The Yummiest Cocktail Bars in Washington

Matt and Tony's All Day Kitchen Bar

★★★★★ 4.5 (924) • $$

"2.09.2025- We had a 9:30am rezzie on Super Bowl Sunday. Reservations are advisable since folks know about this lively little gem in Del Ray. We tried dropping in before & went elsewhere thanks to the extended wait time. Now let's get into it!We started with the seafood dip. A nice smokey dip with crab, shrimp, spinach & cheddar. They served it with griddled buttery bread. For mains, we ordered the shrimp & grits and cornflake crusted French toast & chicken. The shrimp & grits andouille sausage gravy can be subbed for a chicken sausage gravy. The French toast & chicken / waffles are both served with a crispy chicken breast . We also ordered a masa pancake, eggs w/ cheese, & bacon for nephew. The presentation, texture, & flavors were on point. This family friendly spot has a lot of interesting menu items including healthy options that I can't wait to try. I'll definitely return some time soon."

Barrel

★★★★☆ 4.3 (946) • $$

"We stopped in just for drinks, as we were on our way to dinner, but the food we saw looked pretty tasty!Grabbed two spots at the bar and had Max take care of us. He was great! Super friendly; offered some great recommendations and was there when we needed him, while allowing us time and space when we needed it.Happily enjoyed some Happy Hour drinks, including the HH Punch (a rum punch that was like an adult kool-aid the day we were there) and a Bourbon Old Fashioned for Jim G., both at $9. Jim also had to have one of the Scotch Flights at $35 and I tried an Espress Yourself, which was a barrel-aged espresso martini--very rich and tasty. We also had a Happy Meal, which was a Jameson shot, a Peach High Noon, and a little toy in the way of a cute spinner!Great playlist, good people watching, warm and cozy environment. If I lived here, this would be a regular spot!"

Ada's on the River

★★★★☆ 4.3 (859) • $$$

"Adas is right on the riverfront and have both indoor and outdoor seating. When I went it was such a warm and beautiful day so seating outside required a wait. Inside the seating was very close, only a feet or so from people so I opted to sit at the bar for more privacy. The menu had several delicious choices for both food and drink and our bartender was sweet and checked in often. The market fish sandwich served mahi-mahi. It was a bit messy with a lemon aïoli, but very yummy! The thick cut fries were the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside! The wine and cocktails were well crafted and yummy! I'd come back here anytime!"

Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse

★★★★☆ 4.1 (923) • $$$

"great experience!functioning Ken much can of just sticky light under uncalled mention"

Tortino Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.2 (865) • $$

"The coziest hole in the wall Italian restaurant with the best service (thanks Norvin )! Having just moved to DC, I was craving a cozy meal and this restaurant had exactly what I was looking for. Definitely also helped that it was a 5 minute walk away from my apartment.All that I tried below (I'm a dessert blogger, @sowmthingsweet, so sweets always come first for me)Sowmthing Sweet Tiramisu: it's been SO long since I've had a solid tiramisu with my ideal ratio of cake to mascarpone, and level of soaked-ness Chocolate salami: this one caught me by surprise because I didn't know what to expect with the name. Ladyfingers rolled in chocolate ganache and served with mocha ice cream may be my new fave thingBlood Orange & raspberry sorbet: I cante believe I'm ranking this above the other gelatos, but these were delicious refreshing and great DF optionsVanilla & chocolate gelato: felt transported to Italy Dark& milk chocolate cake: this was not too sweet making the equal ratio of cake to mousse perfect.Ricotta cheesecake: a unique twist on the classic NY cheesecake. A little more on the gritty side because of the ricotta, but overall still yummy!Mains Crab Ravioli: So delicious & I really enjoyed learning how to eat it (hold it upside down to preserve the juicy filling). I also loved that the filling had dill in it bc i think it's an underrated herb.Risotto (daily special): A delicious surprise! The Arborio was cooked beautifully with a slight chew, and the dish was heavy on the parm (but I like that). I'm not a huge seafood gal (esp if it's still in form...) so I devoured the rice & left the rest to my +1 hehe. The base was similar to the crab ravioli so maybe would try smthn different next time!Drinks Red wine:Red wineOverall, 10/10 vibes & lovely desserts. Such a busy spot with constant traffic & very cozy ambience. Definitely will be back!"

