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20 of the Best Bars in DC

Washington, D.C., is an ever-busy place throughout the year because of the city’s ever-growing population. A more considerable percentage of the population comprises youths who are always enthusiastic and outgoing. These people are known for unwinding and enjoying their youthfulness through eating, drinking and having fun at all costs. They have made D.C. a drinking hub because of the ever-growing number of bars in the city and the environs. The bars come in different styles, furnishing, decoration, and offering different services. The bars range from lesbian bars, to rooftop bars and Caribbean bars all serving nothing but the best with an additional ingredient of love. These bars have mainly contributed to the city’s economic growth and the United States of America at large. Whether you are looking for a place to have a few hours’ fun, overnight fun, or have a party with friends, the bar in D.C. will not disappoint. There is atleast a bar that will offer you every service you would want from a bar.

Below are the 20 best bars in D.C. that you might have or have never heard of:

1. Last Call Bar

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The Last Call bar, concealed inside the walls of a graffiti house, is a destination for those who love drinks in a hidden place. The bar has a variety of affordable drinks, ranging from as low as three dollars. While in this bar, there is a likelihood for you to enjoy music from a random group having a party because the bar accommodates parties and celebrations.

Check out: The best Caribbean bars in Washington, D.C.

Practical information
Address: 1301-a, 4th street N.E. Washington DC 20002
Contact: 202-543-2051
Opening hours: 12 pm to 3 am Saturday and Sunday, 5 pm to 2 am Monday to Friday

2. Serenata

Serenata bar will give you the Latin vibe when you have their cocktails and interact with people around. If you meet Andra Johnson, the beverage managing partner, you will have the best experience when it comes to mixing Latin cocktails. There are also several other drinks in the bar, including the famous tequila, rum and other drinks you wish to have. Drinks are majorly ordered from south and Central America, or atleast prepared to reflect the culture of these regions.

Practical information
Address: 1280 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Contact: (202) 920-7373
Opening hours: 11 am to 12 am Saturday, 11 am to 10 pm Sunday, 4 pm to 10 pm Monday to Wednesday, 4 pm to 12 am Thursday and Friday

3. ChurchKey

The ChurchKey had been closed for several months during and after the pandemic, and the clients wondered when it would open again. However, once it opened, the bar had the same, if not more, clients visiting occasionally. This is where you can have any beer because of the ever-present brews designed to meet the needs of people from every region in the country. You can also look at the meals on the menu besides drinks. Pizza is on top of the list at this bar to help you fill your stomach as you sip a drink.

Practical information
Address: 1337 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20005
Contact: (202) 567-2576
Opening hours:12 pm to 2 am Saturday and Sunday, 4 pm to 1 am Monday to Friday

4. Maxwell Park

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Maxwell park bar is a modern designed bar for drinks and meals throughout the year. The bar is run by Brent Kroll, a professional whose reputation surpassesour expectations, having successfully run several other restaurants. The bar is designed to control the temperatures during the day and night. However, the fascinating thing at the bar is the variety of drinks, including more than 50 types of wines and 500 or so different types of drinks for you to choose from. The drinks will be served alongside small bites, snacks, and other short-course meals.

Practical information
Address: 1336 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Contact: (202) 792-9522
Opening hours: 3 pm to 1 am Saturday, 3 pm to 10 pm Sunday, 5 pm to 12 am Monday to Friday

5. Copycat Co

This cocktail bar is located on H Street, where all the magic happens. The founder Devin Gong is at the epicenter of every mixing at the busy bar. The bar offers a variety of classic cocktails in town, including mules, smashes, and martinis, among other drinks a bar can offer. On top of the tasty drinks, this is where you can enjoy grilled meat prepared to fit the Chinese culture.

Practical information
Address: 1110 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Contact: (202) 241-1952
Opening hours: 5 pm to 3 am, Wednesday to Sunday, closed on Monday and Tuesday

6. Silver Lyan

The silver Lyan bar is located at Riggs Hotel in Washington DC, owned by the famous Mr Lyan. The bar is underground at the hotel, offering clients all sorts of happiness through food and drinks. The place is fit for a night out on a date or a small group celebration.

Practical information
Address: 900 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Contact: (202) 788-2799
Opening hours:5 pm to 12 am Tuesday and Wednesday, 5 pm to 1 am Thursday to Saturday, 5 pm to 11 pm Sunday, and closed on Monday

7. Dubliner

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Dubliner has existed for more than four decades, serving the people of New York City with a wide range of Guinness. This iconic bar boasts Irish culture and inspiration in the food they prepare. Whiskey is the outstanding drink in this bar because there are over a hundred different types of whiskey from Ireland. Plenty of Irish food, including fish, cabbage and chips, will help you stay at the bar throughout the night. Finally, Irish live music is also a force to recon because it adds flavour to the relaxed environment.

