The best bars in Washington, D.C. for all types of drinkers

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What is it? A beloved Mount Pleasant speakeasy that doesn't take reservations and has an inventive cocktail menu that changes nightly.

Why we love it: OKPB is one of the most talked about drinking destinations in the city right now and for good reason: the speakeasy boasts a menu that changes nightly that always includes interesting combos. The intimate space only fits about 30 people and feels instantly warm and inviting. Try the bartender's choice menu option, which invites the cocktail wizards behind the bar to chef up something unique to you based on your favorite flavors and preferences. Score core drinks like martinis for $7 every weekday from 5-7pm during happy hour. 

Time Out tip: Keep in mind that OKPB doesn't take reservations and doesn't seat groups over six—this is a place better suited for one, two, or three people.

Address: 3165 Mount Pleasant St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-midnight; Sun 11am-3pm.

Expect to pay: About $16 for cocktails. 

What is it? A seriously chic speakeasy steps from Eastern Market that's focused on gin.

Why we love it: Stepping inside The Wells feels like an escape: the elegant interior, complete with cozy banquettes and low lighting, is an elegant space that makes it easy to unwind. The seriously creative drinks and friendly service make this one worth returning to.

The menu is built around different gin cocktails that rotate seasonally and also boasts a selection of sipping gins from around the world. Elevated bar snacks like caviar with potato chips and caramel corn with chocolate bits make for satisfying accompaniments. 

Time Out tip: Martini lovers, you have an extra reason to rejoice: The Wells offers a specialty martini happy hour from 5-6pm.

Address: 727 C St. SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5-11pm; closed Sun-Tues.

Expect to pay: Gin cocktails range from $17 to $19, and 2 oz. pours of specialty sipping gins range from $16 to $42.

What is it? One of the city's most lauded and beloved bars, Service Bar was named one of the 50 best bars in North America in 2024. It's known for its inventive craft cocktails and tasty Southern food, especially its fried chicken.

Why we love it: This is the spot for top-notch drinks and delicious food that keeps us coming back time and time again. Whether you're after creative cocktails made with seasonal ingredients or a fun night out, you'll be well-served here. The menu is easy to navigate and is organized by flavor profile, like bold and refreshing. The drinks shift often so the menu always feels fresh, but you’ll always find a mix of the classics and something new. Because some of the best bartenders in the city work here, there’s always something fun and tasty in store. Another thing to love? The prices here tend to be lower than other spots of this caliber.

The food offerings consist of your classic bar bites like fries, but the real star is the juicy, tender fried chicken. Hot tip: get it dusted with the spice dust (trust us here). We're also partial to the mac & cheese. 

Time Out tip: Always ask the bartenders about the new menu and for recommendations.

Address: 926 U. St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 5pm-2am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 2pm-3am; Sun 4pm-2am. Closed Mon. 

Expect to pay: $12-$22 for cocktails, $7-$22 for food.

What is it? This Adams Morgan mainstay is the best place to drink whiskey in Washington, D.C.—just take a look at the floor-to-ceiling shelves behind the main bar that boast more than 2,700 bottles.

Why we love it: It's always a good night to visit Jack Rose. The tall, clubby space feels like a library with leather seats and ladders, a necessary feature to help bartenders reach the highest bottles; if you don’t know much (or anything) about whiskey, don’t be afraid to ask—the bartenders are happy to impart their wisdom. On sunnier days, there’s also an outdoor terrace and tiki bar.

Time Out tip: Jack Rose sneakily has one of the best happy hours in the whole city Mon-Fri 5-7:30pm: all classic whiskey drinks, like the whiskey sours, are $12 and all bar bites are half price. My favorite? The $10 Jack Smash cheeseburger and fries, or the $6 blistered shishito peppers and ailoli.

Address: 2007 18th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20009

Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 5pm-1am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 4pm-3am; Sun 4pm-midnight; Mon-Tues 5pm-midnight.

Expect to pay: Cocktails $16 and beers $7-$10

What is it? The Dupont Circle Hotel's elegant yet relaxed bar that's known for its Irish-inspired signature cocktails, cozy interior and extensive spirits menu.