Bourbon Steak

★★★★☆ 4 (949) • $$$$

"Generally, we had a great experience for a special birthday. The meat, appetizers and drinks were phenomenal. The sides left a little to be desired, in my opinion. We ordered a Wagyu ribeye, lamb chops, wedge salad, macaroni and cheese and whipped potatoes. For dessert, we chose the S'more. The server was very attentive, and they swiftly moved to clean the table for the next course. The complimentary bread and french fry pseudo appetizer is unique and just about perfect! I loved the dipping sauces and the fries were fresh, hot and plentiful. The meat was cooked perfectly, and I was surprised to see that my lamb chops also included a good portion of roasted carrots, which was a huge bonus ! The other sides were a little runny in my opinion. The mac & cheese was extremely loose and bland and the mashed potatoes were flavorful but had a "sauce " consistency. I love that they box your food, and hold it at the front desk so you don't have to fumble with everything walking out. Overall, we will definitely be back, they had some really interesting craft cocktails id liketo try and potentially just sit at the bar. This is definitely a great date spot, somewhere for a nice occasion or generally for a great steak!"

Bistro Cacao

★★★★☆ 4.2 (815) • $$$

"Recently came here for brunch, it was absolutely divine, the highlight for me were the escargot, they had a zesty and garlic taste to them, I love me some smoked salmon so the entree was great!! Service was very amazing, our host Maria took really great care of us!! Would have loved to try their pastry basket but it took so long and came after we had already ate, other than that it was a really great experience for me."

Genki Izakaya

★★★★☆ 4.4 (685)

"I dream of this house salad! It has sashimi and a ponzu vinaigrette that keeps me coming back. I only recommend if you enjoy a citrus vinaigrette. The key to this restaurant is the fish! I would skip the ramen, fries and overpriced stuff and stick with the skewers and fish. Genki Roll - one of the best rolls I've had. The smokiness and truffle reminds me of the winner from Yume Sushi. Volcano Roll and Lava RollSashimi - great quality but wish they included more varietyToro Bowl - I'm glad they have this one the menu but needs a crunch component. If they added fried onion might add some nice crunch Grilled Saba - small size but tastes deliciousIf you absolutely have to get something other than fish enjoy the Skewers - i love the momo, gyuharami and anagoTornado Omelette Fried Rice - delicious but mentions chicken in the description and doesn't include much. Japanese Chicken Wings - don't forget to squeeze the lemonWagyu Fried Rice - delicious but definitely overpricedEvery time I come here I feel like I'm in Japan. The ambiance is so relaxing and modern. The service is always respectful."

Dirty Habit

★★★★☆ 3.7 (934) • $$$

"Had the most amazing dinner at Dirty Habit. I must admit it was my first time dining there and I was absolutely impressed, not only by the menu, but by the entire restaurant. It's beautiful, and dinner being amazing was the icing on the cake! Here's what we ate the table: Roasted Potato RollsGrilled Tiger PrawnRoasted Salmon Braised Short RibDirty RocherCream CaramelMocktail Our waiter was very sweet and attentive. Parking is street side via parking meter and they have parking garages on the neighboring blocks as well. Dirty Habit 700 F STWashington, DC"

Jack Rose Dining Saloon

★★★★☆ 3.8 (862) • $$$

"I stopped by yesterday night with some friends for dinner. We were drawn as one of us is a big whiskey fan. The second we walked in the restaurant we were all impressed- it's a beautiful, cool, sophisticated place and the walls lined with bottles are very impressive. We all loved watching the bartenders slide the ladders around and climb up to the ceiling to get specific bottles. It was a quieter night, but the service was fast and our server was very nice and knowledgeable. Our whiskey loving friend got the house cocktail, a Jack Rose, which was dangerously good. We ordered a variety of dishes, from burgers to the ham and biscuits to a beet salad. The food was fancy and very delicious, but still a good deal for the price. I would love to come back and spend time upstairs, or splash out and take the time to order a tasting flight. Overall we all enjoyed our time at Jack Rose!"

City Perch Kitchen + Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (865) • $$

"Great spot! Stellar service, lovely ambiance, the drinks were delicious and well crafted... and the duck poutine was absolutely outstanding! Will definitely go back!"

