Solly's is a great place to catch a small show or post up for a few drinks. It's not too crowded and it's not pretentious. I prefer to be upstairs with my friends, have an unobstructed view of the band, and just hang out. If you don't like dives/taverns it's probably not your thing, but if you like a "no frills" atmosphere it's perfect. read more

Dive bar pure and simple. I went on a Saturday night and it had an eclectic crowd and was pretty crowded. The outside is a nice touch for a dive bar, the downstairs is really narrow and difficult to manuever around, and the upstairs was also a bit cramped. It has tables upstairs, but the music is a little too loud to hold a conversation. Sollys, is not a bad bar, but I'd check out other places in the area before going back. read more

This place has a super chill vibe, with no pretentious hill-rats, or g-town douches. You would not believe what a relief that is while wandering the streets of DC trying to get some whiskey. The people in Solly's were nice dive-bar-going types who loved their liquor, and loved their group. People stood around either watching the game or striking up an intense conversation about another game that just ended. I liked that. The guys behind the bar were very accommodating, and poured a nice Jack & Ginger. A few notes: 1) Something smelled delicious. From what I could see, they serve soft tacos? I am not sure. 2) Met one local guy who was just sitting alone. He was extremely friendly, but not super friendly in that creepy way. Makes me think the regulars are good people. 3) The bathroom floor is wet and slippery. All in all, great place. read more

I have a real soft spot for this place. The jukebox has a great combo of old time classics (we were rocking some Paula Abdul) and current indie hits. The PBR is cheap (so much so that they're known for it) and all other beers are super reasonable for U St. Sometimes they have comedy/open mics now that are fun, and overall it's a perfect noise level. Lively enough but not so much so that you can't hear what the people at your table are saying. Don't be discouraged if you can't find seating downstairs, upstairs is a lot bigger and has more seating. read more

My roommates and I went to Solly's for happy hour last night, because, unbeknown to us, our original choice of Vinoteca was closed. Luckily, Solly's is right next door, and we were more in the mood for beer and mixed drinks than wine anyway. Pluses: The drinks - poured by Damien, who was really cool - were strong and cheap ($3 rail drinks, 4-8 at happy hour on weekdays...they have a bunch of beer specials too, including $3 PBR, if you want a throw back to high school days!); the crowd (or lack thereof; it was pretty quiet on a Monday) was very hip and friendly, and they all seemed to know each other; the bar itself (I'd imagine it can get pretty packed, but I really liked the intimate feel, and all the rugby jerseys on the wall--felt a bit like Wonderland); the "Hippies Use Back Door" sign (a friend has the same sign at his house...just a side note). Minuses: They weren't serving food that day, making the drinks hit harder than usual; there was no table service either, which wasn't a huge problem but would have been nice; the chairs were NOT comfortable, to echo previous sentiments. Overall, Solly's is a really chill bar -- on Monday's at least. We're definitely going to come back to experience trivia and a more crowded, food-filled ambiance. read more

Listen. If you're into clubs, super clean establishments, or fine wines, maybe this isn't your place. But if you're looking for a bar with beer, drinks, and flavor, Solly's is your place. When planning a night out, I'll always consider Solly's. The prices are pretty reasonable for the area (hey, 3$ PBR is often just fine for me), and the bartenders are great. It can get packed sometimes, but you're likely to find some space upstairs. Trivia night is fun (every other Wednesday) and often benefits a charity. There's no food though, so dine beforehand! I've never had a dull moment at Solly's. Love it! read more

Went to Solly's for the first time this past weekend, and to be honest, I was kinda disappointed afterwards. For one thing, it was really crowded, which I'm sure was due to a party that was going on upstairs. The band (Pleather) they had playing was really cool but because of an ambiguous "noise ordinance" they had to wrap up at 10:30!? I've never heard of said noise ordinance on U St. With the 9:30 Club and Bohemian Caverns more or less next door and the countless other bars that have music blasting well beyond 10:30, it was a pretty lame excuse on the bar's part, especially one that touts live music, to give them the boot just as the bar was really filling up. No beers on tap upstairs, only bottles and cans ranging from Schlitz to $7+ (12oz. WTF!?!?) Bell's Two Hearted Ale. Granted it was a damn good beer, but serve it by the pint at least. Bartender handled the crowd well and was fast with orders. Was worth the visit, but I think I'll go elsewhere next time. read more

