The Yummiest Dive Bars in Washington

The Dew Drop Inn

★★★★☆ 4.1 (120) • $$

"So this was my first time ever EVER EVER EVER hearing about the Dew Drop Inn and I am still to this day puzzled, confused and thinking to myself "Sis must not be living" like I thought I have. If I thought I was out in these streets last summer BABBEEEE I was sadly mistaken as this is a gem. Now, I enjoyed the first and the last DJ as there were a total of three for The Funset, however the second DJ just didn't speak to my spirit, he kept mixing songs that were bangers but then never allowed the hook or popular parts to play. I hate DJ's that just tease the crowd. The ambience is a ten from the foodtrucks outside, to the cookout feel. You are literally at your favorite uncle and aunties house with the picnic tables outside with a DJ and the two floors offering both a bar and speakers blasting the DJ's set. The rooftop was even an amazing vibe, with picnic tables and doors open leading to the second floor bar and dance floor. I enjoyed how all doors were kept open so you could mingle and move freely throughout. Now for the drinks They were weak. Really weak, four drinks later and I know now that when I first arrive I will bring my own drinks as you an outside as people also had cigars. Bring your own drinks to pre-game before 9pm arrives and t he party has to move in doors. This will be my spot this summer I just wish it was not on Sundays , because UMMMM I work I was puzzled that these people acted like F-Monday we Outside. Really wish this event was on Saturday's as I can not afford to call out every Monday. But best believe I will be back!!!"

The Raven Grill

★★★★☆ 3.8 (148) • $

"The neighborhood dive bar of all neighborhood dive bars. Like many of its ilk, the patrons here would strongly prefer you didn't breeze through here to "pound a few cheap brews" on your way to the club. Most folks here are regulars, and come to the Raven to soak up the chill local vibes. Great music is always on tap from the bartenders and trends toward punk, 80s, and metal vibes. Your standard selection of beer and spirits - you're coming here for a Natty Boh and a rail drink more than some kind of overdone craft cocktail or rare release craft beer. For a dive bar, prices actually aren't that cheap, but they do have some really solid happy hour prices. No food served, but as long as you're not obnoxious about it they don't usually mind if you bring food in. Expect to stumble across a special neighborhood fundraiser or birthday gathering any particular night of the week. They have a TV in back and some people come here to watch sports, but it's mostly a dive lover's paradise. Torn up vinyl booths and a retro/grandfather's basement ambiance pervades. Pro tip- it's CASH only! There's an atm in the bar if you need it."

JV's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 (106) • $$

"O.M.G.This place is amazing! I didn't know places like this still exist. Live music, great ipa's and just the 'get down' of it all. Service with a smile and just oh so fun!!!"

Bedrock Billiards

★★★★☆ 3.6 (102) • $$

"An often overlooked spot in Adams Morgan, don't neglect making a visit for a fun, casual hangout with friends or for a fun date night! They have HH specials daily, a nice mix of beers on tap as well as a full bar- and most of all the games! There are three dart boards (only $2 for darts, no time limit), two shuffleboard tables, two fooseball tables, a buckhunter game - and about 5 pool tables. The pool tables you'll need to put your name on a list at the bar and they are in high demand. Once you get a pool table there's no time limit but you are charged by the hour and by number of players. But this place is SO FUN. It's the perfect mix of casual and the basement vibes keep it relaxed and cozy."

Recessions

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (296) • $

"Have never really heard of this place until my friend took me before going downtown in DC. It's definitely a hole in the wall spot that has its charm. The interior reminded me of an underground dive bar. There was lots to do while drinking including karaoke, pool, watch tv, etc. The service was pretty good, as I was able to meet the owner, and he treated us very well.In terms of food, I had the Lamb Chops and fries. The meat was cooked perfect and was juicy and tender. Additionally, the fries were seasoned and crispy. Overall, a fun bar with great food and great ownership/service. Highly recommend to anyone in DC."

The Players Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.8 (61) • $$

"It's a little old fashion and may need to be updated a bit but the food is clean and delicious! l like the way that the food is delivered and it taste so good, especially the spaghetti and the potatoes or Western fries. It's a good place to get a great meal."

Chop Shop

★★★★☆ 4.1 (11)

"We came here pretty late on a Friday night after touching down in DC and wanted to find something to eat near our hotel. This place popped up as a late night eats on Google maps and so we headed that way. We could hear the music from half a street away, an absolute vibe. When we entered the food place, we realized the music came from the adjacent bar (I think also belongs to them?), and there's a small area that belongs to the kitchen. We ordered on a screen and paid directly there too, and the food came shortly after. The chicken was absolutely delicious. You could smell the rubs on it, and the meat fell right off the bones. It was tender and delicious, and the sauces were such a great compliment. We got the cilantro lime and chicken cry sauce. The fries also had a crispy layer over it, rounding it as a whole delicious package. Will definitely recommend everyone visiting to stop by and give this place a try."

