Top 17 Must-Visit Bars in Washington DC

Top 17 Must-Visit Bars in Washington DC

Washington DC is a paradise for tourists, and the bars in Washington DC make it perfect for an evening beer after visiting its many monuments and museums.

As the sun sets over the city, the city’s bars and pubs attract patrons from all over the city to complement the DC area’s active nightlife.

The bars in Washington, DC, have some of the best wine and beer in the country. They are renowned for having some of the best deals during Happy Hours, allowing working professionals to relax and socialize without spending money.

However, if you do not have the budget, you will find a bar ready to indulge you in exquisite cocktails and luxuries like no other.

So here is the list of the top 17 bars in Washington, DC!

1. Service Bar

If you want to enjoy refreshing cocktails and traditional American pub fare, then a visit to Service Bar is just what you need.

You can enjoy your time in the pleasant indoor environment or head to the outdoor patio for an open-air evening.  

• Location – 926 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
• Timings – Tuesday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Don’t Miss – Cocktails and Fried Chicken

2. The Lucky Bar

Lucky Bar is the place if you want to watch a game of soccer over drinks. While the walls are covered with soccer memorabilia, the dancefloor also has ample space to celebrate after your team’s victory.

Pool tables also cater to patrons looking for a different way to relax. This is a great place to have a beer and watch a game with your friends in the presence of other football fans. 

• Location – 1221 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States
• Time –
• Monday – Friday: 12:30 pm – 10:00 pm
• Saturday – 12 noon – 10:00 pm
• Sunday – 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Don’t Miss – Local Brewery

3. Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona Wine Bar offers some of the best Spanish wines in the DC area. One can sip exotic sparkling wine or rosé while enjoying cheese, appetizers, and Spanish cuisine, making this one of the most exquisite bars in Washington, DC.  

• Location – 1622 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
• Time –
• Monday-Friday: 12 noon-12 midnight
• Saturday and Sunday: 11:00am – 12 midnight
• Don’t Miss – Wine Collection, Aperitivo Board & Paella

4. Royal

This Latin bar/coffee shop is a great place to hang out for a day. One can grab some great cocktails and the grill-based menu, which is simple yet enjoyable. If you’re someone who loves to experiment with food, check out their creative hot cocktails.  

• Location – 501 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
• Time –
• Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Don’t miss to see – Hot Cocktails & Homemade Soup

5. Right Proper Brewing Company

If you’re someone who loves your beer and wants to try out local breweries, Right Proper Brewing Company is one of the best breweries in DC.

While Brookland House provides a quiet spot for tasting new crafts, one can enjoy these beers in a pub-like setting at Shaw’s Brewpub.

The pub serves classic American fare and a specialty cheese counter that compliments the beer nicely.  

• Location – Brookland House: 920 Girard Street NE, Washington, DC 20017, United States Shaw Brewpub: 624 T Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
• Time –
• Brookland House:
• Friday and Saturday: 12 noon – 8:00 pm
• Sunday: 12 noon – 6:00 pm
• Shaw Brewpub:
• Monday – Thursday: 12 noon – 9:00 pm
• Friday – Sunday: 12 noon – 11:00 pm
• Don’t miss – L’il Wit, Raised by Wolves, Senate Beer, and Cheese.

6. Decades

Taking you back to the retro era, Decades is the perfect place to dance the night away to some excellent music for patrons while enjoying great cocktails. If you want to enjoy your time here, this club also offers VIP table and bottle service!  

• Location – 1219 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036, United States
• Time –
• Thursday – 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• Friday – 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM
• Saturday – 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM
• Don’t Miss – Cocktails, and Champagne

6. Nelly’s Sports Bar

If you want to socialize at a sports game, go to Nelly’s Sports Bar. This gay-friendly bar hosts karaoke nights as well as drag events.

The great selection of beers, as well as the delicious snacks, make your visit here truly unforgettable!  

• Location – 900 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
• Time –
• Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
• Friday: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM
• Saturday: 10:30 am – 3:00 am
• Sunday: 10:30 am – 1:00 am
• Don’t miss – Nelly’s Wings and Nelly’s Beer

7. Brixton

This three-level pub has a British-themed layout on the ground floor, a first-floor lounge, and an open rooftop bar above it.