I went back to Solly's Thursday night after a 930 Club show (the awesome Metric show!) and before we went to one of the best new pizza spots in town. I have to admit, this place has grown on me. One of my friends knows just about all the staff there (including Mr. Solly himself) and she loves dragging us back there for revelry. The jukebox in the downstairs bar is always fun (if you hear Hendrix - Angel playing there's a good chance I might be there). Also, this place does costume karaoke on Wednesday nights. I haven't actually been to that yet, but from the photos of friends that I've seen it looks like a riot. Definitely a place worth checking out if you're looking for some low-key drinkage after a show or during the week. read more

Solly's, oh how I used to love you. You were the perfect little dive bar, unknown by the crowds, a dirty little hidden gem tucked away from the crowds of Adams Morgan and other popular spots on U... Then things changed. I'm not sure what happened, but suddenly everyone thinks Solly's is the place to be, meaning that on Friday and Saturday nights, there are often lines out the door. Lines. For Solly's. Unnecessary and just wrong. When it comes down to it, Solly's is not worthy of lines these days, and really never was. Why wait in a line? Because after braving the lines, you get into a small bar, packed with other people who thought the place was line-worthy, you can order small drinks or over-priced PBR, and get served by bartenders whom I have watched (on more than one occasion) as they talked about other customers behind their backs and been flat out rude to their faces. Meh. read more

I was having trouble finding a place that showed my chargers on sundays... they were playing miami this particular sunday that I found Solly's. I called and he said, "we are definitely playing that game." So I suit up and cruise over, and learn that the enthusiasm for this game was due to the owner's being a major dolphins fan. But it was good times and he was very friendly. It's a great neighborhood bar, good peeps, simple bar menu, and the dolphin fans were even kind enough to share their tasty "victory" shots with me. I shall return, but maybe not when the bolts are in miami. read more

Great bar with a solid pub feeling. The bartenders are always nice and give a really solid pour of jamo that makes you feel like you really got a great value. I've only eaten the Puntin here but that's because it's so good that I order it every Time I come. Finally, I was here on a snow day a bunch of weeks ago and the owner gave everyone (about 15 people) shots on the house. read more

I love this place like i love key lime pie ... and that's pretty freakin a lot. I come here when I'm feeling low key and just want to kick it with my locals.Two stories of goodness, both fairly small. The stairs make you feel like your going to fall through them at any given moment, the owner and bartenders hate anything aside from classic rock and good ole timer music (I got grilled hardcore for throwing Guetta on), cheap booze, and no cover make this something special Yeaaaaa buddy. read more

Cons: Eww, never again. Garbage drinks. While it is possible they might have something good here that I didn't think to try, it wouldn't be worth going back to find. They had a small beer collection. They didn't have any decent beer. I mine as well buy some beer from a liquor store and drink in an alley. Atmosphere was very dirty. I killed more than one roach while there. There wasn't comfortable seating. Of all the places to be in DC, this one isn't worth your time. Pros: The staff seems friendly. read more

So, I'm new to DC from Atlanta and I haven't been out much here yet. I totally agree that Solly's is a dive bar, no frills, easy going place. The biggest perk to me was that it wasn't filled with hill staffers (or at least not the overtly-hill-stafferly staffers). I see other reviewers are happy about the price of PBR cans, which I ordered, and was astonished that there is a place in America where people will pay $3 for a PBR! But again, I haven't been out much in DC yet... Pros: The upstairs bathroom was clean for a place like this, the jukebox selection was good and the service was standard. Cons: Saturday night was PACKED and they don't serve bud light (??!?!?!). They were not out of it. They just don't have it. Weird. But whatever, I can drink pbr ("$3, are you freaking serious??!?"). This is not a complaint about this bar, it is just a shock about dc I guess. I hesitate to drink pbr when it costs $1! Overall, I enjoyed the atmosphere and the other people there. read more

Murad is the best bartender ever! We always have the best time everytime we come in great food and the best staff.

I liked the local feel that this bar provided. I'm still think of the U St area as a trendy hipster place, and while there were plenty of them hanging out at Solly's there were clearly some down to earth locals there looking for cheap beer and a friendly bartender. The upstairs has enough TVs to provide for a good sport watching place. The bar food is what you expect of bar food, so after downing a few PBRs, you'll be happy to have it. Their happy hour specials are the real deal, so definitely worth a swing by when you're on U St. read more

I cannot even tell you how many times I walked by Sollys before stopping in on a random Saturday night for (multiple) vodka sodas. The guy at the door was friendly, the drinks were reasonably priced and all the requirements for a charming dive bar were in play: -overcrowding -distracted but friendly bartender -misplaced, over dressed females -immediately pre-coital lovers unaware that they are inside my personal bubble If you can get a seat, its great. read more