Nice & Easy

★★★★☆ 4 (9)

"Its a nice chill vibe, good snacks and an ok drink selection. Bartenders are nice and a little absent minded but in a normal dive bar sort of way."

Gold Clover Bar

★★★★★ 5 (14)

"I love a good, cozy bar where you can just chill and vibe out. Golden Clover is just that.Immediately once I walked in here, I felt a sense of comfort. The space is small enough to feel intimate but large enough to not feel suffocating. The space is dim lit, enough to be relaxing without feeling like you're in the nightlife trenches. There is seating along the perimeter provides great seating options for groups, but there is also ample bar seating as well. I also love the vinyl collection on display as well as the growing, communal library.The bartenders are awesome as well and are great and making the bar feel like a community. Definitely will be adding Golden Clover into the rotation this summer!"

Showtime Lounge

★★★★☆ 3.6 (99) • $

"First timer here! This place is very divey and absolutely no frills, so couple things to note. They are cash only. I can't imagine asking for anything other than beer or a mixed drink, but you can try. The bartenders have an attitude that screams "you'll get what you get and you won't throw a fit". No bullshit kinda people. Most people are very stereotypically hipster here, which adds to the vibe honestly, and it seems like they have a lot of regulars that all know each other so it can be kinda cliquey. There will be lots of people smoking cigarettes out front all night.Okay, with that being said and out of the way.. the concept of this place that I love is that they spin vinyls from the 70s and 80s (no requests) and most of it is disco/funk type vibes which is great for dancing! Although, not much room for dancing in this establishment. Apparently the DJs spend hours digging for the best vinyls to spin and resurface forgotten music, so I respect the hustle! The artwork on the walls is so interesting and really gives the place character of the coolest spot in dc. They also play the whackiest movies on their one tv in the bar, which is quite entertaining throughout the night. So if you can get past all the stuff in the beginning, I think you'll really find something you can love here. It's absolutely a great late night spot if you live in the area, so I can see why they have so many regulars."

Snappy's Small Bar

★★★★★ 4.7 (14)

"First of all, Snappy's is a good laid back bar with really nice people working the bar. Second, love to say all the drinks were really good! Definitely will be visiting again soon after my experience!"

The Wonderland Ballroom

★★★★☆ 3.6 (540) • $$

"Many people know The Wonderland Ballroom as a great bar with a very cool vibe. But do you also know that they have a DELICIOUS brunch?I occasionally like a fancy artisanal brunch, but sometimes I just want a hearty and delicious meal to start a lazy weekend right. This brunch was exactly what I needed and more. Their skillets are loaded with perfectly crispy potatoes, delicious vegetables, eggs, and something special too. I got mine with sausage gravy, and it hit the spot. I also eagerly gave their mac n cheese pancakes a try. The edges tasted like regular pancakes, warm and delicious. But as you work your way into the interior, you're hit with a surprise cheesy taste! With a little maple syrup and butter on top, it's an absolute delight. This restaurant does not take reservations, and indoor seating is relatively limited, but we had no problem finding a table. Our waitress was very nice as well!"

Trusty's Full-Serve Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (195) • $$

"When it comes to a good quality dive bar Trusty's really can't be beat. The only downside is that it is so far away from my house ha ha. Whenever I'm there I like to come upstairs so that you hang out in the really cool converted school bus area, but they also have booths and more space downstairs as well as some outside seating out on the sidewalk. I like that the drinks are cold and simple, and the food is decent especially considering it's a dive bar. Back when I used to live in Southeast I came here all the time but now that I'm in Northwest it's harder to get out that way, but now that the Potomac Avenue metro stop area is getting more businesses I can envision myself spending more time in the neighborhood."

Big Tony’s Pizza & Dive Bar

★★★★☆ 3.8 (29)

"After leaving the underground of Clarendon ballroom, the bubbling mozzarella of this pizzeria called out to my soul..A friend got the BBQ pizza and I the mozzarella sticks.Each bite of the mozzarella sticks was a bite of indulgence flowing from the golden crispy exterior..battling hard to outshine the cheese. Each round, some including a nice paired cheese sauce, other a well paired marinara, the results were constantly neck and neck.After it all I left satisfied.The helpful service and lively scene were wonderful additions that help this place shine."

