50 Best Cocktail Bars in Washington

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

“BRING BACK THE CEVICHE DE PULPO PLEASE!!!!“

“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 :)“

“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).“

“You will not get better service anywhere in DC. On a Friday night, we were greeted and seated by the manager Manuel who was more than polite; he was genuinely interested in our experience. I ask….a lot of questions lol, and our server Carlos was super knowledgeable and super patient and kind, and even went out on a limb to share his personal preferences which not all servers will do. It was clear from the amuse bouche(delivered to us by Manuel himself) to the care with which our table was cleaned between courses to our surprise dulce de leche at the end that they truly place a premium on their customers’ experience. The chorizo dumplings were complex and light and delicious, and their cocktails are well-crafted and made with care. We sat at the downstairs bar, it was vibey and private, and we really enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommend!“

“With Isabel leading our experience, our dinner was super amazing and memorable. I did not look at the menu before dinner and we ended up doing the Chefs tasting and we were so glad we did it. The entire team was accommodating, kind, explained every dish and even celebrated my birthday. This will be definitely a birthday dinner I will remember. Thank you so much for the amazing service and food!“

“Great food great service!“

“NOT YOUR REGULAR BAR! Customer service is top tier and the food is great!! I came in on crutches with my son who was visiting from Atlanta. Not only did they accommodate us without a reservation but they had huge parties coming in after us. Thank you for helping me show my son a great time!! It was not my first time but it was for him and he enjoyed it deeply“

“Nice atmosphere. Good drinks“

“Went to Kitchen +Kocktails for the first time last night. The decor was very nice, and the music was good and not obnoxious. Our server Ally was terrific! I’m not a drinker, so when I asked her if there were any cocktails that didn’t taste like alcohol, I thought she would look at me like I was crazy, but she didn’t! She seemed to know exactly what I was talking about and immediately had a couple of suggestions. I went with the mixed berry lemon drop and it was perfect for me. The crab cake appetizers and shrimp and grits with lobster tail entree were amazing. We had a great time and we’ll be back!“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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!“

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

“The biggest shoutout goes to our bartender, Jarrell! He made the BEST cocktails I’ve ever had, hands down. I would honestly come back just for his drinks. Beyond making amazing cocktails, he was such a highlight of our night and deserves recognition for making our experience feel special. If you’re going, do yourself a favor and grab a seat at his bar!

The food was delicious, too. We ordered the burger and shrimp, and both were so good. The F1 simulator was incredibly fun and brought out our competitive sides in the best way. We spent so much time laughing, cheering, and getting into the races. If you’re looking for a date night that gives you something fun to actually do together, this is such a great choice.

Thank you, F1 Arcade, for a memorable night—and especially Jarrell! Those cocktails alone deserve five stars. We’ll definitely be back!“

“Best Ramen I've ever eaten“

“Best sandwich ever me and my husband really enjoyed ourselves❤️💪💯👏“

“Omg best place in dc will come again“

“In my 50 yrs of living on this earth, and have traveled abroad and tried many different places…my experience at The Dabney has been by far the best I’ve experienced. Everyone from host to chefs made me feel like a star. The bar staff, servers, the atmosphere, and the chefs!!! Top tier and would highly recommend!!! Not only was the service excellent…talk about hospitality on a 100! But the FOOD!!! I mean I would’ve been a happy camper just on the drinks from the bar (gotta try the FORWARD drink!! Whew!) and the service alone, but the FOOD?! We were treated to a five course, and every single bite, morsel that I tasted sent every bit of my taste buds to heaven!! I consider myself a picky eater but none of that mattered. If you’re a connoisseur of fine dining…you CANNOT miss THE DABNEY! I salute the CHEFS!!“

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

“5/5 Stars – Absolutely earned their Michelin rating!

We had an incredible dining experience here and sat at the chef's counter, which provided a fantastic view of the kitchen performing their craft. The entire operation is organized, smooth, and highly impressive to watch.
The food and drinks were outstanding:
• Duck Drunken Noodles: Perfectly spiced! The heat provided a beautiful warmth that highlighted the flavors rather than just kicking your butt for the sake of being spicy.
• Ginger Dumplings: Absolutely delicious.
• Plum Boulevardier: A lovely, well-crafted cocktail.
• Lychee Martini: My friend ordered this and completely loved it.
The service really made the night. All of the servers were welcoming and knowledgeable, creating a wonderful dining atmosphere. We were especially blessed to be taken care of by Eli and Monica. They were wonderful hosts who were incredibly complimentary to both myself and my companion.
Even the smaller details were great—the restrooms are single units that provide plenty of privacy, featuring a sleek black decor that is exceptionally well-maintained.
This is a wonderful operation that we will definitely be returning to. Highly recommended!“

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

“This is my favorite speakeasy in the area! The menu is changed and handwritten each night. The cocktails are all $18 and worth every penny.

They don't take reservations, so as long as you're willing to wait you can get in any night. We usually put our name on the list then hang at another nearby bar until we get the text.“

“We came here after the nationals game and Dylan was our server and it was his best experience ever. My husband had the liver and onions and I had the cob salad and it was delicious. My sister-in-law had the avocado salad. I would come here at 10 out of 10 a time every single time and don’t forget to ask for Dylan as your waiter. It was amazing. And order the Mojito!“

“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“

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

“We celebrated our anniversary last night, and the setting was beautiful from the moment we walked in. The host welcomed us warmly and even wished us a happy anniversary, which felt thoughtful. And honestly, the food was outstanding. Every dish we tried was delicious.The only downside was the service, which felt rushed, like clearing plates before we were done and bringing the check right after dessert without an anniversary note. It took away from what we hoped would be a slower, more memorable celebration.“

“The food tastes as great as it is creative. We got the Filipino fried chicken, Greek chicken wings, Belgian fries, charred Brussel sprouts, and shrimp ceviche. All portions more than met the price point, and the flavors were amazing. Complex but finely woven in a way that didn't interfere with enjoying the other foods ordered. The vibe is fun yet relaxing and the service was timely and professional.“

“I went with a friend to The Capital Burger on Newbury last week. The space was clean and comfortable, our server was really friendly, and the food came out fast. Great experience—I’d come back without a second thought.“

“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!“

“Compliments to the Chef. The Michelin star is so deserved. The setting in pics seems strange but please trust the staff and the kitchen, EAT HERE. We Loved it. Try the Marrow starter and if you are from IRL or the UK the beans and pork belly is next level. BRAVO“

“Food was delicious and served fast. Our waiter was patient and accommodating. He helped me pick the right dish and took action to address an issue.
The dining room is a bit tight and the A/C was struggling on a hot afternoon. I will go back.“

“Great food! The only complaint I have is the laptop policy which prevents this from being a place to get work done especially over the weekend. However that’s subjective and I can understand some of the reasoning. The food is outstanding“

“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“

“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“

“Amazing dinner!! Every course was delicious!“

“My partner and I recently spent a long weekend in DC and had the best end to our night at The Golden Age. We had the BEST bartender (fun dude with a cool and crazy hat, wish we got his name) who in addition to providing us with a great drink and atmosphere, was also super fun to talk to. He was so incredibly personable and gave some great advice. Great place for the perfect night cap when visiting DC.“

“Reynold's knows how to set atmosphere. Walk up to a seemingly mundane building and walk through the door to a dark-lit single room with cushioned chairs, paintings, and a vibe that is perfect for a date night. It's a classy place without being too stiff or unapproachable.

My friend and I walked in on a Thursday in October around 8:30pm. We were seated right away. Within an hour, most of the tables were full.

Our server was attentive. Water was poured straight away and orders taken after looking at the menu.

The menu includes some food and lots of cocktails from martinis to specialty cocktails. I ordered Dealer's Choice, which gets you a $19 cocktail where you choose the base and style. Both of my Dealer's Choice drinks were spot on for what I asked.

