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 a 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. read more

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Came here for brunch with a group of 6 while in town for a wedding. I was worried that our group would 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. read more

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I came here with some friends for birthday drinks and it was nice! It was a chilly night and the sliding door doesn't fully close but they have multiple space heaters. It's a very cozy space but they were able to accommodate 6 of us. I'm still confused about the chicken theme! I wish it was explained somewhere on the menu or website but the chicken decor was wild. They are mainly a gin bar which I loved! We all tried the happy cocktail which is bartender's choice. The day we went was a pink citrus creation and it was delish. There were only two bartenders working but they had our drinks out quick and were attentive! This would definitely be a cute bar for a cozy date or a summer night. read more

The Betsy - Betsy's Happy Cocktail - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Still loving this place! The "how you doin" is such a special drink. So unique! I wasn't super crazy about the "could I be wearing anymore clothes," as it was bitter and overly strong on lime. But I will come back for other drinks and especially how you doin'. Unagi and pivot were both good too. The baguette was super fresh and absolutely amazing. Both spreads were also good. The cheese waffles were good small. The mussels were great quality but the sauce was rather tasteless. read more

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Drinks are amazing! I love the drinks so much perfectly crafted and menu i easy to visualize. food is cool i usually go for fries or oysters service is poor. tbh they are all super inattentive and takes awhile to get a GIN AND TONIC but it's good once you get it. some people also got their cocktails before us even though they had sat. but again the drinks are really great and i'm not a huge drinker so i would recommend this spot. the layout of the bar is super weird and hella small so be aware but cute once your sat. :-) read more

The Betsy - Malfy Blood Orange Italian Gin Fries Special #1 "The Classique" - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Honestly I'm a bit irked by this place. I joined my friend here on a Friday night for some late night drinks out of rooftop bar. What could go wrong well I sat down and around 9:30 only to be told that their last call was in 15 minutes and they were no longer serving food. I was a bit taken aback but didn't really register it until my friend got there and she pointed out the time and then we confirmed with the waiter that it really was last call and he Another gentleman I'm not sure if he's the manager made us drinks he asked us what our favorite fruit was I told him mango and my friend said pineapple. So we had gin and tonics without were fruit infused. Both of them were absolutely delicious and excellent. That being said I didn't like being rushed out the place itself is super cute and it's a little odd to me that they would close so early on a Friday night. It's almost as if we're not in the capital city that does have late night places to go out to. So we ended up going bar hopping to the other places on barracks road which is fine but again FYIif you are having a hard time finding this place look for the extreme pizza sign and an alley. Go down the alley and look for dumpsters and it'll be there. read more

Fun cocktail bar and hidden gem with patio vibes. Incredible cocktails. Love the speakeasy vibes

Cute hidden bar on a rooftop! There's painted arrows on the walls/sidewalk to guide you. Mainly gin based cocktails, so I hope you like gin. I'm not the biggest gin fan, but I still enjoyed my drink. Very refreshing for the hot night we had. The drinks are also very cute! This one is for the girlies. read more

The Betsy - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I just can't get past the entrance, maybe if it was half the price and you walked by trash cans to get in and get out I could get over it but the trash cans kill it for me... so stanky. But once you get inside, it's a great little ambience yummy appetizers tasty drinks, good service, but I cannot get over the alley entrance and walking past the stinky trash cans. read more

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Cool rooftop spot to hangout and try some unique drinks. If you like gin, this is definitely the place for you! I usually pass on alcoholic drinks but I enjoyed the passionfruit mixed drink I tried from the Friends themed menu. I don't think the gin drinks would've been my vibe but the group I was with really liked theirs. And it was cool seeing the different drinks come out especially the butterfly one! read more

The Betsy - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Stopped by Betsy because I was too early for a dinner reservation at Little Pearl. I'm happy I was early, so I could find this place. In an alley, super casual, and comfortable - with a chicken theme. Really, it's lovely. Service was good and friendly. Walk in, take any available seat, and be prepared to get a great drink. I got the Unagi because of Friends. Haha. I typically don't choose whiskey drinks but I this was delicious. I looked over at the bar and saw the smoking of it. It smelled great because of the grapes and fig. The drink was well balanced and presented really well. I'm a fan and will be happy to come back when it's nicer out. read more

The Betsy - Unagi description - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cool spot. If you're in DC I highly recommend the establishment for a nice personal brunch. read more

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The drinks here are so cute and tasty. I accidentally spilt my drink and the owner, Arslan, happily made me another for free. Best service and the cutest spot, definitely coming more. read more

Best drinks ever! Such a cute vibe. The manager Arslan is the best!!!! So friendly and the perfect spot for a chill couple of drinks.

