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    Bar Betsie

    4.3 (66 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Bar Betsie Photos

    BAR BETSIE ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Bar Betsie

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    Menu
    Kelly M.

    So not recommend with a group! Already almost full at 5:20pm on a Thursday! My friend and I could get bar seats. They have one cocktail of the day on happy hour. It was a daiquiri this day and I wasn't too impressed with it, but the Cameron's kick on the regular menu was amazing!!!! The flavor was complex where it started tasting like lime and then ended with a fun twist from the orgeat! My friend tried mine and ended up ordering it too! Very friendly and helpful server, Gaelin, we didn't order food but the nachos looked legit. I've liked other cocktail bars in DC better but it is also a fun one.

    Midnight Blue
    Peter D.

    This is the sister bar of Jane Jane. For the same prices as Jane Jane, I would say their other location has a better selection across all different flavor profiles. I personally did not care for the Midnight Blue and Devil in a Red Dress. And for their prices, I would find other bars around the DC area. The space is quite smaller than other cocktail bars in the dc area, so it's best to make a reservation or keep a small party. The place is dark indoors too, so it was hard to see the menu

    Geneva D.

    So happy we chose this spot for a Saturday nightcap because I love a bar with personality. This bar is super intimate with both booth and counter seating options available. We didn't have a reservation on a pretty busy night, but were able to squeeze into one and then two seats in the bar area. I'm obsessed with the aesthetic and vibe of this spot. It's the perfect mix of kitchy and cozy. Cocktails are well prices, especially for DC standards. Will definitely be back and would totally recommend.

    Pretzel and queso, pickle dip
    Caitlin D.

    Cute, intimate bar w cool decor in Union Market. Loved the pickle dip and pretzel with queso. Fun date spot or place to get a drink w your girls

    Pretzel
    Brianna T.

    Very good! Def pricey so know that going in but the drinks were delish and I did enjoy the food!

    Monkey Business - A glass of dark soda with ice cubes and a banana slice on top is placed on a marble table, with a coaster underneath. Nearby, there is a small white dish filled with cheese puffs, and two glasses of water, one partially filled. In the background, a cocktail glass with a light-colored drink is visible, along with a smartphone and a napkin. The setting appears to be a dimly lit bar or restaurant.
    Antoninette B.

    Very vibe-y bar and fun addition to Union Market area! The inside is very cute with a cool vibe, it's somewhat small inside but the booths are really fun and the bar is a good size! They have awesome drinks and I love how the menu explains them. The Monkey Business was awesome and the Nitty Gritty is a must order to. The staff and bartenders are super warm and welcoming and were very helpful when it came to the menu!

    Perry B.

    Love this neighborhood bar. Very thoughtfully decorated. The main con is that it's really small often with standing room only in the front. We were able to snag two seats at the bar within 10 minutes of waiting. We enjoyed our creative beverages, cheese balls and fried pickle dip. The bartenders were very personable and engaging. The perfect way to end the night.

    Alexis B.

    I stopped by Bar Betsie for some drinks with a friend last weekend, when we were staying at a hotel in the neighborhood and wandered past it on our way from subway station to our hotel on a Friday night (great location in the Union Market District). Their website says that they are "a craft cocktail bar dressed in neighborhood bar clothing," and that makes total sense to me after my visit. It's cool but comfortable. We got a few seats at the bar and enjoyed people watching, the music, and the atmosphere generally. You can expect a lot of from the food and drinks, because this place had the pedigree to be amazing (the Bar Betsie team is the team behind Jane Jane, and the general manager/owner has previously been at Rappahannock, Maydan, Compass Rose...). Here's a confession: I really like cocktails, but I've been drinking fewer and fewer of them over the last few years in favor of wine. That's not just because I love wine (which I do). It's also because I don't really enjoy a lot of the current cocktail trends. So many cocktails are so complicated (how many ingredients are there in here, anyway?!)o or heavy/boozy/bitter (I often struggle to find something light and refreshing on menus - even in summer!). Bar Betsie's menu really impressed me! It covers a lot of bases and seems to have something for almost everyone (including me)! Their cocktail menu includes House Features, Classics, Free Spirited (N/A), and Shooters (shots). Many of their cocktails have 4 or fewer ingredients! We got a couple of the martinis they had on the menu. They might have been a little wetter (wet vs dry, I mean - that's a weird thing to say) than we would normally order, but it was a good, classic cocktail. Perfect for a girls' night out (at least for us)! Not in the mood for cocktails? They have something for you, too: beer, cider, and wine (including some natural/skin contact options). Then they have food. We didn't try anything (we just had snacked elsewhere), but I loved that they brought us cheese balls as a bar snack. No bowl of nuts here! (If we'd been hungry, we definitely could have been talked into their Fried Pickle Dip!!!) Overall, Bar Betsie was just a good time. Retro maybe? Cool - definitely. Good menu for drinks and food and good service. What's not to like? I'll be back when I next need a drink in the neighborhood.

    Quick view of options - The image shows the interior of a bar with a large, brightly lit menu board hanging on the wall. The menu features drink specials, snacks, and happy hour details. Patrons are seated at the bar, engaging in conversation, with a bartender attending to them. The decor includes wood paneling and festive holiday decorations, such as a wreath with a red bow. The atmosphere appears lively and social.
    Shari D.

    Been dying to come here and finally had the chance to dine at the bar on a Friday evening! Spots are tight, so opt for a reservation if possible! Lots of speciality cocktails, with options for everyone. I enjoyed my prick these, it was the right amount of sweet/spice. Looking forward to coming back and dining at a booth.

    Menu, Aug 2025
    Calder S.

    Bar Betsie was just okay. I visited around 3:30 PM on a Saturday and sat at the bar with my friend. There were a few other people there but the place filled up by the time we left at 5 PM. I would have preferred to sit at one of the cute booths, but it wasn't offered and I didn't ask. All of them had little "Reserved" signs on them. I didn't know you could reserve tables, but I figured that was an option I missed on the website. Looking at the website now, it specifically says they don't take reservations, so I guess they were just holding these tables for larger groups. We got a small bowl of free cheese balls and four cocktails (all $15-$16): Cafe Caribe: Rum Blend, Liquor 43, Cold Brew, Chocolate Bitters Prick These: Prickly Pear Infused Mezcal, Lime, Simple, Serrano Tincture Whipped Honey Gold Rush: bourbon, lemon, whipped honey Bartender's Choice - a tiki-like drink with mezcal, lemon, banana liquor, and a couple other things Our favorite drink was the Prick These, hands down. It was bright pink, but had a great smokey and spicy flavor from the mezcal and hot pepper. If I liked the other drinks as much as I liked that one, this would be a five star review. The problem was that I didn't like the other drinks. For the Cafe Caribe, I was expecting more of an espresso martini but this thin/watery with more of a chocolate flavor. The Gold Rush was a Gold Rush -- fine, nothing interesting, idk what the whipped honey was about but it didn't make a difference. The bartender's choice was mostly lemon flavor and again thin/watery. Nothing interesting going on. I like the dark, red and wood, retro decor a lot. They also have some great vintage inspired menu signs, comfortable bar stools, mirrors, curtains. It's a shame this character doesn't extend to the small patio, which has no seats or decor at all. I also didn't like some of the weird ceramic decorations on part of the bar and the large neon curtain/tent design in the back didn't work for me either, which reminds me too much of a circus tent. I assume they change the drink menu with some frequency. They had everything listed on the website plus a few more drinks.

    Kaya E.

    I've been seeing Bar Betsie all over my Tik tok and was excited to check it out this past weekend. They are open till midnight on Sundays (amazing--because not many places are). It was super easy to grab a seat at the bar as they were winding down for the night. The bar back popped over to us immediately with waters and some complimentary cheese balls. This immediately took me back to my childhood for sure. The theme of the bar is very whimsical. I loved their "Prick These" drink. It had a nice Smokey punch to it. My friend's drink was also good, "Devil in a new dress". More juice, fruity style cocktail. The shooters were ok, probably wouldn't ordered them again but a nice option to have on the menu. I'll be back when I'm in the Union Market area. I hear the buffalo chicken dip is good. Perfect for a date night or girls night out.

    Cute drink. Can't remember the name! - A person is holding a shot glass in the foreground, partially obscuring the view of a brightly lit menu board at a bar. The menu displays drink options with prices, including a $14 migraine cocktail and a $4 cocktail, along with illustrations of drinks and promotional text. The background shows patrons seated at the bar, with dim lighting and a decorative chandelier visible.
    Tamara M.

    Cute spot. Fascinating details. Great for a girls night out or a juicy evening with your other. Best to make a reservation, it gets crowded quick and becomes pretty exclusive on nights if you don't. Never had table seating. Drinks are great! Bartenders are great, too. Very busy though. Bar snacks are not my fave but their shareable items are cool. I had a chicken dip there that was above average and super unexpected! 9/10

    The image shows a bar counter at Bar Betsie in Washington, DC, with a bowl of orange snacks and two drinks, one dark and one clear, on the surface. Behind the counter, there are numerous bottles of alcohol arranged on shelves, with illuminated signage above displaying messages such as "LET ME JUST SAY THIS" and "WELCOME TO BAR BETSIE." The setting includes a vibrant, dimly lit atmosphere typical of an intimate craft cocktail bar.
    Joseph G.

    This place was an absolute gem. The atmosphere was great! Had a seat at the bar and it was prolly one of the best paces to sit at. The bartenders were awesome! Served some great drinks. The hostess was a little rude when first walking in, but I over heard them saying the night before was an absolute nightmare. So no harm no foul. Amazing specialty cocktails.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Bar Betsie

    Review Highlights - Bar Betsie

    Our bartender was super knowledgable and friendly and my "Nitty Gritty" was an absolute citrus delight.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    The Alchemist DC - Bubble machine!

