Cocktail 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 cocktail 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

Brew to the People: A Coffeehouse Conversation

Thu, Dec 10 · 6:30 PM

Northwest Washington

History after dark

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

Bar Nuestro

Bar Nuestro

Navy Yard

Latin bistro & cocktails

The Big Board

The Big Board

H Street Corridor • $$

Basement cocktails & martinis

Astoria DC

Astoria DC

Northwest Washington • $$

Custom cocktails & Chinese comfort

Sudhouse DC

Sudhouse DC

Northwest Washington • $$

Gothic cocktail theater

Cordelia Fishbar

Cordelia Fishbar

Northeast Washington • $$$

Seafood & strong cocktails

Don Ciccio & Figli

Don Ciccio & Figli Hot right now

Northeast Washington

Family-run liqueur lounge

Songbyrd Music House

Songbyrd Music House

Northeast Washington

Live music & empanadas

Not everyone knows about these

Suntory Daytime Social

Suntory Daytime Social Great Terrace

Sat, Sep 26 · 12:00 PM

Southwest Waterfront • $$$

Rooftop day party

as you are. DC

as you are. DC

Capitol Hill • $$

Queer community gathering space

River Club DC

River Club DC

Northwest Washington • $$$

Waterfront mediterranean dining

Silver Lyan

Silver Lyan

Northwest Washington

Inventive cocktails in a vault

La' Shukran

La' Shukran

Northeast Washington

Levantine fine-dining hideaway

Bronze

Bronze

H Street Corridor

Afrofuturist dinner party

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Frequently asked questions

How are these cocktail 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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