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“

“I think Old Ebbitt Grill are one of the best grill joints around Washington and they got the most warmed atmosphere and I also enjoyed their service a lot. Their waitress and waiters are well trained with great sense of humor and they always smile to their customers/buyers.. You all can give it a try and thank me later hehe 😜“

“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“

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

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

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

“I had the best experience hosting my party at Turo Bar! The team truly went above and beyond to help plan and execute everything perfectly. They were so communicative, helpful, and incredibly thoughtful throughout the entire process.

I shared my theme, and Gabriela and her team brought it to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined, they provided so many decorations and completely transformed the space. I’m so grateful for the amazing team at Turo Bar and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to host a special event!“

“Absolutely phenomenal experience through and through. The cocktails were the star of the show! All were fantastic, but Little Hats and Fast Trains was the crowd favorite among greats. The food was genuinely excellent. We shared the entire menu and found everything to be delicious and creative. The service was outstanding as well. The space is intimate and has an informal vibe for how elevated the cocktails are which we enjoyed. Prices are beyond reasonable for the quality. Can’t wait to go back, take an Uber cause you’re gonna want an extra cocktail!“

“Cannot say enough about how good they do EVERYTHING. Always fresh and made with care, love, perfection, out of the best ingredients. Whenever we are in town, we go to breakfast, and sometimes lunch or dinner. Fantastic place to grab a delicious bite.“

“Great vibes and music here!!!😎“

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

“excellent service, good food, worth every penny“

“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.“

“I visited this self-pour beer hall and it was such a fun, interactive experience. The concept of being able to pour your own drinks from a wide selection of taps is fantastic, and it lets you try small amounts of different beers without committing to a full pint. The space is very modern and feels really welcoming, making it a great place to meet up with friends for an evening. The staff were super attentive and helpful in explaining how the system works, and the overall vibe was just energetic and enjoyable. It is definitely a place I would recommend for anyone who enjoys craft beer and wants a unique night out.“

“Fantastic bar with great service and food. It was like stepping back in time to how bars used to be, but in the best possible way. The bar staff were fantastic, engaging and didn't let our glasses run dry once. The atmosphere during a Fifa soccer game was amazing! The food was classic bar fare, but nicely made and yummy.“

“good food“

“Absolutely a must in DuPont. Creative and unique menu. The Roses drink was fantastic- staff and servers were so incredible and the music was perfect. Loved it! The sweet server/host even ran after us to give me a sweater I left behind. 10/10 recommend.“

“Great drinks & the servers were very attentive.“

“my favorite place in DC! 💖“

“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.“

“Nice atmosphere . Troy was a great host/server.“

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

“Great place for mussels!“

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

“Superlative tasting menu, top notch wine parings, outstanding service, from a staff that outnumbers the clientele, what’s not to like? Yes it’s small, so leave the soccer team meetup for the pizza place. For Lutece, bring your favorite couple or 1 or 2 very special friends“

“I love this place with all my heart.“

“Food drinks were good. Hospitality was great“

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

“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.“

“A gem in Dupont for large groups! Stellar service, incredible food and innovative/delicious drinks, and beautiful space! Our group of 12 was graciously and quickly accommodated for birthday dinner that was scheduled on the day of. Shoutout to Carson for the super attentive and helpful service!! Thank you!!“

“Last weekend, I went to a new restaurant near Boqueria Dupont. I felt happy right away. The room was warm. Soft music played. A waiter smiled at me. He took me to my table fast.

First, I had soup. It cost $8. It was hot and tasty. Next, I had chicken and rice. It cost $22. The chicken was very good. For dessert, I had baklava. It cost $6. It was sweet.
The staff were kind. They checked on me two times. They answered all my questions.

When I left, the waiter said thank you. He asked me to come back.
I walked home with a big smile. This was a great meal. I want to go back soon.“

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

“After dinner at Maydan, we wandered over to Medina—and what a perfect way to end the evening.

We later learned that Medina is Maydan’s sister restaurant. While they serve many of the same dishes, the atmosphere couldn’t feel more different.

Walking inside feels like being transported to a different world. The flowing fabric draped from the ceiling creates the feeling of sitting beneath an elegant tent, making the entire space feel intimate, luxurious, and unlike anywhere else.

The cocktails were outstanding.

I ordered the Farmer’s Market after our server, Orlando, described it as tasting like “your healthy green monster juice… but with alcohol.”

He absolutely nailed it.

Fresh, vibrant, herbaceous, and incredibly refreshing.

My friend ordered The Serpent and an espresso martini. Even as someone who’s picky about espresso martinis, I have to admit this one was exceptional—light, balanced, and dangerously easy to drink. I only had a few sips (I’m very sensitive to caffeine), but they were worth every one of them.

We finished the evening with tea served with drops of absinthe, which was a memorable and elegant ending to an already incredible night.

A special thank you to Orlando for making us feel so welcome.

We sat, talked for hours, and didn’t want the night to end.

If you’re visiting Maydan, don’t make the mistake of heading home afterward.

Walk across the street.

You’ll be glad you did.“

“This is a Friendly establishment..the owners are welcoming“

“A friend recommended this restaurant and the waiter was very helpful in choosing our appetizers and meals, and also provided excellent wine pairings. We even had a little chat with the other guests“

“It was pretty pleasant had a good time“

“The food was amazing and the service was great“

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

“Food was really good and the staff were very friendly. Curries were very good! My dad went three times last year and then returned twice this summer as he loved it so much.
Curry spice is done as as you like it.
Meals are very filling and worth the money.
Convenient as it is right beside the metro station and open 11am to 10pm.“

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

“One of the best places in Dc and right on the water!“

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

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

“On vacation from RI, my husband and I and very good friends had lunch at Lily’s just this past week and we fully enjoyed experience! It was a beautiful sunny day, and we were greeted with sunny faces and a friendly, highly professional staff. We sat in the outdoor area and everything from being there to fill our water glasses and explaining the menu was covered. I highly recommend Lily’s if not just for the fact that we felt like we were at home but to top it off, the food was delicious. Try the Tropical salad and the meatball appetizer!!“

“From the managers' tactful customer care, to the bartenders' drink quality/food reviews, I'm excited to return back to Buddy's and invest in a quality unique experience.

Their dishes and drinks were worth every cent as I enjoyed community-filled soccer lunch experience curated by one of the citys' greatest long-time young professional bartenders, Mr. Huggins. The jerk wings were to die for, the house cut fries syced our lives, but the seafood dishes during this market rate high time made our day. 10/10“

“Great place and great staff!“

“I cant say enough positive things about this place. Simplistic and straight to the point menu with minimal options, which means the options they do have are phenomenal. the drinks are great but the burgers....THE BURGERS! To die for. In my top 3 within the city.“

“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!“

“CIVIC on Eighth has such a wonderful atmosphere and charm. The space is beautifully designed with cozy seating, warm wood details, greenery, and a stylish yet relaxed vibe that makes you want to stay awhile. The ambience alone makes it a perfect spot to meet friends, get some work done, or just enjoy a quiet moment.
We loved our visit and really enjoyed the drinks and treats. The loaf cake was fresh, moist, and delicious, and everything was presented beautifully. The staff created a welcoming environment, and the whole place has a unique personality that stands out from a typical coffee shop.
Definitely a hidden gem with great energy, great design, and a place I’d happily come back to! 🌿☕“

“The best bar on H street. The staff is top notch and always ready to pour a frothy draft or a strong cocktail. Annie, behind the bar is a true gem and always friendly.

The menu from Little Miner tacos is also fantastic, try it all!“