It was a hot night, and stopping by sweaty Solly's for a cold beverage didn't help. The first floor is a closet, so we walked up the creaky, unstable stairs to the second floor, which reminded me of an attic. I pushed my way through a crowd to the bar. The PBR cans were a plus. The music stopped for almost 15 minutes, and the only sound was just people talking. Not cool. I've heard this is a good place to watch sports, so I don't want to judge solely based on a late Saturday night. Unless there's more room on the patio next time, I'll skip Solly's in the future. read more

Great place to chill and watch football & the NBA wit a side of there tasty fries I love there fries w/ the different types of sauces. They have the best happy hour in town hands down you can't get a price I promise you. I only had the "Sloppy Mammas" BBQ sandwich once it was "OK" it was bad but I could be better. read more

I have to attempt to put down my fork between typing (it is SO hard) to write a review... Absolute best bbq I have ever, ever had... and I eat a ton (probably too much) of the stuff all over the country. Meat was perfectly smoked and they have amazing homemade sauces. WOW. Just straight up blowing my mind. Bartender is super friendly. Only bar in the area that is open before 5 on a weekday... For eager folks like me. Decent happy hour specials. Crazy amazing surprise... read more

Solly's Tavern - Oh my god. SO GOOD. Legit BBQ. - Music Venues Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Not a bad place. Yesterday some friends and I went there around mid-afternoon, then returned later that night. It was like two completely different venues. During the day, the place is pretty chill. Soccer was on, and only the main bar had people in it. At night, the place gets packed on the first floor, so people head upstairs where the scene is a little less hectic. Speaking of the "scene," it leaves a bit to be desired in my mind. $4.50 will get you a can of bud light, but the clientele seems interested only in that and shots of Jameson, so whatever. One of the members of our party got asked to leave after he threw (literally) an empty can into the trash from about 8 feet away, which tells me that the staff doesn't put up with much, which itself tells me that the dance floor is a good place to get punched in the face by a overly protective Sig Ep who thinks you're hitting on his 21 year-old girlfriend. If that's your kind of place, more power to you, but I probably won't be returning to the party after 10:30 anymore. That being said, the pulled pork lunch was killer and I love a good soccer match. read more

I understand dive bars... I love a good dive but this place, it's the most garbage bar I've ever been to in my life. The doormen were rude and unprofessional. The bartenders were painfully slow, incredibly rude, and just looked like they haven't taken a bath for a year. The beers were warm, cocktails were watered down, and the food was a tad worse than what you'd find in a dumpster behind a sperm bank. I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy. I hope they go out of business and these people never open another bar again. read more

This is a pretty good bar. Good beer selection, nice bartenders, good jukeboxes. You can sit outside on a nice day. It gets a little overcrowded sometiems, and I've had some run-ins with some total douchebags here, but it's A-OK. read more

Solly's is like a one night stand you always wanted get back together with because she's cheap ($3.00 PBR's), a little dirty around the edges, easy to get into, and is conveniently located for dropping in on late. Unfortunately, if you get there too late on weekends there is a line of dudes out the door. It's a fun little bar that has a local bar feel with an upstairs that had a band playing for a cover (just $5) the night a group of us went, but stayed down stairs and had a good time even though we were at the mercy of the internet jukebox. The crowd tends to be pretty friendly, but it has to be considering how crowded it got around 10ish. After several PBR's, the grim reminder of why you always promise yourself you'll never come back to the mistress that Solly's is: a single toilet downstairs and a line five deep including giggling ladies that want to take their time checking their makeup. Overall, I had a great time at an unpretentious bar that I would frequent if I lived in the neighborhood. It avoids four stars because of the bathroom issue, but also isn't two stars because "she isn't a good girl." read more

Water for pets: upon request Solly's Tavern is, in many ways, a perfect bar. It's not trying desperately to be one of those hip, trendy spots like so many of it's neighbors, enforcing ridiculous dress codes or trying to serve fancy menu items the management can't spell. Solly's is comfortable, low key, and familiar. They have a small but perfectly serviceable selection of beer, whether you're looking for a fistful of PBR or something more in a Great Lakes. Their patio is dog-friendly and killer for people watching and enjoying a beer or three on any summer week night, and the staff is mellow and awesome. Friday and Saturday nights, Solly's fills up fast with 20-somethings burning through their livers and disposable incomes (and if you're one of them, you'll love it there), but any other night of the week, you can go with friends, have a conversation and chill at what might be my favorite old-school bar in town. read more

Always relaxed, divey and friendly. The bartender plays punk, they have soccer and rugby on a lot, and the prices... Look, its still DC and it all costs too much. Weekends the douchebag numerator gets too high but for some good tacos and a couple of cold beers after work on a Tuesday this place enjoyable. read more

