Reliable Tavern

This is an ok spot, I would probably frequent it if I lived in the area. The name does it right - it didn't blow my socks off, but I wasn't wishing I had gone somewhere else. It was reliable. Beer selection is... fine. Mixed cocktails are ok. They have all the ingredients they're supposed to have. Bartenders are very nice, the vibe is laid back and unpretentious. Less expensive than the average DC bar, which is notable.

We had an amazing time here. We needed a bite to eat after a short night out and when we asked if they were serving food. The bartender said that they didn't have a kitchen open but the place next door had food. We popped in next door and the bartender actually popped in next door to let us know that they would be able to bring it to us. Joe, the bartender, was awesome. He gave us great recommendations and explained all of the beers he had. He let us take a taste of his favorite bourbon which we loved and ordered. I work at a bourbon bar so this was big to me. It was a spacious bar with a downstairs that had pool tables and a second bar downstairs. We played pool and it was a great space with regular who ended up buying us some drinks. 10/10 experience with 10/10 people. Reliable lives up to It's name with the service, vibe and atmosphere. For us being bartenders this was out Saturday night on a Tuesday and it was perfect. Thank you reliable and thank you joe!

This place is awesome! I have not been to "a hole in the wall" bar since before covid. I love these bars Especially in an expensive city like DC. The bouncer is super friendly and remembers people. The drinks are excellently priced. Their cocktails are magnificent! I had the old fashioned, and it was prefect. Not only was is a superb well balanced cocktail. It has clear ice. CLEAR ICE! that's a super rare find. Most places use regular ice which melts too quick and is not as amazing in photos. I am sure it takes some time and effort and expense to provide clear ice. They have have pool tables downstairs and a smaller bar downstairs. I really like this place. It's on my favorites list. And you should be on your list also.

All the 5 star reviews say all you need to know about Reliable Tavern! I met a friend here for drinks after work. We got there close to opening and enjoyed having the bar to ourselves for a bit. I am always open to try a new drink, so I told the bartender what I liked, he made a few suggestions, and he went to work crafting me the most amazing cocktail I think I have ever had in my life. No exaggeration. A week later and I am still talking about how fantastic that drink was. I highly recommend having the bartenders craft a custom drink to your preferences. I know I will be back soon for another amazing experience!!

really fun bar! i've only been around happy hour time, so i'm sure it's more lively on a weekend night. but the drinks were great! they make their whiskey sours the tradition way with egg whites and it was delicious! the bar food is also great and really cheap (i got mozzarella sticks for like $4). the bouncer and bartender were also SO nice and really fun to talk to! they mentioned they do trivia on wednesdays, have a comedy night, and a jazz night!

This was a weird, bad experience. I'd been in the past and had a great penicillin, but not since the pandemic. Last night, it was almost empty but impossible to get the bartender's attention, even as he was doing some chores (e.g., pouring things into different containers), and my friend and I were shocked when we asked for the cocktail prices and he told us they were all $18. The service and prices were both really different from what I remembered, and not worth coming back for.

Came in for the first time on Wednesday trivia night (gets crowded). There was a snafu with the bouncer over seating, where I was forced to leave a table to make way for a regular who entered later (despite no reservation system, and the same bouncer actually telling me to take the empty table when I first came in). But when I emailed management, Chris and Lester responded quickly and were both very understanding. In the end it was more important than anything else to feel validated that this was handled badly, and an apology went a long way. Overall trivia was a fun time and very lively. Bartenders work hard and are efficient in handling the large crowd. $9 old fashioneds on Wednesdays a great deal. There were three smaller TVs high above the bar showing hockey. Thanks again to reliable tavern for rescuing our evening after a rough start.

One of the gems of DC I always used to drive by and overlooked. Never again. I came here with friends after a meeting on a Sunday for Happy Hour. Love that concept of happy hour on a Sunday. I tried new a new drink and food I'd never had before. So sorry I forgot to take a pic of the menu card. But both were very yummy.

Update on my review. The owner contacted me and we did have a conversation. He assured me that he had a conversation with the bartender. I will definitely continue going there and having the best drinks in DC. And so should you.

Love Reliable!! Such a great place to hang. I was there on Monday and it was great to watch the pool league in action. Can't wait to return.