This is the ultimate dive bar. I like the dark interiors and the pinball machines inside. It's an old school vibe. There is an upstairs section but it's not air conditioned. I tend to enjoy the downstairs section. I've only have had drinks here. Our neighbors invited us out and this spot is a nice, cheap dive bar in the Columbia Heights neighborhood. Inside, you'll find a nice selection of beers. The wine is definitely limited. I'd recommend sticking to the standard drinks here. read more

A bar open during the day. 'Nuff said. Well, YELP says I need to say more. Great outdoor space. Pinball machines and kind, caring bartenders. They also have great hot dogs and other bar food. read more

Nice little bar, drinks are what you'd expect, half the bar is taken up by pinball machines, food is hit or miss. sliders and pierogis I would skip, not memorable there. Steak and cheese was solid overall, the calabrian chiles are a nice addition, bread is soft/the biggest issue. Fries were solid, loved the greek ones with feta and shaved gyro meat. Order at the bar, grab a number and find a seat. read more

Solid dive bar! The patio looks nice but it seems like lots of people smoke out there. I sat at the bar and ordered sliders, fries, and the orange crush drink. My food came out pretty quick. The sliders were juicy and well cooked and the fries were really good! Pet peeve with bars is when you get chips instead of fries and there's an upcharge but these were worth it. The crush drinks are interesting! Mine was a little bitter like there was orange pith in it but it's great they use real fruit and I'll def try other flavors. Bartenders were friendly and there's tons of pinball machines if that's your thing! read more

Lyman's Tavern - Lyman's Sliders - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Came here this weekend for a charity pinball tournament and realized it was my first time here since I did a bar golf bar crawl for my birthday back in 2018. Time sure does fly!! They have a great selection of pinball machines and a change machine if you forget quarters. I got an orange crush, which uses fresh orange juice and was very tasty. To eat I tried one of their famous hot dogs, the Hot Diggity Dog with mayo, provolone and roasted peppers. I upgraded to fries and they were great and unique--topped with lots of herbs and pepper and poppy seeds (I think it was an Everything Bagel Seasoning situation, which I loved). read more

Man i love this joint......i grubbed out here lls 'nd felt at home even as a big black man......Bashere was mad cool so was Jess read more

Lyman's Tavern - Luv this place mang, feel at home here even as a black man - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Visiting a friend in D.C. and she brought us here! We ate dinner and I had their pita (can't remember the name off the top of my head) but it was really good. We sat outside and I thought it was so cool how you could still walk up to the bar and order. Definitely a typical dive bar but with pinball machines! They were super fun to play and everyone there was nice and even helped explain how to do multiplayer on some of the pinballs. The only thing that threw me off a bit (only because I've never seen it) is that both bathrooms are gender neutral so I was definitely confused when I heard a mans voice in the same restroom as me as well as when he washed his hands next to me. However, I don't see that as a negative as the environment and clientele seem very chill. read more

I came here for an informal celebration with 20ish adults. Good times. The beer menu was large and had something for everyone. The hot toddy's, though, are definitely the way to go. They were super strong and great on a chilly evening. I didn't come for the games, but they're obviously a fun draw in the back of the bar. read more

Awesome place. Great vibez. Friendly bartender and bouncer. Drinks were super cheap for 2022, heck they're super cheap for 2000. And they were made strong. I ordered two rum & pineapples. Great patio space with potato vines and ambient lights. Didn't even get to the arcade machines inside. Definitely recommended! Five stars! read more

Lyman's Tavern - colorful paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very well maintained Pinball machines and a few newer releases. Great selection of beer, only a few drafts. Lots of food options if you want a legit meal or just get snacks. Inside is a little intimate but lots of seating outside. All Pinball machines except for a 4 player Xmen game. They do tabs with your credit card. Just beware it hangs from a clothespin for all to see. I get that it's efficient for them but a little discretion please. Games take quarters. There is a coin change machine. The bartenders can break bills for you. Would come back but not do a tab. read more

Lyman's Tavern - a row of pinball machines - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Great food, friendly atmosphere and fun selection on well maintained pinball machines from a a variety or era's. Highly recommend, especially the cheesesteak with marinara and provolone. read more

This was a divey little bar that played great music and had quite a few pinball machines. We had a blast playing pinball and could have played for hours if we had more time. read more

