Intimate 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 intimate 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, Sep 24 · 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

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

Astoria DC

Astoria DC

Northwest Washington • $$

Custom cocktails & Chinese comfort

Ellizabetta La Strega

Ellizabetta La Strega

Northwest Washington

Witchy Italian aperitivo

Bronze

Bronze

H Street Corridor

Afrofuturist dinner party

Nido Wine Shop + Market

Nido Wine Shop + Market

Northwest Washington

Wine bar & gourmet market

Songbyrd Music House

Songbyrd Music House

Northeast Washington

Live music & empanadas

Not everyone knows about these

Brasero Atlantico Georgetown

Brasero Atlantico Georgetown

Northwest Washington

Argentine steakhouse with speakeasy

Lost Generation Brewing Company

Lost Generation Brewing Company

Northeast Washington

Literary-inspired craft brewery

The Pocket

The Pocket

Northwest Washington

Intimate live music venue

Silver Lyan

Silver Lyan

Northwest Washington

Inventive cocktails in a vault

La' Shukran

La' Shukran

Northeast Washington

Levantine fine-dining hideaway

Barkada Wine and Cocktail Bar

Barkada Wine and Cocktail Bar

Northwest Washington • $$

Natural wine & shareable plates

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Frequently asked questions

How are these intimate 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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