As DC locals, we try to avoid the touristy crowds. But when it's nice and slow, we like to come to Cantina Bambina to try out their seasonal holiday drink menu look at their beautiful decorations, and sit by a gas fireplace. It's really nice and puts my wife and I in the holiday spirit. The drinks are standard DC prices. But this is a dark side bar. We get good people watching to enjoy the weather. Their outdoor seating is pretty good. If it's too cold, the indoor section is heated well. If you're coming for exquisite cocktails, you will be disappointed. But if you come for a drink and a socialize, you'll be OK. read more

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Quick stop for a drink. Friendly bartender. Amazing view. I could have sat there all day! read more

Cantina Bambina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Great little spot on the water at the wharf. You have great views of the water and for people watching. They have all the usual drinks - beer, liquor. Prices are DC prices so be aware. It's def a more casual vibe and they have inside and outside space which is really nice. Can get pretty crowded but the bartenders are quick and friendly. read more

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We only ordered drinks & sat upstairs overlooking the Warf. Beautiful views & refreshing drinks go great together! They have some outdoor games and big screen projectors to watch a game or? There's a decent drink menu with plenty of options to find something you like to drink. Our service was good no complaints here ! read more

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Fun outdoor bar. A great drink menu. The sweet heat margarita is amazing. The bartender was nice. Snack menu could have been better. read more

Cantina Bambina - Upstairs bar - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This bar is nice for a pregame before dinner, or to simply enjoy the nice scenery upstairs on a warm Summer day. Or both! But the main reason why I'm writing this review is because the staff was extremely nice. Especially the security downstairs. Very funny and friendly. I also love that they had the tallboy Modelo's available. My girlfriend ordered the Paloma, which mostly come in a premade can, but she enjoyed the drinks. read more

You know I'm not going to lie, I don't really find anything special about Cantina Bambina. Yeah it has great views but it's also very packed and can be a pain to get your order in when others are trying to do the same thing. There's alcohol on tap, cocktails, and even... Snacks that you can buy too. It is a bit pricey so be cautious when you wonder why draft beer is 9 bucks per bottle. I learned the hard way but you're in DC. These prices aren't nothing new if you are a regular but sometimes it is what it is. I got the Cherry Blossom Beer and it was sour enough that I ended up buying Cloud on draft for my friend and I. I don't think the Cherry Blossom Beer is for me. Please avoid it. read more

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Visited during the Bloomaroo event which was part of the Cherry Blossom Festival. We walked over from the tidal Basin and were looking for a place to have a drink before heading back into town for dunner. We appreciated the short line to get in and the beautiful location on The Wharf. I got a Dutch lemonade while my husband got an IPA. The service was quick and the drinks were good. The wharf was really busy, and we enjoyed people watching from the second floor open-air deck, which looked out over the pedestrian walkway on one end, and the water at the other. Also had a great view of the music stages on either side of the restaurant. Very nice late afternoon stop on a beautiful spring day. read more

Location really sets Cantina Bambina apart. Located in between the ice skating rink and the Anthem on the 2nd floor, you are able to get great people watching of ice skaters on one side or the Wharf crowd and concert goers on the other. Staff were fast and friendly and they had a great mix of seasonally themed cocktails, Food was limited to overpriced snacks so find somewhere to eat before or after. read more

I swear I've written a review in the past. BUT Ok. Cantina Bambina is what replaced Cantina Maria on the Wharf. It is the perfect place to wait for your water taxi or a pre-show drink before you go to a show. They only have happy hour specials M-F. Service is always fast & friendly. Not sure the food situation because I've only had drinks. Nice views & atmosphere. Drinks are a bit pricey but it's The Wharf and location, location, location. read more

Cantina Bambina - The bar - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Visited the snow globe-reasonable priced holiday drinks. The ambience is so cozy and festive with a great view and ice skating right below. Bartenders were friendly and replaced the propane right when the fire table went out. If you're looking for a cozy bar to ring in some holiday spirit you'll love the snow globe. read more

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I am only reviewing the outdoor area. Super cute, Lots of seating and perfect view of the water. Sat for A while with hubby early this evening as we strolled this Memorial Day at The Wharf. Greta crowd, perfect weather and perfect ambience. Live music while you enjoy margaritas, canned drinks outdoors. read more

Cantina Bambina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

What's great spot, love how it is laid out on the water and the Wharf ... Been here a few times, this on for the DC United Holiday party Just great staff with the holidays, warm and welcoming Great food and drinks, cool holiday themed staff and decorations... welcoming, warm and inviting Great place to come have a drink and enjoy the wharf for the holidays read more

Why are the ratings for here so low? It's basically a dive bar in a relatively high end area. Cantina Bambina is a partially (sometimes fully) enclosed bar at the Wharf that mainly serves drinks but does have a few snacks (I think). The bar has some fantastic views overlooking the Wharf and the Washington Channel. Staff are always friendly -- I've been a bunch of times. I wouldn't go here expecting anything crazy, like I said its closer to a dive than a high-end speakeasy. read more