Divey dive bar with a dive bar drink selection. The drinks are a decent price and the vibe is pretty chill. Don't expect a dancing crowd here but you can expect solid drinking and a relaxed vibe. Apparently this place does draw some "I work at a private equity firm types" but that's typical of most dc bars. I occasionally swing by for early or late night drinks and I don't think that'll change in the near future. read more

I'm really torn on whether Solly's deserves 2 or 3 stars, because although it's definitely not my favorite, Solly's does not try to be anything more than what it is, which is a no-frills DC dive bar. Of course because this is still the District, the prices aren't all that dive-y. I went here after work with a friend this week because we wanted to sit outside and the patio and neighboring Vinoteca was already full. These two places have nothing in common aside from nice outside seating areas, but instead of hunting down another wine bar we went to Solly's to enjoy the weather. The tables on the patio were filthy--encrusted with dirt as though no one had bothered to wipe them down after a long winter of being stored outdoors--and there was no waitress servicing the patio so we had to go inside to get our drinks. I didn't find the bartender to be particularly friendly at all, contrary to what some of the other Yelpers have said. We were also starving and they don't serve any food, so our stay here was a lot shorter than it might have been otherwise. I think part of the problem was that I left work that day expecting a nice glass of wine and some appetizers at Vinoteca, and instead found myself mowing down a smushed Cliff bar that was in my purse while I sipped my rail vodka soda and tried not to touch the table. I didn't spend much time inside, nor did I see the upstairs, so I have no opinion about that. read more

I don't really love dives like some people do. And this is definitely a dive. Nothing to speak of in terms of decor, cleanliness, or comfortable chairs. But I have come here to pre-game before Fatback and some other U Street activites, and I have to say this place has some merit: 1) I'm always running into cool people I know here. Perk! 2) The bartenders upstairs tend to be really chill and people I would like to know. 3) Cheap drinks -- we show up for PBR and G&Ts, generally. FYI, this is also a rugby bar... enjoy at your own risk! :) read more

After a long day of work I was looking for a decent beer and some bar style noshes. This place fit the bill. I am a fan of a dive and this is definitely got the feel of a neighborhood bar, even though the hipster quotient somehow elevates it above my normal dive. The service was very good and the specials on some decent beer options were worth the visit alone. Add to that the pork nachos and you've got yourself the makings of a great night out. When I relocate to the area, this will absolutely be a regular stop in my rotation. read more

We went to Solly's before the US Air Guitar Finals (which was awesome) and enjoyed a good time. I liked the low key atmosphere of the interior bar, the bartender was chill, and the crowd wasn't too overwhelming. Also, who doesn't love tall boys of Miller High Life. For the flavor, not for the coolness. Also for the cheapness. I enjoyed that they don't mess around with food at Solly's. Instead they have a binder of local delivery. We all enjoyed some burritos from Super Tacos and Bakery (which was thrown up later that night). They had some jam band upstairs that echoed through the whole place, but it all made for a nice atmosphere. I'd come here again next time I'm in the U Street area. It also looked like they had a nice patio area also. As far as it being called a typical dive bar, I'm not so sure. I guess if older building equals dive bar, then yeah, it's a dive bar. Other than that, it's clean, has plasma TV's on the walls, and a classy patio. I'd say it's just a decent bar. It's certainly no Dan's Cafe. read more

The kinda place where the bartender will straight up tell you he's not making that drink because he doesn't feel like it. People are mostly drinking PBR and getting pretty lit. It's a dive kinda place but given the U-street crowd, you get the predictable patrons. I outta give this place a 3 because they don't have guinness to make an irish car bomb, but because the bathroom was disgustingly dive-y, I'll bump to 4... read more

Since moving into the District last fall, I have spent a lot of time at Sollys thanks to it hosting Ohio State gamewatches and because it's only a few blocks from my boyfriend's apartment. This is a great neighborhood bar with friendly bartenders and cheap beer which are basically my only two hard and fast requirements for a good bar. The upstairs has plenty of TVs which makes it a good Sunday NFL watching destination, although if the Seahawks are playing you will want to get there early to claim a spot and TV because Sollys is a big Seattle football watching venue. My only real complaint is that when there are multiple sporting events going on, both TVs in the front downstairs area should not be on the same game. Last night both TVs were tuned to Sunday Night Football despite the fact that there was also a World Series game on. Food wise, I've only had the grilled cheese which isn't going to blow your socks off but it gets the job done when I need to soak up the cheap beer. Space wise, the upstairs has plenty of tables and chairs, and the downstairs back room also has plenty of seats at the bar, as well as tables. The downstairs front area can get crowded on a weekend night. The outside patio is a great place to read a book and have a drink when it's nice out. Sollys is definitely my go to bar on U Street, and where you can most certainly find me during Ohio State games. read more

