The best bars & nightlife in Washington
20 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Pinned in Washington today
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Shelly's Back Room
NightlifeWhen you want a proper cigar and a relaxed, old-school vibe, Shelly's Back Room delivers, with private humidors for regulars and a solid…
Shelly's Back Room
NightlifeLittle Blackbird
NightlifeLocal wine nerds, make it Little Blackbird this week, an artisan wine bar where pairings are the main event and no two nights feel the…
Little Blackbird
NightlifeIreland's Four Courts
NightlifeClassic Irish pub with fireplaces, rugby & soccer on TV, live music, quiz nights & sidewalk seating.
Ireland's Four Courts
NightlifeSpider Kelly's
NightlifeLarge neighborhood bar with multiple lounge areas, pool tables, shuffleboard, darts & video games.
Spider Kelly's
NightlifeNick's Riverside Grill
NightlifeRiverfront grill with outdoor patio seating plus a window-lined dining room & full bar.
Nick's Riverside Grill
NightlifeLulu’s Wine Garden
NightlifeHip, bright eatery whipping up toasts, sandwiches & salads, plus weekend brunch, wine & cocktails.
Lulu’s Wine Garden
NightlifeRamparts Tavern & Grill
NightlifeLively neighborhood hangout for microbrews & pub food in a dimly lit space with a sports TV room.
Ramparts Tavern & Grill
NightlifeBusy nightclub where patrons dance in the cavernous art deco-style ballroom or on the rooftop deck.
Screwtop Wine Bar
NightlifeCozy spot with patio seating offering up wine tastings, classes, cheese flights & craft beer.
Screwtop Wine Bar
NightlifeCaptain Gregory's
NightlifeHip bar serving gourmet small plates & creative cocktails in a funky, cozy space.
Captain Gregory's
NightlifeSt. Vincent Wine
NightlifeCool wine bar with charcuterie boards, brunch & hearty mains, plus a garden & regular live jazz.
St. Vincent Wine
NightlifeBar a Vin
NightlifeElegant, airy bar in a French restaurant offering wine, cocktails, beer & Mediterranean snacks.
Bar a Vin
NightlifeBarcelona Wine Bar
NightlifeSpanish small plates & wine presented in rustic yet elegant digs with courtyard & outdoor fireplace.
Barcelona Wine Bar
NightlifeGalaxy Hut
NightlifeLive music, karaoke & old-school video games accompany craft beers & vegetarian eats in a funky bar.
Galaxy Hut
NightlifeVin Sur Vingt Wine Bar - DC
NightlifeBistro serving French bites, such as mussels, paired with a broad selection of wines.
Vin Sur Vingt Wine Bar - DC
Nightlifeétabli
NightlifeCozy fixture for pizzas, pasta dishes and wines from around the globe.
établi
NightlifeSixty Vines Foggy Bottom
NightlifeCasual New American kitchen & wine bar offering bites & wines on tap in spacious, modern surrounds.
Sixty Vines Foggy Bottom
NightlifeCork Wine Bar and Market
NightlifeCool wine bar for New American small plates & more upstairs; with market bistro & tasting bar below.
Cork Wine Bar and Market
NightlifeArlington Cinema and Drafthouse
NightlifeWaiters serve beer & cocktails to guests as they watch movies in this old-school 1930s theater.
Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse
NightlifeMaxwell Park
NightlifeWine guru Brent Kroll showcases classic & surprising bottles & bar bites in his classy, modern lair.
Maxwell Park
NightlifeNothing matched that. Know a spot we’re missing? Tell us →
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