Best Bars & Nightlife in Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Washington, United States, Washington, Food & Drink, Best Bars & Nightlife

Best Bars & Nightlife in Washington, District of Columbia, United States

1. The Pike Brewing Company

Nestled in the heart of Seattle, this brewery offers a unique blend of historical ambiance and excellent craft beers.
  • Historical Atmosphere: Located in a former mechanic shop, it preserves the charm of Seattle's industrial past.
  • Craft Beers: Known for its diverse selection of award-winning brews, including Kilt Lifter and Pike Place Ale.
  • Tour & Tasting: Offers behind-the-scenes tours and tastings for a deeper understanding of the brewing process.

2. Rock Creek Tavern

Experience classic American cuisine and lively atmosphere at this historic tavern in the heart of Capitol Hill.
  • Historic Building: Dating back to 1934, it is one of Washington's oldest bars.
  • Live Music: Features live music performances several nights a week.
  • Comfort Food: Serves comforting favorites like burgers, wings, and mac & cheese.

3. The Shoe Box Tavern

A cozy neighborhood bar with an extensive cocktail menu and friendly atmosphere in Ballard.
  • Cocktail Menu: Offers a creative and diverse selection of classic and signature cocktails.
  • Neighborhood Bar: A local favorite, known for its welcoming atmosphere and regular patrons.
  • Outdoor Seating: Features a charming outdoor seating area perfect for enjoying a drink during warmer months.

4. The Crocodile

A legendary music venue and bar offering live shows and great drinks in Belltown.
  • Live Music Venue: Has been a staple of the Seattle music scene since the early '90s, hosting acts like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
  • Bar & Restaurant: Serves a variety of pub-style dishes and drinks to complement your live music experience.
  • Cocktail Lounge: Features a separate cocktail lounge for those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

5. Rione XIII

An elegant Italian-style speakeasy hidden in the alleyways of Capitol Hill.
  • Speakeasy: Discreetly located, it offers a unique and intimate atmosphere for drinks.
  • Italian Cuisine: Serves authentic Italian dishes alongside handcrafted cocktails.
  • Secret Location: Requires a reservation for access, adding an air of exclusivity to the experience.

6. The Redwood Room

A swanky lounge within the Fairmont Olympic Hotel offering elegant cocktails and live music in downtown Seattle.
  • Hotel Lounge: Part of a luxurious hotel, it offers an upscale atmosphere for drinks and socializing.
  • Live Jazz Music: Features live jazz performances by local musicians on select nights.
  • Historic Building: Located within a historic hotel built in 1924, it showcases the charm of Seattle's past.

7. Bar VarĂșa

A hidden gem serving innovative cocktails in a cozy and intimate setting within the University District.
  • Cocktail Bar: Offers a creative and ever-changing cocktail menu.
  • Intimate Setting: Seating is limited, making it an ideal spot for quieter, more intimate gatherings.
  • Hidden Location: Located in a discreet alleyway, it adds to the allure and exclusivity of the experience.

8. The Sunset Tavern

A classic Seattle dive bar offering a lively atmosphere, great drinks, and live music in Ballard.
  • Dive Bar: Known for its no-frills, laid-back vibe and friendly patrons.
  • Live Music: Features live music performances several nights a week.
  • Classic Drinks: Serves a selection of classic cocktails, beers, and wines.

9. The Purple Cafe & Wine Bar

A sophisticated wine bar with an extensive menu of international wines in downtown Seattle.
  • Wine Bar: Offers a wide selection of wines from around the world.
  • Small Plates: Serves a variety of small plates to complement your wine experience.
  • Sommelier Service: Features knowledgeable sommeliers to help you select the perfect wine.

10. Bait Shop

A nautical-themed tiki bar offering tropical drinks and live music in Belltown.
  • Tiki Bar: Features tiki-style decor and tropical drinks.
  • Live Music: Features live music performances several nights a week.
  • Seafood Menu: Offers a selection of seafood dishes to complement your tropical drinks.

11. The Bar at The Willow's Inn

A farm-to-table restaurant and bar offering innovative cocktails on Lummi Island.
  • Farm-to-Table Restaurant: Serves dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Innovative Cocktails: Offers a creative and ever-changing selection of cocktails.
  • Seasonal Menus: Updates menus based on the freshest, seasonally available ingredients.

12. The Neighbor Lady

A casual, laid-back bar serving excellent cocktails and a rotating selection of beers in the University District.
  • Casual Atmosphere: Has a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for drinks and conversation.
  • Rotating Beer Selection: Features a rotating selection of local and regional beers on tap.
  • Excellent Cocktails: Offers a creative cocktail menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.

13. Belltown Brewing Company

A popular brewery and taproom in Belltown offering excellent craft beers and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Craft Beer: Known for its diverse selection of award-winning brews, including Space Needle IPA.
  • Taproom: Features a comfortable and welcoming taproom for enjoying the beers on site.
  • Flight Sampler: Offers flight samplers to help you discover your favorite brews.

14. The Unicorn

A quirky and colorful bar offering a unique atmosphere and an extensive selection of craft cocktails in Ballard.
  • Quirky Atmosphere: Features vibrant, eclectic decor with a unicorn theme.
  • Craft Cocktails: Offers an ever-changing selection of craft cocktails made with fresh, local ingredients.
  • Happy Hour Specials: Features daily happy hour specials on drinks and snacks.

15. The Comedy Underground

A comedy club offering live shows, great drinks, and a fun atmosphere in downtown Seattle.
  • Comedy Club: Featuring local and national comedians, it offers a variety of comedy styles.
  • Bar & Restaurant: Serves pub-style dishes and drinks to complement your comedy experience.
  • Open Mic Nights: Offers open mic nights for aspiring comedians to showcase their talents.