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

For local foodies, José Andrés’ Minibar is the Moby Dick of D.C. dining reservations: available to those truly dedicated diners who pursue it for months. For the rest of us, there’s Barmini, the adjacent “cocktail lab” that lets you try Andrés’ creations without the lead time. The menu boasts more than 100 crafty libations in addition to flight offerings, and there’s also a modest snack menu. The experience comes with a hefty bar tab, but for cocktail lovers and seekers of imaginative dining, this is a must-visit.

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Green Zone is, hands down, one of the best bars in D.C. right now. It has this magical way of bringing flavors and people together. Located in Adams Morgan, this Middle Eastern-inspired bar serves up drinks like the Saz'iraq, made with rye whisky and dates, and the Lebanese No. 1, crafted with cognac, apricot, and lemon. Every Friday and Saturday, international DJs spin great hits that get the whole bar going, and on Sundays, you can shake off the Sunday scaries with an all-day happy hour.

Were Jim Morrison ever to be reincarnated and transported to Washington, D.C., 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 best place to drink whiskey in Washington, with a remarkable selection of more than 2,700 bottles. 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.

This no-nonsense corner bar in Shaw is modestly decorated inside, while the exterior features a coveted reservation-based patio. Cocktail prices here are on the lower side, which is amazing considering you’ll find arguably the city’s best negroni alongside a nice selection of domestic and imported beer, wine, and basic bar bites.

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The best thing about Lulu’s has to be the courtyard. True to its name, this wine bar boasts a magical wine garden—think beer garden vibes, but with vino. With three lush patios, dinner party-style food, and an affordable wine list, it’s the perfect spot to relax. Picture yourself sipping from a diverse, 50-bottle selection under string lights and lanterns, enjoying good conversation. It’s the ideal place to unwind after a long day or catch up with friends.

There’s always a lively vibe at Perry’s, whether you opt to dine inside, on the rooftop terrace, or on the front patio. Twinkle lights adorn the venue and create an intimate atmosphere while patrons enjoy sushi and sashimi in the evenings, followed by ramen or beef bowls. Sunday’s drag brunch is so in demand that there are now two seating times and reservations are a must. For casual bar outings, try a rice lager, rice wine, or sake.

This neighborhood joint focuses on farm-to-table food and drinks. The brunch menu is a hit with mimosas and affordable cocktails served in mason jars, while an unlimited mix-and-match cocktail option is yours for just $25. Enjoy the casual vibe as you sip on a brunch bubbly while you munch on buttermilk fried chicken pancakes.

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This Peruvian restaurant and bar on U Street is absolutely stunning. It's the perfect spot to impress a date while sipping on a delectable array of cocktails made with cardamom-infused pisco, rosemary syrups, and passionfruit purees. The drinks are just as gorgeous as the place itself. If you have the time, grab a table and try the food—you won’t be disappointed. And after a few drinks, you won’t want to leave.

This inventive venue is a one-two punch with a casual walk-in ramen bar on the first floor and a reservations-only upper level with intimate seating. Go here for a sophisticated night out with friends and enjoy an impressive Japanese whisky menu or shochu, Japan’s national spirit. Keen to snack while you sip? Pair your drinks with authentic ramen, flavorful skewers, or small bites like grilled oysters.

This beloved spot in the Navy Yard neighborhood is a paradise for craft beer connoisseurs, thanks to dozens of draft selections and a rotating burger of the week. All beers come in two sizes—a tasting portion and a full glass—so you can try a few before you commit to anything. The friendly servers are more than happy to walk you through the menu to make sure you're happy with your selection.

The Old Ebbitt first opened in 1856 as a boarding house, and over the years, its most illustrious guests have included Presidents Grant, Johnson, Cleveland, and Teddy Roosevelt. Known as the oldest dining saloon in Washington—and just a block from the White House—the main dining room is still a popular venue for the power lunch crowd. Better yet? Two interior bars draw people from all walks of life in search of oyster bar bites and a classic old-fashioned.

Cocktails. Dumplings. Repeat. That’s pretty much the game plan at this H Street, a casual venue by Minibar veteran Devin Gong. The kitchen serves Chinese street food (steamed bao, potstickers, and meat skewers) indoors, while a patio bar delivers artful concoctions borrowed from mixologists Gong has met and liked (hence the name). Can’t find something you like? Check out the blackboard filled with flavor combinations and build your own cocktail from scratch.

This Petworth favorite comes from the owners of Wonderland Ballroom in Columbia Heights. The upstairs bar serves as the setting for a popular trivia night, while the lower level hosts DJ nights that sometimes highlight ‘90s hip-hop or ‘80s music. The back patio is a low-key mingling scene and the weekday happy hour is a great way to stretch your buck.

Whiskey lovers will feel right at home inside this Irish-leaning Bloomingdale mainstay. When it first opened in 2011, the neighborhood was still under the radar—its location on the tiny strip of Rhode Island Avenue is more happening than ever before, but Boundary Stone still draws a loyal crowd with its front patio, cozy booths, and elevated late-night pub grub (like it’s hard-to-resist honey hot chicken sandwiches).

Brookland’s Finest is a little bit Mr. Rogers, a little bit Charlie Sheen. Though it’s often crawling with families, this neighborhood joint also slings stiff, classic cocktails and stays open late on weekends. The menu is a real comfort food crowd-pleaser—cheeseburgers, spaghetti and meatballs, poutine, and crispy kale salads will all hit the spot. Hungry for more? Head back the morning after to nurse your hangover at brunch.

This upper Columbia Heights 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.

Reminiscent of an old-fashioned gentlemen’s club, take a seat in the dark-hued round space and see how many portraits of previous guests you can recognize: Walt Whitman, Mark Twain, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and President Abraham Lincoln (who lived at the hotel for two weeks before his inauguration) are among the distinguished subjects.

Sonoma offers a welcome grown-up respite from all the other dives and sports bars stretching down Pennsylvania Avenue. The long granite bar, exposed brick, and extensive wine list make for a stylishly urban feel, and the upstairs lounge has plenty of comfortable alcoves for anyone hoping to sit and chat (although it’s often closed for political functions and events). Sonoma’s proximity to the House office buildings also allows for great eavesdropping while you’re savoring that pinot—as long as you’re not put off by the ping of a thousand text messages.

A gay-friendly sports bar? Mais oui, with a famed drag brunch, trivia and game nights, and a whole lot of sporty stuff, too. Some nights the dancefloor is the spot to be, other times it’s settling in for a game near the HD televisions. Expect an eclectic crowd, a sports bar menu with traditional wings and nachos, and fun tunes in the background other days.