50 Best Cocktail Bars near Mclean

“Just an incredible restaurant - amazing food out of this world our server was simply impressive with one month on the job - I can't say enough good things about him. I will always be back !!!“

“I stopped in for a quick drink and ended up staying longer than planned, much thanks to the incredible service from the bartender, Adrienne. From the moment I sat down, she made me feel welcome with a genuine smile and easygoing conversation.

What stood out most was her pleasant demeanor—friendly without being overbearing, and always approachable. It’s clear she enjoys what she does, and that energy adds so much to the atmosphere. I was unsure of what to order and asked her to surprise me with a drink made with rum and she did not disappoint. Adrienne handled the bar effortlessly and I will be back!“

“Great food craft cocktails excellent service contrary to some review. One of the best I have eaten at in N VA!“

“We had a great experience at Earl’s Kitchen in Tysons Corner. The atmosphere was sophisticated with great music and an overall elevated vibe that made the evening feel special without being stuffy. Our server, Grecia, was fantastic. She was warm, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. She also recommended a cocktail that ended up being one of the highlights of the night, the White Peach Whiskey Sour was excellent 10/10. You could tell she really cared about making our experience a good one. We’ll definitely be back and will be asking for Grecia again.“

“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 :)“

“The food at Ceibo is creative and delicious. We enjoyed eveything, sharing the hamachi, eggplant, dumplings and sea bass. The dumplings are unusual, served in a delicious broth. The emulsion served with the sea bass was amazing. The wine list is reasonable and includes great choices by the glass. The service is friendly and attentive, but not overbearing. The dining room is attractive, but because of the tile floor, once full it is a little loud, but not to the extent that you'll have difficulty hearing your dinner companion across the table. Dinner at Ceibo is a lovely way to spend an evening.“

“The cocktails are on point. I had a Mezcal JungleBird and a Firing Squad. Both were delicious. My friends also liked their drinks. The bartenders were fun and entertaining. The one guy has a propeller on his vat - he is hilarious.

We had lamb kebabs, hummus, and charcuterie. The lamb was so tender and tasty - a little bit spicy with a hint of mint. I think that the hummus had beets in the recipe - delicious. They gave us so much hummus that we could have used more pita but we didn’t ask. The bresaola on the charcuterie plate was out of this world. I heard that they make a pretty solid burger but we already had dinner and we were just snacking with late night drinks.

Classy place. Framed prints of Alphonse Mucha’s work behind the bar - there is an Art Nouveau feel. Nice looking room.

Pretty great place - one of the best places in DC IMO. I really hope that it doesn’t get ruined by stupid drunks roaming around Dupont Circle.

Parking: Not easy to park on the weekends.“

“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).“

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

“With the pandemic closure of Capitol Hill's Harold Black, Washington, D.C. needs more top-notch speakeasies. Enter O.K.P.B from the creator of The Sheppard, another popular bar that closed. Here's why you must visit this Mount Pleasant speakeasy:

1) Drinks: Monday-Saturday starting at 5 p.m., they create a hand written menu of a handful of drinks based on the bartender's inspiration and inventory. Always on the list is a "bartender's choice," the truest test of a bar worth their salt. O.K.P.B. nails it. Armed with my preference for sweet drinks, the bartender created three (yep, they were that good) unique, distinct drinks that tickled my sweet tooth. Each was well shaken and innovative- among the best cocktails in Washington, D.C. Each cocktail is $14.

2) Space: It's a speakeasy so they don't take reservations. It's first come, first served. My buddy and I walked in on a Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. and were seated within 10 minutes after being on the waitlist. Once inside, it gives off classy, yet inviting speakeasy vibes. The space is dark and dimly lit. There are booths, tables and the bar in the back. There are two small restrooms that look like a home library. Push the books to open the restroom for more surprises inside.

3) Vibes: It's a speakeasy in a very inviting neighborhood and O.K.P.B. balances the two well. You feel like you're in a friend's personal speakeasy. The bartenders are elite in their craft but approachable in spirit.

4) Location: Once you're on the waitlist, they'll text you when a table is ready. You then have 15 minutes to get their before releasing your table. That gives you some time to walk up and down Mount Pleasant Street N.W. looking inside local shops, other bars and restaurants. The neighborhood has a number of Free Little Libraries, historic homes and murals within alleys, giving visitors plenty to see while killing time. We found free street parking a few blocks south within the actual neighborhood.