What a great place,my niece recommended for us while we were visiting family in the area.had a nice talk with Box,a couple very good pulls on the PBR keg and some great pinball.i give them a 6 out of a possible 5 read more

Stopped by Lyman's Tavern the other day with some friends on vacation and we had a phenomenal time. Walking in we were in awe of all the eclectic signage and knickknacks everywhere. It is a very fun, clean, dive bar. We just ordered drinks and split an app. The Greek fries were amazing and were a good portion for our group. We had a combination of ciders and their cocktails for drinks, all of which were refreshing and delicious. What really stood out here was the service. They call themselves a friendly place on their website and their signs, and that it certainly is. The bartender/co-owner Kevin was exceptionally welcoming and friendly. He answered our questions about the restaurant and shared stories, without occupying us and letting us enjoy our time there. We plan on going back again next time we are in the area. read more

Stopped in with friends while on a trip in DC. This is a great dive bar that has a few pinball machines along the wall. The drinks were cheap and the bartender Kevin was great. We split a fries between us so I can't attest to their food, but it was a great experience. Next time I'm in DC, I will be visiting. read more

I just moved to DC from LA and have had such a series of great experiences I felt I needed to start Yelpibg. This place is sort of, for me, what a bar I could create in my dreams would be. Cheap, stuff drinks and good beer. Rad neighborhood. Easy to get to. Staff and regulars are welcoming and cool, and there's a ton of pinball machines lining the walls with some old arcade machines. And best of all, good music playing all night. This place is sick. I'm a tattooed rock'n'roll dude, but I came here with my friends from Germany and India who'd literally never been to a bar like this, and they had a blast. Quote-"coolest bar we've been to in America". That's gotta say something, right? read more

One of the best dive-y spots in the city. Great atmosphere- you can't go wrong. Nice patio, love the pinball machines, and solid beer selection read more

What a great place! I was in Columbia heights to venture to my favorite Cuban spot. But to my misfortune on a Tuesday it was closed! Quickly did I have to find alternate plans as I was starving. I don't recall there being a sign outside. But both times I walked passed that block it was busy. Yelp already made me aware it was a dive bar. I never discredit such places because many happen to be gems when it comes to their cuisine. This place happened to be one of them. Although it's primarily all bar food. Everything has a twist and it's not your average fast food. For example the sliders are not just simple burgers with cheese. I had one with blue cheese. It was spectacular. They also offers some sort of slushy. It was my understanding that whatever they make varies. What they offered that evening was fantastic!!! Crappy thing is this place is far from the metro! But there are various buses that pass by right upfront. Definitely will be back to try some other menu items! Bartender was very nice and helpful with recommendations. Overall a very chill and relaxing place to be after a long days work. read more

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Friends introduced me to this bar last month, and I had to bring my hubby - great pinball, good drinks, fun neighborhood. Really relaxed atmosphere. Definitely will be back when I visit D.C. read more

Bartenders let you know they hate humans and as you are one of that race, none of you are welcome. Also, some of our drinks were God awful, genuinely cleaning fluid awful. Star added for look, games, and the other patrons, who were great. read more

I adore Lyman's. It's grungy and fun and a great place to just spend time. It's not just the pinball (which is always a highlight, and it helps that they let you use your card to get quarters), but the staff is always cool. Plus popcorn?! It's hard to go wrong. I don't love the smokers patio, but there's enough space in the bar itself to get away from that. read more

Great pinball and good food in a cozy atmosphere. Staff were very friendly and prices were good.

Best place in the DC area for pinball now that VÜK has closed. Super chill and highly inclusive atmosphere. However, their mask policy as of April 2022 is super out of touch. It makes no sense that you MUST wear a mask when ordering a drink from a bartender (and there's about 15 signs that remind you), but you can chat with said bartender maskless while sipping the beer you just ordered. Would love to know the justification for that. read more

Came here after seeing it as a suggested date on beacondates.com. I came prepared with $5 in cash and they have a change machine in the back to get quarters. All of the pinball machines are $0.75 to play. We got two crushes, orange and watermelon, and they use fresh fruit so they taste amazing. We had to get some hot dogs too, even though they ended up spoiling our dinner, they were worth it. It has a very lowkey, low-light vibe and they also have a front and side patio if you want to hangout outside. Would definitely recommend if you like hot dogs, pinball, and/or delicious, fresh, fruity cocktails! read more