Red Derby

★★★★☆ 4.2 (561) • $

"Solid little bar in Columbia Heights! The upstairs roof has tables to hang at and some seating at the bar. It's definitely tight though and not the spot for more than 6ish people. In the winter they put heaters up there for you to stay warm. The beers are on the cheaper side & they have some solid snack food. Can never go wrong with their fries. All in all a good spot to catch up with friends! Bathrooms are gender neutral (single stall). LGBTQ friendly. There is a stair to enter the bar initially and then the roof has a ton of stairs and is tight for folks with limited mobility."

Tune Inn

★★★★☆ 3.7 (555) • $$

"Stopped by for a quick drink and snack this evening. Service was slow, but expected. They had limited beer selections and I got an ice tea. Shared the chicken tenders and tots platter with Ragz. The chicken was delicious - just what I would expect from a greasy spoon bar. The tots were super yummy too, very crispy and light. Came with ranch and we asked for buffalo sauce on the side. The bar has a cool vibe and a lot of the patrons seemed locals and request visitors. I think I might come back again to check out their drinks and other menu items."

Quarry House Tavern

★★★★☆ 4 (795) • $$

"Whaaaaaattttt? How have I not reviewed one of my fav 3 dive bars ever???Well, it is not actually that divey but it's a local institution. Ask for their whiskey options and you'll spend the whole night going through the menu. Ask for the beer options, you'll be handed a book. Love the Friday nights for the live music. It was my staple for many years, even if for 30 mins. Probably brought all my friends who visited me when I was staying in DTown SS. It was also a great first date place. Tater tots was a must along with their regular burgers (without cheese). Although it closed in 2015 after the devastating fire for many months, was extremely happy to see it re-open after many months. QHT : May you spread happiness for many more decades."

Jackpot

★★★★☆ 4.3 (263) • $$

"I loved this place, I was seeking some dive bar vibes while in the China Town area. I found that here and the bartender had amazing music playing!! The people here were friendly and the popcorn was on point. Such a great idea to keep people sitting and drinking because I sure was. I will definitely be back next time I'm in DC.Pretty simple bar with the usual selection but I will note I do not think they have darts, pool tables, nor a jukebox, if you're seeking those things."

The Pug

★★★★☆ 3.8 (232) • $

"Came here with an SF friend, @ekai , back in June. Awesome historical map on the wall.Chill vibe.Friendly staff.Great place to grab drinks with a friend while catching up. :)"

Last Call Bar

★★★★☆ 4.3 (62)

"We enjoyed Last Call! Great local spot for a casual drink before dinner. The bartenders were friendly. The drinks were good! The prices were standard. It's a welcoming environment. When we went, they were decked out for Pride month. Everyone was having a good time."

Jimmy Valentine's Lonely Hearts Club

★★★★☆ 4.4 (84) • $$

"Very cool Dive bar that's hidden away from the Main Street. There's a full bar and the beers are great and reasonably priced. We went in on a slow night but our bartender was very chill just like the place. The decorations are cool and it's nice to be able to have a different focal point t every where you look. I liked it- I cant wait to come back!BTW cash is preferred and they give a little bit of a discount for it."

O'Shaughnessy's Pub

★★★★☆ 3.9 (96) • $

"Great prices in this little dinner. If you're in the mood for some a nice divey meal... come check this place out."

Dan's Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.9 (247) • $

"Wow-- what a cool spot. I will definitely be coming back here. This little popular dive bar in the heart of Adams Morgan has so much energy and a college like feel. It's the place to be on a Friday night. The line was a little longer than the other bars and the place was packed. The bouncer was very inviting and charismatic so waiting in line passed by very quickly."

Kelly's Irish Times

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (325) • $$

"Random Sunday funday in dc.food: TOTS and FRIES. Tots came out the perfect eating temperature (don't know or cares if that was a god or bad thing bc yummy) and crispness. Fries were hot and slightly mushy (like back in the day Wendy's fries). I liked it especially with the cheese sauce that we know is super unhealthy and still will eat.server: DOUG. Awesome. Attentive. Honest with the fries v. tots v. onion rings suggestion. Appreciate the food honestly. Apparently their onions rings are delicious. Maybe I'll come back to find out. ambiance: Perfect random Sunday. Nice random people. Nice service (thanks, DOUG! You rock!). Decent bar food. Women's bathroom doesn't smell the best. I wasn't there for the bathroom though. If bathrooms matter to you in the ocd/germaphobe way, you may want to hold it)."

Ivy & Coney

★★★★☆ 3.9 (189) • $

"One of my favorite easy going bars in D.C. Friendly bartenders and no-nonsense sports bar scene. My friends like the Chicago style dogs here. I'm more of a pizza gal. Their Detroit style pizza is great too and even better when they have it on special on Mondays. Grab a beer or mixed drink and chill out with some friends or by yourself while watching some sports (or not!)."