Sense of Thai St

★★★★☆ 3.9 (765) • $$

"The food & drinks at Sense of Thai are always amazing! My go to are the Drunken Noodles, Kapow Fried Rice, Chive Pancakes & Mango Sticky Rice! The service is quick and seamless with nice staff. The vibes are also super cute with a very decorated bar. Great place for a date. The only constructive criticism I would add is that their food has a little too much oil but it's not enough for me to stop coming here :)"

Glenwood's - Rockville

★★★★☆ 4 (719) • $$

"An excellent alternative for Sunday lunch. Nice surprise......We avoid buffets but still enjoy a nice mid-day meal on Sunday. Glenwood's in Rockville, MD hit the spot. Not too crowded, and a mostly adult clientele dressed, and a modern clean yet fancy environment was perfect. Also - I'd come here for a business meal and feel totally confident the experience would be top-notch.Free parking, excellent restrooms (off the elevator lobby), open airy dining room and bar with LOTs of natural light windows, and outdoor dining featuring awnings, lights and heat!The menu was not long yet it offered many expectations for a modern American restaurant. NOTE: There is sushi bar too. also - there were special offerings in both main dishes and desserts. Ask!Lunch of one shared appetizer (crunchy shrimp sesame roll), two main dishes, side of spinach, and two glasses of sparkling water totaled about $80 before tip, yet we took home more than enough for another meal - See photos!Full rack of ribs - excellent if you like wet fall of the bone style. Cole slaw was crunchy, and tabouleh salad was an interesting no-cost-to-substitute light alternative to French fries. Is this the best BBQ in the world? No - that designation is not possible given people's different definition of "best" yet it will likely satisfy most. Prime rib med rare was super tender. Mashed potatoes were obviously peppered and hot. Side spinach was surprisingly excellent - NOT overcooked and hot. Servings were typical American huge.Not drinkers, yet the bar seemed impressive as was the wine list. Service was professional and polite. I especially appreciate servers who are well groomed and who wear spotless uniforms. Yes!Booth benches were well padded and clean.Special: The Chihuly glass sculpture in the lobby was lovely. It's worth a few minutes of appreciation from different angles.Bottom Line: A safe business/meeting place that is also welcoming of casual adult diners. Families are likely welcome, but we did not see any."

Residents Cafe & Bar

★★★★☆ 4.4 (578) • $$

"Residents Café is a hidden gem with a great cocktail menu. We ordered the Corn Old Fashioned and the Bee No. 3, and both were impressive. The Corn Old Fashioned had a unique twist on the classic, with a subtle sweetness and complexity that made it memorable. The Bee No. 3 was refreshing, with the perfect balance of floral and citrus notes.The ambiance was relaxed yet stylish, making it a perfect spot for drinks with friends or a casual night out. If you're into well-crafted cocktails, this place should be on your list."

Barmini By José Andrés

★★★★★ 4.6 (525) • $$$$

"Awesome drinks at a (relatively) affordable price. Staff is extremely on top of things and made amazing recommendations. Plus, the apps were delicious. Will return and definitely recommend trying out."

House of Dynasty

★★★★☆ 3.9 (699) • $$

"If you are new to the area or looking for a new go to Chinese restaurant- look no further! This is it! It's so good! Take out or in restaurant dinning is great. The place is clean(dated) but clean, the food is delicious; not overcooked or soaking wet in oil and the vegetables are fresh."

Cafe Kindred

★★★★☆ 4.2 (581) • $$

"During one of my transitional phases (relocating, not *that* sort of transitioning), I had been coming here every once in a while when Cafe Kindred was still relatively new and owners Gary and Jen were still doing almost all of the work!I'm rarely in the area now, only to visit family. I've noticed how busy it's become when driving by, but haven't stopped in for years until today. Unfortunately Gary wasn't in; I miss my chats with him, but it still felt nostalgic and very much like I remember it. Their current staff is great, and manager Amber is awesome!Great neighborhood spot. And big "lol" to all the butt-hurt naysayers who think they're the main character. Welcome to NoVa."