If you want to impress a date, hang with friends or feel cool, visit O.K.P.B. They'll create an experience you won't soon forget.“

“The service and food were absolutely wonderful! First time visiting but definitely not the last! The salmon avocado toast was a smash! It was so pretty I almost didn’t want to eat it but I did of course!“

“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!“

“Perfect venue. All seats are good because the room is just big enough, not too big. Sound is great.
The Barns at Wolftrap has the feel of a secluded cabin in the woods with a romantic vibe. You can purchase drinks and snacks in the adjoining room and socialize. People are friendly. The place has a homey feel. There is an intermission half way through so you can get more coffee or snacks.
Perfect place for first date or any date, since there is time for chatting, and then listening together. The grounds around the venue are wooded. Highly recommend!!!!! PS- good idea to do a test drive to the venue, before the actual date, to be sure you can find it without a hitch.“

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

“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!!“

“Our son recently moved to Arlington and he said this was the best Italian food that he ever had! Last night we went there for dinner and couldn't agree with him more. We had some initial issues with our service and seating , but the General Manager, Stefano and our waitress Shandra took care of us and the service that they gave us was outstanding; probably the best that I ever had at a restaurant! The food was absolutely delicious! We will be back every time that we visit our son. There are so many dishes that I cannot wait to try and the pasta is all homemade. Thanks for making our dinner so special. We love it here!“

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

“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“

“absolutely delicious and would recommend to anyone!“

“Best rooftop in Bethesda. Beautiful sunsets and fabulous cocktails! 🍸“

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

“Great vibes and music here!!!😎“

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

“Super chill hidden spot next to Chase Bank on Bethesda Ave. The space is clean and bright. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. If you like tacos and burritos you definitely should check out this place. They also have a great selection for different kinds of drinks. ( I super recommend checking out the drink menu- fruit drink)
If you are in the city of Bethesda you definitely should check out this place.“

“Stopped by Sidecar for an evening snack and drinks. We had the Chicken Flatbread with arugula and BBQ sauce drizzle. The food and drinks were better than average, but a little on the high end for what you get. If TripAdvisor had a "Better-Than-Average" rating, I would have given it that.“

“I love the Benders today SHOUT OUT to RECESS CATERING EVENTS. CHEIF WALTON some Good tasting food by the way Chief your the Best.“

“Ingle was a great experience. It is not like tradition kbbq places. The experience was all about the pure flavors of the meat without any extra accompaniments. The cuts of meat were spectacular and incredibly tender. The sides and entrees were amazing. Our waiter was great.“

“Fun and cheerful vibes. There's a small selection of entrees you can choose from but all are carefully curated. The mochi waffle was very good and not overly sweet. The French omelette was tender but too salty. The tater tots were like normal tots and the dipping sauces were good. Good casual and fun place for friends and families.“

“We were in town from Columbus for a wedding and stopped in here for some drinks and had a wonderful time!! The bartender made awesome recommendations and made our evening fun!! Will definitely be back next time we are in DC!!!“

“Best pasta ever, anywhere!“

“Authentic Indian cuisine served with care—RASA never misses. A flavorful escape right in the neighborhood.“

“This restaurant was outstanding, starting with the very charismatic, highly entertaining waiter who was always there when we needed him to the food which was delicious and authentically delicious to the ambiance which was good energy without being loud and a cool environment. The branzino, hamachi crudite, pork chop and bread were especially delicious. Highly recommended.“

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

“Loved eating here. The restaurant smelled faintly of incense, which was a welcome ambiance. Tables are layed out well so it doesn't feel cramped. The space is nice and bright with beautiful decor. The staff were friendly and very attentive. Service was fast and the food was absolutely delicious! Loved every single thing I ordered:

Sheer chai — this tea had a nice balance of milk and sugar

Mantoo classic — these beef dumplings were full of flavor and served at the right temperature, hot but not too much to burn your mouth

Lamb shank — the sauce was packed with flavor and the meat fell off the bones. It came with rice that was a lovely buttery complement to the lamb

Sheer berenj — had this for dessert and it was very refreshing. It's not milky and the pistachios on top added a nice nutty flavor to the rice pudding

Green tea with cardamom — nice way to end dinner“

“I came during a work event and George was our server. This was such a memorable evening with my coworkers and one of the best team building outings! Miniature golf is always a good night out, but what truly made the experience is his level of professionalism and customer service! He made us laugh while still being attentive and making great recommendations for food and drinks. We will definitely be back.“

“If you find yourself in DC, I highly recommend giving this place a shot if you wanna splurge on food. The dining experience and service was top notch and the food was splendid.

