50 Best Cocktail Bars in Washington

“Best Ramen I've ever eaten“

“I love this place! The food is phenomenal! I can’t get over the tempeh burger!!!“

“Incredible restaurant that puts elevated care, attention to detail, and quality ingredients front and center.

Unpretentious in austere but refined in the approach to your hospitality experience, this gem nestled in the heart of AdMo is a must-see for all hungry foodies in the area.

My experience with Imani and Amina will be the reason I return and tell my friends to go. Their storytelling, command of the menu, and easy approach to creating an elevated dining experience did not go unnoticed.

Meatball and porkchop were a hit in tenderness and flavor, while the cabbage and pudding were a hit in dynamics and design. Major shout out to Amina for bringing over the perfect wine pairing to complement our porkchop—on the house.

These moments create the fine dining experience and make the price point worthwhile.“

“We took another close friend couple, and it was just the best dining experience we have ever had, and we are considered "foodies". Staff was a true pleasure, service was impeccable and the food was so creative, artistic and flavorful. Overall, a great evening and experience. Thank you.“

“Elegant setting. Beautiful decor. Stellar service. Innovative and delectable cuisine. Bonus points for mocktail options.“

“5 stars isn't enough!! From the moment we walked in until the end of our night we were satisfied. The decorations, food, and service was amazing! They even offered me a quiet place to pray :). Give this place a try-trust me (portions may seem small, but it was very filling- we ordered the bowl of fries, which came with a delicious sauce, CROQUETTES, fish burger, beef burger, and gnocchi pomodoro. It felt like we were in nyc enjoy :)“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best in town for food and drinks.“

“Finding a Filipino restaurant isn’t easy. So learning about Purple Patch thru Jo Koy—has ended this search! Literally, Filipino cuisine heaven! The restaurant is uniquely decorated, the staff were friendly, & the food hit that major comfort button for us! Thank you Zahara for being so sweet & a wonderful waitress. We can’t wait to come back for more!“

“Great food great service!“

“It was fabulous! I loved how much thought went into the meal and the whole place showed the care and love behind the creations. The food and service were spectacular!“

“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!!!“

“love D&A. The service is great. The bartenders are very attentive. Abbie, the top shelf cocktail waitress is the nicest most thoughtful person we have.ever met! She is AMAZING!!“

“We went on a Sunday night and the place was packed. One of the best staff and service. We tried their crab dip, bread service (best butter n bread), tosso stuffed chicken, oyster sliders… all of them tasted really great. Quite a big drinks n wine menu. Even has options for non alcohol too. All day happy hour on Sunday too. Will come back again.“

“Amazing dinner!! Every course was delicious!“

“It’s an outstanding establishment to eat & drink!!“

“Had a great experience. I would definitely come back next time we are in DC.“

“Genuinely blown away. Don't get me wrong I love all food, but I wouldn't say I'm easily impressed since most restaurants are just decent but this was truly great food and the service was phenomenal. You can really tell a lot of time and thought is put into each dish. We will be back!!!“

“on point!! don't shy away from the menu, everything we had was delicious.“

“The best experience I have ever had at a restaurant! food was amazing and the staff made us feel like we were regulars! would recommend 1000 times over!“

“Tastes just like my mom’s cooking, should try to know it.“

“The Tacos and clam chowder was really good. The frozen Rose’ was good as well. Great service“

“Unreal 5 star arrive and food . I agree Michelin for sure“

“It is impossible to have a bad experience here. I’ve been coming to this place for well over 4 years now and it never disappoints. The staff is great. Drinks are amazing. And it’s just a really nice to be. The chai latte is worth every sip.“

“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.“

“Nice atmosphere. Good drinks“

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

“There’s something quietly electric about Pascual, the kind of restaurant that makes you whisper to your dining neighbor, “You must try this… Don’t miss that…” Nestled in D.C.’s Capital Hill, the casual yet contemporary Mexican spot from chefs Isabel Coss and Matt Conroy has doubled its space since opening just a year and a half ago. With the addition of a new outdoor patio, the energy now spills beyond its 30-seat dining space making more room for mezcal-fueled conversation and corn-scented dishes.

Chef Isabel herself is a ray of light. Her warmth is as memorable as the food, and on our visit, staff Emely and Jeremiah kept that energy flowing with the kind of attentiveness that makes you feel like a regular. The menu, which changes weekly, revolves around whichever heirloom corn varieties the kitchen has sourced that week. During our visit, it was Amarillo Bolita from Oaxaca and Azul Cónico from Estado de México.

We kicked things off with Guacamole and Tostadas, then went wild and ordered all the sauces: macha, verde, borracha, habanero, smoked papaya, and shishito escabeche. Each one offered a different kind of fire or funk, transforming the rest of our meal into a choose-your-own-flavor adventure.

The Kampachi Crudo was a stunner bathed in a husk cherry leche de tigre and touched with turmeric, it set a playful yet precise tone. The Bangs Island Mussels Tostada followed, topped with avocado, salsa negra, and epazote aioli that looked more like art than appetizer.

Vegetable dishes here are anything but afterthoughts. The Chayote Salad with sunflower seeds, guajillo oil, and Asian pears brought bright texture and balance, while the Infladita stuffed with squash purée, smoked goat ricotta, and uni mousse hit a deeply savory-sweet note.

