I recently visited Jackpot Bar and really enjoyed the overall vibe. The ambiance is super chill with a speakeasy feel--dim lighting, cozy atmosphere, and the kind of place you can actually relax and have a conversation without shouting. It feels tucked away in the best way, like a hidden gem. The service was solid--friendly, attentive without being overbearing. What stood out most was their beer selection. There's a great variety, so whether you're into something light or want to try something more unique, you've got options. Overall, it's a great spot if you're looking for a laid-back night with good drinks and a cool, low-key atmosphere. Definitely a place I'd come back to. read more

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Friends and I were looking for a bar for a drink before an event at Capital One Arena. We found this Jackpot (pun intended). If you're not paying attention, you'll miss the door for this downstairs bar. With happy hour every day from 4-8pm, you can't really go wrong. There isn't food for purchase but you get a free basket of popcorn to munch on. The location is small, so it did get pretty packed / busy when we were there. Patience with the bartenders as they try to get everyone's drink orders. Super easy spot for a quick drink in general or before a show at CapOne. read more

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Great bar! We visited Jackpot for happy hour on a Friday evening, and it was about half full. Their happy hour runs from 4-8 on weekdays and includes $2 off beer, $6 well drinks, and free popcorn. The bar has a dive-y feel with ripped cushions and scratched tables. There are a few televisions scattered around the bar. Both of my beers were tasty! Overall, I would recommend visiting Jackpot for happy hour in DC for a casual experience. read more

My kinda joint. A hole in the wall with a local vibe. Happy hour goes til 8 pm. Great selection of beers and a friendly bartender. What's there not to love about this place?! read more

I had a fun time at Jackpot watching the college football payoffs. This is a fun basement, dive bar, no frills and with a bunch of beers on tap. Ask the bar for free popcorn and you're set for the night! read more

Jackpot - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Y'all I was dumb for giving them a 4. This is my favorite bar in the city. Love Sam the bartender (he makes great amarettos sour), Dillan, and the free popcorn they have. Love coming here whenever I can read more

Jackpot - Free popcorn and amaretto sour (great happy hour price!) - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

One of my favorite dive bars in the Chinatown area! This is a no frills spot that is perfect for a last round of drinks to cap off a fun night in Penn Quarter. The only food offered is free popcorn at the bar (which is delicious) so make sure to come after you've already eaten something more substantial. There is a long bar that seats 20+ guests and a smattering of small tall bartop tables for smaller parties of 2-4. The bartenders are fast and make quality drinks; got to love quality service and cocktails. I'm typically a whiskey + ginger ale and a green tea shot guy when I'm here. They do have happy hour Mon-Fri from 4-8 which is a great option since not many spots have HH available that late into the evening. They can get pretty crowded on Friday and Saturday nights. My most recent two visits were on Sundays - it was much less crowded then. Would 100% recommend checking it out. read more

I really enjoyed this bar prior to the Hockey game attendants coming in. It's a cute place with popcorn and different beers on tap and cheaper drinks. The music was really good too later in the evening. Somewhere along the way when it started to get crowded, a second bar tender came in and he was terrible. He significantly overcharged us for drinks that prior to his arrival were much cheaper. I think that type of practice is foul and sure to drive away customers who may actually check their tab and aren't a committed patron. This ended up being a terrible experience and I wouldn't come back seemingly for them deciding to charge people however much they feel like depending on the crowd and their mood. read more

Very solid dive bar with super friendly staff. They keep the free popcorn following, and you can bring in outside food. Drinks are reasonably priced and they have deals for happy hour. Not a fancy place, but that's not really the point. They have lots of tvs if you want to go and watch sports there. They usually have a bouncer carding even on a Tuesday at 6, so have your ID ready. read more

Had a great time at this bar. Free popcorn. Beer was great. The vibe was very intimate and chill. I like that it's smaller so you can chat with people easily. Staff were great. It got a little crowded as the night went on. Spent a few hours here having a great time. Would recommend. read more

Jackpot - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came to meet up with a friend. Right across the street from the Chinatown/Gallery Place Metro. Green Line exit They Check ID's as soon as you get downstairs The Persons checking ID's was the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (on duty 3/5 @ 530p) There is no food here, except free delicious popcorn! But you can bring food in Table was hella sticky Happy hour is from 4-8pm Beer was good! read more

I loved this place, I was seeking some dive bar vibes while in the China Town area. I found that here and the bartender had amazing music playing!! The people here were friendly and the popcorn was on point. Such a great idea to keep people sitting and drinking because I sure was. I will definitely be back next time I'm in DC. Pretty simple bar with the usual selection but I will note I do not think they have darts, pool tables, nor a jukebox, if you're seeking those things. read more

Jackpot - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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We've come here a handful of times and every time it's been a time! They have really affordable drinks and not to mention a popcorn machine. Service is quick and the crowd ranges in age, race and gender. Dive bar vibes in Chinatown for sure! read more

Jackpot - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Coming here you hit the jackpot coming here. This is a dive bar. That's casual and clean. And just what you need. Great happy hour specials. Great service. Loud atmosphere but is appropriate for the atmosphere. There is no food but free popcorn. Which is delightful. Excellent beer menu/selection. Wine and full bar also. TVs have the game on. Location is great. Close to sports arena. read more

Jackpot - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Friendly service - good beer and popcorn Fun location - underground, old style, perfect ambiance read more

Jackpot - Popcorn and beer - what more can you want?? - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place hasn't changed since I was in college. It was busier, but remains a great atmosphere, good beer list, and popcorn.

