50 Best Bars in Washington

“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.“

“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“

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

“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.“

“This place is fantastic — my go-to spot when friends and family visit DC. The food and service are always excellent, and the atmosphere feels truly unique.

My only request: please bring back more of the old food and drink menu. It was outstanding and offered a great distinction from the Maydan menu. For example, the whiskey cocktail with pickled grapes was one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. I’d love to see more of that kind of creativity and experimentation return!“

“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!“

“amazing place! really great food, service and ambience!“

“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.“

“Can't recommend this place enough!! The entrance is actually very hidden which adds to the speakeasy element. The bartenders are excellent, especially Jake who was controlling the music and making our fab Tom Collins. Highly recommend!!!“

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

“This was some of the best food I’ve ever had. I would never normally choose Italian as a n “”out to eat” option but I’m so glad I did! I would eat here night after night if I could.“

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

“Great vibes and music here!!!😎“

“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.“

“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“

“My son and I were visiting DC and always looking for a good burger. The burgers were outstanding. One of the best I have ever had.“

“I could not believe how good the food was. When everything came out I was legitimately giddy with excitement. I came here with my spouse and our three kids after hitting up a local event - so we were all hungry and a bit tired. The drinks came out quickly, and our appetizer came out shortly thereafter. And OMG the cornbread. I grew up in the south and cornbread was just so-so for me but this was hands down the best I’ve had in my 37 years. The food came out and the portions were absolutely enormous. My spouse and I shared a full rack of ribs (which were huge and meaty and so well seasoned) with a near bucket sized amount of fresh fries and a cast iron pan of Mac n cheese. My kids had tenders and fries and honestly there was so much I could’ve split one plate between the three of them. The price was super reasonable, even before I knew the portion sizes lol. I would absolutely come back and recommend it to everyone I know.“

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

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

“Great drinks & the servers were very attentive.“

“I love this place with all my heart.“

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

“Pizzas 🍕 delicious and good“

“Great place and great staff!“

“Stopped in here for a bite to eat and a drink. I sat at the bar and George was the bartender. I was also introduced to Kiehl. The food, drink and staff were amazing and very welcoming. As a tourist, it was so nice to stop in here and leave feeling like you met new friends. I was also given recommendations on things to see and do while in DC! I will be back.“

“The food was amazing and the service was great“

“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“

“Spacious place with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and a laid back atmosphere.“

“Food was excellent! Beer was good, prices were fair, but our waitress was not very friendly at all. she clearly wanted nothing to do with waiting on us. otherwise a very enjoyable atmosphere and the pizza was so good!“

“Easily one of the best bars in the city, hands down“

“It was pretty pleasant had a good time“

“First time eating at STK steakhouse food was fantastic. Our waiter Jordan was one of the best waitresses. I believe I’ve ever had in my whole life. She was just a bundle of joy and a ray of sunshine. A sweet, wonderful person service was great food great five star all the way.“

“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 came to the rooftop after a long day after work. Although the food and drinks were amazing, my highlight was KiKi. I was greeted with a smile and nothing less. I received water first (which is always appreciated) and never had to wait for another drink. Overall, after a long day I appreciate how the service, food, and drinks all turned out.“

“I decided to give this place a try this past weekend. I ordered the Swachos to-go, and they were absolutely outstanding. The cheese on top was delicious, some of the best I've had. I was only there a short time, but met some people who invited me to a nightclub. I'm glad I chose this place and highly recommend the Swachos. The only drawback was that it was hard to access, due to the extreme traffic of people in the area.“

“Cash only hidden gem in Mt. Pleasant. This is definitely not the place to try and order a cocktail, enjoy their cheap beers instead. Seating is entirely smallish booths or at the bar so don’t bring a party of more than 4. I love that the music is kept to an appropriate volume and all the board games they have available. There is an ATM located inside“

“Food was great and the service“

“Our experience at the Occidental last night was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, every detail was executed with perfection. The menu showcased incredible range and creativity — the twin lobster tails were tender and sweet, the steak tartare was beautifully balanced, and the smoked pheasant under glass was a showstopper both in flavor and presentation. Each dish felt carefully crafted and elevated, yet approachable. The wine list was equally impressive — clearly curated with thought and depth, offering the perfect pairings to complement the meal without ever feeling overwhelming. Service was another highlight. Warm, attentive, and genuinely inviting, the staff struck that rare balance of professionalism without a hint of stuffiness, making us feel truly welcome. Though we couldn’t save room for dessert, it simply gives us the perfect excuse to return soon. The Occidental delivers a dining experience that lingers in memory — refined, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Highly recommended!“

“Last week we enjoyed dinner with Edgar Allen Poe. Okay, so maybe not the man himself- but about as close as I could imagine the experience to be. Dark, decadent, and full of surprise. We got to try their seasonal Poe themed menu, and it’s not just dinner- it nears theatre on a plate.“

“I’m From out of town and was looking for a nice spot without any issues or problems with a nice atmosphere and vibe. I walked around and came across this spot.

The bar was clean, the Dj was playing some good music, the bar tender was very nice and we had some good conversations about his past job and how he started bar tending. He also made me a damn good old fashioned and …… hey, what more can you ask for. Thanks, I will be back and will have to bring the wife to try the drinks.

Nice place.“

“Had a wonderful dinner with friends - service was great and food unique and delicious! Highly recommend!“

“As a guy who has been in the industry for 18 plus years, let me tell you; Black Jack was fantastic. Eddie and Grant not only knew their job, but they were kind, talented, and welcoming. I asked for some obscure / annoying cocktails, and there was no hesitation. I am in DC at least once a year from Pennsylvania, and I can say honestly, this experience made me a regular at Black Jack. If you want a genuinely lovely experience, stop in.“

“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.“

“Great place! Good eats and amazing staff!“

“I have loved many pizza places. None of them has been as consistently amazing as Martha Dear. The guanciale and arugula pie I had last night is another utterly stunning iteration. I will think about this one in my sleep. I will crave it. As much as I will stand on a soapbox telling anyone who will listen that Martha Dear is not just THE best pizza in the DMV, but one of the best restaurants in the area, it is the conspicuously kind service that is the first thing I will mention. If you’ve never been, put Martha Dear at the very top of your restaurant to-do list. The very top.“

“A very inviting corner restaurant, great for people watching and cocktails. The drinks were nice and the atmosphere was lux. We went on a Saturday and it just felt like they needed a manager around. Felt like they were really understaffed and not ready for the crowds. There were some people who had worked there longer and were directing others, and the food did come out of the kitchen timely. But there wasn't a sense of table service really, you just catch them when you can, know the candle won't get lit even after you asked and teach the server how to swipe the card. I wish they had someone tending to things, but maybe when it's slower it will be better. The pizza was good, and lots of pepperoni. I wished it wasn't quite as soggy in the middle but it tasted good. And the burrata had no flavor, no nice olive oil or pepper, very bland, but it was a hearty portion. Can't complain about the drinks. I can sense when there's no service concept so I hope they get it together.“

“If you’re looking for a place that serves up dry ciders, look no further. You have to order everything online and they bring it out to you. I’ll definitely return to buy some more ciders to-go.“

“Great place; the atmosphere, staff, and food are amazing. 3 levels with something different offered. So much fun. Great cocktails!“

“Great food! Great service! Great people!“