Makers Union

Big fan of the Betsy! I have been dying to try it since I am a huge Gin fan and I had heard it was…read morea Gin bar. I can confirm that the drinks are delicious as is the food. While I love a good Gin cocktail, oddly Gin and Tonics are not my favorite, well that was until I had an Earl Grey Gin and Tonics from the Betsy. It was incredible, highly highly recommend!! Very much looking forward to going back and trying more of their cocktails.

Came here for brunch with a group of 6 while in town for a wedding. I was worried that our group…read morewould be too big for the space, but we made a reservation around an hour before heading out, and they had pulled together a few tables for us. Really cute space, and the weather was perfect for a rooftop setting. The semi-secret feeling entrance in the alley was a lot of fun too. I split the avocado toast & some fries with my partner. The prices were about what you would expect for brunch in DC, but I will say that the toast was incredible and the fries were perfect! I also got a drip coffee, which they refilled regularly. We didn't get any cocktails, but the table next to ours got several and appeared to be regularly raving to the bartender about how great they were.

Gougeres Waffles with cheeses

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The Best Part of Waking Up

Kaiju Speaks

4.2(40 reviews)

What a funky and cool spot! An unassuming ramen restaurant becomes a bass boosted speakeasy down…read morethe stairs. Neon lights and a cool dj keep the place going while anime plays on TVs. The cocktail that loves you is SO GOOD and the bartenders were so nice. I never felt weird or out of place. Definitely will be back!!

Such a fun spot! I…read morewas in town visiting a friend and we got dinner across the street at the sushi place. I was pulling up Yelp to see what bar we wanted to go after and saw this on the list. We were initially going to go to the karaoke bar next door but when we walked inside, it was wayyyy too loud and obnoxious so we were like perfect let's go across the street! We walk into the ramen spot and ask where the speakeasy is and the guy led us to the back and showed us to some stairs to go down. Seriously, how COOL is this place??? The neon lights were so fun! We walked into the bar and immediately loved it! Good amount of bar seating plus some comfy couches and whatnot. There was music but it wasn't too obnoxious, we were still able to have conversations - it was surprisingly chill and exactly what we were looking for. Chatted to the bartender who made some fancy shots for us, had a few drinks. It was not busy at all on a Sat night which was nice. It is very dark inside even with the neon lights so it does make it hard to read the menus (had to use flashlights on our phone). But super fun spot, fun drinks, not too expensive, and a neat and chill experience! It was an excellent find for us for sure!

Love the signage

Go down the stairs and look for this door

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as you are.

4.5(52 reviews)

great atmosphere ! I was in the market for a quick drink before a movie at Miracle Theater, and as…read moreyou are didn't disappoint. basics: - gender neutral restrooms - QR code menus - can and draft options - DJs on occasion (j FYI there is a cover for this!) no frills, welcoming space. will go again next time im in barracks !!

Stopped in for a quick bite and drink. Fun space, nice staff, and vegan options! They have…read morecoffee/tea/alcohol which is great for a long hang out with friends.

Quesadillas & Chicken Tenders

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Trouble Bird

4.8(42 reviews)

1.2 mi•Navy Yard

One of my favorite cocktail bars of all time! My favorite cocktail they make is a scotch…read morePenicillin garnished with crystallized ginger followed by Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned and Martinis. HAPPY HOUR: Monday All Day and Tuesday-Friday 5PM to 6:30 PM The beverage program is clearly the centerpiece of the concept. The cocktail list is extensive including drinks like Pisco Sour, Old Fashioned, Martinis, Sazerac, Champs-Élysées, and Lion's Tail alongside house originals. All signature cocktails are priced uniformly and the menu also includes beer, cider, wine by the glass, spirit-free cocktails, and boilermakers, while offering accessible options for different preferences. Overall, the menu reads like a neighborhood cocktail bar with chef-driven bar food: playful, nostalgic American comfort dishes paired with a serious and historically influenced cocktail program. The bartenders provide top notch service and offer great recommendations. My water glass is always full and they check in often!

A great little neighborhood bar with really amazing crack cocktails, and a chill, laidback vibe…read more Navy Yard is a little commercial for my personal taste, but it's close to my office, and convenient when I'm in town for work. Trouble Bird was the answer to my prayers on a recent trip, where I was looking to have high quality drinks and a laid-back NON-commercial vibe with my team. We liked it so much, we came twice in one week, and I was impressed at their ability to handle and be comfortable for a large group in a space that can feel intimate. The lighting is nice and moody, the menu available via QR code, and the WiFi free and listed with password for patrons to use. We had excellent service both times, by the two folks working each night for a groups of 6-8 each time. There was something for everyone from the nondrinkers to the beer enthusiasts, to cocktail aficionados like myself. There's an amazing happy hour deal, with discounts on drinks all Monday and reduced prices for a couple of hours on other weekdays; it almost felt criminal how generous the happy hour was when I've gotten used to paying $20 for a mediocre cocktail at other nearby establishments. And the cocktails here are really very good, probably the best in the area, except for their immediate next door neighbor. The group favorite cocktail was the Midori sour which was incredibly well balanced and refreshing, and the surprising crowd pleaser was the Hamilton Dry Float, which came in a creepy tiki mug presentation that we really loved. We had a couple of the bar bites - the spiced peanuts were well loved across the group but my person favorite food item was the blistered shishitos, which came with a great chipotle aioli. The bathrooms are extremely clean and overall this was a bar favorite for the group for our week of going out and socializing together. Overall this is a gem of a neighborhood hangout with really excellent cocktails and service! Will absolutely come here next time I'm in town!