Love this place!! perfect place to grab a nice drink with a chill vibe... talk to Arslan, he's the best

The drinks here are very nice and the setting is lovely. However, I had issues with the service - I wasn't big on the first cocktail I ordered so I asked which of the bourbon/whiskey cocktails were the most bourbon/whiskey-forward. The bartender took this opportunity to mansplain the difference between bourbon and whiskey to me rather than answer my question, and also mansplained that what I should have asked for was a "sipping" cocktail rather than a "drinking" cocktail, rather than asking for a "bourbon/whiskey-forward" cocktail. I did not at all appreciate the condescending attitude, and I don't really feel compelled to return ever again. read more

Betsy is a super cute little rooftop tucked away on a side alleyway. We really enjoyed awesome vibes and delicious cocktails. read more

The Betsy - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

What a gem! Betsy has such a lovely atmosphere, amazing nibbles, and GORGEOUS gin drinks. No notes, simply loved everything. I swear there's just a single man who runs it all so do NOT waste his time. Have your order ready. Be prepared. He has an incredible memory and will get you everything you need but he will not wait for you to contemplate the meaning of life. read more

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Love this place! Hilarious chicken theme. Great food. Nice waitstaff. Delicious waffles. Try the chocolate croissant- very good!

This the cutest little rooftop tucked away in Eastern Market. The ambiance is so charming, the food and drinks were impeccable, and the service was top notch. read more

The Betsy - Belgian Chocolate Croissant, Crispy Egg on Mushroom Toast, La Quiche "The 3 Piggies" - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Fun hidden spot for a drink and a small bite. The "Friends" themed drink menu was cute. I had "The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies" which is a great twist on an espresso martini. My boyfriend had the "Pivot" and the best way I can describe that is that it was "bright." Loved the sip that I had. My Mom ordered the "Unagi" which had a smoky element too it, that I'm sad to say was just too much. It was overpowering and smoked for a really long time. Fun to try, but not something we would order again. For a nibble we tried the BBQ Pork Belly Stem Buns which are always a hit. Two things to note; it is jam packed inside the Besty. Leave your bulky coats and bags at home, there is no place to put them. Also, there are seats immediately at the door when you walk in. If you can, avoid these, otherwise you'll be blasted by cold air all night long. read more

The Betsy - The One Where Dr. Ramoray Dies - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

As a follow up to my earlier review, the undeserved 22-percent tip showed up on my statement. If this is the new normal for D.C. bars, I can see a good reason why business is trending downwards. Let's hope no one else has to endure this specific nightlife let down. read more

went for some drinks with friends and it was very nice! their menu is a bit odd and imbalanced with a ton of g&t options! similarly, 2 of my friends got g&ts but they were completely different in alcohol content despite being the same price which I found a bit odd. Seating is incredibly limiting, but staff was accommodating and efficient so we were able to snag a cute, private seat outside. The space is ADORABLE and intimate and very summary! I love hidden ally spots in cities and this one is definitely a must try. About a year ago, I also went and got waffles and they were delicious!!! Glad I was able to go back! read more

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Every time I come here, I leave with a smile on my face. Arslan and the whole Betsy team always deliver! Drinks always fresh and crisp, perfect for a DC summer night. They also have an amazing brunch menu. Highly recommend coming for the food, too! read more

The Betsy - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

What a cute little rooftop experience! The cocktails were incredible, and the 2 dishes we got were also good. The service was quick, and to the point, and even though there was only one bartender with a full space, he kept up with our multiple drink orders. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would highly recommend stopping by for a drink (or even dinner!) if you are in the area. read more

~ gluten free review ~ My friend has been raving about this eclectic gin bar for weeks and we finally made it last night. We arrived later, at around 9 PM and they were already closing up. Since there isn't a closing time, I would make sure you're there earlier in case it's a slower night and they close up early. The bartender was so accommodating even though kitchen was closed and was able to squeeze us in for last call including a side of fries. Loved the atmosphere and decorations, but it is a smaller space so be prepared if there isn't an open table. I ordered the Midsummer Solstice and my friend ordered the Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat. I prefer a sweeter drink and really enjoyed the bright summery flavors in the Midsummer Solstice. The Smelly Cat, Smelled Cat was darker and more citrusy but still very delicious. I didn't confirm the fries weren't battered but I did not get sick so I would assume they weren't (I was so hungry I was willing to take that chance). We ordered the regular fries and one with Old Bay and both were incredible. If you are gluten free, I would confirm with the kitchen any cross-contamination. read more

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Open air and spaced from other patrons combined with tasty food and reasonably priced happy hour drinks equals a good experience! When I asked if I could get all flat wings, the waiter replied no but seemed unsure. That part of the experience was disappointing. The chicken and crab appetizer was seasoned well and the fresh jalapeños added the perfect touch! I would definitely order it again! (5 stars) Frites with Mayo Trio was okay. (3 stars) I will definitely return to try other menu items! read more

The Betsy - Chicken Crab Sigaars (5 stars) - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Very cute place with great food and good wine, service was impeccable. The place is not five stars for being a little bit too pricey. read more

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Betsy was a cool Friday night experience to check out. Even though it was during Covid the tables were spread out and safe. The Happy Hour had some good options to try. I tried the fries, hummus and Brussels sprouts. Each of these items were tasty and the Mayo with the fries took me back to my time in Germany. Food qualities was good and they have some cool craft cocktail options. I tried the weekly cocktail that involved smoke, fire and whiskey. (always a great drink combination) The food did take a while to come out but I chalked that up to Covid and minimal staff. But the bartender enjoyed making cocktails and had a friendly spirit. The overall experience was one I'd recommend if you like a good German food and a good craft cocktail experience. read more

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Overall: You will be happy you checked out this place. The cocktails and nibbles are great, and the atmosphere is usually chill and enjoyable. It's a relatively small place, so I recommend arriving early for HH. Tastiness: I tried about 50% of their standing menu and enjoyed it all. The pork buns are popular for a reason. The gin cocktails vary from classics with a twist, to the more creative ones (theme based occasionally). The owner of this place is the same one as Belga Cafe, so any Belgian themed items is really good (and authentic tasting, according to my Belgian husband). Presentation: Chic Service: There is some variation, but mostly really good. Ambiance: Relaxed and casual, with a twist of chic and bohemian-elegant. Cleanliness: Super clean. Price: Appropriate for the area and quality of food and service. read more

I pride myself in knowing Washington, D.C. well. That means I know all the great places to go. Well, at least I think I do. The fact that Betsy has been in my backyard for THREE years know puts me in my place. Maybe I don't know this city as well as I thought. To help my ego, the bartender did say they try to keep Betsy a secret and don't do tons of marketing so it stays a true hidden gem. The Betsy can only be accessed through the alley behind Belga Cafe. If you're facing the front of Belga, go to the alley to the right of it. Follow the bird feet marks along the rainbow mural and go left. You'll see the small sign. Go up the long stairs to the very top and you're here. Betsy is a small rooftop garden gin bar. There's a small bar and about 12-15 tables. Despite the small setting, it feels bigger and you won't feel cramped. Their menu is large serving cocktails, beer, wine, and other drinks. They also have a dinner menu and appetizers. I ordered the trio mayo French fries platter and it was amazing (especially the saffron mayo). One very cool thing is they have a wall garden of herbs for the cocktails. If you order a drink with herbs in it, they go over to the wall and pick it right there. It's a kid friendly area with high chairs and TVs. We're going here every week. Mark my words. read more

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A fun and intimate rooftop bar! Definitely worth checking out and having some cocktails and small bites! Staff was amazing and music was on point! read more

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A fun and unique rooftop bar that doesn't take reservations, but is extremely popular. There's not a lot of seating here so make sure you plan ahead and get here as soon as you can during their happy hour. Most of their cocktails have a fun twist or decorating feature, and it's pays to be adventurous! They also have some small bites as options too, a great pre-dinner date spot! read more

The Betsy - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Cute rooftop garden space with great cocktails. Last night was a great night for being outside, and we were already in the area with our dog at the dog park. Betsy is dog-friendly - they brought our little Frankie a bowl of water when they brought our waters out. Such a sweet touch. The cocktails definitely stole the show. Loved seeing all the different versions of gin and tonic, and the one I got with blood orange was lovely. We also got a few things to eat. Pork buns, mussels, and chicken and waffle bites. Of those, the pork buns were a clear winner. Everyone wore masks when moving about, and we were well spaced out as well. It wasn't super crowded, so I felt pretty safe as far as COVID-19 dining goes. read more

The Betsy - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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A bit expensive and a little cramped but a neat spot with some great food and drinks. For food, we got the BBQ pork belly buns, brussel sprouts, and fries. All were really good and would definitely get the pork buns again. read more

What a cute off the beaten path spot. Great vibe, service, food, and drinks. Just the whole package. A must on a good weather day. So perfect for late spring, summer and early fall. I cant wait to go back. They have awesome gin cocktails that stretches the flavor spectrum. Try the food as it pairs great with the drinks. read more

The Betsy - Steamed Buns with BBQ Pork Belly - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This review is for the bar, not food. Probably more of a three star, but the staff was so chill and accommodating when I was there I gave them four. The main attraction here is the great selection of gins, and their recommendations on how to pair them. I would recommend you opt for a classic gin cocktail (think martini or negroni) or a gin-and-tonic. I had one of their signature/specialty cocktails (the penicillin, I think) and, honestly, for $16, it was mostly ice, and pretty disappointing. With those caveats, if you like gin, I would check them out. read more

This is a cool little spot in the back of an alley way! It's hard to find but once you do it's a great experience. Not a lot of seating so you potentially may have to wait. The decor is all rooster themed? Quite unique honestly. The drinks were great! A little over priced but definitely a very unique experience. read more

The Betsy - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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One of my favorite places for brunch in dc! Cute decor with amazing food. Tons of vegetarian options. The waffles are INCREDIBLE, and their cocktail menu is fun and refreshing. read more

The Betsy - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

My husband and I got into town late and were looking for a bite to eat. I'm so so glad we found Betsy's. It's the cutest little rooftop bar with amazing food and unique and skillfully crafted Gin & Tonics and a wide variety of whiskies. We ordered the pork belly buns, mussels, a burger, and the tuna tartar. Everything was absolutely delicious. We will definitely come again if we're ever back in the area! read more

The Betsy - Gin & Tonic and Whisky - Bars Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia