Two bars, pool tables, darts and shuffleboard. What's there not to like? Friendly staff, nice atmosphere for being underground. It's never been overly crowded when I've been there. I particularly enjoy the retro furniture section overlooking most of the Rocket Bar. TVs, full bar and games, oh my! read more

Rocket Bar - Going down into Rocket Bar - Pool Halls Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This is a cool little bar. It is separated into two from what I can tell. A bar with some games and then a room with pool tables and some darts. That's the side we were on. I was there for a friends 30th birthday party turned surprise engagement party. The staff was real cool about us setting up our stuff by some tables with food and cake. The only problem I had was the problems smelled like straight vomit. I didn't take a star off cause we had an awesome night but yeah no you could smell it just walking out it was horrible. The drinks were a little pricey and not that good. And we can people playing on our reserved pool tables the whole night. All in all it was a great night though. Loved seeing my friend get engaged. Other than that, the bar didn't see too terribly packed for a Saturday night. It was my first time there and it was a nice spot. read more

Rocket Bar - The tables and our surprise set up - Pool Halls Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Need a basement bar that smells? Do you like your shoes to stick to the floor? How about a bar with decent beers on tap at a reasonable price? If you answered yes to any of those questions then this is your bar. As you descend down into the depths, you are assailed by the overwhelming smell of sweat and some other odor I really don't want to know what it is. However, that being said - you do forget about the smell after a little bit (I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing). read more

Bartenders are super nice! I made a reservation for pool, but wasn't watching my phone and the bartender (don't recall his name, but he was super swole) came out to find me to let me know that the table was ready. Would definitely come here again! read more

Came in last night. The bartender Maggie was awesome. We brought a baby with us and she was super cool about it. Gave her a jingle blocks to play with, offered snacks to her and talked to us. Great beer! read more

Both white and black bartenders were acting racist. They didn't want to serve us l. And when we have a tip deserved which was zero then we we were dissed, had to wait and took a while to host us again. As Spanish ppl I don't like how they treat us read more

Everyone loves a good flash of nostalgia from time to time. Whether you're listening to the radio and you hear a song that you hadn't heard since middle school, or perhaps you watch a remake of a classic movie, or maybe you just go to a restaurant and eat a dish that reminds you of something your mom would make for you when you were a kid, everyone loves that feeling of comfort and nostalgia. For me, that feeling hit me in the face as I entered Rocket Bar in downtown Chinatown of Washington DC. The bar reminded me of those great bars you would attend in college complete with pool tables, shuffleboard, juke boxes, big game hunter video games, and even skeeball. Add to the fact that there are 3 fully stocked bars and 2 large open rooms, and this bar easily becomes one of the greatest kept secrets in the city. The bar is literally a door on 7th street across from the Verizon center. You would miss it if you didn't know what you were looking for. But once you're inside, you forget that humble exterior of the bar because you are enveloped in the atmosphere of a great hang out spot. People are smiling, playing all sorts of games with one another, drinking any number of specials from the bar. Hipsters with their courier bags sip on their drinks on any of the comfortable couches. Business people in their suits burn off the stresses of work with one another as they easily speak with one another without disruption from noise. And young barhoppers share beers as they compete with one another in games of pool or shuffleboard, paid hourly (and even prorated by the minute). All in all, this is a great bar with a fun atmosphere. A clear and pleasant change from all the formal and less exciting bars within the city. The only reason I don't rank this bar higher than I did is because of its location. But for those of you already in the Chinatown area to eat, or perhaps to watch a sporting event at the Verizon center, or even hanging out at Lucky Strike, then I highly recommend trotting across the street to this A-Ok bar. read more

The bar tending staff is horrible. There is no regulation of games. They put you on a waitlist and you never get off. The people playing played game after game. If you would like to have a drink while you wait, you will have to deal with the rude bartenders. I have never had worse service or been treated so poorly by a bar tender. I would understand if we were being rude, but we literally just asked how long the wait was for table. Literally go anywhere else read more

When everything in DC seems to have closed (thanks COVID), this bar was opened. It was happening. The bartender was nice & made the drink I wanted. Thanks Rocket Bar for a last minute drink. You guys saved the day :) read more

This place is great if your looking for a kitchy dive bar. Loads of pool tables, and they don't have food, but that's fine, because you can bring in your own, so you can eat a rum and coke with a Big Mac! read more