The North Carolina Shrimp Tamal was tender and perfumed with huacatay. But it was the Badger Flame Beets that stopped us in our tracks, a colorful composition with hazelnut salsa macha, smoked ricotta, and opal basil. We paired that with Pork Belly Carnitas, rich and crisp with honeycrisp purée, purple shiso, and a hint of habanero.

Dessert continued the theme with a Chocolate Tamal with hoja santa ice cream and masa crumble delivered an earthy satisfaction. But the showstopper? The Nixtamalized Pear with pistachio ice cream, toasted meringue, and key lime—a refreshing reminder that a fruit as a dessert can surprise you.

The bar is just as thoughtful as its kitchen, spotlighting a tight but stellar list of agave spirits that leans into small producers and Mexican terroir. The cocktails riff on familiar classics with twists—think a Huacatay Old Fashioned with plum sake, a Fallin’ Empire with both Mexican Fernet and corn whiskey, and xila amaro, banana and lime. Inventive sips that carry the same earthy, layered flavors found on the plate.

Pascual transported us to Mexico City. The rhythm, the energy, the ever-evolving expression of corn and fire. In a city full of restaurants, this one feels like it’s simply chasing flavor, and that’s exactly what makes it shine.“

“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!“

“Great place!! The atmosphere was charming and the food was great! The staff was very knowledgeable about the wine and provided great customer service.“

“I enjoyed the green zone, it had me flying high. Flying high when I tried their coffee drink. There was so much in it I don’t even know what to call it, but look at the picture, it looks delicious. I payed a pretty penny for it too, but pennies I got. This place cost a lot of green so bring your wallet, credit card too. Have fun, it’s good (at least their coffee drink is).“

“Omg best place in dc will come again“

“fantastic food and service. Will definitely be back“

“Great place for drinks and food, a good girls night or wine night or relaxing evening for 30s and up! Great ambience and darker lighting sets a good mood and atmosphere. Love it here and continue to bring friends to enjoy the gem close to DuPont!“

“Great ambiance and great drinks 🍹 totally recommend for a fun night out 🥂“

“Love the atmosphere and drinks are great“

“Our son lives in the area and we have been here 4-5 since January ( every time we visit) The owners are wonderful and the staff very attentive The fish taco appetizer is wonderful ( can be enough for an entree if not wanted a big meal) I’ve had many of the entrees and never a bad meal . The chocolate dessert is my go to“

“What a lovely bar! Delicious and unique drinks!“

“Reynolds is the definition of elevated dining and social experience. Their cocktails aren’t just drinks—they’re a whole conversation, crafted with creativity and precision that makes each sip memorable. The bites are iconic, offering a perfect mix of flavor and presentation that keeps you coming back for more. And the vibe? Absolutely high-end—sophisticated yet inviting, making it ideal for a night out or a special occasion. Reynolds delivers on every front: exceptional drinks, delicious bites, and an atmosphere that feels luxurious without being pretentious. Highly recommend for anyone looking to indulge in a truly refined experience.“

“wonderful gem of a spot! delicious cocktails and food. extremely knowledgeable staff“

“Bistro Cacao was an outstanding choice to cater lunch for a very important business meeting. The food was AMAZING, from appetizers, salad, main course and dessert! Highly recommend them for your next event, meeting or just a fine place to dine!! Great Service, Great Food, Great Presentation!“

“Mariscos 1133 is hands down one of the best brunch spots I’ve ever been to! The food selection is incredible — from savory dishes to the amazing drinks, everything was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. You can tell the kitchen puts care into every plate.

The drink menu is just as impressive. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic mimosa or something more creative, their cocktails are delicious and well-balanced. The vibe is vibrant yet laid-back, making it perfect for a relaxing weekend brunch with friends or a casual date.

The service was also top-notch — friendly, attentive, and quick without feeling rushed. I’ll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend Marisco 1133 if you’re looking for an unforgettable brunch experience!“

“Great vibes and music here!!!😎“

“We heard about Rania from social media and since we love Indian food, making a reservation was a no brainer. Reading some of the negative comments prior to dining there had us feeling hesitant but hopeful. I'm happy to say, we had an excellent experience there. Everyone from the hostess to the bus boys and wait staff were attentive, welcoming and polite. The food was top notch and the cocktails were presented in a really fun and creative way. The only negative was the noise level. My husband and I had to raise our voices to hear one another speak. Otherwise, we had an excellent experience at Rania and would love to dine there again.“

“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“

“You know you’re going to have good food when the servers get excited about your menu decisions. Everything was absolutely wonderful. We got to sit at the bar with a direct view of the kitchen. I don’t know if the octopus or the truffle dumpling was my favorite, but I know I’m getting both when I go back. The whole fried snapper had a delicious light breading. The duck noodles were tasty too; I will probably try to get it spicier next time. I’ll likely be back in a couple of weeks. I’m still thinking about the food. Also, this husband-wife team perfected my experience by ensuring such excellent service. They need to teach a workshop to other restauranteurs.“

“What a great place ! I’m Swiss and very critical when it comes to “ Swiss restaurants “ in other countries. The best Kalbs Bratwurst und Rösti. The Vermicelli tasted just like at home. Great hospitality. And fair prices. THANK YOU FOR A HOME EXPERIENCE AWAY FROM HOME“

“There’s very few times when you walk into somewhere and can tell immediately that the owner loves what they’re doing, Cynthia is most definitely one. Cocktails were unique and delicious and the food was exactly what I hoped it would be.“

“Great drinks & the servers were very attentive.“

“Food was exceptional and so was the service. The ice cream sandwich dessert was to die for!“