Best Bars in Washington

We ordered drinks, sampled snacks, and checked out hundreds of area establishments—all to find the hottest spots on the after-hours scene. This is our guide to the best bars in Washington and more.

The Best Bars List

We listed over a hundred of our favorite bars in Washington, from sports bars to cool lounges to great spots for creative cocktails. Read on to see the best bars in Washington. more

Happy Hour Finder

Find the perfect spot to drink with our easy-to-use database of area drink specials and happy hours in DC, Virginia and Maryland. more

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Best Bars by Category

Need to know a great sports bar? Want a happy hour spot that's perfect for a date? Here are our favorite bars, broken up into categories.

Outdoor Seating
Sports Bars
Great Beer Bars
Best Happy Hour Deals
Dive Bars
Bars With Games
Wine Bars
Casual Hangout Spots
Lounges and Clubs
The Classics
Great Bar Eats
Creative Cocktails
Good for Dates
more

Happy Hour Finder

Find the perfect spot to drink with our easy-to-use database of area drink specials and happy hours in DC, Virginia and Maryland. more

Nightlife Guides

Guides to great happy hours, bars with karaoke, fun free things to do, and lots more. more

Readers' Favorite Happy Hours, Margaritas, Wine Bars and More

Where can you find the best happy hour, margarita, and martini? We asked Washingtonian.com readers to name their favorites. more

A 50-Cent Beer?

Feeling the economic pinch? We've got picks for the cheapest beer in town. more

Video Buzzed: Bartenders Make Their Signature Drinks

Watch videos of some of our favorite bartenders making their favorite drinks—and get the recipes so you can recreate them at home. more

Chat with Four Local Bartenders

Four great bartenders featured in the March issue of The Washingtonian chatted live about the spirits du jour, the history of cocktails, the craft and technique behind a well-made drink, and more. more

Give Us Your Nightlife and Bar Feedback

Did we miss your favorite bar in our current nightlife issue? Let us know! more

A Guide to Nightlife on H Street

It's time to check out DC’s H Street, NE. Also known as the Atlas District, it’s a diverse three-block swath of nightlife that has been blossoming over the past few years. Read on for our comprehensive guide. more

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Gone are the robust bureaus for the Los Angeles Times, Newhouse News, and other once-healthy news organizations. Digital media bureaus now are taking their places with as many reporters and plenty of swagger. more

Where & When: What to Do This Weekend

Sip some Beaujolais Nouveau, check out the Terra Cotta warriors, see a vintage murder thriller, and more this weekend. more