This is a fun bar! I like the games - ski ball, shuffle board, etc. I like the jukebox too - great selection. They have good happy hour, nice staff and lots of space. We went right before a caps game and it was lively and fun without being crowded. I tried the Sierra Nevada celebration beer and it was delicious It can be difficult to find from the outside - there is a sandwich board that helps you find it. Note they do not have food Overall fun experience and I'll definitely be coming again! read more

This new bar/pool hall has the potential for greatness. Once I walked inside, I could tell the vibe was the same as my two favorite places to knock some balls around-- Atomic and Bedrock , When I talked to one of the bartenders, I discovered that the same peeps that own Bedrock and Bedrock own this place. So, there ya go. The space is a little hard to find due to the fact that the sign outside is tiny, tiny, tiny. Thankfully, the inside space is the complete opposite-- tons of room with chairs and couches (vintage, of course) to chat on or hang out. There is plenty to do here other than shoot pool at one of the four tables at Rocket. There's also two shuffleboard tables as well as darts. Bring some dollar bills for the 100+ CD jukebox. read more

Rocket Bar - Pool Halls Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've been here way more times than I've checked in. There aren't many options for solid bars in Chinatown but I think that Rocket Bar is one of the good ones. Most people don't realize that it's actually bigger than it seems. There are two rooms: the darker one where everyone sees two bars and they think that's it. Turn the corner on the left and there's a whole other room where you can almost always find a seat and yet another bar with more activities. They have happy hour until 8pm with varying drink specials. I used to not like the fact that they don't serve food, but lately I've come to love this. Why not have people go to various restaurants around the area (some cheap ones where you don't have to tip for your food) then come back to the bar to eat what you want, and only tip for your drinks? I think it's great I can hit up the Chipotle across the street, then enjoy my meal with my beers at Rocket Bar. :) read more

Rocket Bar - Pool Halls Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This cool bar is tucked away downstairs. The entryway is narrow, but upon entering, you'll find that it is unexpectedly spacious. I typically come here when all of the other bars are packed with patrons, especially on game days at the Verizon Center. It can get crowded down there, but this bar is likely to have a little more breathing room. There are happy hour drinks, and the drinks are generally not steep in price. The vibe is very soft and chill. There are billiard tables, darts, and other games that you can rent. It's a dimly lit bar, and you can actually hear your conversations with your friends. The bartenders are attentive and helpful. I wouldn't end my night here, but it's a great starter to a night out in D.C.! read more

First off we love Kp she is a great bartender. The atmosphere is so fun. You can play a few games or just chill and have drinks. We always go and end up making new friends. read more

The epitome of a dive bar. I go to Gallery Place/Chinatown all the time and I never noticed this place until I had to (aka I was meeting some friends there). It's easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for. Rocket Bar lives up to the name. It's a bar first and foremost and it has at least one rocket and astronaut painted on the wall. As the other reviewers have noted, this place doesn't serve food so bring your own. Fortunately there are plenty of places to grab something in Chinatown. There are two bars, several tvs, pool tables, darts, and skee ball if you want to play. There was nothing wrong with the service, but there was nothing extraordinary about it either. The ambience seems kind of dirty; I've had better experiences at other bars so I will probably be taking my happy hours elsewhere, to places where they have more to offer. read more

Recommended this spot to my co-workers after the wiz game on Thursday. I had been here before a Caps game and had a great time. This time was the total opposite. We were having a good time, chatting and sipping at a table. My coworker got us a few drinks at last call around 1:40. We were casually drinking our last drinks while we were talking, and then at 1:45 the "security" came around saying it was time to leave. We were not drinking heavily, so not trying to chug and explained this to the guy who was going around, but he said we were given fifteen minutes to finish our drinks. I tried to have a conversation with the gentleman that everything online and at the venue said they closed at 2, but that made him more frustrated. He proceeded to take my drink, spill it on my coworker, and refused to talk to me saying he would rather speak to my boyfriend who had more sense. SEXISTS. I refuse to go back to this venue. Again, I barely drank and this man treated me with no respect. I tried to stay and state my case with another gentleman who seemed much more respectable, but he got annoyed with me when I asked to speak with a supervisor. We ended up leaving and not leaving a tip on our company's $200+ tab because of the disrespect. read more

If you want rude staff with overpriced drinks and bartenders that mock you this is the place to go. It's an alright vibe if your fine with old bartenders with nothing to do but be an asshole hear ya go. I won't be coming back .... Don't like being called names read more

