Food and drinks at Service Bar.
Photograph: Helen Carefoot for Time Out | Food and drinks at Service Bar.

Review

Service Bar

5 out of 5 stars
  • Bars
  • Recommended
Helen Carefoot
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Time Out says

One of the best loved cocktail bars in the city, Service Bar has been churning out inventive craft cocktails and delicious snacks since 2016 and was named one of the best bars in North America last year. Known for employing and training some of the best bartenders in the city, this is the rare spot that serves high-end drinks in a relaxing, open atmosphere.

The vibe: Intimate and relaxed. Service Bar's vibe shifts depending on how many people pack into the tight space, but it ranges from chill and almost quiet at the beginning of the night to sardine-like by the end of a weekend night. If you're not keen to try your luck elbowing your way to a bar stool, reserve a table in advance.

The drink: Like many of the best cocktail spots in the city, Service Bar's menu is ever changing. The one constant? Each drink will always be interesting and tasty. On sunny days, I gravitate toward the menu's light and refreshing section which includes a tangy paloma and a refreshing gin concoction. For colder nights, I move to the full-bodied section, which includes the Service Bar espresso martini, a perfectly chocolatey brew with a hint of unexpected coconut. Less adventurous drinkers will also be content to know that the bartenders can sling the classics, too.

The food: Service Bar is also one of my favorite restaurants—unlike so many other bars, I venture here periodically just to eat. The menu is classic American made with impeccably fresh, local ingredients. For bar bites, get the fries and the buffalo chicken dip, which is packed with shredded chicken breast and tangy buffalo sauce. If you're hungrier, pair the honey garlic brussels sprouts with a platter of fried chicken (get it dusted with hot spice if you can handle the heat).

Time Out tip: Happy hour here is amazing and includes $9 cocktails Mon-Fri from 5-7pm.

Details

Address
926 U. Street NW
Washington, D.C.
20001
Transport:
U. Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro stop 90 and 96 buses running north and south on U. St.
Opening hours:
Tues-Thurs 5pm-2am; Fri 5pm-3am; Sat 2pm-3am; Sun 4pm-2am. Closed Mon.
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