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There are hundreds of bars in DC you should go to, before considering this one. Staff is unfriendly and directly rude to customers. Staff do not wash hands regularly and this is an unclean environment. I watched the bartender put soda in my mixed drink that was completely out of syrup, notice, and not care that he handed me a glass of brown water and liquor. If you want to be treated like an inconvenience for ordering, and receive a terrible tasting drink for a high price, topped with a mangled lemon from grubby hands... visit this bar. read more

Lyman's Tavern was a ton of fun in DC and meeting an unmet need of adult arcade fun (Barcade is far away on H Street and not metro-accessible, whereas this place is). It was arcade fun with a dive-bar feel versus a gimmicky Dave and Busters. I enjoyed indulging in the many pinball games. The beer selection is expansive and they serve free popcorn at the front of house. This place fits right into Columbia Heights and compliments Red Derby well, right next door. I rated in 4-stars because I didn't try the food; it was too late in the night. I will be back next time I'm in DC! read more

Lyman's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Best bar in DC for many years. Nice people, great food, great drinks, great music, impeccable location. Lucky to have them in the neighborhood. read more

This bar plays fireworks on July 4 for hours. Many of the fireworks explode far and loud, probably prohibited in DC. Trash everywhere. Horrible read more

This place is full of great people, great food, and a staff that makes you feel at home while you order your drink. Love their way of doing things at and their selection of pinball machines. Keep killing it ya'll. read more

Relaxed place for pinball, beer & quesadillas. Highly recommend. Relaxed place for pinball, beer & quesadillas. Highly recommend. read more

Lyman's Tavern is located in the Petworth neighborhood, housed in a former laundromat. It is your local neighborhood pub with the ultimate throwback game, pinball. Pinball and food do not seem to go hand and hand but this spot makes it work, well kind of. There is no real way to play pinball and enjoy some of the tasty bites that Lyman's offers, that is without making a mess. So the real test comes when you have to decide do you leave your belongings, food, and beer for a pocket full of quarters, or do you lug everything with you like a hoarder. There are roughly eight pinball machines to choose from as well as jukeboxes at the high tables to listen to a few great hits. And because the common customer is not taking everything with them to the pinball machine, a human-sized pinball game emerges with the customer going from table to machine and back again. Lyman's offers a wide selection of "pub food" for its customers. First, upon entry, you are greeted with the smell of fresh popcorn with a crazy array of toppings for your pleasure. The menu sports some pub classics with a Salvadoran twist. The dogs are eager to please, and do so very well and can even be substituted with veggie dogs for the non-meat eaters. Fries or tots interestingly enough do not make the cut on this menu, but BBQ jackfruit delights in the Viet tacos, paired with pickled vegetables and a sweet chile sauce. Also, a surprise on the menu are subs, pupusas, and griddle fried mac-n-cheese. For that meat-eater looking for a great fix, order the pulled pork sliders, in which braised and spiced meat is tucked away into tiny, handheld potato buns. The drinks here are decent as the whiskey has its own menu. There are also a great selection of beers and even a few wines made the list. Lyman's is one of the more interesting taverns in the area because it has the appearance of an old repair shop, arcade, and your local pub, all rolled into one. The bar decor is something to look at and according to the bartender the house mascot is the "jackalope". And before you ask, this mythical creature is half jackrabbit and half antelope. The bar area has more to gaze upon but this version of what can only be described as the "unicorn of the pub", will surely keep your attention if nothing else does. read more

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Hard pass, there are much better dives out there. Out of stock on basics, staff acts like they don't want to be there, food is atrocious.

Things I love: -regulars who frequent the retro pinball -Jackalope mural on the wall -mead? -small package of Utz French onion dip with ruffles chips - random birdcage hanging from the ceiling Things I don't love: -The happy hr selection (PBR is great n all but can afford at full price) -popcorn not fresh -dollar bills on the ceiling that look like bugs (...or birds?) -random birdcage hanging from the ceiling read more