Dry handshake

Crunchwrap

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Dry handshake

Barrel

4.3(958 reviews)

1.4 mi•Capitol Hill

Brunchy fried rice was good. It was well seasoned but a bit spicy per some chopped chilies. I would…read moresay it's an overall medium spice level. They have varied menu options for all appetites. Service is great. Employees friendly. Great ambiance inside with their seating, bar, and decor.

The hamburger was incredibly juicy and packed with flavor, and the sauce really tied everything…read moretogether easily the highlight of the meal. The French fries were perfectly crispy, and the cocktail drinks were solid and well-made. The croquettes weren't my favorite, but everything else more than made up for it. Service was quick, and our server was attentive, friendly, and on top of everything, which made the experience even better. Great food, great drinks, and great service. Would definitely come back!

Shrimp and grits

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Stauning, a Danish Whisky

Lola's A Neighborhood Bar

3.3(184 reviews)

Came here to meet up with a friend who lives down here in DC. When I looked at the pictures, I…read morethought it would be boring and wanted to choose another place, but it actually turned out pretty well. It was relatively empty upstairs because the NBA Finals game had not started yet, but it picked up shortly thereafter. They have two large couches, which allowed us both to be comfortable, but also watch the game. The music wasn't too loud and we could hear each other. The food was okay-- I would say I've had better Mac n Cheese, but it was cool. My friend enjoyed her sandwich, my other friend opted not to eat. What I found to be a nice touch was they offered the option for each person to pay their own tab, which I found out, at the end, when my friend and I went to close out the tab.

Great little bar with super nice bartenders! We popped in…read morehere before (and after!) dinner nearby and had some great cocktails. Nice selection of spirits and beer. My bourbon/maple/cinnamon drink was lovely!!

Macaroni and cheese

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Lemon Drop O'Clock

The Wells

4.4(53 reviews)

What a gem! I stopped by The Wells around 7:30 on a Friday night and was pleasantly surprised we…read morewere able to get seated at the bar. Within minutes the place was packed, so although we were able to get a seat I'd still recommend making a reservation since the space fills up quickly. Initially I didn't realize this was a gin-focused bar, but now I'm hooked ( I told the bartenders about my usual preferences and they were able to make great recommendations). The drinks were incredibly well crafted and full of unique flavor. I started with one of their signature drinks but then asked for a bartender's choice based on what I typically enjoy and they absolutely nailed it. The space has a stylish speakeasy vibe that feels both elevated and inviting. You ring a bell to be let in, which makes the whole experience feel a little more special. Inside, it's moody and romantic with plush seating, gorgeous lighting, and a warm ambiance that's perfect for date night or just catching up with friends. Whether you're a gin enthusiast or just looking for a cool spot to grab a drink in DC, this place is absolutely worth checking out. I'm already planning my next visit.

We dropped in at about 7:30p on a Saturday. I was surprised that we were able to get a table…read more Marcus sat us and explained the menu. He was awesome. He was super attentive and helpful. We didn't know this was a gin bar but the drinks were tasty and great. The caramel popcorn is delicious. We got it without chocolate. This is an awesome space. I'll definitely be back.

Mad Hatter - Alice in Wonderland vibes

What's right behind guests when they sit at the bar - I've seen many group(s) of guests lounging in this area

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The Eastern

4.5(67 reviews)

This place is magic. The wine selection is tops. The…read morebartenders can make a mean martini And they have and I'm serious, the best shrimp taco in DC Enjoy!

We've walked past The Eastern multiple times without really noticing the entrance - we finally…read moreended up walking inside and had a phenomenal experience. Interior is cozy, nice warm colors with modern interior design - it was a full house when we fined in, but you could hear the person across from you just fine. Nice array of cocktails and a solid selection of wine. We had a pair of cocktails and a glass of wine each, nothing fell short. Food was in excellent serving sizes, well seasoned, cooked perfectly. We order a wide variety of the menu including the arancini, beet salad, and the lamb skewers. We'd happily eat all of it again. Overall a very satisfying experience, just down the street from us!

Martini

Lamb skewers and roasted veggies

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The Lucy Mercer Bar

4.2(26 reviews)

2.5 mi

I need more of this place in my life. The plush velvet couches, the smell of the fireplace and rich…read morehues decorating from ceiling to floor... I imagine it's how Belle Watling would decorate if she was around today. The food is equally as rich and luxurious and the drinks list is extensive, but with a notable lack of mocktails. Would definitely head on up here again for a cozy bite to eat and if you understood my Gone With the Wind reference earlier we can be friends.

Incredibly nice staff in a uniquely decorated upstairs speakeasy type of lounge…read more Drinks were around $20-25. Mocktail options were limited. It's a great place to visit if you're in Union market.

Front

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Fireplace

Lobby Bar

4.1(102 reviews)

•$$$

Great drinks. Opted to "The Last Word" which I highly recommend. It was not on the menu…read more We had chicken nuggets with caviar and the wagyu pigs in a blanket. The apps were great. The drinks were better. I recommend reservations and definitely will be back.

After months of hearing great things about Lobby Bar, I finally had the chance to go for dinner. My…read moreparty of four was seated in the back corner of the restaurant, and we were very comfortable. The menu is extensive, which made it tough to decide since everything sounded so appetizing. We all ordered drinks, and my caper martini was delicious. We chose to share appetizers, and both the tuna tartare and the bacon were excellent. The Caesar salad, however, was just okay, with no croutons and mostly cheese, so it felt unbalanced. My friends also shared the nuggets, which they enjoyed. Overall, the food, drinks, and atmosphere were great. Unfortunately, the service fell short. It took a long time to get anyone's attention, and we did not have a consistent server throughout the meal.