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Proper Bar

4.2 (56 reviews)
Open • 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
Updated 2 months ago

PROPER BAR · YELP ASSISTANT

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PROPER BAR ATMOSPHERE

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Outdoor seating
Happy hour specials

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Recommended Reviews - Proper Bar

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Brussels sprouts
Ariell W.

Went to proper bar for a girls' night out with a friend. It was a Friday night, so I anticipated some traffic. However, the traffic didn't really pick up until after we've been in there for more than an hour. The service was slow, and our waiter barely checked on us. We saw tables receiving their orders/food when they came in after us. The food and drinks made up for the poor service.

Drinks. Flavorless
Wini O.

0/10 would not recommend. I came here today for a 8pm reservation and it was the worse experience I've ever had for a birthday dinner. Everything we ordered from the drinks, appetizers, and entrees were subpar at most. Drinks lacked flavor, appetizers were decent and they were out of half the options we ordered. Entrees? Overcooked everything. Pasta dry, no sauce, shrimp chewy. Steak ordered medium and got well done. Our server Ritzzi was not helpful through the entire experience. Slow service and she had an attitude when we asked her simple questions. I would 100% not recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants a decent meal. For a bill of $600+ dollars, this was not worth it to me.

Leslie S.

Stumbled upon Proper Bar on a Sunday late afternoon after the brunch crowds already dissipated. The vibe was quiet and very intimate, and we LOVED it! The drinks were the star of the show!! The food was just as great and the service was lovely. The art inside the restaurant is also so appealing and adds to the high class vibe. I would definitely add this to my list as an impressive DC spot!

Maxine J.

GORGEOUS establishment. Opulence on a 1,000! Young people and their champagne taste, malt liquor money. Here for my baby girl's 27th birthday dinner; Sat., 6/6/26. When did ice cream cake and your fav meal from mommy not be enough? All jokes aside, this was definitely an experience for my 58 year-mortgage-having- work-everyday-countdown-til-retirement self. Shout out to our top tier bartender, Eddie! My Mom and I were on time so we enjoyed perfectly delicious espresso and dirty martinis while we waited. Our party of 8 had top tier service from Ari and dined on top tier seafood in the midst of top tier elegance. I can't rave enough. (They even bought a round of complimentary bubbly to toast the birthday girl!) Hope you enjoy Proper Bar as much as we did!

Meka M.

Proper Bar in DC is an absolute gem! From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels inviting and lively, making it a perfect spot for a night out with friends or a casual dinner. The food here is truly spectacular. If you love dill, their pasta is an absolute must-try, full of flavor, perfectly cooked, and unlike anything else you'll find around the city. Every dish I've tried has been thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented, showing they really care about quality. The drinks are amazing too. Creative, well crafted, and perfectly balanced, they pair effortlessly with the menu and really elevate the whole experience. Overall, Proper Bar hits all the marks: incredible food, standout drinks, and a vibrant yet welcoming atmosphere. Definitely one of the best spots in DC, and I can't wait to go back!

Marry Mae
Jamie B.

I visited Proper Bar with a group of 7 for a 5:30 PM Saturday happy hour, and it ended up being the perfect time to go. It was still pretty empty, so we had room to relax, take photos, and really enjoy ourselves. The atmosphere here is so beautiful, intimate, and cozy. The interior design is immaculate. It's swanky and intentional with perfect lighting and attention to detail. It feels upscale but still warm and inviting, and it's absolutely the kind of place you'll want photos in. The food and cocktails were just as impressive. I tried the Patatas Bravas (potatoes with lemon aioli, smoked paprika, and brava sauce) and the Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon). Both dishes were absolutely delicious. I think I could have eaten three orders of the Patatas Bravas all on my own--they were definitely a crowd pleaser. Service was prompt, warm, and attentive throughout. Overall, such a great experience! I'd definitely come back next time I'm in D.C.

Lobster Mac
Brooke S.

To start, we sat for a while without being acknowledged, we were about to leave when our server came over and filled our water. Eventually the manager came over and apologized for our wait and gave us complementary corn bread. Aside from the miscommunication on the restaurant/ servers, food (lobster Mac, and smash burger with fries) and drinks were good.

Darien C.

Proper bar is so classy from the furniture to the elegant bar, to the piano laid out perfectly. The food was really good be challenged my pallet in the best way. Service is good, Ethan helped me out and was great. Definitely a good place to go for happy hour or a nice dinner.

Resturant inside
Shinada P.

My first visit was for a New Year's dinner, and I absolutely loved the ambiance. The lighting, décor, and overall aesthetic were beautiful -- dark, calming, and relaxing. The atmosphere alone makes you want to stay awhile. Even though they were hosting large parties and preparing for a New Year's holiday event later that evening, we were seated quickly. The staff was communicative about the upcoming events, which we appreciated, and we still had a wonderful experience. My food was really good -- no complaints. The bread was delicious, and while the Smashburger was a bit messy to eat, it was still flavorful and satisfying. The drinks were also well done. I'll definitely be back to try other entrées and would love to explore their happy hour options as well. Overall, a great experience and one I would recommend.

Menu
Ama A.

My night started in the back at a private birthday party, and we eventually made our way to dinner, best decision. Even though they were short-staffed, the team worked seamlessly together and communicated well, so nothing felt chaotic or dysfunctional. For dinner, I had the Pesto Campanelle, and it was so effortlessly good I could've easily ordered a second portion. Absolutely delicious. The ambiance here is spot-on: perfect lighting, not too loud, and close seating that still feels comfortable. You can actually have a conversation without feeling awkward. A great all-around experience. I'll definitely be back.

Tyquain M.

I came with a friend to celebrate us graduating with our masters degrees/my birthday. This place is beautifully designed and customer service was excellent. Our server, Marian (spellcheck) gave us great suggestions to try as first timers. Because of her we ended up trying Patatas Bravas, Confit Tomato & Cucumbe, Gambas Al Ajillo, Pappardelle Bolognese, Tiger Prawn Tagliatelle and everything was soooo delicious. We ended up meeting the owner, Will who was gracious enough to talk with us and offer us dessert on the house. Truly worth trying!

Happy hour
Victoria M.

I've been wanting to try this bar out for a while, so decided to pop in on my way home. I set up the bar, and I really took in the decor. It's a very cool spot. They paid a lot of attention to the design concept. I wouldn't say it's super dark in there, but it's definitely a more dim lit place that pushes you to unwind a little bit more and allows. You to relax. Even walking in, it definitely feels like a cooler, more relaxed spot. The service was spot on. As soon as I sat down on the bar, the bartender greeted me within the first few minutes and provided me menus. I do love that they have happy hour every day of the week. The options are pretty good too, with some wine and cocktails. I ordered a glass of wine, and then ordered their version of a coffee based martini. Both were very delicious and served very nicely. Overall, the ambience is very nice. I would definitely return. This is a spot where you can go in and grab a drink by yourself, or with a smaller group of friends. If the latter, I would make a reservation. Also, while I did not order any food, the man next to me had ordered a few bites and everything looked and smelled amazing. The food when I looked at the menu looked to be more Spanish influenced based.

Kailee B.

The food was fantastic 10/10, the service was well done my waitress Maddie was great. The space was beautiful with a old school charm i appreciate it.

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Proper Bar - bars - Updated November 2026

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