CLIP. CLIP. CLIP. There are so many bars along 14th street, so why choose this place? Maybe bc it has outdoor space, or maybe bc its off the beaten track, or maybe you just want a new place to take friends that is "cool" and "chill". I came here with friends following a housewarming party in the neighborhood. Did we have a couple drinks? Yes. We're we drunk? No! We are in our mid 30's -- like, I'm lame as hell and go to bed at like 10p. I've never been threatened with expulsion from a gd bar. Ever. After dinner, we decided to go out to a local bar, which happened to unfortunately be be Lyman's prison-camp bar. The rest is history... The staff is hard to get to pay attention to you and then they act like it physically hurts to wait for you to ask for a drink. Additionally, this place is like a war zone - empty glasses are everywhere, and staff doesn't collect them; Instead, they just police. So it's beverage glass land mines everywhere, but if you break one, or ask them to clear a table, the bartenders are complete a**holes, look at you like you're a dick, cut you off, or kick you out without provocation or warning. It's a shame - classic example of a great bar with a bad bar staff. Get over yourself; you are a bar in Petworth, not 1OAOK or berghain. Like, chill the f*** out. read more

Very cool and friendly bartenders with a very dive-ish, low-lit, and fun un-DC vibe that is welcomed. Great low-priced can beer selection and sneaky good food: Again, for a dive-ish bar. Smokers get a reprieve with an open end bar and the rest of us from the attitude of intrepid wanna-be politicos and accidental gentrifiers. VAN HALEN on the juke. 'Nuff said. Coming back when I can. Yes, neighborhood in transition, but grow up. read more

The good: 1. Free popcorn 2. A couple good beers on draft. I had the Long Trail Double Bag. Other draft options included Oberon and PBR. Yes, PBR. No, I'm not including it as one of the good draft beers. 3. The night I was there it was pretty crowded but the tables are far apart enough that you you don't feel really crammed in. 4. There is a big gap between bar stools. That makes it easy to slide up to the bar to order. Speaking of ordering... The not-so-good/borderline bad: 1. This place is new, so I understand but service is really slow. As in wait a good five minutes before you get served slowness. 3 bartenders there, but one clearly did not know what he was doing. Another acknowledged me with a smile and nod, then walked away. Uh, maybe at least throw out some BS like, "hey, someone will be with you in a minute"? 2. The big gap between bar stools is also a minus. If you're talking to the person sitting next to you, it feels a little weird since s/he is so far away. 3.They already ran out of one of their draft beers (DC Brau). It clearly is the most popular beer there. Obviously this is another issue that might go away as time goes on and they get a better handle on inventory. Overall a solid bar. And it is NOT a dive bar. A brand new, shiny bar in no shape or form can be that. Even with old video games and juke boxes at the tables. Slightly more expensive than the Red Derby next door, but much nicer decor and it takes credit cards. read more

Pet friendly super eclectic neighborhood bar. Last night I took my puppy on her first bar outting to Lyman's since it was just warm enough to sit on the patio. (Pets can be outside, but not inside the bar.) I'd seen dogs out there before, so I gave it a try. Five star service: we ordered our drinks at the bar and then...one of the guys brought my puppy a glass of water in a glass cup!!! I already loved the super chill vibe and "come as you are" feel, but now it's definitely my bar :) read more

Lyman's Tavern - Puppy friendly patio!! - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

i just liked it here had a good time. got a hotdog and a hard cider.. cool indoor decor/games as well

This place is awesome for a whiskey and PBR loving pinball enthusiast. I always have a great time when I come here because they have great beer prices and free popcorn that you can further smother with sriracha butter and other spices. Pinball is an excellent way to refrain from sitting around and getting excessively drunk off the great drink prices. Occasionally the pinball machines break but it's only a quarter to play and the bartenders will help you unjam that quarter or get the machine working if needed. You can always play in two player mode and compete against your friends. Definitely come here for happy hour! read more

I've actually visited this tavern on several occasions, but today was the first chance that I had to write a review. I was one of their first customers today, and I was pleasantly surprised that they have an actual breakfast menu. I noticed one of my favorite dishes on the menu, called the breakfast burrito. The guy working outside told me that this burrito is huge, and it comes loaded with sauteed peppers, onions, cheddar cheese, and their own flavor of jalapeno peppers. I was hungry enough, so I thought why not give it a try. I ordered a bottled water to go with it. While waiting for my food to be prepared, U found a really cool seat on the outside patio. The patio itself is like being in a garden environment, plants everywhere which I like. It didn't take e long for the burrito to be served-up to me. After the first bite I knew this thing would hold me over the entire day. This place has great food, and an awesome vibe! read more

Lyman's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia