DC's best hidden bars and speakeasies — secret entrances, password-protected doors, and cocktails worth finding. The insider guide to DC speakeasies.
60 venues · Updated weekly
NoMa · ·
Downtown · ·
Penn Quarter · ·
Dupont Circle · ·
U Street · ·
Georgetown · ·
This spot in Georgetown has a low-key charm that attracts music lovers and casual drinkers alike. The crowd is a mix of locals and visitors, creating a relaxed yet engaged atmosphere. Expect a comfortable noise level that allows for conversation, all while enjoying the sounds of live performances in a cozy setting.
Adams Morgan · ·
Georgetown · ·
Downtown · ·
Show of Hands is a no-frills bar that feels like an old-school neighborhood hangout right off Pennsylvania Ave. The crowd is laid-back, a mix of locals and tourists grabbing a drink after a day of sightseeing or work. Noise levels stay comfortably low, making it easy to chat or just enjoy the buzz of the room.
Downtown · ·
Georgetown · ·
Downtown · ·
Downtown · $$ ·
NoMa · ·
NoMa · ·
U Street · ·
Downtown · ·
An eclectic arts & community center offering multigenre performances, events, films & workshops.
Dupont Circle · $$ ·
Adams Morgan · ·
Shaw · ·
Downtown · $$ ·
Chic spot with a South American feel serving modern Peruvian fare, cocktails & beer.
Downtown · $ ·
NoMa · ·
NoMa · ·
Downtown · $ ·
Downtown · ·
Toro Bar has a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere that makes for an easy night out. The crowd ranges from locals unwinding after work to groups looking to socialize over drinks. Expect a low hum of chatter that makes it easy to catch up without shouting.
Downtown · $$ ·
Known as the "Mother Church of Country Music," this venue hosts diverse concerts & daily tours.
U Street · ·
NoMa · $$ ·
Downtown · ·
National park devoted to the performing arts, with orchestras & other events in 7,000-seat theater.
Downtown · ·
Iconic, architectural outdoor concert amphitheater in a national park with covered & lawn seating.
Downtown · ·
Adams Morgan · ·
Penn Quarter · ·
Capitol Hill · ·
CIVIC. On Eighth has a straightforward, no-frills bar feel, where the crowd leans toward the neighborhood regulars and those just stopping by for a drink. The buzz of conversation blends with the clinking of glasses, creating a low hum that’s both inviting and comfortable. Capitol Hill adds a touch of local charm, making it a solid spot for winding down after a long day or chatting with friends over a few rounds.
Shaw · ·
Downtown · ·
Adams Morgan · ·
Downtown · ·
Downtown · ·
Downtown · ·
NoMa · ·
NoMa · $ ·
Local watering hole for suds & shots, plus beer-friendly bar fare, smoked ribs & vintage games.
NoMa · $$ ·
Penn Quarter · ·
Penn Quarter · $$$$ ·
Swanky craft-cocktail bar with innovative, technology-driven menu & white-on-white furnishings.
U Street · $ ·
Downtown · ·
Esteemed cultural center hosting plays, music & dance shows in its multiple theaters plus art tours.
NoMa · ·
U Street · ·
Dupont Circle · ·
Downtown · ·
Downtown · ·
Downtown · ·
Capitol Hill · ·
Downtown · $$ ·
Qategna feels like a late-night retreat where you can unwind with friends. The crowd is a mix of locals and those in the know, gathered around the bar and sharing laughs over drinks. The atmosphere is laid-back, with a nice hum of conversation that makes it easy to settle in and catch up without shouting over the noise.
Downtown · ·
U Street · $$ ·
A selection of Ethiopian/Eritrean dishes as well as cocktails are served at this funky fixture.
Downtown · ·
Georgetown · ·
The Mirror on K Street is hidden behind a full-length mirror — a USA Today top-5 DC speakeasy. Off the Record at The Hay-Adams and The Alex in Georgetown are also excellent.
Yes — most DC speakeasies are small and fill up quickly on weekends. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for The Mirror and The Gibson.
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