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The 10 Best Bars & Clubs in Washington DC, District of Columbia (DC)
Washington DC is a hub for American politics and history. Attracting as many school field trips as it does travelers the district offers a peek into the country’s democratic origin. There are plenty of free museums to take advantage of but the real draw here is the memorials and monuments dedicated to great American leaders. Spend some contemplative time at the Reflecting Pool within the National Mall, among the most patriotic places in the country.
Restaurants in Washington DC
1. ChurchKey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
2. Off the Record
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By The_Loup_Garou - Phoenix, United States
Visit for Wines and Lunch in March In March, we were staying at the Hay-Adams, for my wife to attend several days of meetings on Capitol Hill, and I headed down into the semi-basement of the hotel, just as Off the Record opened. As per my usual, I was seeking wine, and I knew I’d find it there. Now, Off the Record is hidden away just a bit, and there is not a great deal of signage in the hotel lobby, unless one looks carefully, or asks directions. As the hotel is on a bit of a hill, on 16th Street NW and H Street NW, the semi-basement is down two flights of steps from the lobby, but from the H St side, it’s only a few steps, and the windows, look out onto H St, but at ankle level. As the name indicates, it’s a favorite haunt of politicians, and those, who meet with them. It’s a very cozy bar, with seating scattered around a bit, and some in nooks and crannies, that make that table feel private. It is adorned with 100's of political cartoon/caricatures, that are fun, just to admire, and then to try and figure out all of the various characters in each panel. I always find a new one, or two. One thing that I like is no political party, or even member, is immune from those pieces of art - Off the Record is totally bi-partisan. I sat at the bar, and had the wine list in hand quickly, while the bartender began setting up for the day - the lunch crowd had not yet arrived, and I had the bar to myself for a bit. The wine list had not changed, since I visited less than a year before, so I settled in with the Torbreck Woodcutter’s Shiraz, Barossa Valley ‘15. The weather outside was rather gloomy, and it just felt like a “Shiraz kind of day.” I also had the Tr Elliott Bootlegger’s Hill Russian River Pinot Noir ‘16, Jordan Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ‘15, Hubert Borchard Sancerre ‘18. I decided on the OTR Burger w/ caramelized onions, sugar-cured bacon, wild mushrooms and Gruyere cheese, plus OTR mayo, on a nice onion bun, served with fries - this turned out to be a great Burger, juicy and flavorful. The fries were pretty good, as well. This was only the second time I recall eating at Off The Record (usually just drink wines and relax), and each time, the food was good. I spent the next hour, or so, on my tablet, with my wine in front of me. I checked out the coasters, which change with some frequency, and all by the artist, who had done most of the recent caricatures on the walls. Those too had not changed, and I think that I had all in my collection back home. Usually, the bartender points out new ones, since my previous visit, but could not think of any others. For the moment, my collection is complete. I have always found the service to be most friendly, even though I am not a politician, or a lobbyist. I try to keep politics out of my life, as much as is possible, and let my wife worry about such, as she has to work both sides of the aisle. After a bit, I headed up to my room to drop off the tablet in the safe, and go out and explore the parks, across the street - wishing for nicer weather, as so many of the trees were in bloom. Just a lovely little bar, tucked away in an historic hotel, and a great way to wile away an hour, or two. On this visit, I did not dine there, but in the past my wife and I have, and enjoyed a few nice lunches. I think that the food is from the wonderful Lafayette Restaurant, a floor above this cozy bar. I will return, as I always do, whenever in Washington, whether we’re staying at the Hay-Adams, or not.
3. Eighteenth Street Lounge
4. Columbia Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By therealhankmccoy - Washington DC, United States
This experience was wonderful. The cocktails are unique and delicious. The decor in the Library gives Columbia Room a speakeasy vibe, even though it is one of the most popular cocktail bars in D.C. Someone can definitely find privacy in the Library depending on which seat they choose. I sat in the high back chair right in front of the mixologist. Watching the process of cocktail making is an experience in itself. The lineup of bitters will make your head spin and the old fashioned choices might be challenging, but go out on a limb and try a cocktail with a spirit you may not have planned on drinking. It will be worth the risk. Walter was a wonderfully professional server and took the time to answer any questions I had without getting bogged down in conversation. The staff definitely wants you to enjoy your experience with whoever you are with. An intimate setting that is great for a date or for a small group of friends.
5. The Bullpen
6. Bourbon Adams Morgan
7. Thunder Burger & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By RonFG - Potomac, United States
We had come here previously just for drinks before dinner elsewhere. It was beautiful in Georgetown so we came to try the delicious burgers. We were not disappointed! Most toppings are included, but not cheese. Also, fries are not included. We split a side of sweet potato fries, that were very good. Bar service was excellent and friendly. We left happy and full.
8. The Board Room DC
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By 678alyc - Pittsburgh, United States
I have a friend who takes over two hours to get ready, so while we waited, we circled the block in Dupont Circle and happened to see that this place served my husband's favorite beer, so we stopped in. What a pleasant experience and a very cool concept! The door man checking IDs also cleaned a table off for us, and complimented my friend's outfit, too! Very clean inside, eclectic mix of people. We really enjoyed ourselves!
9. The Next Whisky Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Combining refined elegance with a modern twist, there's no other bar like The Next Whisky Bar in Washington, DC. An undulating copper wall leads guests from the lobby to an illuminated wall of 2,500 whisky bottles awash in a soft amber glow. Guests can sample from a high-end, curated selection of scotch and American craft whiskies as well as a creative menu of seasonal cocktails. During the winter months, we offer cozy, heated Winter Igloos in the garden. These private igloos can hold up to 6 people and have a curated menu of food and drinks to enjoy.
Reviewed By titanv2019 - Erie, United States
Adnan is an awesome bartender who treated me with kindness, respect, and grace under pressure. He also made two cocktails for me that were both so fantastic, I’m sure I’ll be coming back just to have one more. The set up of the bar itself is very modern, hip, chic, and cool but not even close to as cool as Adnan. He recommended a few places to order food, both inside and outside of the Watergate Hotel, as well as recommended some great whiskeys for me to try with my old fashioned in the future. I can only hope that the rest of the bartenders and mixologists that I encounter in my travels will be have as suave and professional as Adnan was with me during my visit to The Next Whisky Bar.
10. Morris American Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
