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."

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."

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!"

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."

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)."

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."

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."

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 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."

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."