Practical information
Address: 4 F St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Contact: (202) 737-3773
Opening hours: 8 am to 2.30 am Saturday, 8 am to 1.30 am Sunday, 7 am to 1.30 am Monday to Thursday, and 7 am to 2.30 am Friday

8. Barmini

A visit to the Barmini will not be enough as you will want to return and experience the classic experimental cocktails. Reservations are encouraged at the bar to help clients access the lengthy menu and to ensure that there is order in the ever-busy bar. While booking for space at the bar, there is also an option for the clients to choose a flight to the place, making it easier for visitors from afar to come by. The application of modern technology in the mixing department at the bar has put this place on the global map. There are more than a hundred classic drinks for you to choose from.

Practical information:
Address: 501 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Contact: (202) 393-4451
Opening hours: 5 pm to 10 pm Tuesday to Saturday, closed on Sunday and Monday

9. The Eastern

In 2019, a group of individuals with a series of bars in America expanded their business by introducing the Eastern bar in the city as they presented a bar and a modern-day wine section built to showcase the European labels. This bar, managed by Robert Morin, is your destination for cocktails and drinks. The menu list has assorted drinks, cocktails and short-course meals such as cheese, seafood, salad, and sandwiches.

Practical information
Address: 360 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Contact: (202) 621-7950
Opening hours: 12 pm to 1 am Saturday, 12 pm to 12 am Sunday, 4 pm to 12 am Monday to Thursday, and 4 pm to 1 am Friday

10. Tiki TNT & Potomac Distilling Company

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While driving or walking through the southwest waterfront, you will notice the ever-busy bar that attracts people from across the country and globally. The bar has one of the best and most nationally recognized personnel whose work in the mixing department is appreciated by the locals and tourists. The Tiki TNT bar has a happy hour and offers different drinks, including coke, and frozen rum, among other soft drinks. You will also enjoy natural drinks such as coconut cream, lime, and honey, among several other cocktails.

Also see: 10 Best Piano Bars in Washington, D.C

Practical information
Address: 1130 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Contact: (202) 900-4786
Opening hours:12 pm to 12 am Friday and Saturday, 12 pm to 8 pm Sunday, 3-9 pm Monday, 3-10 pm Tuesday to Thursday

11. Bread soda Bar, Deli & Billiards

The lovers of games and sports in New York City have their destination in Glover Park, where they enjoy every minute at the Bread soda bar. This is the best place to hang out with friends and family, especially those who love playing pool, darts, and other games at the bar. Apart from games, this is also the spot to enjoy the best beer, served with short-course meals such as sandwiches and snacks. You will experience the happy hour in the evening, where plenty of drinks are served at a lower price.

Practical information
Address: 2233 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007
Contact: (202) 333-7445
Opening hours: 4 pm – 2 am Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to 12 am from Monday to Thursday, closed on Sunday.

12. The Green Zone

The Green zone is in the Middle Eastern region where it rocks for being the centre for every sweet cocktail. The bar boasts of having the best-prepared drinks using every available ingredient. You will have a fresh and frozen lemonade at this bar, something you will not find elsewhere. For beer lovers, you are included because this is where you can enjoy vodka and various beers. You can also enjoy a taste of Lebanese meals at the bar.

Practical information
Address: 2226 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Contact: 202-579-9606
Opening hours:5 pm to 2 am Tuesday to Friday, 12 pm to 3 am Saturday to Sunday, closed on Monday

13. Jack Ros

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Are you a whiskey fan? If you are, would you say you have tasted or even seen every type of whiskey? Well, a visit to the Jack rose will give you answers to the above questions. This is where you can find more than a thousand different types of whiskey for you to choose from. The 18th street N.W. bar will also serve you a variety of draft beers from one of the city’s viewpoints because, from the bar, one can have a unique look at the city’s skyscrapers and tallest buildings. The bar is not where you will go hungry because they prepare various food and drinks. Chicken is on top of the menu, prepared differently to suit customer needs.