Barcode

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (868) • $$

"This was my first experience here at Barcode. I did not know but there is a $10 cover charge just to enter the building to have brunch which was $48 and the $10 did not go toward your meal. With brunch you get 2 mimosas or 2 sangrias. I chose the sangria option which tasted like juice. There is an option to buy wine by the glass. No cocktails were available on the menu but there was a bar. The food was good, I had the shrimp and grits. They also had a waffle and pasta station which came with brunch. I was able to choose ingredients to put in my pasta (chicken and spinach was my choice) and the waffle had powdered sugar and some chocolate or caramel syrup as toppings options. The place was nice, clean, and the ambiance was good. Music is pretty loud so don't count on having conversation without screaming. All in all brunch was a good vibe."

Seven Reasons

★★★★☆ 4.2 (532) • $$$

"I had the pleasure of dinning here on a Friday night. Immediately walking in the decor and aesthetic was super cute! I sat at a two person table on the first floor. Michael took care of us and he is the absolute best!! He anticipated all of our needs, made excellent recommendations and was super knowledgeable. I had the shared roots cocktail it was so delicious and looked amazing! For food I don't remember the exact names but I had the curry scallops, fried seafood basket, and falafel for small plates. I would skip the falafel next time but everything else was great. For main dish we had the butterflied fish, mash potatoes and side salad. Soooo much flavor it was amazing! I will definitely be making my way back soon!"

El Chucho

★★★★☆ 3.6 (724) • $$

"Such a cool place! It felt like I walked into Mexico. Very simple place, but the food is so delicious. Prices are reasonable and service is great."

Karma Modern Indian

★★★★☆ 4.4 (479) • $$$

"Great environment and energy all around. Food is nicely plated and with great taste. Service is on point,"

Agora Tysons

★★★★☆ 4.1 (541) • $$

"The brunch was delicious. All of the dips and pita bread or a must try. The parfait was yummy too. I am definitely going back."

Mele Bistro

★★★★☆ 4 (562) • $$$

"Some people dole out stars based on an ideal. That's fine. I grant stars based on how well a restaurant achieves what it is trying to do. Mele Bistro was a stunning discovery and a beautifully executed French & Italian place. I will be back.First, the food was mouthwatering and precisely prepared. The blackened sea bass was cooked perfectly. I both wanted to devour and savor it over an hour. I appreciated the lightness of the wilted spinach and the warmth of the shared bread. The spice trio with olive oil was a delightful touch. The overall ambiance was incredibly charming and relaxing. How many people begin a menu detailing over an entire page in small font how the selected ingredients are tailor-made for health and taste? The staff and owner were incredibly friendly. As I said at the outset, we will return as soon as possible."

Alta Strada

★★★★☆ 3.8 (607) • $$

"On a cold and rainy evening, we ventured over to Mosaic and the Alta Strada for some Italian to fill our bellies. And boy, did we get what we asked for. First, the Garlic Bread. Or, more specifically, the "Alta Strada World Famous Garlic Bread" and it sure lived up to its name. Crispy, crunchy, and covered in Parmesan, then dipped into a warm ramekin of tangy marinara, it went quick. Next time, I could just order the garlic bread for my entree and be happy! I got the Spaghetti AOP (aglio, olio, pomodoro - garlic, olive oil & pomodoro tomatoes) and it was more than enough to fill my tummy with simple, smooth goodness. I had bites of other folks' burrata and lobster risotto, all excellent. And we finished off with the Tiramisu, a huge rectangle of balanced flavors and textures that really finished off the evening's meal. Five stars and a promise to come back, this place is really good!"

Guajillo Mexican Cuisine

★★★★☆ 3.7 (629) • $$

"We came here for dinner on a weekday evening and had a good experience. The meal started out with complimentary chips and salsa, and we also ordered some guacamole on the side. The guacamole was good, but the small cup was a bit expensive at $8.I got chicken fajitas, which came with onions, peppers, and zucchini, and sides of guacamole, rice, refried beans, and tortillas. I liked this, and it was a very generous portion size. I also tried my husband's mole poblano, which was good, and my kid really liked the kids' quesadilla they made him. Service was very friendly. Overall, a solid meal at a nice neighborhood spot, and we'd come back if in the area."

