50 Best Bars near Takoma Park

“The chicken mole California burrito was really really good - specifically the tortilla and the mole and beans. Everything tasted homemade and delicious. The carnitas super burrito was also really well made and the guacamole was good.

The cold brew was the best cold brew I’ve tried (I’ve had about 10) - it was really chocolatey and delicious.

The reasons for 4 stars is that I didn’t like how the portions were a bit small for the price. The chips and guac was $12 and seemed to involve about 1 or 2 avocados.

The burritos were filling - appreciated and needed the salsa verde that came with them! But still a bit pricy.

These views might also be influenced by the fact I felt pressured by the card machine at the register to tip more than 20% before the food came. The first screen that pops up when paying has only 3 suggested tips: 25, 22, and 20% - the highest I’ve seen on one of these apps. In total it came to $63 for 2 burritos, 1 chips and guac, and 2 cold brew coffees including tip which feels very expensive. We also were accosted by wasps on the patio that tried to get into our food, so that’s a reason for the 4 star atmosphere.

Nevertheless I would recommend this place - if you’re not worried about the price and savvy enough to tip appropriately/not accidentally.

I am confident they are some of the best burritos you can get in the area, and cold brew!“

“Excellent selection of dishes, full of flavors that make your taste buds undecided on what to order first; just this experience will get you to come back again and again.“

“Authentic N. Italian cuisine presided over by Roberto and Ivan.“

“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“

“Thank you, Texas Jack's for accommodating me on Thanksgiving when my Metroaccess ride dropped me off before my reservation. Food and service (by Calvin) was excellent!“

“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.“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“I came across this place by chance while walking around Washington, and it was such a great discovery! The concept is really cool — they have a self-serve tap system with around 99 different drink options to choose from, which was totally new to me. It’s a fun and interactive experience. The atmosphere was great and the food was delicious too. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area!“

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

“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 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“

“Delicious and lovely atmosphere.“

“Great foods and great service.“

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

“my favorite place in DC! 💖“

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

“Great drinks & the servers were very attentive.“

“Royal sands is amazing! We’ve been a couple times before but just hosted my boyfriend’s 25th birthday there and they were fantastic! They gave us the VIP treatment. The drinks and the food were all amazing as the staff! Thank you again!“

“An excellent dining experience from the moment we walked in to the moment we left. Beautiful decor, stylish but comfortable seating, and just good vibes all round.

All of the food was amazing and so creative, especially the beet tartare which had this vegan egg yolk that looked and tasted like a real egg yolk! The mocktails were really fun too.

Only downside is that it’s pricey for the amount of food you get, but if you’re looking for a more refined dining experience with great atmosphere and delicious food you should definitely consider this place.“

“Food drinks were good. Hospitality was great“

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

“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.“

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

“The brisket and pulled pork sandwiches were so good. All the drinks were top notch as well. Service was fast and the server was very attentive. Great place with great food!!“

“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.“

“This review is dedicated to those reviewers who say Ama’s food is either ‘bland’ or they were ‘still hungry’ after eating there-

this is because you are used to eating at restaurants that use fake ingredients and artificial flavor enhancers, as do most in the country, so sorry but you have no idea what real food tastes like. Ama makes real food, intentionally and wholeheartedly. They partner with local farmers, cook with real ingredients, and create a menu that will leave you feeling satiated and wonderful, as my friends and i did even after we ate through the menu AND ordered 4 desserts at the end.

so yeah, their food isn’t ‘bland’ , you probably have just never tasted food that wasn’t grown in a lab and loaded with artificial flavoring and addictive chemicals. try harder!“

“It's the best place to listen to live music in DC.“

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

“Amazing drinks. Amazing atmosphere. So happy for this team (Jane Jane) for expanding across the city! 12/10 for sure.

Drinks pictured are the Devil in a Red Dress( rocks glass) and Midnight Bloom (coupe). I didn’t get to partake in the cheese puffs but I’m very sure it was an honest mistake. So next time! While I don’t normally like tequila based drinks, the Devil in a Red Dress was a hit! Highly recommend!“

“The food was amazing and the service was great“

“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.“

“Great cocktails, excellent service.“

“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!“

“A DC classic—delicious food, excellent service, and full of historic charm. Definitely book ahead and sit in the bar or main dining room for the best vibe.“

“Just an all-around wonderful experience, I was able to pull right up sit down with my lovely puppy outside and enjoy one of the best brunches I’ve had in the long time“

“I love this place with all my heart.“

“Love the vibes here good cocktails good people great time.“

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

“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.“

“HIGHLY RECOMMEND! The Bazaar at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C., offered a unique and vibrant dining experience that beautifully blends traditional and contemporary culinary influences. The restaurant boasts an elegant yet inviting atmosphere, perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. The decor reflects the sophistication of the Waldorf Astoria, creating a warm and welcoming space. The menu is a feast for the senses, featuring a diverse range of dishes inspired by global flavors. Standout items include the inventive tapas and small plates, which are perfect for sharing. The seafood options, particularly the fresh ceviches, are a must-try, along with the signature paellas that are rich in flavor and beautifully presented. The staff at The Bazaar is attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent service that enhances the overall dining experience. They are happy to make recommendations and ensure that all guests feel well taken care of. The cocktail menu is creative and extensive, showcasing unique blends that complement the food perfectly. The wine selection is also impressive, offering a variety of choices to suit different The Bazaar at the Waldorf Astoria is a delightful dining destination that combines exquisite food, impeccable service, and a stunning setting. Whether you're visiting for a romantic dinner or a celebration with friends, this restaurant promises a memorable experience that captures the essence of fine dining in D.C. Highly recommended!“

“We had our wedding at the Commentary on 5/31/25 and we could not be more thrilled with our experience. Olivia Martel and Chef Fran were PHENOMENAL to work with. Anything we wanted, we got. We wanted a low key, chill wedding, and decided on stations and the pasta bar with a plethora of appetizers and the execution was a 10/10. We loved having the whole bar and restaurant to ourselves in Ballston and welcoming guests from across the country and being in the Commentary’s/Westin’s care. They took really great care of us and we couldn’t be more grateful for the most beautiful day of our lives.“

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

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

“Great place for mussels!“

“This place is a hidden gem.. can’t lie I was skeptical because there was no smell of seasonings but let me tell you the flavor profiles were exceptional!! Finally a restaurant that I can leave out of not smelling like the food I ate.. ??? I recommend this anyone that values flavor! I want to write more because the food was so good but I think I’m just gonna stop.“