The best bars in Washington DC are easy to find with the list below. Within it, a particular establishment is highlighted according to its specific category so you can quickly find exactly what you're looking for.

1. Best Wine Bar

Serving contemporary dishes that provide nods to French, Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, the servers at the bright and airy Bardeo Wine Bar are happy to help with recommendations from an impressive list of more than 140 wines from across the globe.

 

Bardeo Wine Bar

3311 Connecticut Avenue, NW 

(202) 244-6750

Yelp: 4 stars, 74 reviews

2. Best Beer Bar

An award-winning bistro that has proudly been serving Washington DC patrons classic French cuisine from its Georgetown location for more than 20 years, the Bistrot Lepic and Wine Bar offers an array of spirits coupled with superb service and food. 

 

Bistrot Lepic and Wine Bar

1736 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

(202) 333-0111

Yelp: 4 stars, 157 reviews

3. Best Sports Bar

The Board Room offers a unique experience in that you can bring your own food, pay a modest fee and then play one of the numerous board games they have on-site. 

 

Board Room

1737 Connecticut Ave NW

(202) 518-7666

Yelp: 4 stars, 231 reviews

4. Best Whiskey Bar

In addition to its knowledgeable staff that helps you learn the ins and outs of whiskey, Barrel also features a fantastic atmosphere and mouth-watering food choices. 

 

Barrel

613 Pennsylvania Ave SE

(202) 543-3622

Yelp: 4.5 stars, 266 reviews

5. Best After-Work Drink Spot

If you are searching for a chill place where all your colleagues from work are sure find something they can eat, Copycat and Co should be your first choice. 

 

Copycat and Co. 

1110 H St NE

 

(202) 241-1952

Yelp: 4.5 stars, 176 reviews

6. Best Dive Bar

The perfect neighborhood spot to meet all your friends, Bravo Bar provides you with plenty of great music and drink specials in a relaxed atmosphere the makes it easy to chat. 

 

Bravo Bar

2917 Georgia Ave NW

(202) 629-2583

Yelp: 4.5 stars, 37 reviews

7. Best Cocktails

Not only does Parlay offer some of the best cocktails in the city, its relaxing and laid-back atmosphere make it a popular spot for regulars and tourists alike. 

 

Parlay

1827 M St NW

(202) 833-6232

Yelp: 4 stars, 39 reviews

8. Best Live Music

With three levels of entertainment, an extensive drink and food menu and frequent live music offerings, Madam Organ's is a popular place to meet up with old friends and get to know a few new ones. 

 

Madam's Organ

2461 18th St NW

(202) 667-5370

Yelp: 4 stars, 314 reviews

9. Bar with the Best Outdoor Space

At Barcelona 14, you are treated to exemplary service as well as a timeless ambiance. These are only improved by their fantastic outdoor patio and mouth-watering menu items. 

Barcelona 14

1622 14th St NW

(202) 588-5500

 

Yelp: 4 stars, 724 reviews

10. Most Expensive and Worth It

The recipient of numerous five-star reviews, minibar by Jose Andres provides creative and gastronomically delightful pairings as well as hand-crafted drinks that are unlike any other.  

 

minibarminibar by Jose Andres

855 E St NW

(202) 393-0812

Yelp: 4.5 stars 216 reviews

11. Best Local Joint 

Easily accessible via the metro, Lyman's Tavern provides plenty of fun and games with pinball machines and other arcade games, as well as an extensive beer menu. 

 

Lyman's Tavern 

3720 14th St NW

(202) 723-0502

Yelp: 4 stars, 38 reviews

12. Best Day Drinking Spot

If you want a place with comfy couches, lots of friendly people and inventive drinks like honey bourbon chai and classic Manhattan's, The Tryst is the spot for you. With ample seating both inside and out, The Tryst is a fantastic place to stop by and get some work done or meet a few friends for a late morning pick-me-up. 

 

The Tryst

2459 18th St NW

(202) 232-5500

Yelp: 4 stars, 1085 reviews

13. Best First Date Bar

First dates are the time to really impress that someone new and nowhere does it better than ArtJamz Dupont Studio. Laugh, create, nibble and make an memorable experience that will be simply unforgettable. 

 

ArtJamz Dupont Studio

1728 Connecticut Ave NW

(202) 709-8096

Yelp: 4.5 stars, 97 reviews

14. Best Juice Bar (because why not include a healthy selection here?)

From the lightest and most flavorful ice cream to sandwiches that are both value conscious and extremely tasty, the Love N' Faith Community Cafe is a different kind of juice bar. They also provide coffee treats and lots of personable service to their customers. 

 

Love N' Faith Community Cafe

2424 14th St NW

(202) 299-0704

Yelp: 4 stars, 95 reviews

15. Best LGBT Bar

Nellie's Sports Bar is known for its fun contests and their drag brunch -- the latter of which often includes some participants entertaining other guests with their antics. 

 

Nellie's Sports Bar

900 U St NW

(202) 332-6355

Yelp: 4 stars, 322 reviews

16. Best New Bar

Sudhouse is that rare combination on U Street -- chill bar, discreet entrance, excellent service, palette-pleasing food and creative drinks. It's official -- this bar is a keeper! 

 

Sudhouse


 

1340 U St NW

(202) 525-4188

Yelp: 4.5 stars, 44 reviews