Why we love it: This isn't your basic hotel lounge bar. Doyle is an elegant but laidback entry into the canon, with fabulous cocktails, a long list of sipping spirits and great views of the passersby in Dupont Circle thanks to massive windows. The signature menu, which comes in a beautifully illustrated leather-bound book, is all drinks that pay homage to the diverse regions in Ireland. Take the Red Lady, a juicy and bright mix of sparkling rose, strawberries, lemon and Italicus to honor Wexford's famed strawberries or the Dublinesse, a stiff blend of Guiness and Teeling whiskey to honor the country's capital city. 

Time Out tip: Doyle offers one of the more generous free bar snacks in town—pots of marinated olives, wasabi peas, spiced nuts or kettle chips.

Address: 1500 New Hampshire Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 2pm-midnight; Fri 2pm-1am; Sat 1pm-1am; Sun 1pm-midnight.

Expect to pay: Cocktails $18-$22 and food $14-$26

What is it? A former bank vault turned subterranean cocktail bar in Riggs Washington DC. The first U.S. bar from renowned British bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana.

Why we love it: Silver Lyan is for celebrations large and small; this is where you should go if you want a decadent night. The ever-changing menu is rife with delicious drinks made with local and seasonal ingredients and includes plenty of twists on well-loved classics (if you like martinis, this is your spot). But Silver Lyan is more fun than many other bars of its pedigree—the menu includes high-end jello shots.

Time Out tip: Silver Lyan periodically hosts popups from other top tier bars, like Hanky Panky in Mexico City, where the menu shifts for the night.

Address: 900 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Opening hours: Tues-Fri 5pm-late; Sat 4pm-late; Sun 5-11pm

Expect to pay: Cocktails $19-$49

What is it? An H Street staple serving classic drinks and Chinese street food. 

Why we love it: Cocktails. Dumplings. Repeat. That’s pretty much the game plan at this H Street spot, a casual venue by Minibar veteran Devin Gong. Nosh on steamed bao, potstickers, and meat skewers indoors and head to the patio bar for artful concoctions borrowed from mixologists Gong has met and liked (hence the name). The drinks include classics like daquiris, negronis and caipirinhas, but the main event is the featured menu which Gong and his staff fill with creative cocktails that shift often and usually include a theme. For example, the bar’s latest group of featured drinks is modeled on the creations of Dick Bradsell, the influential British bartender who is credited with inventing many popular modern cocktails like the bramble and espresso martini. 

Time Out tip: Can’t find something you like? Check out the blackboard filled with flavor combinations and build your own cocktail from scratch.

Address: 110 H. St. NE, Washington, D.C., 20002

Opening hours: Sun-Mon and Wed-Thus 5pm-2am; Fri-Sat 5pm-3am. Closed Tues. 

Expect to pay: All cocktails are $18, snacks like skewers and dumplings range $12-$17 and more substantial dishes range $17-$26.

What is it? A cozy Dupont Circle outpost that serves barrel-aged spirits alongside themed cocktails and lunchbox-esque bar bites.

Why we love it: Named for Union Civil War general and former governor of New Jersey George B. McClellan, McClellan's Retreat is the place for seriously good drinks crafted by top-tier bartenders without the pretense of some higher-end spots. Bricks, dark wood and Christmas lights hanging from the metal-tiled ceiling lend this small space an intimate vibe. 

Expect a fun theme menu when you visit—March's was an ode to the characters of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," while April's is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed (yes, Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo each get their own concoction). Check the bar's Instagram page for specials, which include deals with local eateries and hoilday discounts.

The food at McClellan's adds to the vibe: the menu consists of salty snacks like chips, popcorn and cheddar whale crackers similar to Goldfish. More substantial bites like the white cheddar grilled cheese or Italian piled high with deli meat are exactly what you want to wash down all that liquor.

Time Out tip: This bar used to get so packed that people would try to sit on the curb with their drinks (yes, really). As a result, there's no standing here—every patron needs to have a table or a stool at the bar, so plan ahead to snag one.

