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Jack Rose Saloon
Photograph: Greg PowersThe Jack Rose Saloon Bar, Adams Morgan, with more than 1,500 varieties on offer

Adams Morgan neighborhood guide

Your guide to Adams Morgan in DC including the best local restaurants and bars, arts and entertainment and things to do

Written by
Time Out editors
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To the east of Dupont Circle, 18th Street becomes the main strip of lively Adams Morgan some nine walkable blocks north. The pace picks up at night, when 18th Street morphs into a big bar and dining scene. 

Restaurants and bars in Adams Morgan

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Bars
  • Adams Morgan
  • price 3 of 4

Were Jim Morrison ever to be reincarnated and transported to Washington, the response to his immortal request, "Show me the way to the next whiskey bar" would inevitably lead him to Jack Rose. This is, quite simply, the only place to drink whiskey in Washington, with a remarkable selection of more than 1,500 different varieties. The tall, clubby space feels like a library, with leather seats and ladders to help bartenders reach the highest bottles; if you don’t know much (or anything) about whiskey, don’t be afraid to ask, since the staff are happy to impart their wisdom. On sunnier days, there’s also an outdoor terrace and tiki bar.

Mintwood Place
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Restaurants
  • Adams Morgan
  • price 2 of 4

Everything about this bistro is inviting—the relaxed, almost rustic decor that evokes an upscale farmhouse, the welcoming service and, most of all, the satisfying French-American comfort food, often presented with an inventive twist. You could easily make a meal of starters such as escargot hushpuppies and bacon-and-onion flammekuche, or dig into a wood-grilled bacon cheeseburger, President Obama’s pick when he dined here. But it would be a shame to miss out on entrées like the tagliatelle bolognese or roasted pork for two. For dessert, try the dreamy brownie sundae or the apple tart à la mode.

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Roofers Union
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Bars
  • Cocktail bars
  • Adams Morgan
  • price 3 of 4

If you’re willing to brave the college crowds to get there, this new three-floor spot, housed in the old Reef space, offers an experience far above Adams Morgan’s usual college-party feel. The smaller first-floor bar is great for a casual drink and bar snacks such as an andouille corn dog with house-made cheese Whiz, but it’s the second floor that’s the most striking, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a display of vintage coveralls hanging from one wall (once worn by roofers). Ripple chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley’s menu of small plates includes such playful offerings as a sweetbread po’ boy and a fudge sundae with pretzels; the choice of drinks runs from well-made cocktails to unusual wines to 22 draft beers, many of which are a reasonable $6. When it opens, the third level will be yet another option for drinking, as you take in sweeping views of the DC skyline.

Music and nightlife in Adams Morgan

  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • Bars
  • Adams Morgan
  • price 3 of 4

Were Jim Morrison ever to be reincarnated and transported to Washington, the response to his immortal request, "Show me the way to the next whiskey bar" would inevitably lead him to Jack Rose. This is, quite simply, the only place to drink whiskey in Washington, with a remarkable selection of more than 1,500 different varieties. The tall, clubby space feels like a library, with leather seats and ladders to help bartenders reach the highest bottles; if you don’t know much (or anything) about whiskey, don’t be afraid to ask, since the staff are happy to impart their wisdom. On sunnier days, there’s also an outdoor terrace and tiki bar.

Roofers Union
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Bars
  • Cocktail bars
  • Adams Morgan
  • price 3 of 4

If you’re willing to brave the college crowds to get there, this new three-floor spot, housed in the old Reef space, offers an experience far above Adams Morgan’s usual college-party feel. The smaller first-floor bar is great for a casual drink and bar snacks such as an andouille corn dog with house-made cheese Whiz, but it’s the second floor that’s the most striking, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a display of vintage coveralls hanging from one wall (once worn by roofers). Ripple chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley’s menu of small plates includes such playful offerings as a sweetbread po’ boy and a fudge sundae with pretzels; the choice of drinks runs from well-made cocktails to unusual wines to 22 draft beers, many of which are a reasonable $6. When it opens, the third level will be yet another option for drinking, as you take in sweeping views of the DC skyline.

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Habana Village
  • Nightlife
  • Adams Morgan

Latin dance-lovers come here to drink mojitos and get sweaty to a live band. Three stories of music inspire dancers from all nationalities and all levels of proficiency to grab a stranger’s hand and get swinging. Expect live merengue, salsa, and bachata on the top floor, and crowded dance rooms with fans going at full blast.

Shopping in Adams Morgan

Meeps
  • Shopping
  • Adams Morgan

Recently taken over by the owners of 14th Street’s Treasury boutique, Meeps is Treasury’s younger, edgier sister, who loves vintage rock and roll tees, combat boots and big sunglasses. Meeps also has a great selection of local magazines and costumes, should you be in town for Halloween.

Hotels in Adams Morgan

The Dupont Circle Hotel
  • Hotels
  • Dupont Circle

This 4-star hotel is located at the top of Dupont Circle just minutes from the historical landmarks of Washington, D.C. It features stylish rooms and a 24-hour, fully equipped gym.The luxury rooms at The Dupont Circle Hotel are furnished with large windows and marble bathrooms. Modern amenities include an iPod docking station, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Designer bathrobes are also offered.The accommodating staff at the Dupont Circle Hotel can arrange dinner reservations, theatre tickets and more. Guests can use the 24-hour business center or relax outdoors by the grand fountain.Café Dupont serves French-inspired dishes with local organic ingredients. The elegant lounge, Bar Dupont, features designer leather furniture and offers light dining and cocktails.The Dupont Circle Metro Station is less than a 5-minute walk from the Dupont Circle Hotel and offers easy access to downtown. The White House is 7 blocks away.

Dupont Circle Studios
  • Hotels
  • B&Bs
  • Dupont Circle

Located in the nation’s capital, this Washington, D.C., apartments offers a living area and a full kitchen. An outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre are also featured. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 5 miles away.The modern apartments at Dupont Circle Studios feature an elegant decor with hardwood floors throughout. Flat-screen TVs are provided and the full kitchens include a microwave, refrigerator and hob. Select apartments offer a sofa bed.The White House, George Washington University and IMF are less than 2 miles from Dupont Circle Studios. The studios are 5 minutes walk to Dupont Circle Metro Station on the redline.

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Westin Georgetown, Washington D.C.
  • Hotels
  • Dupont Circle

Located a short walk from the George Washington University, this Washington D.C. Westin is 1 mile from the White House. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.Boveda and The Caucus Room Brasserie-Steakhouse provide 2 on-site dining options for guests staying at the Georgetown Westin. The hotel also offers a tour desk so guests can explore the city.The rooms at Westin Georgetown, Washington D.C. include a minibar and coffee maker. Guests can work on the desk or request wake up service from the front desk.The hotel is 2 miles from Embassy Row. The Foggy Bottom underground rail station is 8 minutes’ walk from the hotel.

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