If you're looking for a place to sit down, relax, enjoy some good conversation, and eat and drink, find somewhere else on U Street. But if you like generally inexpensive drinks, divey bars, don't mind a little noise, and don't need to eat with your alcohol, Solly's is the place for you. The downstairs area is small, but when its nice out there's a decent sized outdoor seating area. Upstairs, when its open (later in the evening or when it gets really crowded) has tables, TVs, and music some nights - weekly open mic, a ska/reggae night 3rd Thursday of every month, etc - and trivia every 2 weeks. While there is no food sold at Solly's, you can bring in whatever food you like and you can have food delivered, which is a plus. And really, with so many great places to eat along U Street, why would you want tater tots and meat pies anyways? Beers are pretty inexpensive for the most part ($3 PBR cans, $4 Miller High Life and Miller Lite), and well drinks aren't bad either. If you want the more frou frou beers or name brand liquors expect to pay about normal prices for drinks. Honestly, I only started going to this bar because a friend of a friend was dating a guy who worked there - had I been wandering U Street looking for a place to chill it likely wouldn't have caught my eye, what with all the choices. But, as I've mentioned in previous reviews, I tend to like divey-er bars, and this one fits my bill. read more

This place rocks. A small dive bar that reminds me of Indiana something fierce. With the Ohio state and Michigan flags hanging proudly, across the bar from each other as to not make the other spontaneously combust, it was a welcoming site while trying to drawn my sorrows of chaperoning a bunch of 8th graders in DC. The drinks were fairly priced and super strong. The bartender and patrons were nice. :o) There was comedy upstairs, and I can be raunchy with the best of 'em, but even I was blushing at some of the things that were being said... and it takes a hell of a lot to make me blush. I much preferred chatting with new people downstairs and outside, call me a social butterfly. Overall, I would visit again... maybe the next time I'm in DC, next year as a chaperon. **only cause for pause: the bathroom (although decorated in awesome graffiti) is a bit smelly... a mix of "someone peed on the floor" and cleaner. read more

Not sure how Alex can say this place is not a dive bar, it totally is. I like dive bars and am OK with that. But to deny it as a dive bar is grossly inaccurate. I'll even quote urban dictionary and those interested can see if it describes Solly's http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Dive%20bar "A well-worn, unglamorous bar, often serving a cheap, simple selection of drinks to a regular clientele. The term can describe anything from a comfortable-but-basic neighborhood pub to the nastiest swill-slinging hole. You don't need to dress up; we're just going to the dive bar down the street. " Came here on Saturday with a friend. They had the patio opened up and it was a great location to people watch and day drink. She had her dog with her and they we cool about it being on the patio and filling up dish's for it's water. read more

This is a dive bar, with some people drinking PBR and Tallie Miller High Life since they think its cool. I mean, if my Dad were there, he would be drinking that stuff, but that is because that is what he drinks...not because he thinks its cool. But, if you ignore that, the place is a nice change of pace. The first floor is small, with a single bartender working. He was quick and efficient, but not the most friendly chap. I heard him give words to multiple patrons because they either took too long to pay or because they were ordering one at a time. I guess I could see his point, since he was working the room alone...it was just funny. There were some annoyingly loud laughing people. Those people bug me. I mean, can't they tone it down...why so loud when you laugh? And nothing can be so funny that you have to laugh constantly for like ten minutes. They did have a nifty, circa 1980s PBR sign over the bar...its one of those lit signs where the lights change in the back so from the front it looks like the river is flowing. This one was faded and classic looking. I stared at it a lot. All in all...if you ignore the tools that are in there, if all you want is a barstool and some beer, its a good fit. End of story. read more

We have a couple of friends who just love this place. I will say that after the renovations, they have made a huge upgrade. The food is really solid and they have a good menu. Head to the right when you walk in and the bar area has good TVs, a few game machines and plenty of area for your group to gather. They really need to blow up the bathrooms and start from scratch. They are just not cutting in. Please close them for a weekend, re-do them and then open back up. That would just make it a little more pleasant situation when you are there. Yes, it is a dive bar, but the bathrooms being clean and usable would are a necessary edition. read more

Best wings in the city, great happy hour, nice outdoor patio, convenient location. What more could you want!

We stood at the bar while the bartender ignored us for about ten minutes. We left and I don't think we'll be going back. I'm not sure what his issue was, but after the initial eye contact, he refused to acknowledge us at all. read more