Side note: I also heard that they were going to close up shop later this year so try it while you have the chance!“

“From the moment we stepped through the doors of Jula's on the Potomac, we knew we were in for a special experience. Everyone's dish was a masterstroke. From start to finish, Jula's on the Potomac delivered an experience that was thoughtful, refined, and full of heart. It’s the kind of place that turns a dinner into a memory. Five stars without hesitation. My wife will never forget her 50th Birthday celebration brunch. Bishop Avery Kinney Sr. will be back—and bringing everyone he knows. It was worth the drive from Richmond. ❤💯“

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

“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.“

“The menu was extensive and slightly $$$. Drinks were pricey. However, surprisingly the portions were sharable and delicious! Presentation was fab. The 3 of us shared a whole fish(1-2 people 2lbs) and a risotto. The fish dish was presented beautifully w lettuce, basil, cilantro and threaded noodles w a sauce to make lettuce wrap with the deboned whole fish. It’s was a fabulous meal!“

“We've dined at Patsy's American on several occasions and consistently appreciate the quality, service and atmosphere.“

“This spot was incredible. Great artisan pizzas with creative pairings & cooked to perfection. The Harambe loved Big Macs and Macha Roni were both SO good. My favorite between the two was the Harambe- which had an fantastic dressing. It truly was a star.

We'll be back!“

“Delicious and lovely atmosphere.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We had such a wonderful dining experience at Linjee Thai Restaurant! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm welcome and attentive service that continued throughout our meal. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel right at home without being overbearing — they struck the perfect balance of professionalism and hospitality.

The ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and inviting, with tasteful, modern Thai-inspired décor that creates a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. The lighting is soft and warm, perfect for a comfortable dinner setting, and the space feels clean and well cared for. We also appreciated the subtle attention to detail in the presentation — from the neatly set tables to the beautifully plated dishes.

I ordered the sweet chili chicken, super delicious fried to perfection, shrimp fried rice, and it was absolutely delicious — flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and full of fresh, juicy shrimp. The rice had a great texture and wasn’t greasy at all, which can sometimes be the case with fried rice. My husband had the chicken lo mein, and he was really impressed with how fresh and well-balanced it was. The noodles were tender, the vegetables crisp, and the sauce brought everything together beautifully without being too heavy.

To accompany our meals, we each tried one of their specialty cocktails. I had the Blush & Bubbles — light, bubbly, and just sweet enough to be refreshing. My husband ordered the Berry Down Sangria and loved the fruity flavor with just the right amount of depth. Both drinks were well-crafted and a great complement to our meals.

Overall, everything about our visit — from the warm service to the thoughtful décor and flavorful dishes — made it a truly enjoyable experience. Linjee Thai is definitely a place we’ll be coming back to and recommending to friends. A true hidden gem!

I wanna go back already.“

“Randomly found out about this place after having dinner with a friend at the sushi restaurant upstairs. It looked like a cute modernly decorated bar once we entered and it was. The music was GREAT, the bartenders were lovely and super attentive! The drinks had delicious interesting flavors and definitely gave you that kick you’re looking for after midnight. We got to sit at the bar to enjoy your cocktails.“

“We stopped by for a nightcap and were so glad we did. Whenever we travel, we seek out great craft cocktails and these did not disappoint. Loved the vibe. The cocktails were imaginative and well balanced. The service was outstanding. We did not have an opportunity to try the food, but look forward to visiting again for dinner. I highly recommend this wonderful, tiny, magical trip down the rabbit hole.“

“I had the privilege of experiencing the Chefs Tasting at 2941 Restaurant last night. The five-course tasting journey, paired with exquisite food and wine, along with beautiful surroundings and a vibrant atmosphere, turned the evening into a memorable adventure and culinary delight. If you seek to awaken your taste buds and embark on a magical journey, this extraordinary destination in the DMA area and North America awaits you.“

“The food appears... lesser quantity than in DC. The biscuits were smaller, and harder. I saw no bacon. The sausage (pork or chicken) was not "week done" as with the DC restaurant. Also there wasn't any shrimp. I got there at 9:am, and was told reservations were needed. So I Sat at the bar. Def a 3.5 rating on food here“

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