Cantina Bambina - Humans and a view - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I came here for Sunset Cinema. Overall, I had a really good time. I was very pleased with the setup and ambiance. We had complimentary popcorn and beer. We ordered pizza, fries and drinks. Our pizza took a very long time to come out and was a little burnt on the crust. The drinks we ordered were good, but $28 for one drink was a little pricey. read more

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Nice view of Potomac River. Usually crowded. Nice place to get a drink in a late afternoon. read more

Cantina Bambina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We have been here before the re-model of the waterfront area, and even though we prefer the way the place used to be the re-model is still great. The drinks are still great, and overall it's a place to go for pre/after dinner drinks and get a nice view of the Potomac River. The staff is always so friendly, I highly recommend here if looking for a great cocktail. read more

A go to spot on the Wharf with such a beautiful view. Great drinks, and friendly staff. read more

Cantina Bambina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came here on a Monday evening with 3 friends from Florida. We wanted to grab a quick drink on the wharf before a concert. Bouncer thought that all of our Florida IDs were fake. The manager was called and made remarks like "what are the odds you are all from Florida". We showed proof of identification including credit cards and previous university IDs, all Florida issued. All four IDs were taken to the back and we had to stand outside for over 15 minutes. They came back with our IDs and did not give any explanation for why we were waiting or why they thought our IDs were counterfeit. Our IDs were returned and we left. Management lacks professionalism. read more

Buyer beware. Drink prices are made up depending on what you look like or how much she thinks you have had to drink. Unfair really if you think anout it. Can't even trust the lady at the bartender. Ruins the whole vibe you know. I can say the margaritas were EXCELLENT ***** But one time they were $14. One time they are $15.50. Next one was $17.50. Reminds me of "Whose Line is It Anyway". The price is made up and the cost doesn't matter anyway. read more

Best pork rinds in the city, hidden gem in the city serving by far the best bar snack ever made. The music and service are unrivaled as they are served in the classiest most gracious manner imaginable. read more

Cantina Bambina - Pork rinds - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Service with a smile. Nice draft beer selection and rail drinks are premium in most other places. Heavy handed pours! No food served here , but you can bring your own food in! read more

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A chill place to hang out for drinks and some shade, although you experience the usual wharf prices for regular drinks. I truly miss Cantina Marina and will wait until it comes back to come here again. Cantina marina had the food, ambiance, and drinks all working well whereas Cantina Bambina is restricted in space and the food is located downstairs. I can totally see myself tumbling down the stairs. My friend tried to order a water bottle and the bartender forgot about it. We enjoyed a couple cherry blossom beers and views of Brighton on one side and Potomac on the other. read more

Cantina Bambina - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

DC old timers will remember with fond memories Cantina Marina, the no-thrills cantina on the water serving great happy hour drinks and chips and salsa. When the expensive District Wharf project came in, Cantina Marina transitioned to Cantina Bambina and all of its charm was thrown away. Cantina Bambina is the literal worst. The only food they serve is on the bottom level through a walk up window. They sell a variety of quesadillas, all over priced and basic. They also sell random snacks like gum or Snickers for $2 (WHAT?!). They do let you take the food to their rooftop bar, the only redeeming aspect of Cantina Bambina. The rooftop bar is spacious and has basic tables and seats. You can order almost anything from the bar including a $11 marg that is decent. You pay for the view here. Service is bad and rude. We'll never go back. read more

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I never would pay $11 to $13 for a fake margaritabut my husband got it, the view was nice n I guess we have to pay for the view but for Pete's sake, give us decent chairs, the chairs were cheap and uncomfortable steel chairs. It was a total waste of money, outrageous pricing, get a Coke across from this cantina at least it's real. read more

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Cute outdoor seating with some great views of the wharf. Due to DC laws, you must order some type of food along with your drinks. Tried the holiday cocktail of eggnog and my boyfriend got the holiday version of the gin and tonic. Both were not bad - the gin and tonic was actually pretty strong (while the eggnog was not, to me). The eggnog was quite tasty tho! Great, attentive, service here. There's a waitlist to sign up for - we didn't have longer than a 10 minute wait though. It helps because they try not to keep it crowded for the outdoor seating on the patio. Keep masks on as long as you're not currently drinking/eating and as long as a server is not at your table. read more

Cantina Bambina is a snack bar located in The Wharf. Came here after work with colleagues to relax and destress. It's a nice spot for socializing and enjoy the view of the waterfront. I ordered a Mai Tai and it was not that great. I was not impressed. read more

Cantina Bambina - Mai Tai - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cantina has a lot of potential -- it's relatively well designed, and located right on the water across from the Anthem. But experience wise, it's pretty average. Seating is limited and mostly in the form of uncomfortable metal stools. Prices are expectedly high for the quality - $8 draft beer and $14 cocktails, all served in plastic cups, and a few salty bagged snacks ($2-$5). Hit up Shake Shack across the road for more substantial food. Our main issue was the bouncer, who was a grade A jerk. He reliably let women up at the end of the night, when the bar was mostly empty, but turned away one member of our group, who was a man and arrived separately, saying it was last call. His girlfriend had walked in minutes before and had just bought them both drinks and went to talk to the bouncer, who stood by his refusal. We eventually had to ask a bartender (who was lovely!) to intervene, which she did, and our friend was finally allowed the privilege of consuming the drink already purchased for him. read more

I've been to Cantina Bambina many times and I always have a good time. It's still not my beloved Cantina Marina but it will do until Cantina Marina is reopened. I love that I can come up here with my dog and drink without worrying about him. Marley is my favorite bartender, she's always so smiley and sweet. She makes my drinks exactly how I like them: strong and not too sweet. She also plays with my dog and gives him a treat, he loves her too. I usually only come when she's working. The only thing I wish they still had is coronaritas, those were always the Sunday move. read more

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Definitely worth stopping at ! Fast service, Delicious drinks, and an amazing view !!! read more

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There was a long wait until doors opened at the Anthem so we looked for a bar to wait it out and this place was right across from the doors so it was a perfect spot. This place is a nice rooftop spot with fire pits and heaters so we weren't freezing out there either. There was also multiple TVs and a view is the water as well. They have a good selection of beers and ciders on draft and by can but they also had some decent hot drinks too like hot chocolate and apple cider (was great with rum). The bartenders were friendly enough and let us know when the lines died down outside (they didn't die down). This definitely seems like a go to for a pre/post show drink and could be even better during summer. read more

My boyfriend and I came here at around 8. It was busy but luckily someone was leaving right as we got here so we got a table. I love that it's so open and on the water. The atmosphere was chill and the drinks were good. I got the Dutch lemonade and my boyfriend got the mule. Both were good! My lemonade didn't taste alcoholic at all if that's what you're going for. Not super strong drinks overall but solid. I would recommend here to come and just chill at The Wharf! read more

Cantina Bambina - Dutch lemonade, Mule - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great spot to grab a drink on the Wharf, even in January. Great views. Jackie was a fantastic bartender and it was pretty chill vibe. Prices are what you'd expect on the water in DC but that's why you came down here right? You can bring your own food in (except Crabs) and there's plenty to choose from. read more

Cantina Bambina - The view! - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came on a Saturday afternoon. Drinks were delicious, big and strong. Rum runner was about $14. It was a little crowded at the bar but we found space in the back. I would def go back. read more

Cantina Bambina - Rum runner. Strong ans good - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Three and a half stars! People seem to be giving this place a hard time based on the previous cantina at the pre-gentrified Wharf. Friends, that Wharf is gone and there ain't no going back. We gotta pour a little out for our homies and keep it pushing. Good to know: Order food in the back, facing the water. It's the other side of the anthem box office. You can order can beers here but there isn't a bar. The good: LOCATION, duh! Drinks are good and the ambiance is young, but not pretentious. There are chairs of varying heights and quite a few tables. Note: this is a "move your feet, lose your seat" type of situation. Leave someone at the table if you're venturing to the bar for another round. The meh: It's pretty teeny, so is always packed and takes a while to get service at the bar. Par for the course. The food was prepared quickly, (We got steak quesadillas.) but wasn't anything to write home about. A little soggy, but I wasn't expecting to be blown away. Don't want to wait an hour to get a drink? This is your place. read more

Cantina Bambina - Margaritas! - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I have coming to this place for about 2 years the staff are amazing and they have endured covid and are back in action you won't regret a stop here , PS a great place for electric rideables ie Onewheel ECT read more

Cantina Bambina - Charge location - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fun place to come on the wharf. The drinks are overpriced but for the location it's worth it. I'd recommend stopping by during sunset or before a show at the anthem. It's always bustling with activity around those times and you can find plenty of people with whom to chat. Grab a few drinks and head downstairs after to play corn hole or wander around the wharf. It's a beautiful area when it's nice outside but in the off season it isn't exactly the most enjoyable place to be. read more

The Summary: Atmosphere - 4/5 Neighborhood - 5/5 Staff - 4/5 Drinks - 3/5 Food - 3/5 Inclusivity - 4/5 Experience - 3/5 The Story: Came here for a quick bite while waiting for an appointment. It's of course a different feel than the Cantina from before, but still incredibly lively. Hosts a beautiful view of the water and it conveniently located at the heart of the restored Wharf. I had nachos and rosé - they were good, but not unique. It's pricey, so prepare for that if you can, but the price includes the fun & honestly great atmosphere you get. Sat in their open space to enjoy the day, a feature that definitely makes their space accessible for all. It's a nice and quick spot to have a bite, or for a fun time with friends especially if the weather's nice. read more

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Excellent location. Great views and great location. Bartenders are so nice. Highly recommend.

I was talking trash. Because I was ignorant. But now I know. La Cantina Bambina is the height of opulence. The vibes? Unreal. The drinks? Get me a Donkey right now. Come here, ask for Hannah, Maria, or Sweeny, sit back, and let the good times roll. read more