under the circumstances. With better staffing, this place could be fantastic.“

“Games and a gnosh to eat?! Absolutely!! I never knew this was here. I highly recommend this bar/restaurant/arcade.“

“I’ve now dined here for dinner and brunch and both experiences were top notch. I’m impressed with the commitment to healthy foods and preparation throughout the process. The menu was intriguing and we enjoyed all of our selections. From the focaccia bread to the beets to the fennel salad and fried meatballs, the appetizers were delightful. The raviolini and beef heart bolognese pastas were remarkable too! My hubby loved his veal and the I forgot to mention all the fun mocktails (kids tried the elderberry and I enjoyed the homemade ginger ale)! I’m stoked to have this brunch option on Sundays following church now! Thank you, Team Ama!“

“Great drinks & the servers were very attentive.“

“my favorite place in DC! 💖“

“I love this place with all my heart.“

“Great service, delicious food, and an amazing atmosphere!“

“My best friend and I stumbled upon Tap 99 and loved what we saw regarding the drink wall. The staff was great in explaining how it worked, gave excellent recommendations, and the food was off the charts! Lots of TVs with sports games. Indoor and outdoor seating options. Highly recommend!“

“When you think of a speakeasy… this place looks like what comes to mind. Down a flight of stairs leading to oversized doors you find yourself stepping back in time and greeted by a skilled bartender sporting a handlebar mustache. Great for an after dinner drink or to just hang out with friends.“

“Adam was a great server , he made me an awesome nonalcoholic beverage . & def recommend the steak taco. The pickled jalapeños are delicious . & music is good.“

“The Ahi Tuna Wonton Nachos are life! The sushi was tasty and fresh and the bartenders were very attentive despite being VERY busy!“

“What an amazing experience!! Went here for my boyfriends birthday and the service with Sam was spectacular. He gave amazing recommendations and took our likes into consideration. Overall amazing service and the food was amazing can’t wait to come back!!“

“We absolutely loved our stay at Hotel Hive! The room was smaller than a regular hotel (just as advertised) but was so cute and still the perfect size for two people even for a five night stay. The hotel itself is clean and in a great location for walking to all of the DC attractions. The area surrounding the hotel (including the parking deck) seemed very safe, even late in the evenings. We had a “buzz” room and still felt that our room was very quiet, especially to be in a city. The front desk staff were always extremely friendly and happy to help. We were overcharged by the parking deck one night and the staff kindly fixed it immediately. We would definitely recommend Hotel Hive to anyone looking for a place to stay in DC!“

“great staff. good beer deals. above average bar food. lots of TVs. awesome deck“

“good food“

“Service is amazing. Friendly and efficient staff. Hotel is charming .“

“oh my goodness! this place is incredibly cute!! i had a recommendation from a friend, and decided to stop by, Chelsea served us and she was so friendly and welcoming, the vibe was so chill (a sunday night) and i loved all of the decor, and it being next to a theater made me super happy. i will definitely be coming back!!!“

“A chill, super affirming space and the food and drinks were great! I’ll definitely be back soon.“

“Great place for mussels!“

“Went here for the first time with my friends last night, everybody working made it a memorable experience! Isaiah makes the best drinks hands down and knows how to give top notch customer service. The owner was present at that time and he was kind enough to interact with us.“

“Best bartenders in DC. I will not be explaining this, it is pure fact!“

“This place is intoxicating!! The decor is very Gatsbyesque! Totally cool private gin club speakeasy vibe. Went here for after dinner drinks with my girlfriends and it really hit the mark! The cocktails were gorgeous and delicious! I recommend the Gimlet. Staff was attentive and knowledgeable. It was a perfect ending to our girls trip and I can't wait to bring my husband for date night!!! Highly recommend!“

“Not recommended at all! Never ever coming back worst service ever!!“

“My coworkers and I went to Vagabond after dinner last night to grab some dessert, and I am SO glad that we did! The coconut ice cream with grilled pineapple was absolutely stunning. Our server David was so kind and funny and helpful. I’m definitely coming back next time I’m in DC!“