I traveled 3000 miles to go to see the Los Angeles Kings play the Washington Capitals in DC. My son and his girlfriend recently moved from LA to DC and we had a group of 8 going to the game. We stopped at Jackpot for a beer before the game started. It was great. We were wearing LA Kings jerseys in a sea of Caps red. The Caps fans were super friendly. I had a festbier from a brewery in Virginia.. It was October so I knew it would be fresh. They also had free popcorn. (I wish it was free beer) If only the LA Kings hadn't blown a 2-0 lead to lose the game. This is a basement dive bar across the street from the Capital One Center. It is worth a stop if you are going to a hockey or basketball game. I am going back the next time I go to visit. read more

Jackpot - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

As I walked in, around midnight on a Saturday night, this place was playing If I Can't by 50 Cent. The excitement for this place immediately went up, and the rest of the night did not disappoint. The music stayed on a great run of 00s rap, the free popcorn was elite, and the bar was full enough to be alive without being overcrowded. Probably the only bar that is downtown that I would go out of my way for. 10/10 read more

Jackpot! I love this Chinatown underground bar. Yes the area might not be the cutest but the vibe and atmosphere is great. I enjoy coming here after working with my colleagues for happy hour. It right across from the metro. Don't forget to get a basket of popcorn and to thank your bartenders. It's usually two bartenders who are fully aware of what they're doing. Great guys! read more

A solid dive bar in Chinatown. I recently went here with a friend on a weeknight and enjoyed my experience. It's a dark basement with a couple of TVs for sports, as a good dive bar should have. Their happy hour lasts from 4-8 and they have a good, affordable beer selection. They also give you free popcorn from a machine behind the counter when you purchase a beer. I was also able to talk to my friend without raising my voice, which I appreciated. read more

Pretty cool basement level hole-in-the-wall sports bar. It may look sketchy going down the stairs, but once you make it down the stairs, the place is packed. Plenty of TV of watch various sports. Good happy hours deals and good selection of beers. read more

Really chill environment. Enjoyed watching the game. Beers were cold. I really liked the music. Was able to enjoy a private conversation. Not too crowded. read more

Great bartender And what more can you ask for? Try them out for sure before you venture deeper into the belly... read more

Jackpot - Me, before I showed up... - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

One of the best dive bars in the area. Free popcorn, well priced drinks, and good vibes in the heart of the city!

Great bar with great management and staff! Their happy hour is good with $6 rail drinks and $2 off beers, right next to the Cap One center. Highly recommend! read more

Jackpot is a great, local, affordable bar in a neighborhood that has mostly bad, corporate, expensive spots. There are a lot of reasons to love Jackpot: Happy hour every day (4-8 PM) with $5 rails, $2 off beers (this makes most beers $5-7 which is good for DC) Large beer list with lots of local, interesting options and useful descriptions Free popcorn You can bring-your-own-food Chill vibes I recommend getting some fast food nearby (Nando's, Chopt, Cava, Smashburger, Five Guys, Shouk, even McDonald's) then heading to Jackpot for beer. I will always have a soft spot for the dearly departed Iron Horse but Jackpot is the next best thing in this area. BTW they haven't updated their website beer menu since April, so it's not accurate but it is representative of the kind of beers they have. read more

Free popcorn! That's the only "food" here so don't come hungry. Met up with a friend for happy hour here a few days ago. At 5:00 it wasn't packed but less than an hour later it was jam packed. Granted it's not a huge space, but it's definitely cozy. There was a CAPS game that evening so lots of fans met up here. I ordered a Kentucky mule and it was perfect! This is a dive bar, but I liked the overall vibe. Service was good - thanks Sam! With the dimmed lighting this could lowkey be a date spot! I'm just saying. read more

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An interesting dive bar in Chinatown DC. Happy hour 4 to7, $2 discount on beers. A number of draft beer options. Like it overall. read more

Jackpot - Entrance - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's a bar! And ohhh boy can it get crowded!! But it has its perks for sure, especially for the area... $5 rails, $2 off all draft beers, happy hour until 8:00, and FREE POPCORN. The popcorn is free, but that is indeed the only food they have. So if you're looking for a meal, either prepare for a mouthful of kernels, or bring in some food from elsewhere! In my experience, even when it was super crowded, the bartenders noticed me almost as soon as I walked up. They're very good at navigating through a lot of people at the bar, and I like that. They have some exotic beers, most of which seem to currently be holiday-themed. Can't help but wonder if their tastes match that, but I'm not a beer guy so I couldn't tell you! There was also live music when I went, that wasn't too loud or too quiet.... the massive amount of people were about on the same volume as it was. All in all, though, I enjoyed myself. If you're looking for a quiet bar experience, though, STAY AWAY. But if you're with friends and you want a good time, give this place a shot! Oh, last but not least... if you have a group, be prepared to scope out parties who may be getting up so you can claim their seats. read more

Jackpot - Live music! - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Uuh looks like a dive spot or a locals place but with premium LA prices. $12 small 12oz beers I'd rather just go get drunk at the Whole Foods bar. read more

Not a ton of places do free food at happy hour but here is one that has free popcorn. The place itself is small and has a chill vibe to it. The happy hour is every day 4-8 which is just a great deal in the city. The beer selection of the day was ones that were not normal national beers and I tried the sour which was great. I would go here for happy hour and a low-key vibe. read more

Jackpot - the poster for the movie the popcorn is free just ask at the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Came with friends on a Friday night. Jackpot is a hole in the wall with a good beer selection, friendly bartenders, and free popcorn. Super casual and you can bring your own food which is super convenient because there are a ton of fast casual spots in the area. read more

Dive bar feel with decent seating and tables. Big beer selection available with lots on draft.

Popcorn. Beer. Atmosphere. Ambience. Caught up with high school friends here, and it was the perfect place!! Service was quick and high quality. read more

Jackpot - Drinks and popcorn - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I came to this bar with a large group of work colleagues and had an extremely rude encounter with the bartender (bald with tattoos) on Wednesday, Dec 11. I asked for popcorn (it's free) and several minutes later I asked for a glass of water and popcorn for the group. Bartender then tells me I need to order alcohol. He gets the water then tells me again that I need to order a drink. Proceeds to tell me again. I am sober. I do not appreciate a bartender making a customer feel forced to drink alcohol. Do not come here if you are sober/pregnant/ don't want to get drunk. The bar was packed & full of people ordering drinks all night. Next time, don't tell a stranger they need to drink alcohol. You have no right to say something so weird and invasive read more

Walking down the street we saw this bar and decided to go into it and come to see it is a underground bar. I really enjoy underground bars and this one was very common to the other ones I've been to. It is very small, but they have a big selection of craft beers and also have liquor. We weren't there very long, but from a few minutes we were there we did enjoy it. read more

Jackpot - Inside of bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Awesome place if you're looking for cheap beer - they had a $2 off happy hour for beer and $5 rail drinks, and happy hour lasts until 8pm which is the latest happy hour I've heard of. I had their signature ale and it tasted like beer, they also have free popcorn to munch on so overall would recommend if you're looking for a chill place to hang around Chinatown area D.C. read more

Jackpot - Ale, popcorn - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Free popcorn baby! Nice happy hour deals too, $2 off rails until 8pm. We grabbed a few beers and watched some playoff football. Nice and responsive staff. I ordered the Narragansett lager which was hard to say but good to drink read more

Jackpot - Dive Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This place is a staple of DC late night bar scenes. We have come here with work colleagues countless times. The drink list is excellent - so many beers, and types of beers. The service is what you would expect from a bar like this - helpful when less empty, and trying when the place fills up. It's dark and underground with high tops and couches - like I said, the type of feel you'd expect for a late night local bar scene. Worth a drink and maybe you'll meet someone new! read more

This place surprised me, not for anything about the bar itself because on all counts its a thoroughly normal and average bar. Rather, because it exists, and has apparently been around for 8 years. Until the pandemic, I actually worked on the very same block Jackpot is on, walked by it all the time, frequented other bars and restaurants on the block, and I never noticed it before. A friend and I were in the neighborhood looking for a place to grab a couple of drinks, and we saw some people exiting from a basement entrance. We didn't see a sign for the place, but there was a chalkboard placard with happy hour prices and a note saying, "It's a bar." The vibe ended up being exactly what we were looking for on a rainy weeknight. It wasn't too crowded, and it wasn't too loud. Both of us are a little hard of hearing, so it was nice to have a conversation in a bar without having to shout at each other. The beer was standard DC pricing at $8 to $10, so nothing unexpected. I would have liked more IPA options, but they had some good ones. The bartender was a little chatty with whom I'm guessing are regulars, and it could be difficult to get his attention to get an order on an otherwise not busy night, but when we did get his attention he was friendly, and got our drinks quickly. Not sure if I'll ever go out of my way to come here, but if I'm in the neighborhood looking for a place to drink, it'll definitely be considered. read more