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.
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.