The best bars & nightlife in Fairfax County

24 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 24 places · showing the latest additions first

Casual New American kitchen & wine bar offering bites & wines on tap in spacious, modern surrounds.

11905 Market St (Reston)

“Casual New American kitchen & wine bar offering bites & wines on tap in spacious, modern surrounds.”

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Crafthouse

Nightlife

A big, locally-focused beer & spirits list, pub grub, plus steak & salmon entrees, in a mod taproom.

11861 Palace Way (Fairfax)

“A big, locally-focused beer & spirits list, pub grub, plus steak & salmon entrees, in a mod taproom.”

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Hip hangout with TVs pairing housemade ales & lagers with modern comfort food in a minimalist space.

3950 University Dr #106 (Fairfax)

“Hip hangout with TVs pairing housemade ales & lagers with modern comfort food in a minimalist space.”

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Irish pub & local student hangout featuring multiple rooms, live music & a basement dance floor.

3971 Chain Bridge Rd (Fairfax)

“Irish pub & local student hangout featuring multiple rooms, live music & a basement dance floor.”

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Lively restaurant & tiki bar preparing Thai noodle & rice dishes, plus fruity cocktails & beers.

12100 Sunset Hills Rd Ste 107 (Reston)

“Lively restaurant & tiki bar preparing Thai noodle & rice dishes, plus fruity cocktails & beers.”

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Sports-bar chain featuring hearty American fare (including gluten-free dishes) & games on TV.

2567 John Milton Dr (Herndon)

“Sports-bar chain featuring hearty American fare (including gluten-free dishes) & games on TV.”

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Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.

12130 Sunset Hills Rd (Reston)

“Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.”

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CarPool

Nightlife

Car memorabilia competes with pool tables, darts, big-screen TVs, pub grub & dozens of beers on tap.

208 Elden St #100 (Herndon)

“Car memorabilia competes with pool tables, darts, big-screen TVs, pub grub & dozens of beers on tap.”

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Colorful space offering Indian lunch buffets, plus dinner specialties rooted in Bengalese tradition.

9401 Lee Hwy (Fairfax)

“Colorful space offering Indian lunch buffets, plus dinner specialties rooted in Bengalese tradition.”

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Hot Spot

Nightlife

Pan-Asian kitchen featuring all-you-can-eat hot pot dishes served in modern digs with patio dining.

3232 Old Pickett Rd (Fairfax)

“Pan-Asian kitchen featuring all-you-can-eat hot pot dishes served in modern digs with patio dining.”

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Laid-back hangout featuring casual Greek & American bar fare, including burgers, gyros & nachos.

3988 University Dr #2510 (Fairfax)

“Laid-back hangout featuring casual Greek & American bar fare, including burgers, gyros & nachos.”

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2-level lounge with a spacious dance floor, VIP room, American grub, pool tables & sweeping views.

2445 Centreville Rd Ste 37 (4th Floor (Herndon)

“2-level lounge with a spacious dance floor, VIP room, American grub, pool tables & sweeping views.”

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Upscale, white-tablecloth Tuscan-Italian restaurant serving pasta, seafood & popular veal chops.

728 Pine St (Herndon)

“Upscale, white-tablecloth Tuscan-Italian restaurant serving pasta, seafood & popular veal chops.”

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A big, locally-focused beer & spirits list, pub grub, plus steak & salmon entrees, in a mod taproom.

1888 Explorer St (Reston)

“A big, locally-focused beer & spirits list, pub grub, plus steak & salmon entrees, in a mod taproom.”

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Irish pub & restaurant featuring comfort food, regular live music, sports-watching & quiz nights.

2445 Centreville Rd Ste 32 (Herndon)

“Irish pub & restaurant featuring comfort food, regular live music, sports-watching & quiz nights.”

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P.J. Skidoos

Nightlife

In a large brick building, this spot offers classic American fare and a lively nighttime bar scene.

9908 Fairfax Blvd (Fairfax)

“In a large brick building, this spot offers classic American fare and a lively nighttime bar scene.”

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Locally sourced American fare & coffee in a homey space with an upstairs wine bar & live music.

1612 Washington Plaza N (Reston)

“Locally sourced American fare & coffee in a homey space with an upstairs wine bar & live music.”

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Laid-back spot to score a variety of Buffalo wings, plus dozens of draft beers & daily happy hours.

2260 Hunters Woods Plaza D (Reston)

“Laid-back spot to score a variety of Buffalo wings, plus dozens of draft beers & daily happy hours.”

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This low-key hangout has pizza & more substantial grub, along with pool, darts & video games.

9687 Fairfax Blvd (Fairfax)

“This low-key hangout has pizza & more substantial grub, along with pool, darts & video games.”

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Live entertainment & diversions like dartboards & karaoke are all draws.

754 Elden St Ste 102 (Herndon)

“Live entertainment & diversions like dartboards & karaoke are all draws.”

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Spanish small plates & wine presented in rustic yet elegant digs with an outdoor patio.

12023 Town Square St (Reston)

“Spanish small plates & wine presented in rustic yet elegant digs with an outdoor patio.”

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Hooters

Nightlife

Sports bar & grill chain famous for chicken wings served by waitresses in short shorts.

10060 Fairfax Blvd (Fairfax)

“Sports bar & grill chain famous for chicken wings served by waitresses in short shorts.”

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Revel Restaurant is that cozy spot for inspired food, thoughtful pours, and the kind of elevated hospitality that makes your week feel a…

1600 Belle View Blvd (Alexandria)

“Revel Restaurant is that cozy spot for inspired food, thoughtful pours, and the kind of elevated hospitality that makes your week feel a little fancier without trying too hard. Keep an eye out for their wine and spirits classes, perfect when your group chat needs a tasty new hobby.”

From the Waldorf newsletter, August 21, 2026

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Negus Winery

Nightlife

Negus Winery is all about authentic Ethiopian-style honey wine right here in Alexandria, with curated flights, light bites, and a cozy…

5509 Vine St Ste A (Alexandria)

“Negus Winery is all about authentic Ethiopian-style honey wine right here in Alexandria, with curated flights, light bites, and a cozy tasting room soundtracked by smooth jazz and dotted with rotating art. Expect semi-sweet and semi-dry pours made from raw honey, plus a few Virginia grape favorites for good measure.”

From the Alexandria newsletter, October 2, 2026

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