Jake Emen

When you’re tired of spending your nights drinking with friends at the best sports bars in DC or are looking for something a bit different than the usual best cocktail bars in DC, you’ll want to check out all of the best breweries in DC, producing some of the country’s top suds and ales. From renowned local gems to more eclectic picks, these breweries will have you coming back for more each week—just like the best craft beer bars in Washington DC do.

As the best Mexican restaurants in DC and the best sushi in DC have proven, the city has become a top dining destination in the country. And now, with the opening of a slew of fine imbibing joints helmed by top notch bartenders, the nation’s capital has quickly become a drinking destination as well. Visit the best cocktail bars in DC for expertly crafted martinis, Manhattans, margaritas and more and, once you’ve indulged a bit too much, consult our list of the best hot dogs in DC (always our preferred hangover prevention food).

Do the best seafood restaurants in DC simply not strike your fancy? Do you always order the veggie menu options when sampling the best Chinese food in DC? Did you vow to pursue a healthier lifestyle? The best vegan restaurants in DC have you covered. Whether in fine dining or fast casual settings, the meat-free fare served at these eateries will revamp your culinary standards. Find a fellow foodie at one of the best pick-up bars in Washington, DC and spend your night eating your (healthy) heart out at these delectable local joints.

Ran Nussbacher opened Shouk this spring. Taking on a Middle Eastern-centric theme, the 100% plant-based menu is anchored by a variety of delectable pitas. Choose from over half a dozen of different pita combinations, such as the one featuring roasted cauliflower, tomato, scallion, tahini and jalapeno oil. You can opt to turn any pita into a rice and lentil bowl, or order a salad instead. 

Husband and wife team Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff Gray's Equinox is a shining example of how plant-based dishes don't have to be boring and can also satisfy those not following a vegan diet. The menu isn't entirely vegan, as it's divvied into market selections and plant-based selections, but it's easy enough to ignore the meat or fish entirely and selecting veggie-only options. While menus change weekly (and sometimes daily) to take advantage of seasonality, past dishes we've loved include crunchy artichokes alla Romana, with red pepper aioli, and an entree of tempura cauliflower with fall vegetables and rice. Diners can either order a la carte, or choose a 5-course tasting menu.

A revamped Columbia Room debuted at the start of 2016 with a beautiful, new multi-room space in Blagden Alley. Helmed by Derek Brown and his Drink Company team alongside head bartender J.P. Fetherston, the bar instantly climbed atop the country’s best cocktail havents list. Grab a seat for a multi-course cocktail tasting menu with paired bites to enjoy an immersive and educational imbibing experience unlike any other or visit the front area’s spirits library for a more informl drinking session, with seasonally updated a la carte options and a selection of vintage spirits. Weather permitting, the front patio turns into a festive punch garden for even more fun.

A revamped Columbia Room debuted at the start of 2016 with a beautiful, new multi-room space in Blagden Alley. Helmed by Derek Brown and his Drink Company team alongside head bartender J.P. Fetherston, the bar instantly climbed atop the country’s best cocktail havents list. Grab a seat for a multi-course cocktail tasting menu with paired bites to enjoy an immersive and educational imbibing experience unlike any other or visit the front area’s spirits library for a more informl drinking session, with seasonally updated a la carte options and a selection of vintage spirits. Weather permitting, the front patio turns into a festive punch garden for even more fun.

The Royal has become the go-to LeDroit Park neighborhood hub offering coffee and breakfast in the morning, a daytime respite for workers in the middle of the day and happy hour deals into the night. On the cocktail front, find a dozen affordable classics, along with a frequently updated list of featured drinks to match each season. Try house-made vermouths and amaros available on tap, or one of the cocktails those specialty ingredients end up in. Also check out the eclectic collection of spirits.

Petworth Citizen is a top notch, casual destination for any day of the week, serving both classic cocktails and revamped interpretations alongside a largely local beer list. You'll definitely want to get in the back area Reading Room on the weekends, when Chantal Tseng offers her tour de force Literary Cocktail sessions. Each week, she delivers an entire cocktail menu devoted to authors, books or literary subjects of her choosing.

It is always the perfect time for a tiki drink and the crew behind Archipelago makes that an year-round activity at the massive space on U Street. Helmed by four bartender friends, the venue offers large format concoctions and frozen pina coladas to cure all ails. The house original tiki drinks are bold and potent made with unique ingredient combinations.

Since opening in the fall, Service Bar has quickly become a go-to drinking destination. Whether looking for a relatively cheap all-day special or a “hyper seasonal,” exquisitely presented cocktail, the venue has got you covered. Consider reserving the enclosed, neon-lit "snug room" for a private group experience and, once seated, order a bottle of Krug and pair it with a bucket of fried chicken. Trust us on this one.

Tom Brown and head bartender Mick Perrigo partnered up to open Left Door, adding another worthy destination to the bustling 14th Street scene. Tucked away behind an unmarked door and up a staircase is the lounge space, likely filled with people looking for exciting cocktails, low key vibes and good conversation. The bar is somewhat reminiscent of a comfortable home parlor, just one that happens to be replete with vintage spirits and high-end ingredients from across the globe. The cocktail menu is updated frequently, offering a pleasant excuse to continue returning.

Dram & Grain is the basement speakeasy located within Jack Rose Dining Saloon. While Jack Rose is a worthy destination on its own accord, Dram & Grain plays by its own rules, with an entirely different menu and experience. The current lineup is dubbed Dram & Global, drawing inspiration from five global cocktail hotbeds for an inventive and intensive cocktail list. The space looks the speakeasy part too, with leather chairs and dim lighting, and a collection of vintage and rare whiskey on hand. Space is limited, as are operating hours, so text the reservation number available on the venue’s Twitter account to reserve a space.

Evolve takes a different approach to food by showcasing 100% vegan soul food. Drawing rare reviews for the heart-warming, belly-filling fare, the full-service restaurants also offers a lineup of local brews alongside classic and original cocktails. Try the vegan mac and cheese or the southern fried chick’un. For desserts, make sure to try the German chocolate cake and the cheesecake.

When José Andrés puts his promotional power into the plant-based game, you know major change is afoot. After opening its first location in the spring of 2015, his fast casual concept has been rapidly expanding. The lineup is geared more towards vegetarian than vegan choices, but it's all clearly demarcated, with NV standing for non-vegan on the menu. Substitutions are readily available and plenty of otherwise fully vegan options abound. When in doubt, just build your own bowl or salad, choosing from dozens of ingredients and add-ons.