Good selection of drinks, for a decent price. Pool is not expensive at all. Staff wasn't the friendliest.. read more

Stopped by with my bf for the first time on a Tuesday night and i really liked it! We went here after a Travis Scott concert just to get some drinks. The drinks are good and they had a lot of pool tables! Music was really good too! They were playing music from the 2000s such as t-pain and current music from Travis Scott etc. everyone was pretty chill and even though we only stayed for about an hour, we had a good time! We didn't play any pool so I'm not too sure if they charge anything and the location was a bit hard to find, there's no huge sign, just a door with a "Rocket Bar" sign read more

Cool place except bouncers try to jump you as you exit if they think you somehow stole cans of beer if you have anything in your pockets and continue to even when you announce you're an off duty police officer read more

I'm always surprised I don't have more fun here. There are a ton of games and good variety (pool, skee ball, darts, shuffleboard, hunting games, etc.), but they're almost always packed in tight. Lesson: show up early. I've been around 8-9 PM, and it was already swarming around the tables. And, everything is sticky. I'm not sure I've ever been to a stickier bar. Don't be fooled at first glance, this place is quite large - there's a back room. Minus one bonus point though because, no matter which bar I stop by in here, the bartenders are usually quite rude. read more

I'm rating this place a solid three stars. Liked the divey feel and all the 50's/60's space age kitsch. There are pool tables, darts, some shooting games, etc. Beers and drinks are relatively inexpensive for DC, even more so at happy hour. Everything including the bathrooms were clean. Always a huge plus. I think it would be best with a group of friend so you can try out all the activities. Alone or with one person might leave you hanging a bit. Eat a bit before you come or bring some food as they don't serve any. I will definitely try this place again during happy hour due to the number of reviews raving about it. read more

Inconspicuous bar located in the heart of Chinatown. At first glance, you could easily walk past the entrance and not realize that this place is even a bar. Don't be fooled by the subtlety, Rocket Bar is well-known and worth checking out. Once you walk down the stairs you are transported into a huge basement bar (perfect for those who hate sunlight or being above ground) with numerous pool tables, arcade games, and other diversions. There is plenty of space for lounging, hanging at the bar, and to talk to friends. Rocket Bar has several rooms each with a large bar. It has a retro feel with murals and lava lamps. The drinks are cheap, the crowd is fairly eclectic, although borders on a younger clientele. They have several tvs throughout the bar that play any and every sport on tv (yes - there was soccer, cliff-diving, and football all on). I'm glad I stumbled across Rocket Bar and will definitely be back with a group of friends. read more

My favorite dive bar in DC. If you're looking for this joint, you'd better be paying attention as the narrow entry to Rocket Bar is sandwiched between stores on 7th Street NW in Chinatown. The first time I came looking for it, I actually missed it and went to another bar instead thinking maybe it had closed. Luckily, I was able to find it the second time I went looking and it's been my favorite place to watch a game and play some Golden Tee golf. Rocket Bar is a massive underground playroom bar - though on slow days they close off the small back bar and a second full sized room you have to see to believe. On busy sports days - especially when the hometown college and pro teams are playing it gets pretty busy. There's usually a diverse mix of young millennials playing pool, shuffleboard, darts, and various other bar games. I watched last year's World Cup match when the USA played and Rocket Bar was wall-to-wall with avid fans. There have also been days when I was one of ten people in the entire bar, but the service is friendly and very consistent regardless of the patronage levels. Rocket Bar is fairly dark inside due to the lack of windows, but the music is pretty good, the full bar prices are affordable, and there's a handful of craft beers on tap to suit your fancy. They check all IDs as soon when you get to the bottom of the stairs and the bouncer is typically big burly dude, but I recommend you give this spot a try. They had pretty clean bathrooms for a dive bar which my wife noted during our last visit. If you're not up for the high-brow or high-cost drinks at the boutique bars around Chinatown, go ahead and dive on in to the Rocket Bar. read more

Rocket Bar - The back bar. - Pool Halls Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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A literal underground gaming bar. Pool tables, skeetball, and darts. Didn't play any games since I was just passing through DC. Had the local beer, DC Brau. Nice lite ale beer. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Interestingly, you can use a Yelp deal for 20% of your bar tab. Used it at the bar without any issues. A good experience overall. Didn't get a chance to get the full experience but first impressions seemed to be a relaxed bar for some after sport event fun and after work jam with the boys. An okay place to grab a drink. read more

Best place to have a good time with pool, darts, shuffle board, arcade games, and the best bartenders ever.

