Solly's Tavern

Solly's has been around for a while! I didn't start going until the last year or so. The main draw? Karaoke Thursdays!!! Even if you don't already know about it happening, there's a sign outside that reads "Kostume Karaoke"... yes, anyone who hits the stage must don a costume, even if it's just a hat or a puppet!When you enter the bar, the first level is chill and while I haven't hung out down there for any extended time yet, the music has always sounded great and they appear to be having a wonderful time. You can easily spot stairs that lead to the second level, where the karaoke happens. There is a small bar area, and then a slightly higher level with a bunch of close tables with about 4 stools each. The far wall has the stage with 2 mics, and a rack on the side with a bunch of costumes and props to pick from.I have only had a drink every now and then, but I mainly focus on water to keep my singing voice up. Pro tip: show up early. The queue gets long REALLY early. Though, if it's your first song, you tend to get bumped up significantly. I have waited over an hour to sing on occasion after my first song. I need to experience Solly's outside of karaoke. One thing I've noticed is that the water pitchers are positioned on the far end of the bar upstairs, but folks are usually sitting right in front of them, so getting water can be a pain sometimes. And if you're not already sitting at the bar, getting there from the upper level can be tricky once it gets crowded... and it does get crowded easily, especially for karaoke! The first level seems like a jam though, maybe I'll try it next time.Also, shout out to Antoine the bartender!

Lively, but not overwhelming after 11pm on a weekday. A lot of people seemed to know each other. Some TV screens. Outdoor and indoor seating.The barkeep was extra generous with his whiskey pours and thus, I blame him for my hangover.

I performed at an open mic on a Friday night. Great crowd, decent wine, fun night! I will be back.

kostume karaoke is my favorite activity in all of DC. The drinks are cheap and the kazoos are aplenty.

Every single time I go to Solly's I am treated so rudely by the staff. To the point I won't go back now. They really need to be more respectful to paying customers.

A dc treasure! Have been here about 200 times. Friendly staff and everybody knows your name.

Hands down my all time favorite dive-bar in DC, and I say that with tons of love and respect. There is no pretension here, and all are welcome, you won't go broke drinking, you can bring your to-go food, and there's always something fun to do!Aside from their massive, excellent cover patio that lets you watch all the fun of U St, there are also two bars inside. Downstairs is where all the regulars begin and end their night, where the owners are just as likely to be behind the bar as the employees.Upstairs they hold events almost every night of the week - from comedy, to trivia, to bands, to plays. And of course Kostume Karaoke every Thursday, which is a crazy night of doing shots with the KJs on your birthday, and meeting crazy strangers wearing tiaras or judo gis (provided by the karaoke hosts) to sing!The walls tell the history of the bar, especially behind the bar and in the bathrooms. But the bartenders and regulars will tell you just as easily themselves - and what a long crazy history it's been! Ask them about when the car crashed through the window, or the Caps won the Cup, or the neighbors almost sent it all crashing down during an ill-fated renovation.This is no a fancy dress up joint - although no one thinks twice if you walk in looking your best. You come here to be comfortable, to have well poured, affordable drinks, to have the bartenders become your besties, to meet your new best friends just chilling at the bar.

Sam was a weird guy. His eyes would have popped in a blue shirt but he chose to wear a controversial red. He refused to sing along to my karaoke choices. This felt personal. Vibes were controversial. Restrooms were vile. Man is from philly though, so what do i expect?

Came into this establishment tonight around 1 AM to get a beer with some friends, and when I entered the establishment there were three empty seats at the bar. My friends and I sat at the bar and the male bartender mentioned to us that some others had been sitting in those seats, however general bar etiquette doesn't restrict these seats from being taken, so we sat down anyway. About 20 minutes later we are approached by other customers who had claimed the seats as their own and essentially interrogated us as to why we would not return the seats. Since we were not finished with our beers, I told them I would not be leaving until I finish my beer. The customers went on to inform me that they had a special relationship with the owner and the bartender; which then lead to the bartender and security staff having us removed from the bar. The security guard with locs threatened that I leave or he would get the police involved and he also mentioned that I was "broke" because I ordered beers. I hope that sollys takes more of a priority in professionalism when it comes to the hiring of their staff. Tonight I was disrespected by staff and consumers as a fellow paying customer and that is very offputting. I did not approach anybody with any disrespect I simply advocated for myself, and due to this experience I do not plan to frequent this bar again.

Classic neighborhood bar with good vibes and a great selection. Mostly young people. Lots of mostly good entertainment.