DC has, since 2010, become one of America's most reliable cocktail cities. Columbia Room won James Beard for Outstanding Bar Program. Service Bar exports talent to other cities. The 10 below show why DC's cocktail scene now competes seriously.
Part of our 50 Best Cocktail Bars in the World listThis article is one chapter in our larger global guide. See the full pillar with every featured city.
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The 10 best cocktail bars in Washington DC
01 · Washington DC
Shaw
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Tasting menu · James Beard
Derek Brown's room. James Beard Outstanding Bar Program winner. Tasting-format cocktail bar.
Order: The full evening tasting
02 · Washington DC
U Street
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Speakeasy · Reservations
Through an unmarked door on U Street. Reservations only. The DC speakeasy template — quiet, classics-driven.
Order: Bartender's choice with their reserve rye
03 · Washington DC
Shaw
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No-menu · Counter
Tom and Derek Brown's no-menu cocktail bar. Casual sister to Columbia Room.
Order: Whatever the bartender suggests
04 · Washington DC
Lafayette Square
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Hayes Adams · Political
In the Hay-Adams Hotel basement. Where DC's political class drinks. Caricatures of presidents on the walls.
Order: A martini with a caricature
05 · Washington DC
Willard Hotel
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1850 · Political history
Inside the Willard Hotel since 1850. Henry Clay invented the Mint Julep here.
Order: A Mint Julep, in the room where it was invented
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06 · Washington DC
Adams Morgan
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Whiskey saloon · 2,400 bottles
Adams Morgan whiskey saloon. 2,400+ whiskey bottles, the largest collection in the Western Hemisphere.
Order: A flight of American whiskeys
07 · Washington DC
U Street
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Casual · Modern
U Street modern cocktail bar. Casual atmosphere, technically rigorous drinks. The bartenders here have exported talent to other cities.
Order: A signature spec with their reserve rye
08 · Washington DC
Penn Quarter
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Hotel bar · Polished
At The Jefferson Hotel. Polished hotel-bar cocktail program, classics-driven menu.
Order: A Manhattan in the elegant room
09 · Washington DC
Penn Quarter
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Hotel bar · Mr Lyan
Ryan Chetiyawardana's DC outpost at the Riggs Hotel. Modernist cocktail program from the Mr Lyan team.
Order: Whatever's the latest experimental signature
10 · Washington DC
Union Market
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Cocktail bar · Modern
Modern cocktail bar inside Union Market. Local-ingredient cocktail program, casual atmosphere.
Order: A signature DC-spirit cocktail
More DC cocktail barsThe full DC cocktail-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
Why DC cocktailing matters
DC drinks earlier than other capitals — most cocktail bars peak between 8 and 11 PM. Columbia Room and The Gibson are the technical bookends. The 10 above are where serious craft lives.