“If you’re in DC, Quill cocktail bar is the place to go. Its dim lit atmosphere and ambience provides such an intimate setting whether for friends and family or for business. You have your choice of sitting indoors or outside on their raised patio. Oh, and the service here is phenomenal! When you first sit, they bring you mixed nuts and olives and introduce themselves. Their cocktail menu may have only been just a page but if it’s not on there, they can definitely make it for you. My wife requested an Espresso Martini (non-menu) and it was the best of its kind she’s had yet. She also enjoyed the Ventura Highway, from their menu. My personal favorite of theirs was the “Johnny be Woode.” This became my go-to there. They do have a dinner menu as well. Their burger exceeded my expectations! Their desert menu impressed! The presentation was artwork and the flavors will surely make you long for more. Our server two of the three nights we were there was Andrew. Andrew made sure we had everything we needed and could possibly want. He provided absolutely excellent service, great humor, and pleasant conversation. On our third evening here, Amber greeted and served us. Amber is another gem at Quill, making recommendations on menu items as well as local recommendations around the town based off what my taste preferences are. Both Andrew and Amber had an awesome attitude and helped make our stay at the Jefferson Hotel just that much more memorable! The atmosphere, service, and great attitudes made for such a unique and satisfying experience that we ended each of our evenings, visiting Quill. Next time we’re in town, we will definitely be going back to Quill.“

“The Haymaker is a great cocktail bar and has some of the best and hardest working bartenders in DC. When we arrived, the bar counter seats were almost full. Three cocktails in and the whole place was packed with 90/95% having cocktails, our refills still came quickly. Why only 4 star? They have changed the food menu and not for the better. The dumplings are still great. We also had the quesadilla. My wife liked it, I thought it was generic. We both thought the loaded tots were a major fail, the 'load', what little there was of it, had all fallen off and was in the bottom of the bowl. The draft beer choice is also weak, with Goose Island being their premium beer. I hope they change up their menu for the better.“

“Great place and great staff!“

“To attend you either have to be a member or a guest of a member, but it is lovely. There is free valet, and the spaces inside are great. I've been a guest foe 2 separate prime rib nights and the food was delicious. The slight downside is that the line for food was long at times. After dinner we grabbed drinks and went to the game room for pool and chess. The architecture and details are exquisite. If you have the possibility to visit, you should!“

“Hope you guys open soon indoors“

“The food was amazing and the service was great“

“My friends and I came here for a girls’ night and had the best time. The drinks were really good, and the service was top tier. A special shoutout to the host at the front who helped people get to their tables — I wish I had gotten his name, but he absolutely deserves a raise for how well he managed all the customers coming in. The place itself is incredibly beautiful. I would definitely come back.“

“I have been coming to Jackpot regularly for almost three years now. It is, by definition, a dive bar, and they do it incredibly well. Free unlimited popcorn, weekly rotating draft beer, bring your own food…What’s not to love?

Jackpot is a great spot to come to after work to take a load off and relax. If you come between 4-8pm they’re usually not too busy and you can find a spot at the bar. They also offer their happy hour during this time and it’s a very competitive happy hour compared to other bars in the area; $5 rail drinks and $2 off all beer (though they do have a few specialty craft beers that are not eligible for happy hour pricing).

The music they play depends on who is bartending, but regardless, they’re always playing some fire tunes. Every time I’ve come in here, I’ve always been greeted with a smile and served within a few minutes, without fail. The bartending staff are always so friendly and accommodating. They’re also always willing to hold some amazing conversation, so long as they aren’t busy, which is the case most of the time except late night on Fridays and Saturdays.

Overall, if you’re looking for a chill dive bar with some good beer and great staff, Jackpot will always get the job done.“

“No one else does it better! Thank you Death & Co!“

“My favorite neighborhood dive bar. Great food, great drinks, great atmosphere, impeccable barkeeps.“

“Dropped in to this cool neighborhood BAR for a cocktail on a chilly night. The friendly bartender “Chris” made me a delicious ‘Better, Better’ cocktail with Jamaican Doctorbird Rum. The food MENU is limited. 100% come for vibe, drinks, service, and atmosphere.“

“great time and the bartender was awesome!“

“Great cocktails, excellent service.“

“Yeah, this is the bar you’re on Google to find. Dive? Yes. Strangely clean for a dive? Yes. Reasonable prices (for DC)? Also yes. Bumping club music with tons of college students looking for blow? No. If that’s you, go somewhere else. I walk past four GREAT bars to go to Snappys for a drinks and hang. Close to Georgia Ave/Petworth metro stop. Enter through a nondescript door for a great time. Mas Tacos next door is great as well.“

“Hey guys want to give you all a big shout out for taking care of our Vets that are sitting in protesting the national guard and educating them about attacking our own citizens in your city. they said they stopped in to have a drink and the guy went to pay for the round and you covered their bill at least for the first round. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING OUT FOR OUR TRUE VETERANS. and GOD BLESS them and YOUR ESTABLISHMENT.“