    The Alchemist DC

    (117 reviews)

    U Street Corridor

    Just stepped into The Alchemist DC -- crowned Best Bar in DC in both 2024 & 2025 -- and now I see…read moreexactly why it holds the title. The space feels part-speakeasy, part-laboratory, where every cocktail is crafted with intention, story, and a little bit of magic. Their mixology roots run deep, drawing on technique + creativity to deliver flavors that feel familiar yet completely new. Here's what I tried (and loved): Lavender Killer Sally -- light + floral with a hint of citrus, beautifully balanced and so easy to sip Banana Bread Rum Old Fashioned -- warm + cozy, with notes of brown sugar + ripe banana; it tastes like a dessert you can drink Shared Secrets -- a gin-based peach sangria poured straight from a French press, releasing more fruit + aromatics right at the table -- interactive and delicious Latte Martini -- smooth, creamy, and bold with espresso; a perfect pick for coffee-cocktail lovers Butterscotch Russo -- sweet + silky with rich butterscotch notes; comforting without being too heavy If you're hunting for a cocktail bar that's equal parts craft + creativity, The Alchemist NEEDS to be on your list. 1334 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Save this post for your next night out + follow @daithefoodie for more food + drink gems across the DMV! #dmv #datenightdc #dcdatenight #speakeasybar #speakeasydc #dccocktailbars #dcbars #dcbarscene

    We visited The Alchemist in DC and ordered the Banana Bread Rum Old Fashioned and a Fireplace…read morethemed cocktail with chocolate and cherry notes. Both were disappointing. The drinks tasted watered down and unbalanced. The banana flavor in mine was dull and overripe rather than fresh and vibrant. The smoke and fire presentation was nice, but the actual cocktails did not justify the $25 price point. The restroom was unacceptable. There was urine on the floor, a strong foul odor, and the surface was slippery. For a speakeasy positioning itself as upscale, this was a major miss. The space is very small and service was just okay. Overall, the concept has potential, but the execution did not meet expectations. I will not be returning.

    Death & Co DC - Fool's Gold

    Death & Co DC

    (111 reviews)

    $$$

    Shaw, Downtown

    I've been eyeing this bar for several weeks now, and the other day, I finally decided it was time…read moreto give them a try. I know reservations are probably highly recommended, but we were fortunate to walk in at just the right moment and snag a seat. The seating is cozy and inviting, perfect for a relaxed evening. The atmosphere is just my style, an elegant, dark, grown and sexy vibe that really sets the mood. The decor is striking, with thoughtful touches that create an inviting space to unwind. While it leans a bit on the pricier side, the exceptional service more than justifies the cost. Jordan and the team were incredibly knowledgeable about both the drinks and food menu, offering suggestions that perfectly matched our tastes. We tried two standout drinks that I can't recommend enough: the Attractive Nuisance and El Tiburon, (which is an Old Fashioned made with gin). The bartenders here clearly know what they're doing, each drink was crafted with care and precision. The good music in the background added to the overall ambiance, making it a delightful spot to spend an evening.

    Bar scene so sexy, you decided to add it permanently on your date night list! Come along as I…read morereview Death & Co DC!!!! Ambiance: from the outside you'd have no idea that a hidden treasure awaits you up a flight of stairs. The decor was very mysterious, perfectly dimmed, and sexy. They added greenery near the hostess station to create what I would describe as an exotic/jungle vibe. This area also contained a beautiful small bar and a few cozy seatings. Next, the hostess led us to a table inside where the magic of candles, cozy tables, and intimate booths immediately meets your eyes. Did I mention that we sat in most comfy green velvet chairs in our cozy booth? How sexy! Service: our waiter, Jordan, was the best! He provided great service and recommendations. However, shoutout to the rest of the staff because it was truly all hands on deck. Drinks: the bartender is indeed a mixologist! There is no question of the magic he created in a glass. Her drink- I ordered the Attractive Nuisance, an elevated spritz. The drink was perfectly balanced with flavors to include G.H. Mumm Champagne, Avua Prata Cachaca, Cocchi Americano, Saffron, Vanilla. I literally tasted all the flavors in the drink and the liquor ratio was just right. Of course I went with another round, you simply have to try it understand why I did. His drink: El Tiburón-Let's just say that he said that this is now one of his favorite cocktails because it was smooth! Small bites: the kitchen was out of mussels and their famous donuts so we decided to try the Franks en Crute, the sexy adult version of pigs in a blanket lol. Such a delicious treat, well balanced flavors giving both sweet (flaky puff pastry) and savory (well grilled wagyu beef). Definitely recommend. The music was perfect for the evening! The bar was filled with all matured folks enjoying their group meets or dates, the atmosphere welcomed all. As I stated earlier, this has now become a regular on the list and I'm excited to visit again.

    Bar Betsie - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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