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    Proper Bar

    4.2 (51 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    Proper Bar Photos

    PROPER BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Proper Bar

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    Reviews With Photos

    Ren R.

    Amazing service, great drinks, great food (the fries!!), cute interior. Was nearly empty on a Saturday night but nice that it wasn't too loud.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Wagyu smash burger
    Rachel R.

    Came here with 3 of my friends while I was visiting DC from out of town and it ended up being the perfect spot to celebrate two of our birthdays. It was a newer restaurant so they had adjusted the menu/food a bit from what I saw online but everything was incredible. Katelynn was our waitress and she was the super sweet and made the whole experience feel easy and special. Food and drinks were all really good, and they gave us free champagne to celebrate and then they decorated the dessert we ordered to make the celebration even better. Overall a fun night with amazing food and ambiance!

    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.

    Audrey C.

    Very cute cocktail bar in DC. Came in on a Saturday without reservations and was able to be seated at the bar. Drinks were excellent albeit a bit pricey but worth it for the ambiance!

    Bolognese and tempura aspargus
    Erica R.

    Went on Super Bowl night and it was 90% empty, perfect for our Galentines dinner. The waitress was very attentive, explained the menu (everything is from scratch) and provided recommendations for us. Atmosphere and decor were excellent. Behind the bar decor was my fav. There was a pianist playing. Food and drinks were delicious and came in a timely fashion. Please don't skip the bread!

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    7 months ago

    The food was disappointing to say the least but the waitress was very kind and attentive.

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    8 months ago

    The ambiance and music is a 1000/10. I also enjoyed my Barbetta's martini - it is not too sweet for an espresso martini

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    8 months ago

    Marin S, was mf phenomenal. Girl ordered my entire meal and was spot on, give her a raise!! I WILL be back

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Proper Bar

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    This option at is really pretty and is perfect for sunny days to grab a cocktail and some food…read more Their cocktails are really good and are presented nicely. I got the Lucha Rosa signature drink and then a Paloma. Both were great, they were strong but the taste of alcohol wasn't unbearable at all. That's the mix I like. The service is good too with the bartenders attending to you pretty regularly. Their food isn't impressive at all though so I'd recommend eating elsewhere after ge a drink in the sun here. We got beef and chicken tacos which weren't great but filled us up since we were starving.

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