One thing to note was that when the Dealer's Choice was dropped off, it wasn't explained. Places like Copycat on H Street NE walks you through what they made you so I was a bit surprised. When asked, our server asked the bartender and came back with the report. It's not big deal, but just note to ask if it's not explained.

Overall, Reynold's is a great place to go for a date or even a friend catch up.

It's within walking distance from the Dupont Circle Metro. There's street parking nearby. (We were lucky to find street parking right away.)“

“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!“

“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.“

“One of the better brunches I've had in a while. Fun fusion dishes. Their breakfast sandwich uses is a concha pan dulce with chorizo and queso Oaxaca. The pancakes are made with corn. They have fun coffee. The portions are generous.

Being Dia de Muerto, there was a delicious pan de muerto made with black sesame and filled with a grape cream.

It's a tiny place with an incredibly homey feel and adorable mis-matching clay dishware. I will absolutely be back and likely with friends.“

“We (a group of out-of-towners looking for seafood) had the perfect experience at Hank's. We arrived around 6pm on a weeknight and were seated immediately. Our server was detailed, thorough, and thoughtful. Our drinks were delicious and the food was incredible. We shared their proprietary oysters and all loved them! Whenever I'm back in DC, I'll be returning for sure!“

“This place is a hidden gem! I’d highly recommend to anyone who appreciates inventive cocktails, a dope vibe, and a personally curated experience. The highlight of the evening was our incredibly creative and engaging mixologist, Landon.“

“We went to hear the band and try the cuisine. The band (Ambience) and the food were excellent!“

“Dauphines is a good happy hour spot. The outdoor bar was mad busy but the vibe was terrific and you could enjoy music from the restaurant next door which was jamming. Marvin is one of the best bartenders in D.C. - kind, super attentive, made great suggestions. Despite the fact that our party was sitting in the courtyard area he bought our drinks over and took our food order. EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE. We ordered the devil eggs with crabmeat, shrimp cocktail, po boy sliders, raw oysters -- everything was tasty. A little pricey but worth it. Fun spot!“

“What can I even say that's bad about this place? We tried the full tasting+wine menu for our anniversary dinner last week. It was so good that we had to return yesterday for restaurant week (a menu substantially smaller but just as satisfying).

The drinks were delicious and creative (get the lychee bomb), the food was adventurous and rich, the atmosphere is both sophisticated and fun, and the service was top notch.

Major shoutouts to my guys and gal Edwin, Jonas, and Mariana. Edwin was our first server and made us feel like a part of his family, joking with us, sharing stories with us, and giving us a full tour and history of the food and wine we enjoyed. On our second visit, Edwin made sure to check on us often, but our main server Jonas was equally as generous, lively, and gave us the best suggestions for what to order. He even asked the chef to make a custom dessert for us when he realized we'd tried all the ones on the menu from last week.

Favorite drinks were the lychee bomb and I think the hocus pocus. All wine pairings were delicious.

Favorite food was the quail egg with swiss chard and truffle cream, the shrimp momo, and the ghee-poached salmon, though everything was exceptional.

Don't come here if you're looking for something quick, it's a delicious marathon here.“

“OUT OF THIS WORLD! I am Mexican and this food is just as great as it is in my own country, adding a touch of sophistication, fun and spark! Highly recommend it.“

“Great with food allergies/dietary restrictions and super accommodating. Highly suggest!“

“the food and service was amazing“

“The food was delicious, ambiance even better and service the best.
Stopped in here for brunch with a 1PM reservation on a Saturday. Party of three. We opted for bottomless mimosas (pineapple and cranberry). Our waitress(es) were a delight and attentive - Shoutout to DeLo! My two friends opted for the breakfast burrito while I had steak and eggs. The potatoes were seasoned well and the steak was cooked to my preferred doneness. Since it's a bistro they did not have steak sauce - however they offered me other options which included a mushroom gravy type sauce which paired so well with the steak. I would return just for that combination. I didn't see too many reviews for brunch so I wanted to provide some pictures for that. It's a small space with cute esthetic. It reminds me of a nice remote working coffee shop vibe. I cannot wait to return!“