Address: 2031 Florida Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-11:30pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-12:30am; Sun 3-10:30pm.

Expect to pay: Cocktails $15-$25, canned and bottled beers $10-$16, glasses of wine $13-$15 and food $2-$26

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What is it? A Georgetown cocktail staple that serves creative drinks made with infused spirits in a dreamy interior.

Why we love it: A visit to L'Annexe feels like stepping into a chic European hideaway. The library-like interior and zinc-topped bar lend the space a cozy elegance. The creative cocktail menu is heavy with spirits infused in-house with interesting flavors like the Mr. WH, a rich and warming brew of vermouth and gin infused with vanilla and coconut. There's also a rotating selection of old fashioneds. For food, your options are textural and flavorful small plates that pack big punches; think gooey cremini mushroom sliders, bourbon infused duck fat brownies and charcuterie and cheese plates.

Time Out tip: L'Annexe is one of the city's top date spots. 

Address: 2917 M St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20007

Opening hours: Tues-Thurs 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 5pm-1am; Sun 2-9pm. Closed Mon.

Expect to pay: $18-$22 for cocktails

What is it? A lowkey bar on 14 St. in upper Columbia Heights that has long served as a beloved party spot.

Why we love it: This bar has everything a neighborhood watering hole could need: a no-frills bar with a collection of well-loved board games, pool tables, and a spacious all-weather heated roof deck strung with café lights. The beer menu is outstanding, with dozens of customer favorites alongside seasonal and novelty options. 

This is also a great place to drink cheap: think $3.50 rail whiskey and tequila shots. The menu includes plenty of specials, like Tendie Tuesday, which means $7 margaritas and 1/2 off chicken tenders. Snag $7 espresso martinis every Friday and Saturday from 5-7pm.

Time Out tip: Pick your vibe when you arrive: the split level building lends its to two distinct crowds: the more relaxed patrons tend to cluster in the dark lower floor, while the upper floor patio is typically packed with a more raucuous crowd, especially on warm days. 

Address: 3718 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20010

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-2am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sun 11am-3am

Expect to pay: $3-$15.50 for drinks

What is it? A reliable Adams Morgan gathering point located in a rowhouse that's known for its homey decor and tasty drinks and bites. 

Why we love it: Grand Duchess really does feel like being in your friend's living room. The lighting is just low enough to catch the twinkles from the many mirrors and Christmas lights that adorn the space, and there are big tables and booths that are conducive to long catch-ups and meet-cutes.

Ask the friendly bartenders to mix something for you, or choose from the small but satisfying cocktail menu, which includes a spicy Gunslinger and Negroni. Grand Duchess expanded to include a restaurant not too long ago and usually serves a filling menu of well-made bar bites, but the kitchen is closed until further notice.

Time Out tip: Grand Duchess is one of the few bars and restaurants on 18th St that allows non-service dogs inside.

Address: 2337 18th St. NW, Washington, D.C., 20009

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-1am; Fri-Sat noon-2am; Sun noon-midnight.

Expect to pay: $14 cocktails, $6 beers and $10 glasses of wine.

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What is it? A divey local bar in upper Northwest owned by former bartenders from Red Derby, known for its food, vintage games, and cheap drinks.

Why we love it: Jackie Lee's is a local haunt with great food, cheap drinks, and plenty of friendly faces. Grab a beer and hang around to play some retro Nintendo games. There are plenty of tables and seats, making it ideal for group outings. The inexpensive cocktails and numerous shot and beer selections mean you can stick around without incurring too much monetary damage. Here you'll also find a tantalizing assortment of comforting BBQ that's perfect to wash down beers and cocktails like ribs, brisket sandwiches and hush puppies. 

Time Out tip: Jackie Lee's has frequent theme nights that are worth checking out.

Address: 116 Kennedy St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20011

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-2am; Fri-Sat 5pm-3am

Expect to pay: Cocktails $8-$12, beers $4-$7 and food $4-$17