Bars in Washington, DC worth going out for.

There's a version of this city that empties at six and another that doesn't, and I only pay attention to the second one.

I keep track of bars in Washington, DC and only keep the ones worth going to. Ask me what you're after.

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Browse Washington, DC neighborhood by neighborhood, get ideas just for you, or ask me anything.

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Top picks

Brew to the People: A Coffeehouse Conversation – A People in the World

Brew to the People: A Coffeehouse Conversation – A People in the World One-time only

Thu, Sep 24 · 6:30 PM

Northwest Washington

Colonial cocktails & history

Friday Happy Hours

Friday Happy Hours

Fri, Sep 25 · 5:00 PM

Northwest Washington

Live music & paddle

CHAT PILE Who Loves The Sun Tour 2026

CHAT PILE Who Loves The Sun Tour 2026 One-time only

Thu, Nov 12 · 6:30 PM

Northwest Washington

Raw rock confrontation

Brew to the People: A Coffeehouse Conversation – Civic Participation

Brew to the People: A Coffeehouse Conversation – Civic Participation One-time only

Thu, Dec 10 · 6:30 PM

Northwest Washington

History-fueled evening out

Off the Record

Off the Record

Northwest Washington • $$$

Political caricatures & martinis

Pubkey

Pubkey

Northwest Washington

Bitcoin bar & event hub

Bar Nuestro

Bar Nuestro

Navy Yard

Latin bistro & cocktails

The Big Board

The Big Board

H Street Corridor • $$

Basement cocktails & martinis

Annie's Paramount Steak House

Annie's Paramount Steak House

Northwest Washington • $$

LGBTQ+ community since 1948

City-State Public House

City-State Public House Great Terrace

Edgewood

Industrial brewery with rooftop

Not everyone knows about these

Suntory Daytime Social

Suntory Daytime Social Great Terrace

Sun, Sep 20 · 12:00 PM

Southwest Waterfront • $$$

Rooftop day party

WILD WEST THURSDAYS

WILD WEST THURSDAYS

Thu, Sep 24 · 9:00 PM

Northeast Washington • $$

Honky-tonk bull rides

as you are. DC

as you are. DC

Capitol Hill • $$

Queer community gathering space

Brasero Atlantico Georgetown

Brasero Atlantico Georgetown

Northwest Washington

Argentine steakhouse with speakeasy

River Club DC

River Club DC

Northwest Washington • $$$

Waterfront mediterranean dining

Lost Generation Brewing Company

Lost Generation Brewing Company

Northeast Washington

Literary-inspired craft brewery

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Frequently asked questions

How are these bars in Washington, DC chosen?

I go through what's actually on nearby and keep only the ones worth the trip. Nobody pays to be on this list.

Is everything here still happening?

Yes. If it's on the list, it's still on — anything that's finished drops off by itself.

How do I find something that suits me?

Open the map and tell me what you're after — a good terrace, somewhere that works with kids, something on tonight. I'll answer and narrow it down with you.

Do I need an account?

No, everything here is browsable without one. An account is how I learn your taste, your people and your saves, so what I show you keeps getting closer to what you'd actually go to. You can also have ideas sent to you by email or message if you want them.

Is it free?

Yes, completely.

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