DC hidden bars are tucked behind the city's political-class drinking architecture. The 10 below show DC's serious-cocktail side.
Part of our 50 Best Hidden Gem 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 hidden gem bars in DC
01 · Washington DC
Shaw
$$$
Tasting menu · James Beard
Derek Brown's room. James Beard winner.
Order: The full evening tasting
02 · Washington DC
U Street
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Speakeasy · Reservations
Through an unmarked door on U Street.
Order: Bartender's choice with their reserve rye
03 · Washington DC
Lafayette Square
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Hayes Adams · Political
In the Hay-Adams Hotel basement.
Order: A martini with a caricature
04 · Washington DC
Penn Quarter
$$$$
Hotel bar · Mr Lyan
Ryan Chetiyawardana's DC outpost.
Order: Whatever's the latest experimental signature
05 · Washington DC
Shaw
$$
No-menu · Counter
Tom and Derek Brown's no-menu cocktail bar.
Order: Whatever the bartender suggests
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06 · Washington DC
U Street
$$
Casual · Modern
U Street modern cocktail bar.
Order: A signature spec with their reserve rye
07 · Washington DC
Adams Morgan
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Whiskey saloon
2,400+ whiskey bottles.
Order: A flight of American whiskeys
08 · Washington DC
Shaw
$$
Sherry bar
DC's only serious sherry bar.
Order: A copa of fino + Spanish ham
09 · Washington DC
Penn Quarter
$$$
Hotel bar · Polished
At The Jefferson Hotel.
Order: A Manhattan in the elegant room
10 · Washington DC
Willard Hotel
$$$
1850 · Political history
Inside the Willard Hotel since 1850.
Order: A Mint Julep, in the room where it was invented
More DC hidden gemsThe full DC hidden-gem-bar index by neighbourhood.
See the full list
How DC hides its best
Columbia Room and The Gibson are essential. Most peak between 8 and 11 PM.