Sfoglina Van Ness

★★★★☆ 3.9 (553) • $$$

"SFOGLINA! Actually the best Italian food I have ever had (and I've had a lot). I have gone a few times and every single meal has been perfect. Our waitress, Jocelyn, was so sweet and helped us navigate the menu and we even got free sherbet! The Italian music, outfits, and lighting just tied it all together."

RedRocks Columbia Heights

★★★★☆ 3.7 (591) • $$

"My fav neighborhood pizza spot in Colombia heights!! Deff recommend! And although simple the Cesar salads are the besttttt, love the dressing"

El Paso Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.8 (525) • $$

"El Paso has become my boyfriend's and I go-to place. They are always consistent and always provide friendly service. They aren't anything fancy but a solid place that never disappoints is hard to find.The food is always delicious! I have liked every single thing I've ever ordered. Their rice is good, their beans are so flavorful, both the refried and stewed beans, and all the dishes are prepared well. I don't have a go-to meal because I always get something new since everything is good. I love their mole enchiladas with carnitas, the fajitas, and the burritos. My boyfriend recently got the whole rock fish which was so good! The ceviche is my favorite appetizer. The margaritas are also always on point and they provide unlimited fresh chips and salsa. If you're looking for delicious Mexican food with consistent service and a relaxed welcoming atmosphere then El Paso is your place!"

Stable DC

★★★★★ 4.6 (355) • $$

"One of our favorite neighborhood spots. Consistently great (we especially love their brunch, but you can't go wrong at any meal). So glad they're back open."

Bar Pilar

★★★★☆ 3.6 (564) • $$

"we hat a great brunch sunday at pilar bar! the food was amazing! all portion sizes are huge!!! luckily it was 5 of us sharing the menu! but we tore it up! this is the cute couple date night restaurant to the turnup st ex bar located a few doors away! all the food came out quick. being seated was a breeze && it was a football sunday! drinks were delicious, fresb && quick!"

SER

★★★★☆ 3.8 (504) • $$

"I randomly found this place on open table when looking for a last minute reservation. It did not disappoint! The service was great, the ambiance and decor were lovely and the food was amazing! Items tried:- sangria (red) 10/10- garlic shrimp 10/10- Patatas Bravas 10/10- kale caesar salad 10/10- egg plant 8/10- grilled steak 10/10- octopus(didn't try but my friend liked it)"

RIS

★★★★☆ 3.7 (528) • $$

"Their crispy red snapper is really good; impressive presentation too. Comes with a very nice soy sauce type of sauce and white rice. They even provide chopsticks for the full authentic experience.For dessert try their lime mirroir; deliciously tangyTea is served in a beautiful metallic Asian style tea pot. Good ambiance with okay noise level (these days many restaurants are so noisy you can't hear each other)"

The Royal

★★★★☆ 4.2 (404) • $$

"My friend frequents this spot and recommended I check it out! Really loved the vibe in here. Very cozy and comfy. Tons of outlets so it's a great place to work from as well. I really like that you can order thru a QR code and the food will come out when it's ready. Some people like more interaction, but this is fine as well! Drinks were okayyyy, nothing special (maybe I need to try something else). The pork belly was delicious! So flavorful. I loved my cheese arepa as well. Everyone in my group enjoyed their meal, and one is a vegan and had many options!! We will definitely come back and try more things!"

Bar Charley

★★★★☆ 3.8 (493) • $$

"Really enjoyed the brunch. The host waspleasant and seated us promptly. Although it's a small place, you don't get a crowded feeling. The food was really good. The beignets had good flavor (not doughy or oily) and were surprisingly small, more like bites. The American breakfast, quiche, and burger were all throughly enjoyed. I would recommend for sure. The experience was reduced my one star because of our server. -- wasn't attentive and had to be flagged for almost everything we wanted. Never mentioned a name. We asked for fries without seasoning or salt, and she said "they are not seasoned." You know we received fries with salt, right? Never asked how our food was and things of that nature."

North Italia

★★★★☆ 3.9 (465) • $$

"Went here during lunch hour on a Friday.Service was great, server was prompt and very accommodating.We ordered the calamari, pesto pasta, penne vodka, truffle bread, among other things.Food was very tasty, even had their hefeweizen to wash it all done. Very good beer by the way, if you like Blue Moon, this would be right up your ally.Ample seating indoors for large partiesHighly recommend this place as I am a frequent diner."