The place is famous for its casual ambiance and fine dining. Here is a must-try British brew and foreign wine collection. Brixton also serves some of the best food to offer to its guests in a bar.  

• Location – 901 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
• Time –
• Thursday and Friday: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Don’t Miss – Jameson Whiskey & Coin Meze

8. Biergarten Haus

If you are looking for a great beer out in the open, you must visit Biergarten Haus. The great outdoor patio and traditional German brew complement the menu, which serves some of the best German cuisines.  

• Location – 1355 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
• Time –
• Wednesday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 AM
• Saturday: 12 noon – 10:00 am
• Sunday: 12 noon – 10:00 pm
• Don’t Miss – Draft Byers, Schnitzel & Sausage Platters

9. Duffy’s Irish Pub

To experience the authentic Irish pub culture, you must visit Duffy’s Irish Pub. One of the most active bars in DC, the bar is renowned for its variety of Irish whiskey and beer.

It is also the official Watch Game Bar of the Green Bay Packers. So if you’re a die-hard NFL fan who wants to please the Packers while sipping Guinness, Duffy’s Pub is the place to be.  

• Location – 1016 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
• Time –
• Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Friday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Don’t Miss – Irish Whiskey, Burgers, and Chicken Wings

10. Boxcar Tavern

Boxcar Tavern instantly transports you to a classic British pub layout with its narrow shape and plush seating.

While admiring the Old English artwork adorning the walls, one can indulge in classic American inn fare and enjoy refreshing cocktails.  

• Location – 224 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, United States
• Time –
• Wednesday & Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Don’t miss to see – Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Confident Chicken Wings.

11. Green Zone

If you are looking for creative and delicious cocktails, you must try Green Zone. The Middle Eastern-based bar has some of the most uniquely named cocktails that taste just as good. It’s also a great place to try Middle Eastern quick bites like hummus and falafel.  

• Location – 2226 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
• Time –
• Sunday – Thursday – 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Friday and Saturday – 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Don’t Miss – Mint Lemonade, Sazirak, Lebanese No. 1, and Falafel

12. Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

If you are looking for a lively place to socialize and dance the night away, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar is one of the liveliest bars in Washington, DC, where you should stop.

Exotic cocktails and Cuban fare allow you to experience the taste, while the Latin nightlife ensures you enjoy every minute spent here!  

• Location – 8019th St. NW Suite A, Washington, DC 20001, USA
• Time –
• Monday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Sunday: : 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Don’t miss – a trip to Havana, House Cuba Libre

13. Quadrant Bar & Lounge

If you want to indulge in some of the most sumptuous cocktails in the DC area, stop at the Ritz-Carlton’s Quadrant Bar and Lounge.

Classy interiors and handcrafted cocktails go hand-in-hand with live bands entertaining guests. You will surely get value for your money, although you may be paying a lot.  

• Location – The Ritz-Carlton, 1150 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States
• Time –
• Sunday-Wednesday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Thursday – Saturday: 11:00am – 12 midnight
• Don’t Miss – Cocktails

14. Crane Spanish Kaiseki

Cranes Spanish Kaiseki is a unique restaurant and bar serving a fusion menu of Spanish and Japanese cuisine. The luxurious ambiance adds to the overall experience, with specially crafted beverages and food designed to suit your taste.  

• Location – 7249th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, United States
• Timings – Monday – Sunday: 12 PM – 9:00 PM
• Don’t Miss – Sake & Tapas

15. Primrose

If you want to taste classic French wines and ambiance in Washington, then Primrose has it all for you.

The elegant interiors are as enticing as the fine wine collection that this restaurant and bar offers, dining here complements your complete experience.  

• Location – 3000 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017, USA
• Time –
• Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm
• Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Don’t Miss – Cheese Board & Wine Collection

16. Taqueria Habanero

If you’re looking to add some Mexican flavor to your cocktail, drop by Taqueria Habanero. Tequila, cocktails, and Mexican beer are the highlights of the bar. For food lovers, tacos and other Mexican food go well with the drinks on offer!  

• Location – 3710 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20010
• Time –
• Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Don’t Miss – Tacos and Margaritas

If you want to go bar hopping in the capital city, visit these 17 bars in Washington, DC, or have a memorable experience!

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