They started making fun of my friend for being light skinned and started trying to fight us for no reason, rudest staff I've ever encountered read more

Drinks are cheap & strong!! They have games that you have to pay for but not too expensive. The dart game was $3. Happy hour everyday from 4-8. Will definitely be coming here again read more

Extremely rude staff. I've never been treated so horribly for doing absolutely nothing wrong!

Why does this place smell like a public swimming pool? All the time? I have to say it's cheap, and they have games(SKEE BALL) and you can bring in your own food. Definitely a place to take your non high maintenance friends (those without OCD) to just hang out. read more

Originally stopped for just a beer and we spent a good 6 hours here. It was so much fun. This place is huge with pool tables shuffle board darts and many other games. Drink selection was great and the place was clean. The bartender was great although I do not remember his name. So glad we found this gem in China Town. read more

Rocket Bar - Pool Halls Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Brofest! YEAAA SPORTS!!! POOL!!!! BROS!!!!! I was told to avoid this place cause it was rumored to smell (which to the best of my knowledge it didn't) and it wasn't really that bad. It's huge, there's a lot of tv's a lot of people, and a good selection of decent beers. I would say what the bar has going for it really is that it's air conditioned. Most bars, especially ones that crowded are usually stupid hot but the ac kept it comfortable. One particular thing about rocket bar that really stands out is their music selection. I heard faith by george michael and a few "chick songs" like that i don't wanna wait for our lives to be over type crap. It's just super weird for a bar, a sports bar at that to pump that sort of music. RANDOM. read more

I LOVE ROCKET BAR! Super casual. Super convenient. NOT super expensive... what more could you ask for? This place is very metro accessible AND has pool tables. WINNING. read more

If you don't pay close attention you'll miss this place! There's no storefront, just a door. You walk down the stairs to a divey bar filled with old school games. There's pool, arcade games, air hockey, etc. They don't serve food here but the good thing is you can bring your own food in and eat at the bar no problem. I like this concept! Happy hour is 4pm-8pm. The margarita was really good! If you check in here there's a 20%off yelp coupon. The bartender was really excited to use it lol. read more

I have no choice but to believe they have an incredibly prejudiced staff. Very rude and inconsiderate. Tried to deny my real ID and had to get the cops involved in order to clear my name. Save yourself the trouble and go anywhere else. read more

I have been to rocket bar many times over the years, but I will never EVER visit this establishment again. I had a jacket stolen from my chair about a month ago and chalked it up to a drunk girl accidentally taking it, but I had another jacket stolen off my chair last night while I was in the bathroom. Somebody is targeting people's stuff in this bar and management could not care less. Only come here if you want your stuff stolen! read more

Been here a few times for Caps games or after/before concerts. Its generally a decent time but its one of those underground dreary bars you have no cell service in and you most likely won't find a spot to sit down ever. My main thing against them is that they don't have food so heads up when you want to get some food during a 2.5 hour game and you are starving. Prices are fine but the bartenders do get all cranky when you ask for a round of shots or anything that may inconvenience them ever. read more

I have been coming to Rocket Bar semi regularly since last spring and it is always a guaranteed good time. My friends and I love to play pool or shoot darts, but most of all, we love the personability of the place. Everyone is always in a good mood and willing to talk and have a good time, regardless if it's 5 PM after work on a Tuesday, before/after a Caps game, or Friday night. I would like to particularly highlight Bambi who works at the right bar as you enter. From the second time we went to Rocket Bar, she instantly remembered who we were and what we were drinking. She has always went above and beyond to be nice to and always engages us in conversation. Even when I go to Rocket alone, I know I will always have a friendly face there in Bambi, and that is what makes this place great. If you love pool, dive bars, and having a good time with a personal twist, this is the place for you! read more

This place is EXPENSIVE. I got two beers and I paid $20 with tip. They also do not serve food, but do let you bring your own food in. Good dive bar atmosphere, which is the only reason I like it. Bar tenders are kinda slow, but it is always busy...so- it is what it is. There are also only a minimum number of seats...so be prepared to stand up and serve yourself. A good spot before a caps game since it is close... read more

Rocket Bar - Pool Halls Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia