50 Best Bars near Kensington

“This is an adorable wine bar- everyone is very nice and professional and they absolutely know their wine styles - it just feels like it caters a bit too much to older folks but could really attract more millennials with some improvements. With Rockville/Kensington becoming younger and younger there is a lot of potential to bring in more business if they remodeled a bit and boosted the atmosphere (better music, more talkative staff, maybe some wine-special events like a “Pinot noir night” or themed around highlighting specific regions…or trivia is always safe). Good luck!!“

“Wait staff are terrific! Friendly and helpful, they know my favorite order but don’t take it for granted that on Monday I will always ask for a burger!“

“Delicious pizzas, love their doughs!!“

“Great cuisine, my risotto was just loaded with black truffle. The menu evolves with the season, and the staff is super friendly. Few places around Olney that I'm impressed by, and I can't wait to go back.“

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

“The drink menu is creative, telling how the drinks were inspired.

I had two drinks. The first one was “Summers, Horses, Dreams”, love this one, it is a twisted from lychee martini, adding green cardamom which is insane delicious. However, I think the drink need to be colder.

Second drink was “Little Hats and Fast Trains”, highball style with Mazapan foam, I believe this is a type of peanut candy, and tamarind flavor. The foam was tasty but the tamarind was tart for me.

The staff was really helpful and nice. The atmosphere and the vibe was okay, good for dating or go with your friend.“

“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 😊“

“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.“

“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.“

“Great foods and great service.“

“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.“

“my favorite place in DC! 💖“

“Great drinks & the servers were very attentive.“

“I love this place with all my heart.“

“Everything was perfect, the service, food and cocktails! Look forward to returning.“

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

“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.“

“Hands down the best vegan Ruben I’ve ever had. The rye bread was toasted perfectly, the sauerkraut was tangy, the smoked tempeh was a delicious stand in for corned beef, and put together with the dressing and the cheese it was melt in your mouth delicious. I also ordered the eggplant fries which were delightful! I can’t wait to come back and try other menu items! Updated from previous review on 2025-12-30“

“I've been wanting to go to Kbird DC since it opened, but it is a bit out of the way. My husband and I were able to stop by after our late brunch in DC and rolled in around 5/6 pm. Upon arrival, both staff members greeted us warmly and were more than happy to help us order our drinks. The bartender (I didn't catch her name) and Chelsea were wonderful and even recommended a drink for me. My husband had the Pistachio Pisco Negroni and the Tepache Manhattan. He enjoyed both. I had the Champagne Old Fashioned, and it was a refreshing spin on the classic. About an hour later, the place became livelier when a whole stream of people came in - most likely due to the upcoming theater play at 7:30 pm. Shortly after, my husband and I were pleasantly surprised to run into an old classmate and her husband, so we were able to catch-up! I look forward to coming back for one of their event nights. They usually have karaoke and trivia nights, but I can't wait to see what other events they have up their sleeve this year! The perfect spot for remote work, a cozy chat, or a group gathering.“

“Good people, great b music.“

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

“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!!“

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

“good food“

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

“Great place for mussels!“

“Hip bar with fun crowd, pool, and excellent cocktails“

“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!“

“Excellent beer selection and to-die-for totchos and grilled cheese sandwiches, with whatever interesting “toppings” you could imagine!“

“Amazing atmosphere and some of the best cocktails in the area!!!“

“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!“

“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.“

“Hope you guys open soon indoors“

“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.“

“Great cocktails, excellent service.“