Practical information
Address: 2007 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Contact: (202) 588-7388
Opening hours: 4 pm to 3 am Saturday, 4 pm to 12 am Sunday, 5 pm to 12 am Tuesday, 5 pm to 1 am Wednesday to Friday, closed on Monday

14. Service Bar

The U Street N.W. is the home for this beautifully decorated bar that has been recognized among the best bars in northern America. The bar has also been on the global map because of its service, including serving the best inventive cocktails and the most friendly staff, which have also led to the bar receiving positive reviews. The bar is a destination for crowds of people in the city and outside who have become regulars in the bar. The bar operates and prepares drinks and food depending on the season, ensuring they prepare the best for that season. Spirit, wine and whiskey are on the menu; if you are a cocktail lover, there is a space for you.

Practical information:
Address: 926-928 U St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Contact: (202) 462-7232
Opening hours:2 pm to 3 am Saturday, 4 pm to 2 am Sunday, 5 pm to 2 am Tuesday to Friday, closed on Monday

15. McClellan’s Retreat

The bar is named after one of the American heroes in the civil war and is found in DuPont circle. The bar has gained many clients over the years, supposing the existing local bars. The bar might have amassed a massive followership because of the unique cocktails, including the one from Manhattan. The bar has a policy to operate with seasons, meaning they prepare certain drinks and meals during some seasons and not others.

Practical information:
Address: 2031 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009
Contact: (202) 265-6270
Opening hours: 4-11.30 pm Saturday, 3-10.30 Sunday, 4-11 pm Monday to Friday

16. The Passenger

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The Passenger, located on 7TH street N.W., is one of the most transparent places you will find selling drinks and food in the city. You can have your special drinks at the bar listed on the chalkboard for everyone to pick from. Enjoy the local drinks, or choose a different taste from the Puerto Rican menu.

Practical information:
Address: 1539 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Contact: (202) 853-3588
Opening hours: 3 pm to 3 am Saturday, 3 pm to 12 am Sunday, 5 pm to 12 am Monday, 5 pm to 2 am Tuesday to Friday

17. Trade

Trade is famous because it is a gay bar located in Logan circle. The bar offers a lot of specials, including a particular happy hour during which people enjoy a mix of drinks, including a five-dollar beer and wine. You can also enjoy music played by professionally hired D.J. or watch your favourite shows on the giant screen.

Practical information:
Address: 1410 14th St NW Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20005
Contact: (202) 986-1094
Opening hours: 2 pm to 2.45 am Saturday, 2 pm to 1.45 am Sunday, 5 pm to 1.45 am Monday to Thursday, 5 pm to 2.45 Friday

18. Solace Outpost Navy Yard

Navy Yard is on the global map because of some of the best spots to spend time, such as the Solace Outpost. Have a sip of freshly prepared drinks at this bar, and you will recommend family and friends. The fresh brews and waterfront views are beautiful scenes that make the bar better than others. The menu has seasonal drinks such as lagers, cocktails, and frozen soft drinks. The menu also features meals for your hunger, including burgers, tots and other short-course meals.

Practical information:
Address: 71 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Contact: (202) 652-1528
Opening hours: 12 pm to 1 am Thursday to Sunday, 3 pm to 12 am Monday to Wednesday

19. All Souls Ba

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All souls bar is a neighbourhood bar in Street N.W. with a perfect atmosphere for every drinker. Friendly bartenders and the staff is the first thing you notice as you enter the doors of the big bar. Evening hours are the best time to pass by the bar to grab a drink with friends. The most notable drink at the bar is the perfect Manhattan, which serves a considerable percentage of customers. Cocktails are also on the menu, and you can make your order and preference.

Practical information
Address:725 T Street NW, Washington DC 20001, USA
Contact:202-733-5929
Opening hours: 5 pm to 3 am Friday and Saturday, 5 pm to 2 am Sunday to Thursday

20. Botanical Bar

A cosy atmosphere and space to accommodate atleast fifty people in one sitting make the botanical bar a perfect stop in the evening after work. The botanical theme creates a natural environment and fresh air. The bartender will go out of their way to prepare a special cocktail for you, mixing different fruits you like. This is the perfect place to spend a weekend.

Practical information
Address:1633 P Street NW, Washington DC, 20036, USA
Contact:202-297-0886
Opening hours:11 am to 11 pm Tuesday to Sunday, closed on Monday

To sum up, D.C. is on the global map because of some of the best bars in the country that will offer you drinks, food and entertainment to ensure you are satisfied. Soft drinks, cocktails, short course meals, heavy meals, traditional meals and drinks are all served at these unique bars to take care of you. The bars are ready to accommodate people from the country and worldwide; those visiting and those residing in the city will all get services.

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